We were honored to be featured in FIXR’s comprehensive 2026 Interior Design and Color Trends Report! Being asked to contribute insights on the industry’s shift toward authenticity and personalization was wonderful—this report perfectly captures the movement we’re seeing away from algorithm-driven design toward spaces that feel genuinely human.
Publication: FIXR
Article Title: Interior Design and Color Trends Report 2026
Publication Date: December 10, 2025
Author: Laura Madrigal
FIXR surveyed 86 interior design professionals to identify emerging trends with real staying power for 2026. The comprehensive report reveals a major shift toward warmth, personalization, and wellness-focused spaces—marking a clear departure from the cool, impersonal tones and stark minimalism that dominated the past decade.
Our Perspective on the 2026 Shift:
When FIXR asked about the movement toward Modern Heritage and authentic design, here’s the insight I shared:
“What we’re seeing in the 2026 shift toward authenticity and ‘Modern Heritage’ is essentially a collective exhaustion with both the AI-perfection of Pinterest and the rapid cycling of TikTok trends. People are craving spaces that feel attainable, livable, and genuinely theirs—not algorithmically optimized for engagement.”
Key Findings That Align With Our Design Philosophy:
The report revealed several trends that perfectly align with the wellness-focused, intentional design we practice at The Intentional Design Studio:
Wellness Design Leads the Way
56% of design professionals identified wellness design as the top emerging trend for 2026. This isn’t surprising—after years of screen-heavy environments, there’s growing awareness that our spaces directly impact our mental and physical health.
Restorative Greens Dominate Color Trends
66% of experts agree that restorative greens will be the most popular color palette in 2026. These nature-inspired hues signal calm and renewal—exactly what our nervous systems need after years of overstimulation.
The Death of Millennial Gray
A staggering 93% of experts agree that cool, blue-toned grays are on their way out. This represents more than just a color shift—it’s a fundamental change in how we want to feel in our homes.
Stark Minimalism Is Fading
71% of professionals predict that stark minimalism will phase out in 2026. The move isn’t away from minimalism entirely, but toward “soulful minimalism” that favors restraint with warmth, soft geometry, and handcrafted elements.
Bringing Modern Heritage Into Your Home
Modern Heritage isn’t about recreating a period look—it’s about honoring traditional craftsmanship and architectural details while maintaining contemporary livability. Here’s how to incorporate this trend:
Architectural Details:
- Restore original moldings, wainscoting, or ceiling medallions
- Add arched doorways or windows for soft, classic lines
- Incorporate built-in shelving or window seats with traditional proportions
Materiality:
- Choose natural materials with patina: aged brass, weathered wood, stone
- Mix antique or vintage pieces with contemporary furniture
- Use handcrafted elements that show the maker’s hand
Color Approach:
- Move away from stark white toward warm, historic paint colors
- Embrace deep, saturated tones that traditional homes would have used
- Layer similar tones for depth rather than high contrast
The Balance:
- Keep layouts open and functional (contemporary)
- Add traditional details and craftsmanship (heritage)
- Use modern comfort and technology seamlessly integrated
- Focus on quality over quantity—fewer, better pieces
Why This Shift Matters:
At The Intentional Design Studio, we’ve been advocating for wellness-focused, authentic design long before it became a trend. What’s happening in 2026 isn’t just a style shift—it’s a recognition that our homes should support our humanity, not just our Instagram feeds.
The report confirms what we’ve seen in our own practice: people are tired of spaces that look perfect but feel sterile. They want homes that reflect their real lives, support their wellbeing, and create genuine comfort rather than just visual appeal.
This movement toward Modern Heritage—blending classic architectural elements with contemporary sensibilities—represents a desire to connect with history and craftsmanship while still living in the present. It’s about creating spaces with soul, not just style.
We’re so grateful to FIXR for including our perspective in this important industry report!
Read the full 2026 Interior Design and Color Trends Report on FIXR →
Curious to see what else we’ve been featured in? Explore our full collection of press mentions and expert insights on our Press Page.
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