2026 Home Decorating Trends That Add Comfort and Value

Also: Do small rooms need to be painted white?

I’m no interior designer — but that doesn’t stop me from trying! Lately, I’ve been eyeing our powder room with its café-con-leche walls, white pedestal sink, and a “temporary” roman shade that’s been hanging around for 15 years. Let’s just say it’s time for a refresh.

Down the Instagram rabbit hole I went. If you’ve been doing the same — looking for ways to make your home feel a little fresher — you’ll love what’s trending for 2026. The year ahead is all about warmth, personality, and balance. Even better, many of these updates can boost your home’s value if you’re thinking about selling soon.

Here’s a quick, real-life guide to what’s in — and how to make it work right here in Monmouth and Ocean County.

Let’s Look at Upcoming Color Trends

I like this description I saw on hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com: “Curate an environment that feels organic, elegant and authentic. This palette of complementary hues helps your design balance natural beauty with contemporary, timeless sophistication.”

That sums it up perfectly. A range of hues, similar to the limitless palette you would find in nature are being offered. Think forests, woodsy beiges, sunsets, and ocean waves. These shades create a calm, inviting feel — perfect for cozy winters and breezy summertime entertaining. Paint companies are calling it the “return to comfort.”

Pro tip: Warm neutrals photograph beautifully in listing photos and make rooms feel welcoming during showings. And a paint refresh can go a long way toward resale value.

MYTH: Small rooms need to be painted white to appear larger.

DEBUNKED: Rich, saturated shades can actually add depth and sophistication.

Curves and Softer Shapes

2026 is all about curves and fluid lines — from rounded sofas and arched doorways to sculptural lighting. These details make a home feel more relaxed and high-end at the same time.

Easy upgrade: Swap a boxy coffee table for a round one, or add a curved mirror above your console. Little touches like that modernize a space instantly.

MYTH: Furniture placed along the wall will make the room appear larger.

DEBUNKED: Bringing your seating closer together not only creates a feeling of airiness, it makes the room more inviting for your guests to gather.

Layered Textures for a Luxe Feel

If your space feels a bit flat, texture is your best friend. Bouclé, velvet, rattan, matte metals, and slatted wood are trending for 2026.

Layering textures gives even neutral spaces a “designer” feel — and buyers respond to homes that look thoughtfully styled.

Try this: Add a textured throw, a large woven rug, or a rattan accent chair to add warmth and depth without overdoing it.

Wellness and Sustainability at Home

More homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly design. Natural light, real plants, spa-style bathrooms, and flexible rooms (think office, yoga, and guest room all in one) are popular as work-from-home settles in to stay.

Plus: Buyers love multipurpose spaces — it makes your home live larger, which adds value in our local market where space always counts.

Personality Over Perfection

The days of cookie-cutter interiors are behind us. 2026 celebrates personal, curated spaces — mixing vintage finds with modern pieces, layering artwork, and embracing what makes your home unique.

My marketing mind says: Unique, well-styled spaces photograph better online and generate more interest — which means more clicks, more showings, and better offers. Just beware of over-crowding the space.

Bringing It All Together

The 2026 design forecast is really about comfort with character — homes that feel warm and inviting, while being functional as well.

Whether you’re updating for yourself or prepping to sell, small design tweaks can make a big impact on how buyers feel the moment they walk in. If you’d like help deciding which updates will actually boost value before listing, I’m happy to share what’s moving homes fastest right now in Monmouth and Ocean County.

As always, I’m here as a resource — not just when you’re ready to move, but whenever you want to talk strategy or see where your home stands in today’s market.

If you’d like a complimentary home value update or want to discuss your options heading into 2026, contract me!

Susan Heckman, Broker-Associate

Cell: 732-687-9980

suehex.com  

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