The Design Trends Shaping 2026: Report

On Jan 28, 2026

At the end of each year, design minds forecast trends for the ensuing 12 months. Canadian furniture wholesaler and retailer Moe’s Home Collection surveyed nearly 500 interior designers, retailers and buyers to capture their insights on what’s shifting, what’s staying and what’s surprising in design for 2026. Based on the findings, the second-generation home furnishings company identified three themes that are rising to the surface across homes, showrooms and creative studios: Future Heirloom, Hello, Colour! and Modern Now. Together, they reveal spaces that are warmer, wiser and beautifully intentional.

Here are the highlights from the second annual design report, laid out by Moe’s creative director Maura Dineen during a webinar prior to the close of 2025.

Future Heirloom
Nostalgia is back with a modern twist. Designers are leaning into heritage details, rich finishes and the beauty of imperfection.

The Mabel nightstand in dark brown from Moe’s. A curved base gives a subtle nod to tradition, while inverted diagonal legs add lift and a modern twist. The wire-brushed Acacia brings out texture and tone, highlighting the wood’s natural grain.

Darker woods are the standout story. Interest surged to 90.1 per cent in 2025, from 24.9 per cent — a 262 per cent year-over-year jump.

Natural and wicker fabrics continue to resonate, with 43.4 per cent predicting they’ll take centre stage.

Pattern is back in play. Floral motifs (29.9 per cent) and tapestry-inspired designs (21.2 per cent) are gaining traction among designers envisioning 2026 trends.

Global Google searches for ‘heritage’ rose 13 per cent year-over-year, a clear signal of renewed interest in legacy materials, styles and storytelling.

The result is a mood of grounded elegance craft that feels lived-in, not precious. This is design as legacy: soulful, storied and built to last.

Hello, Colour!
The reign of beige is fading. Designers are embracing hues that speak to optimism and individuality.

The Leo chair in light brown from Moe’s, with tonal contrast piping and fully upholstered legs. Its squared side profile contrasts with inward-rolled arms and a sculptural curved back, creating a striking balance of form and function.

Mocha brown soared to 79.8 per cent in 2025, from 58.5 per cent in 2024, marking its third consecutive year of growth.

Butter yellow, a fashion-to-home crossover shade, is on the rise, with 34.9 per cent naming it a key colour for 2026.

Once niche, cherry red is entering the mainstream, up to 22.3 per cent in 2025, from 8.4 per cent in 2024 — a 165 per cent increase.

Google searches for ‘deep cherry’ increased 30 per cent year-over-year, underscoring the hue’s growing appeal across both fashion and interiors.

This shift in colour preferences isn’t just aesthetic, it’s emotional. In a world craving optimism, colour is the new comfort.

Modern Now
Modernism is loosening up. Think sculptural forms, grounded silhouettes and playful proportions that still feel livable.

Clayton dining table in brown from Moe’s. Its rounded base layers shape into something sculptural and grounded.

Just over 46 per cent of designers cited lacquer as a defining material for 2026, marking a return to polished, bold and confident surfaces.

On Google Trends, searches for ‘mid-century modern dresser’ rose 20 per cent over the same time period (January to September) year-over-year, evidence the demand for clean-lined, retro-influenced storage continues to climb.

This new wave of modern design blends artful boldness with emotional ease — it’s striking without being stark. Clean lines meet touchable textures; statement forms meet quiet restraint.

Clare Tattersall is an interior designer and decorator in Toronto, and the editor of Canada’s floor covering magazine, Coverings and Home Goods Merchandiser.