Every year brings a wave of new ideas, and while some spark genuine excitement, others start to feel tired just as quickly as they arrived. Design, like fashion, is cyclical…but not everything deserves a revival. As we move toward 2026, there are a few trends from 2025 that I’m ready to say goodbye to, alongside others I hope continue to evolve and endure.

Open shelving had its moment. And in the right context, it can still work beautifully. But its overuse has turned what was once thoughtful into something impractical and overly exposed. 

Kitchens, living spaces, even bathrooms filled with open shelves often look styled for photos rather than real life. Everyday clutter becomes unavoidable, and the result can feel generic rather than intentional.

The dramatic feature wall once felt bold and refreshing, but today it often feels like a shortcut. Isolating one wall can interrupt the flow of a room, making spaces feel incomplete rather than cohesive.

I’m increasingly drawn to interiors where wallpaper wraps a space fully or is integrated more subtly, allowing pattern, texture, and color to create atmosphere rather than a single focal point.

Soft, sculptural silhouettes are lovely… in moderation. But when every sofa, chair, table, and lamp leans into exaggerated curves, the effect becomes gimmicky. Instead of feeling inviting, spaces can start to feel themed. 

Curves work best as contrast, not a rule, and I’m hoping 2026 brings more balance back into the mix.

Luxury is no longer about shine or excess. What feels truly elevated now is authenticity.

Materials with provenance, craftsmanship you can see and feel, and designs that tell a story.

Wallpapers that celebrate hand-drawn techniques, thoughtful production, and meaningful materials feel timeless rather than trend-driven, and that’s a direction I wholeheartedly support.

When layered thoughtfully, they create depth without overwhelming, acting as a foundation rather than a background.

I see this as Minimalism that’s simply grown more human. 

Clean lines and simplicity are now paired with texture, natural materials, and warmth. 

This evolution favors spaces that feel calm but never cold, intentional but never stark. Texture replaces excess, and restraint becomes a design choice rather than a limitation.

Trends will always come and go, but the ones that last tend to share a common thread: intention. As we head into 2026, I’m excited by interiors that feel thoughtful, layered, and grounded…. spaces designed to be lived in, not just looked at. Those are the ideas worth holding onto. Enjoy this? For more ideas, insights and inspiration, explore Maria’s Edit today.