What’s In, What’s Out: Fall 2026 Interior Design Trends

Warmer colors, natural materials, collected spaces and a little more personality. Here's what's changing in home design this fall.

If the last decade of interior design could be summed up in a few words, it might be white, gray, shiplap, repeat.

But heading into fall 2026, homes are starting to look and feel a little different. We're moving away from spaces designed to fit a formula and toward interiors that feel warmer, more collected and more personal.

For Maine homes in particular, we think that's a very good thing.

Trends will always come and go, but the best design choices tend to have one thing in common: they make sense for the house. So, what's feeling fresh this fall, and what might finally be ready for retirement?

Cool gray had a very long run. Gray walls, gray flooring, gray cabinets, even gray-toned wood, a look that was eventually coined "millennial gray."

This fall, color palettes are noticeably warmer. Creamy whites, mushroom, putty and taupe alongside muted greens, muddy blues, chocolate brown, burgundy and other rich, nature-inspired shades.

That doesn't mean every room suddenly needs to be dark or colorful. Even a subtle shift from a crisp white to a warmer neutral can make a space feel softer and more inviting.

And in Maine? These colors feel particularly at home alongside old hardwood floors, natural stone, wooded views and the colors of the coast.

Shiplap isn't necessarily the problem, but putting shiplap on various walls regardless of the age or style of the home is.

The modern farmhouse formula of white walls, black hardware, barn doors and "rustic" details is giving way to something much more interesting: working with the character that is already there.

In an older Maine home, that might mean restoring original trim instead of removing it, embracing an imperfect old floor, adding traditional millwork or choosing fixtures that complement the age of the house.

And unless it's old and oozing with natural character, it may finally be time to let the sliding interior barn door retire gracefully.

One of my personal favorite shifts is mixing old and new.

An antique sideboard can have a contemporary lamp. A traditional rug can work with a modern sofa. Different wood tones can coexist in the same room.

The goal isn't to create a "vintage" house by filling it with vintage-inspired or reproduction pieces. It's to create a home that feels layered, thoughtful and collected over time.

Very pale, washed-out wood has dominated interiors for years. Now we're seeing the trend swing toward medium and darker woods, including walnut, oak and vintage pieces with their original patina.

A darker antique table can live beautifully on a lighter hardwood floor. In fact, the contrast often makes a room feel more natural and less staged.

The white kitchen isn't disappearing, and a beautiful white kitchen will always be timeless. What's changing is the all-white-everything approach.

Warm wood cabinetry, creamy whites, taupes, muted greens and blues, natural stone and darker accents are bringing depth back into kitchens. Even smaller changes like aged brass hardware, a warmer wall color or a vintage light fixture can soften a kitchen without breaking the bank.

Perhaps the biggest change isn't a particular color or material at all. It's the move away from making every house look brand-new.

We're seeing more appreciation for original floors, old doors, unlacquered brass, antique furniture, natural materials and finishes that actually improve with age.

A little imperfection can be exactly what gives a house its soul.

And If You're Thinking About Selling...

Don't panic-renovate your home because a trend report says something is "out."

Buyers aren't necessarily looking for the trendiest house. They're looking for a home that feels cared for, cohesive and inviting.

Fresh paint, good lighting, thoughtful editing and highlighting the features that make your property special can often have a much bigger impact than trying to transform it into whatever happens to be popular this year.

And especially here in Maine, think twice before removing something original. The old floors, quirky built-ins, woodwork or slightly imperfect details you considered replacing might be exactly what makes a buyer fall in love.