Neil Kelly's 2026 Home Design Forecast Highlights Shift Toward Authenticity and Wellness

Neil Kelly has released its 2026 Home Design Trends Forecast, identifying how homeowners are prioritizing living spaces that feel grounding, warm, and connected to the natural world. The forecast outlines nine key trends driven by a desire for authenticity and restorative environments, signaling a significant shift in residential design priorities that emphasizes personal well-being alongside aesthetic considerations.

One prominent trend is the "Return to Earth," featuring natural materials like stone and wood in refined, architectural applications. Design Director Mary Miksch explained, "We are seeing a movement away from man-made, fabricated materials and a return to natural, organic materials especially in wood flooring and paneling." This reflects a broader societal craving for nature's calming presence amid accelerating technology and digital integration. Statement wallpaper and pattern play are gaining significance, with botanical prints and mural-style art adding personality to interiors. Selah Ewert, General Manager of Neil Kelly Bend, noted that "wallpaper is becoming an architectural detail, not an afterthought," with patterns extending to ceilings as the "fifth wall."

Color trends are shifting from the previously dominant grays and whites to warm browns, jewel tones, and blues, according to Matt White, general manager for Neil Kelly Eugene/Springfield. Craftsmanship is increasingly valued, with clients seeking hand-crafted custom pieces for storytelling and connection. Amanda Armstrong Sava, general manager of Neil Kelly Seattle, shared, "More of our clients seek hand-crafted custom pieces and design elements that bring meaning and artistry into everyday spaces." This aligns with the "Crafted with Intention" trend, emphasizing detail in elements like millwork and cabinetry.

Metallics are evolving toward champagne bronze and mixed-metal moments, while "Vintage Meets Modern" blends historical motifs with contemporary styling. Mood-boosting design focuses on emotional quality, using color psychology and sensory elements like scent and sound to create restorative sanctuaries. Curved forms are replacing hard edges, adding warmth and ease to architecture and furniture. Health and wellness are becoming central to home design, with requests for sauna rooms, steam showers, and home gyms increasing significantly. White highlighted this focus on daily self-care, stating, "More clients are asking our team to design and build sauna rooms, steam showers and home gyms." For more information on Neil Kelly's services and sustainable practices, visit https://www.neilkelly.com.

The trends collectively signal a move toward homes that balance aesthetic appeal with personal well-being, reflecting broader societal shifts toward authenticity and holistic living. As digital integration grows in daily life, these design choices offer a crucial counterbalance, creating physical spaces that foster human connection and tranquility. The emphasis on natural materials, intentional craftsmanship, and wellness features represents a fundamental rethinking of residential spaces as environments that support both physical and emotional health rather than merely serving functional or decorative purposes.