Apartment Therapy: State of Home Design 2026 Trend Report
Earlier this year, I was invited by Apartment Therapy to contribute to their 2026 State of Home Design Trend Report. They asked me to be a part of a survey panel that helped shape many of the insights shared—and I have to say, I’m excited about the direction the design world is headed.
The full report gathers feedback from 140 interior designers across the country and offers a thrilling look at where home design is going next. And honestly? Many of the trends they spotlight are things I’m already doing in my projects today.
Keep reading to learn more about what’s in, what’s out, and what I’ll always say yes to.
Authentic & Collected
According to the report, 2026 is all about spaces that feel layered and collected—which is exactly the kind of home I love to design. We’re moving away from sterile, overly staged rooms and toward ones that tell a story. I love pulling in vintage pieces, textured finishes, and personal elements that reflect the people who live there.
“I believe the best spaces are the ones that feel lived-in and slowly built over time. It gives a more collected, meaningful vibe.” – Audra
Design: Social Swan Decor | Photo Heidi Kirn Photography
Goodbye Gray, Hello Espresso
One of my favorite shifts is the move toward warmer color palettes. After years of gray everything, designers are leaning into rich, emotional hues, and so am I. I personally voted for espresso and marigold as standout shades for 2026. These colors add depth and warmth, and they layer beautifully with natural materials and vintage pieces.
The Rise of the Walk-In Pantry
One of the biggest layout changes I’m seeing across current projects (and confirmed in the report) is the rise of the walk-in pantry or scullery kitchen. Especially in high-end renovations and new builds, clients are asking for more functional, tucked-away spaces that keep the main kitchen feeling clean and curated.
“This isn’t just a future trend, it’s already here. Several of my ongoing projects include a walk-in pantry or full secondary kitchen.” – Audra
Mixing Metals for a Custom Look
In the “This or That” section of the report, 79% of designers voted brass over chrome, but I actually use both. Combining finishes is one of my favorite ways to give a space a layered, custom look. It makes the room feel more evolved and less like it came straight out of a showroom.
This aligns with the overall move toward spaces that feel collected rather than coordinated. Mixing metals—like pairing warm brass with polished nickel—adds nuance and helps each design element stand on its own without feeling too matched or manufactured. When done thoughtfully, it brings depth and dimension in a way that feels personal and elevated.
Final Thoughts
While trend reports are always fun to read, what I enjoy most is seeing how these ideas come to life in real homes. I’m grateful to Apartment Therapy for including my voice in this year’s survey, and I’m even more excited to keep designing spaces that feel lived-in and true to the people who call them home.
As I read through the full report, I found myself inspired by the shift toward authenticity—homes with character, warmth, depth, and a strong sense of history. It’s a direction that aligns closely with the work I’ve always done and has me thinking even more intentionally about how we finish a room.
Custom furnishings, soft finishes, vintage finds, and personalized art have become an essential part of that process. These details bring comfort, set the tone, and add emotional depth in a way no off-the-shelf piece ever could. I love helping clients create custom elements that feel uniquely theirs.
If you’re curious how these ideas are taking shape in my current projects, stay connected. You can follow along on Instagram @socialswandecor, or always reach me here.
