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

Neil Kelly has released its 2026 Home Design Trends Forecast, revealing how homeowners are increasingly prioritizing living spaces that feel grounding, warm, and reflect the natural world. As technology and AI accelerate, one continuing trend is the desire for the grounding and calming presence of nature. Natural materials feature prominently in refined, architectural ways, with stone, wood, and organic textures taking center stage. Homeowners crave authenticity and a connection to nature in an increasingly digital world. "We are seeing a movement away from man-made, fabricated materials and a return to natural, organic materials especially in wood flooring and paneling," shares Mary Miksch, Design Director for Neil Kelly.

Pattern and color are also undergoing significant shifts. "Wallpaper is becoming an architectural detail, not an afterthought," shares Selah Ewert, General Manager of Neil Kelly Bend. Botanical prints, moody landscapes, and mural-style art add personality, with pattern play extending to checkerboard floors and graphic tile layouts. The ceiling is emerging as the "fifth wall" for design statements. Color palettes are warming, moving away from grays and whites. "We are seeing warm, brown and jewel tone colors trending while the grey and whites seem to be on their way out," shares Matt White, general manager for Neil Kelly Eugene/Springfield, noting a shift toward darker, warmer hues like deep purples, cabernet reds, and teal-blues.

In an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, people crave craftsmanship and attention to detail. "More of our clients seek hand-crafted custom pieces and design elements that bring meaning and artistry into everyday spaces," shares Amanda Armstrong Sava, general manager Neil Kelly Seattle. This intention extends to material finishes, with a shift toward champagne bronze, brushed brass, and the intentional mixing of metals. Design is also looking to the past with the 'Vintage Meets Modern' trend, which reinterprets classic motifs from periods like Victorian or Craftsman for contemporary living.

The emotional and physical well-being of occupants is becoming a central design consideration. The emotional quality of a space is as important as its aesthetics, with designers prioritizing warmth, joy, and the sense of home as a restorative sanctuary. This includes the use of color psychology and integrating scent, sound, and tactile materials into planning. Architecturally, soft, flowing curves are replacing hard edges in elements like arched openings and barrel-vaulted ceilings to add movement and ease. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for spaces dedicated to health. "More clients are asking our team to design and build sauna rooms, steam showers and home gyms," shares White, indicating homeowners are prioritizing daily self-care and long-term wellness at home. For more information, visit https://www.neilkelly.com.