Alright, folks, as we head into 2026, we’re saying goodbye to a bunch of design trends that have seriously overstayed their welcome. Remember all that sage green and those indoor jungles? Yeah, those are officially out. And pale wood? Forget about it – we want something with a little more oomph. To get the lowdown on what’s on its way out, we chatted with our in-house design historian. She’s got the scoop on all the trends that are starting to feel stale and outdated. While some of these were fresh and trendy for a while, it’s time to make way for newer, more exciting looks.
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Sage green has become way too common
Evan Hatfield/Shutterstock Sage green has been everywhere for the past few years – it’s the “safe” choice for walls, accessories, you name it. But after being so popular for so long, designers are craving deeper, richer palettes with more contrast. Instead of sage, they’re going for jewel tones and dark, moody shades. Think velvet curtains in ruby red or wallpapers in rich, textured greens. And when they do want to use earthy tones, they’re opting for creams, ochres, and greiges – not that overused sage.
You might even see designers use a bold, vibrant jade green to get that earthy vibe, instead of the played-out sage. It’s all about mixing in those deeper, more saturated hues to add some drama and character.
Waterfall islands are starting to feel a bit over the top
Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock Those big, bold waterfall islands were super popular a few years back, but they’re starting to feel a little outdated. Don’t get me wrong, they make a serious statement, but they also take up a ton of space and feel a little too over-the-top, especially in smaller kitchens. Plus, they can be prone to dings and scratches on those exposed corners.
Instead, designers are favoring simpler, more functional options like a classic butcher block island. They take up less room, are more budget-friendly, and you can always refinish them if you want to change up the look. And they just have that timeless, homey vibe that works in any space.
The aspirational, Pinterest-worthy kitchen is moving away from massive and grandiose towards clever, efficient, and focused on functionality. So those huge, high-maintenance waterfall islands are starting to feel a little out of touch.
Defaulting to mostly black picture frames now looks out of place
TabitaZn/Shutterstock Black picture frames used to be the go-to for that “pulled together” look, but they’re starting to feel a bit tired and out of place, especially as we move towards more colorful, eclectic design. These days, people are opting for natural materials like wood and metal that pick up tones from the rest of the room.
These softer, more versatile frames work way better with all the pattern and jewel tones that are trending. Black frames can feel a little harsh and limiting in comparison. So if you want your space to feel fresh and current, ditch the identical black frames and go for something with a little more character.
Footboards on beds are (once again) unfashionable
Alvarez/Getty Images Beds with matching headboards and footboards have gone in and out of fashion over the years. But with smaller homes becoming the norm, those big, bulky bedsteads with substantial footboards just don’t work as well. They take up too much space and can make the room feel cluttered.
So, it looks like footboards are on their way out again. Designers are leaning more towards simple, footless beds that let you show off luxurious bedding without any visual obstruction. If you do want a footboard, go for a slim, minimalist version that’s more functional than statement-making.
Stainless steel fixtures shouldn’t be the default
ENeems/Shutterstock <div class the idea of a single bright pop of color morphed into every room needing random 'pops' to avoid looking boring, driven partly by social media photos quickly morphed into color overload, with multiple high-contrast tones in a single space looking chaotic and unintentional, rather than sophisticated.
Turner explains that “interior design is leaning more and more towards unique, intentional statement pieces. Designers are not leaning into color for shock value anymore. Instead, they are choosing textures, finishes, and natural accents (like flowers and greenery) that step in to provide a touch of contrast.” As the trends of 2026 begin to emerge, we’ll see heavily textured fabrics, interesting woods and stones, and fresh flowers now do the job brightly colored plastic did a few years ago. Turner jokes, “Sadly, that neon yellow accent lamp you bought in 2025 may start to look tacky in 2026.” But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go totally neutral. Color is good, but it should feel connected to the materials and mood of the room, rather than just being there for the sake of it.
The avoidance of real wood floors in favor of imitation finishes has peaked
Toa55/Shutterstock Okay, let’s be real – luxury vinyl plank and laminate have been super popular for a while. They’re practical, affordable, and easier to install than real wood. But people are starting to crave the authentic look and feel of real hardwood floors again.
Instead of trying to avoid the patina and color changes that come with real wood, homeowners are embracing the signs of age and use. They want that natural, lived-in vibe, even if it means a few scratches here and there. So while you might still see LVP or engineered wood in high-traffic areas, real hardwood is making a comeback, especially in the main living spaces.
The indoor-garden-on-overdrive aesthetic is starting to feel cluttered
Gremlin/Getty Images Don’t get me wrong, houseplants can be a great way to liven up a space. But the whole indoor jungle trend has gotten a little out of hand. Those walls of succulents and hanging vines start to feel more cluttered than curated.
Moving forward, the focus will be on a few, well-placed, low-maintenance plants rather than an overwhelming abundance. Think a single, statement-making aloe or jade plant rather than a whole room crammed with greenery. It’s all about striking the right balance – enough to add that fresh, natural vibe without it feeling like you’re living in a greenhouse.
Exposed sound systems are feeling like a faux pas
Dobri Dobrev/Getty Images Remember when showing off your fancy sound system was a big flex? Well, those days are over. Now, the trend is all about understated, concealed tech that doesn’t dominate the room.
Instead of huge, visible speakers and amps, designers are leaning towards hidden sound bars, in-wall speakers,
