Designers share the once-popular decor looks you should retire in the coming year.
Key Takeaways
- Designers say warm, personalized interiors are in for 2026, and gray color pallets and stark white and black interiors are out.
- Replace faux plants with live ones, avoid overly minimal decor, and use high-gloss paint finishes sparingly this year.
- Give rooms a personality with art, books, layered lighting, and personal items.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your space, whether it’s a fresh coat of paint on the walls or simply swapping out a couple of throw pillows. This past year saw a distinct shift toward warmer, more personalized interiors, and designers say this trend will continue in the coming year.
“As we close out 2025 and head into 2026, I am seeing a clear shift away from trends that feel overly formulaic or driven by quick social media appeal, toward deep curation and real living, says interior designer Erica Davis.
Today, designers are sharing the top decor trends that are officially outdated in 2026—and why it’s time to retire these once ultra-popular looks.
Meet Our Expert
- Erica Davis is an interior designer and the founder of Eralyn Interiors in West Palm Beach, FL.
- Fariha Nasir is an interior designer, DIY expert, and frequent guest on interior design shows.
1. Faux Plants that Look Cheap
“I’m not a huge fan of using faux plants unless it’s a very high-quality tree or a very realistic pottedplant that makes you do a double take,” says interior designer and DIY expert Fariha Nasir. If you can’t keep real plants alive but want to add greenery to your space, it’s worth investing in a high-quality artificial plant rather than settling for a collection of faux plants that cheapen your space. “If your shelf is sporting a plasticky looking succulent, replace it with something else that looks more natural on a shelf,” Nasir suggests.
2. Stark All-White Spaces
After many years of stark, all-white interiors dominating the scene, designers say it’s time for a change. “Say goodbye to stark white walls and trim, all-white kitchens, and white furniture that lacks contrast or texture,” Davis says. She comments on the recent design shift toward warmth and depth, which makes all-white spaces feel cold in contrast. “While these spaces photograph well, they don’t wear well over time,” Davis adds.
3. Cane Overload
Furniture and decor featuring caned details can add a great textured detail, but cane-everything? It’s best to leave generic cane chairs, decorative trays, baskets, and vases in 2025. “I really don’t like seeing cane everywhere, especially on midcentury-style armchairs that look very generic,” Nasir says…