The best thing about design resolutions is that they’re less about criticism and more about embracing interiors that feel more like you. It encourages you to make helpful changes—whether it’s one small design tweak or a new overall mindset.
And, there’s hardly a better place to seek out inspiration for your own goals than by looking to the experts. We spoke to a handful of designers who shared design resolutions that will no-doubt encourage your own for the coming year.
Design With More Purpose
While it can be fun to follow a trend or two, designing this way doesn’t hold the same depth and longevity as more purposeful, personal design. That’s why designer Erica Davis has made purposeful, timeless design her number-one resolution for 2026.
“We are seeing a massive shift away from trendy furniture and interiors and shifting toward designs that feel rooted and classic,” she says. “After years of trend cycles moving at lightning speed, our clients are craving homes that will age gracefully and for design that feels timeless.”
Be Bolder With Color
Neutral interiors have remained consistent for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you should cut out colorful trends completely. Designer Evelina Juzėnaitė points out that they’re certainly cool palettes, but they can start to feel boring after a while.
“I want more color because color adds emotion to a space and tells a story,” she says.
Embrace More Wallpaper
Maybe you’ve tried your fair share of paint colors, but are still hoping to add some kind of fresh dimension in your space. It might be time to make wallpaper a design resolution for your 2026.
“Wallpaper lets you turn a powder room into a jewel box,” says expert Amanda Armstrong Sava. “You can use wallpaper to add texture and complexity with or without adding additional color.”
Create Extra Warmth and Depth
Using bolder shades isn’t the only color-focused resolution from designers. They’re also looking to incorporate warmth and depth into rooms as opposed to the cool palettes and flat whites that have dominated for so long.
“Rich neutrals, layered brown, softened greens, and heritage-inspired palettes create spaces that feel calmer, more personal, and grounded, which is what clients are requesting more than ever,” Davis says.
Focus on Great Lighting
Rather than relying on one light or leaving it up to the recessed ceiling lights to do all the illuminating, Juzėnaitė is choosing to prioritize lighting even more this year. This involves layering lighting and opting for fixtures outside of the usual.
“Because for me, lighting is not only light, but also atmosphere, emotion, and even an accessory in the room when it’s already dark outside,” says.
She envisions using a mix of pendant lamps, asymmetrical sconces, and handmade floor lamps, among others to create a unique combination that warms a room.
Opt for Handcrafted Pieces
Although we’re in an ever-growing world of digital spaces, people are still seeking out real, tangible items and decor that make them feel closer to a community. It’s these handcrafted pieces that also bring a unique touch to your own living space.
“More of our clients seek hand-crafted custom pieces and design elements that bring meaning and artistry into everyday spaces,” says Armstrong Sava. “Whether handrails, millwork, cabinetry, or custom tilework, hand-crafted pieces offer storytelling opportunities and real-life connections.”
Practice Restraint
It can be so easy to accumulate decor and objects without considering what they’re actually doing for your space, and if you really want them to be a long-standing feature. Less is more is one way of ensuring you create rooms that appeal to your design senses.
“Whether in my own home or client projects, I am focusing on better and higher quality, even if that means fewer pieces,” Davis says. “I really want the architecture and materials to speak rather than overwhelming a space with ‘things.’”
Choose Comfort Over Trends
Lastly, Juzėnaitė is placing comfort above trends in 2026 designs. Getting caught up in the swirl of eye-catching pieces and waves of micro-trends leads to rooms that don’t truly resonate or provide you with a cozy, welcoming space to spend time in.
“An interior that you truly like will be much better than pictures on the internet labeled ‘trendy,’” she says.