Neil Kelly Forecasts 2026 Home Design Trends Emphasizing Nature, Craftsmanship, and Wellness

Neil Kelly has released its 2026 Home Design Trends Forecast, identifying how homeowners are increasingly prioritizing living spaces that feel grounding, warm, and reflect the natural world. The forecast outlines nine key trends driven by a desire for authenticity and sanctuary in response to accelerating technology.

A primary trend is the "Return to Earth," featuring natural materials like stone and wood in refined, architectural ways. Design Director Mary Miksch notes a movement away from man-made materials toward organic elements, particularly in wood flooring and paneling. This reflects a broader craving for connection to nature in a digital world.

Statement wallpaper and pattern play are becoming architectural details rather than afterthoughts, according to General Manager Selah Ewert. Botanical prints, moody landscapes, and mural-style art add personality, with ceilings emerging as the "fifth wall" for bold statements. Pattern impact extends to checkerboard floors and graphic tile layouts in entries and powder rooms.

Color trends are shifting toward warm, brown, and jewel tones, moving away from prevalent greys and whites. Matt White, general manager for Neil Kelly Eugene/Springfield, observes homeowners leaning into darker, warmer hues for kitchen cabinets and tile, with deep purples, cabernet reds, natural greens, and teal-blues gaining prominence.

The "Crafted with Intention" trend addresses the desire for craftsmanship in an AI-driven world. Amanda Armstrong Sava notes increased client interest in hand-crafted custom pieces for millwork, cabinetry, and tilework that bring meaning and artistry into everyday spaces, offering storytelling opportunities.

Metallic finishes are shifting toward champagne bronze, brushed brass, and warm nickel, with intentional mixing of metals becoming acceptable when tones feel harmonious. Chrome is making a comeback as an accent paired with darker tones like rich velvet furniture.

"Vintage Meets Modern" honors history while reinterpreting classic motifs, creating spaces rooted in periods like Victorian or Craftsman but updated with modern furniture and simplified styling. This approach brings heirloom silhouettes and classic patterns into contemporary homes.

Mood-boosting design prioritizes the emotional quality of spaces, with designers focusing on warmth, joy, and personal connection. The trend incorporates color psychology, lighter palettes in high-traffic areas, deeper tones in bedrooms, and attention to scent, sound, and tactile materials. Homeowners are creating curated entertainment areas like coffee and beverage bars as part of this approach.

Soft, flowing curves are replacing straight lines and hard edges in architecture and furniture. These forms add movement, warmth, and ease, appearing in showers, arched openings, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and round countertops.

Designing for health and wellness represents a significant trend, with Matt White predicting increased requests for sauna rooms, steam showers, and home gyms. The integration of infrared saunas and cold plunges reflects clients prioritizing spaces that support daily self-care and long-term wellness at home.

These trends collectively signal a residential design shift toward spaces that provide sanctuary, authenticity, and personal well-being. The emphasis on natural materials, craftsmanship, and wellness-focused design responds to broader societal movements seeking balance between technological advancement and human-centered living. Homeowners can explore these concepts further through Neil Kelly's design resources at https://www.neilkelly.com.