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3 min read<\/p>\n3 min read<\/p>\n
As the saying goes, the home reflects the person who lives in it. In 2026, designers say, this common adage will be truer than ever. Particularly when it comes to living rooms<\/a>. \u201cIn 2026, the most sophisticated and well-designed living rooms will feel artful, but highly intentional, rather than styled,\u201d interior designer Nannette Brown<\/a> tells ELLE Decor. \u201cSpaces will be composed, layered, but equally edited. I think we\u2019ll see interiors be expressive and highly individualistic, without being performative.\u201d<\/p>\n This new guard of living rooms balances style with quirks of personality. Think statement pieces<\/a> and lighting, tufted and fringed accents, or pattern-on-pattern layering. \u201cHomes are becoming more expressive. From sculptural furniture to bold art and color-forward powder rooms, clients want rooms that feel deeply personal and lived-in,\u201d Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon of design duo the Brownstone Boys tell ELLE Decor via email. \u201cSpaces that communicate identity are replacing neutral, ‘safe’ design.\u201d<\/p>\n Here, design experts share what to expect from living rooms in 2026. <\/p>\n More Vintage<\/p>\n Vintage and antiquing<\/a> will never go out of style\u2014but it’s only going to become more on trend for living rooms in 2026. Designer Jason Saft<\/a> notes that the continued rise in tariffs that \u201ckeep prices high, and some items out of reach\u201d will prompt designers and homeowners to buy vintage for living room furniture and accents. <\/p>\n Rise in Patterns <\/p>\n Shea McGee of Studio McGee<\/a> explains pattern-on-pattern layering will continue to see a resurgence this year through drapery, wallpaper, upholstery, and throw pillows\u2014all in coordinating bold patterns (\u201cflorals are a big one\u201d). According to McGee, this layering \u201ccreates a collected look that feels like it evolved organically over time,\u201d she continues. \u201cThe key is thoughtful pairing\u2014let one hero pattern lead and support it with softer companions.\u201d<\/p>\n Tufted and Fringed Accents<\/p>\n Tufted furniture, like armchairs and sofas, and fringed curtains or lampshades add visual depth and texture to a space. Saft uses the latter to take a home to the next level, noting that fringed lampshades provide a \u201ccost-effective\u201d method of getting the look. Designer Jonathan Adler<\/a> appreciates fringe for its \u201ctailored yet comfortable\u201d look that \u201cplays well across different aesthetics.\u201d<\/p>\n Metals<\/p>\n Multiple designers described seeing different kinds of metals come into the living room in 2026. Adler specifically points to brass and gold, while McGee says she’s seeing both perfectly polished and worn, patinaed silver \u201cstepping into the spotlight again.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cIt brings a cool, nostalgic elegance that layers seamlessly with the warmer wood tones we\u2019ve been loving,\u201d McGee adds. He advises to style metals subtly with picture frames, collected silverware, lighting accents, and decor \u201cto add a refined sheen without overwhelming a space.\u201d <\/p>\n Those who are a bit more adventurous with their decor will be happy to hear from Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo of Olive Ateliers<\/a> that mixed metals are back\u2014specifically pewter, aged brass, iron, and nickel. \u201cRooms feel more personal when metals aren\u2019t matchy-matchy,\u201d they say via email. \u201cThe tension between warm and cool creates instant character.\u201d <\/p>\n Design duo the Brownstone Boys are seeing more statement lighting in living rooms heading into 2026, like this lantern pendant in the living room of a Bed-Stuy brownstone designed by the pair. <\/p>\n Oversized Lighting<\/p>\n No, we’re not talking about the big overhead that drenches your living room in harsh, fluorescent lighting. We mean statement lighting. Think large-scale pendants, sculptural sconces, and oversized floor lamps\u2014anything that \u201ccreates intentional drama and serves as functional art\u201d in the living room, as design duo the Brownstone Boys<\/a> note. \u201cLighting is becoming a focal point,\u201d they share. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the fastest ways to transform a space with a modern editorial edge.\u201d <\/p>\n The Rise of \u201cHollywood Cottage\u201d<\/p>\n What’s the \u201cHollywood cottage,\u201d you ask? McGee says it’s essentially an amalgamation of all the trends she’s seeing in one room: warm neutrals, seagrass rugs, slipcovered sofas, linen drapes, blue and white accents, silver, and vintage-inspired florals. \u201cIt\u2019s cottage-inspired but with a bit of fanciness added in,\u201d McGee says. \u201cAll those layers make a room feel curated and elegant, but still totally lived-in and comfortable.\u201d <\/p>\n![\"photographerfrank](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/8128e73a-1c1b-4836-bb69-cfcc265ee8c8.jpg\" "\\"Brownstone")
Frank Frances Studio<\/p>\n