What Trends Are Interior Designers Already Sick of Seeing In 2026?
We may not even be halfway through the year, but interior designers are already tired of these five trends
We might be barely halfway through the year, but certain styles are already feeling tired according to interior designers.
The thing with interior design trends is that the bad ones never last. Yes, for a while, they might find incessant ways to appear in what feels like everyone's homes, but truly timeless design lasts beyond the present, and the fleeting trends that once had us in a chokehold gradually disappear. So, what interior designer trends are designers already sick of seeing in 2026?
1. Quartz Countertops
Marble countertops bring a lived-in feel to this charming country-style kitchen.
For many, quartz countertops are the symbol of luxury. Deeply sophisticated yet grounding and durable, quartz is, on paper, the ultimate kitchen countertop material. Yet, designers seem to be growing tired of the all-too-familiar stone, dubbing it overly perfect and lacking the effortless, lived-in touch that marble possesses.
'Quartz countertops! It's our generation's laminate,' says interior designer and principal of Style and Space, Kelsey Peterson. 'It's so popular for its durability and its easy aesthetic that mimics marble. Nothing compares to the touch, feel and weight of a natural stone countertop.'
'I want to see more people, especially young families, lean into natural materials,' Kelsey adds. 'In Italy, they use a lot of honed marble in kitchens; they do not fuss over keeping it perfectly clean and spotless. Instead, they value the patina the natural stone acquires over time.'
2. 'Disposable' Decor
This country-style pantry features shelves lined with vintage ceramics and glassware that only add to the space's quaint charm.
'One trend I’m sick of that has been popular lately is disposable decor,' says interior designer Erin Greene. 'As someone who’s been in the interior design space for almost a decade, I’ve seen how the convenience of cheap, mass-produced decor can actually end up costing more in the long run, not just in terms of spending, but also towards the environment. I tell my clients: if it’s made to be replaced in a year, it’s not design. It’s just clutter.'
As we all strive for timeless design, there's little room for decor lacking personality or story. From decorating with vintage to investing in furniture, 2026 is all about making clever purchases that will stand proud in your home for years.
'I believe we should move toward a "buy once, keep forever" design mentality, which means replacing cheap decor with high-quality materials,' explains Erin. 'My favorite brands that are 100% worth the investment include Frameology for photo frames, CB2 for furniture, Parachute for bedding, and Serena & Lily for rugs. I know some people might be hesitant about the price tag at these places, but I can attest to the fact that they last for years.'
With a wrought iron frame and a soft velvet top, the Journey stool will stand proud in any scheme for years.
You can't go wrong with classic linen bedding, and Parachute's linen shams are the best place to start.
Woven with green and blue, this delicate Persian-inspired rug will elevate any room, no matter you interior design style.
3. Formal Living Rooms
A duo of ottomans, a low coffee table and a comfortable armchair bring an informal, relaxed vibe to this eclectic living room.
While there's no such thing as the perfect living room layout, in 2026, there is such a thing as a dated one. There's nothing wrong with a traditional living room, but designers are sick of interiors that look beautiful but feel impractical and unlivable.
When asked what interior design trend they're tired of, Kelsey said, 'Formal living rooms that are not used. Nothing is sillier than a big fancy living room that you don't allow your kids, dogs or red wine to enter. I want to see people rethink these grand spaces and use them in fun, creative ways.'
'Instead of a sofa, coffee table, and club chairs, why not make it a Mahjong parlor with game tables or a music room with a piano and drum set? Create flexible seating that suits the space's purpose.'
4. White Oak
Instead of white oak cabinetry, try a playful paint color like moss green, as shown in his light-filled kitchen.
'The combination of white and oak cabinetry is something I could stand to see less of', says interior designer Carolyn Bever, co-founder of Foundry House. 'The contrast creates a warm, yet fresh feel. However, it has become the most obvious and uncreative choice for a kitchen. For an updated and current look, opt for a warmer cream or an alternative color to replace the white or consider a timeless walnut cabinetry.'
'We are very much over white oak,' agrees Rachel Simpson, Senior Interior Designer at Revive Design and Renovation. 'When something trends this strongly, it inevitably time-stamps the feature. In five years, white oak cabinets or floors will immediately read as very 2025–2026. This is why it’s so important for clients to consider their home’s architecture, their location, and ultimately what they truly love, not simply what’s popular at the moment. Instead, we’re seeing a move toward richer, more nuanced material palettes and finishes that feel layered, collected, and timeless rather than tied to a specific trend cycle.'
5. Curves
Curves are best in small doses, like this maximal living room where an artistic coffee table stands proud at the center.
Curves in interior design create flow and add depth to schemes, but too many can feel a little overkill. While round coffee tables, curved sofas, and squiggly mirrors were all the rage not long ago, they're starting to feel like a bit of a fad in 2026.
'Curves on everything is trend I am sick of seeing in 2026,' says interior designer Jacqueline Wens. 'In my opinion, what makes a great room is having tension between pieces. So if you’re considering something curved, make sure it’s only one piece and complement it with linear pieces. Such as a curved sofa with a side table with clean lines. When a room is all curves, nothing feels grounded, there’s no contrast, and the eye doesn’t know where to land.'
Instead, create contrast by layering various shapes with one another. A slick midcentury lounger would clash beautifully beside a soft, curved couch. Alternatively, an angular chrome floor lamp would pair perfectly with a round boucle armchair.
With curved arms and a woven back, the Hollis chair couldn't be cooler. It's perfect for creating a relaxed vibe in your living room.
Bring a little softness into your scheme with the Manders ottoman upholstered in a whimsical floral fabric.
Pair curves with angular shapes, like the Avant metal floor lamp that's inspired by iconic midcentury styles.
From white oak cabinetry to 'disposable' decor, we're glad to see that the interior design world is moving away from uniform design and embracing quirks, flaws and all things characterful.
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
