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Top Home Design Trends to Know in 2026
Design trends have always reflected more than style. They reflect how people want to live. And as we move into 2026, home design continues to shift away from one-size-fits-all aesthetics and toward spaces that feel intentional, expressive, and more personal.
After several years shaped by minimalism, fast trends, and highly curated interiors, homeowners are now prioritizing warmth, character, and longevity, creating environments that support everyday life. That shift is reflected across design forecasts, color reports, and industry insights, where a few defining themes continue to show up. These are the top interior design trends shaping homes in 2026 and how they translate into real, livable spaces.
Lived-In, Layered Interiors
In recent years, many interiors have leaned towards polished, photo-ready spaces that always look perfect. In 2026, that approach continues to soften, and perfection takes a back seat to personality.
Layered, collected interiors are leading the way. Spaces that look as though they have come together over time feel warmer and more inviting. Mixing vintage with new pieces, displaying meaningful objects, and creating soft structure through books, art, textiles, and ceramics adds depth and story. A worn wood table, a reupholstered vintage chair, or a gallery wall that grows naturally gives a home character that can’t be replaced overnight.
Rich, Grounding Color Palettes
Color continues to shape how a home feels, and 2026 paint color trends lean into depth with a calming edge. Think nature-inspire tones like smoky blues, warm browns, muted reds, and softened neutrals that ground a room without feeling heavy.
Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, fits beautifully into this direction. It’s a smoky green-blue that feels rich yet refined, perfect for homeowners who want a space that’s serene yet still has presence. Similar color stories are appearing across other forecasts too, from patina-inspired blues, greens, and browns to warm khakis and layered whites.
Color Drenching and Moody Rooms
If you’re seeing more immersive, saturated rooms online, that’s no accident. Color drenching, which uses a single hue across walls, trims, and sometimes ceilings, continues to rise as one of the standout interior design trends in 2026. When done thoughtfully, it creates a cocoon-like effect that feels polished, intimate, and cohesive.
This is also part of a broader shift toward moodier spaces. Deeper greens, tobacco-inspired browns, warm blacks, and earth reds are showing up in dining rooms, powder baths, offices, and libraries. The key is balance—pairing saturated color with warm wood, soft lighting, and texture to keep the room inviting.
Warm Woods and Character Grain
Wood is making a confident return in 2026, but not in a shiny, match-everything way. Interiors now favor deeper stains, visible grain, and pieces with real character. Reclaimed materials, vintage finds, and finishes that show variation all add warmth and depth.
This shows up in kitchens, furniture, and architectural details like beams, built-ins, and trim. If you’re bringing wood into your home, Minwax’s 2026 Stain Color of the Year, Special Walnut, fits the mood: a warm, versatile brown that enhances natural grain and works across styles from modern to traditional.
Paired with stone, linen, and even metal, wood brings warmth and timelessness—two qualities today’s buyers tend to notice immediately when they walk into a home.
Texture as the New Luxury
Another defining shift in home décor trends for 2026 is the return of texture, especially tactile, handcrafted, and visually soft elements. Textile wall hangings, tapestries, layered rugs, and subtle decorative trims like fringe and tassels are making an easy way to add depth without clutter. You don’t need to go maximal to make it work. A fabric panel hung like art, a woven wall piece, or even vintage textiles repurposed as décor can make a space feel warmer and more grounded. In a world that often feels overly digital, texture brings a human, lived-in quality that’s hard to fake.
Function Forward Design
Function continues to shape design decisions in 2026. Modular furniture, flexible layouts, and thoughtful storage solutions are becoming more prevalent as homes are expected to support multiple roles. Benches with hidden storage, ottomans that double as work surfaces, and adaptable seating arrangements allow spaces to shift easily between hosting, working, and relaxing.
Sustainability as the Standard
Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration. In 2026, it’s an expectation. It shows up in material choices, sourcing, and the lifespan of the pieces we bring into our homes. Homeowners are paying close attention to upgrades that support energy efficiency and long-term livability.
At the same time, thrifting and buying secondhand continue to grow across age groups, driven by both environmental awareness and the search for higher-quality materials. Vintage and antique furniture often offers better craftsmanship and longevity than mass-produced alternatives, while adding instant character to a space.
Whether you’re updating a room or thinking about your next move, these trends offer a thoughtful lens for creating a home that feels both current and enduring.
Connect with a Windermere agent today to talk about your next move and how to design a home that fits the way you live.
What Is Foursquare Architecture? A Guide to Prairie Box Homes
If you’ve ever walked through an older neighborhood and felt drawn to a home that looks balanced, practical, and quietly confident, you were likely looking at an American Foursquare. Sometimes called a Prairie Box or Prairie Cube, this architectural style is one of the most straightforward designs in the American architectural tradition, and one of the most enduring.
Popular from the late 1890s through the 1920s, the Foursquare emerged during a time when ornate Victorian homes dominated the landscape. In contrast, these homes favored simplicity, efficiency, and sold craftsmanship. Influenced by the Prairie and Arts and Crafts movements, the Foursquare prioritized thoughtful design over decoration, making it both practical and approachable.
