From High Point With Love: The Home Design Trends Defining 2026

By Claire Schwab, A.S.I.D., I.D.S.

Alexandria, VA – After 36 years of decorating homes throughout Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, I thought I had seen just about every trend imaginable – from sponge-painted walls with bordered ceilings and overstuffed Tuscan kitchens to the reign of gray – everything. Then I attended this year’s Spring Furniture Market at the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point, NC, and happily discovered that design still knows how to surprise us.

The mood this year? Warmth, personality, comfort with confidence. Color and texture. And a complete absence of gray and hard lines.

For years, many interiors leaned heavily minimalist and monochromatic – beautiful and stylishly sleek, but not as inviting and welcoming for relaxing, spending more time at home, and entertaining and gathering in a more comfortable, relaxed way.

Color Is Back – And It Brought Friends

If 2025 cracked the door open for color, 2026 kicked it wide open. At High Point, earthy greens, cinnamon browns, warm antique cream, ochres, deep ocean blues, and warm clay tones appeared everywhere. The biggest shift is that colors are no longer treated as “accents.” They are becoming the foundation of the room. And perhaps the happiest news of all: wood tones are thriving again. Walnut, white oak, and darker stained woods are making a strong comeback, adding depth and authenticity to spaces. Mixing antiques and reproductions with newer pieces gives the “collected over time” look that is so appealing and curated.

Curves Continue Their Reign

Sharp edges are softening. Rounded sofas, curved chairs, arched cabinets, circular mirrors, scalloped edges on lampshades and mirrors, even rugs. Consider recovering that inherited Victorian sofa in fun colors and trims.

The Era of “Quiet Luxury”

This phrase surfaced repeatedly throughout the market, speaking to an understated elegance: quality materials, timeless tailoring, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Even performance fabrics have improved in both pattern and texture, appealing to the versatile uses of home life with pets, food, kids, wine, and high use. Bird motifs were everywhere, indicative of exotic and nature-inspired designs.

Vintage Influence Meets Modern Living

Rooms are becoming less “showroom perfect” and more soulful. Antique-inspired pieces, vintage lighting, pottery, rattan, and a layer of plants and living greens are being layered with contemporary furnishings to create homes that feel lived-in and deeply personal. The lines and colors of Mid-Century Modern came back in full force, and showrooms mixed in this distinctive style with updated furniture frames in the same room.

Outdoor Living Gets Elevated

Lastly, outdoor furnishings looked more sophisticated than ever this season.  Performance fabrics mixed with teak woods, wrought iron frames, layered rugs, sculptural lighting, and even outdoor drapery took center stage. As homeowners continue investing in their outdoor spaces, we are seeing patios and porches become true extensions of the home.

The team at Claire Schwab Interior Design is happy to discuss your home project with you. They specialize in window treatments, furniture, wallpaper, and upholstery and offer full service design, including renovations or upgrades. Call 703-615-9495 or email [email protected]