As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to look ahead to the living room design trends that will dominate the upcoming year.
According to *Southern Living*, interior designers have highlighted the key styles that will define living rooms in 2026 — and the ideas are both inspiring and accessible.
Personal touches
In 2026, the days of dull, cookie-cutter living rooms are over. Designer Cate Gutter, founder of CWG Design in Charlotte, says we’ll see spaces that “feel deeply personal and collected.” As *Southern Living* notes, there’s a clear shift toward rooms that tell the story of those who live in them, rather than looking like a showroom display.
That means saying goodbye to matching furniture sets and choosing pieces with history. “I see rooms filled with family heirlooms, meaningful objects, and artwork with emotional value,” says Gutter.
Designer MK Smith Boykin, co-founder of Smith Interiors in Charlotte, agrees: “Interiors are moving away from cold minimalism and leaning toward warm, authentic spaces.” Meanwhile, Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley in Virginia adds that this trend also aligns with sustainability: “Homeowners want handcrafted pieces built to last, rather than mass-produced furniture.”
Dark finishes
According to *Southern Living*, light woods will give way to deeper, more sophisticated tones. “Dark finishes are trending in floors and furniture,” says Megan Molten, founder of her namesake firm in Charleston. The contrast between dark furniture and neutral walls creates a timeless, elegant look. As Molten explains, “Dark wood enhances the vibrancy of surrounding colors.”
Chartreuse
Speaking of vibrant colors, Megan Molten points to yellow-green chartreuse as the hue of the moment. “It’s my new favorite color, and I’m already using it in several projects,” she told *Southern Living*. “Whether it’s in curtain details, pillow trims, or pops of color in artwork, this tone brings energy and freshness without losing sophistication.”
Warm tones
Even if you’re not ready to embrace chartreuse, warmer neutrals will take center stage in 2026. “The days of cool grays and sterile minimalism are gone,” says Cathleen Gruver. She explains to *Southern Living* that we’ll see more creams, caramels, and earthy tones as a base, paired with soft greens and blues — now considered the “new neutrals” of design.
Pattern
Patterns are making a big comeback. “The printed sofa is back, and we’re here for it,” says Alexis Warren, founder of Alexis Warren Designs. Mixing textures, colors, and patterns will be a creative way to make living rooms feel more lively and expressive — a clear trend for 2026, according to *Southern Living*.
Game tables
Living rooms will also take on a more interactive vibe. “In 2026, we’ll be incorporating multifunctional coffee tables or side tables for games,” says Jessica Duce, founder of JDuce Design in Houston, Texas. According to *Southern Living*, games like Mahjong are inspiring this social shift within homes.
Lauren Robbins of Lauren Robbins Interiors confirms these tables are a hit among her clients, while Elaina Darden of San Antonio emphasizes their versatility: “They can be used for intimate dinners, homework, snacks, or simply good conversation.”
Curved furniture
Finally, curved furniture — a favorite in recent years — will continue to thrive. According to *Southern Living*, this fluid, sculptural aesthetic will dominate living rooms in 2026. “We’ll see fewer straight lines and more soft, enveloping shapes,” says Christopher Boutlier of Washington, D.C. “Chairs will feature sculptural profiles, sofas will have elegant curves, and ottomans will appear in organic forms. It’s not just about furnishing the space but creating movement and form.”
Based on Southern Living’s predictions, 2026 will be the year living room design becomes richer in personality, texture, and warmth — reflecting, above all, the style and story of those who live within them.
Source: Southern Living. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