A Shape That Works
True to its name, the Foursquare is defined by its box-style construction. The home’s nearly square footprint creates a symmetrical form, with rooms occupying each quadrant. Most Foursquares are two to two-and-a-half stories tall, with the half story tucked into a spacious attic. This efficient layout was intentionally designed to make the most of smaller lot sizes while still providing generous living space.
Rooflines, Porches, and Presence
A low-pitched hipped roof is one of the most recognizable features of a Foursquare home. The roof slopes evenly on all four sides, often forming a pyramid shape, and is frequently paired with a central dormer window that brings light and air into the attic level.
Many Foursquares also feature a covered front porch—sometimes spanning the full width of the home—supported by simple columns. These porches extend the living space outdoors and give a home a welcoming, grounded presence on the street.
Materials and Details
Building materials for Foursquare homes vary by region, with brick and wood being the most common. While the exterior design remains restrained, later models often incorporate Arts and Crafts details, especially inside the home. Built-in shelves, benches, bookcases, and window seats add warmth and function without excess ornamentation.
Inside the Foursquare
The interior layout reflects the same efficiency seen on the exterior. Traditionally, the main floor contains shared living spaces such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, and entryway, while bedrooms are located on the second floor. Hallways are minimal, and because each room typically sits at a corner of the home, natural light enters from multiple directions, a detail that homeowners still appreciate today.
Why Foursquare Homes Still Matter
More than a century later, American Foursquare homes remain highly desirable for their smart layouts, timeless proportions, and understated character. They’re homes designed to work well, on their lots, in their neighborhoods, and in everyday life. That kind of thoughtful simplicity never goes out of style.
Behr 2026 Color of the Year: How to Style Your Home with Behr’s Hidden Gem
Color has a way of reshaping the way a home feels, and for 2026, Behr has introduced a shade that truly sets the tone. Hidden Gem N430-6A, a smoky jade with an air of quiet confidence, is rich, refined, and just mysterious enough to keep your rooms interesting long after the paint dries.
As homes continue shifting toward more personal, expressive spaces, this jewel-toned green blue arrives right on cue. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a top-to-bottom refresh, here’s how to embrace Behr’s Hidden Gem and blend it seamlessly into 2026’s biggest interior design trends.
Behr Color of the Year: Hidden Gem
Each year, Behr’s color experts look to lifestyle trends, design movements, and cultural moods to select a single shade that reflects how people want to live. For 2026, the demand is clear: homeowners are craving comfort, character, and a stronger connection to the natural world. Hidden Gem brings all three into perfect balance, offering a sophisticated, versatile tone that feels intentional without overpowering a space.
With its deep teal base and soft smoky undertones, it offers a calm, eye-catching depth that shifts effortlessly with the light, perfect for layering with the color and design trends shaping homes in 2026.
Source: Behr 2026 Color of the Year – Hidden Gem
Balancing Hidden Gem with 2026 Color Trends
Color forecasters agree that 2026 will be defined by rich, soothing, nature-inspired hues that help homes feel more grounded and expressive. Hidden Gem fits neatly into this movement, especially as tranquil teals rise in popularity.
This year’s trend reports also point to the growing appeal of warm blacks and mellow reds. These deeper tones bring drama and intimacy into a space, particularly in small rooms or architectural moments. Hidden Gem pairs beautifully with warm blacks like Behr’s Cracked Pepper and earthy reds such as Terra Cotta Urn, creating a thoughtful contrast that feels modern and moody.
Uplifting yellows and soft neutrals will also remain strong throughout 2026. Subtle creams and warm whites help brighten teal-based palettes, while tones like Wheat Bread provide a soft foundation that allows Hidden Gem’s depth to shine. Pairing it with sunny tones like Beehive or 2025’s butter-yellow trend adds a fresh lift, keeping the look balanced and inviting.
Just like Pantone’s color stories, Behr’s 2026 palette is designed to influence cohesive, livable color combinations around its Color of the Year. And the good news? Hidden Gem is unusually flexible. If you are looking for more combinations, explore Behr’s full list of 2026 color trends for additional inspiration.
Source: Behr 2026 Color Trends
How to Align Hidden Gem with Other 2026 Home Trends
Beyond color, the home trends emerging in 2026 offer even more ways to weave Hidden Gem into a refreshed modern space.
Color Drenching and Moody Palettes
One of the biggest design shifts heading into 2026 is the rise of color drenching, where a single shade covers the walls, trim, ceiling, and sometimes even furniture in a room. The look creates a fully immersive, moody atmosphere that feels polished and cohesive. Hidden Gem is especially well-suited for this approach because of its depth and richness.
Alongside this trend, deeper, moodier palettes are also becoming more popular. Saturated hues like greens, ochres, burgundies, and tobacco-inspired tones are appearing more often in homes, reflecting a growing desire for warm color and expressive style.
Personalized Spaces and Self-Care at Home
Design is becoming more personal, and many homeowners are carving out spaces meant for calm, comfort, and everyday wellness. Cozy reading nooks, spa-inspired bathrooms, and small restorative spaces continue to rise in popularity, offering a way to slow down within the home.
Hidden Gem’s serene, smoky character makes it an ideal backdrop for these spaces. It brings a quiet sense of balance to reading nooks when paired with warm wood or soft, textured fabrics. In bathrooms, it complements natural materials and warm metals, creating the same soothing quality you’d expect from a spa.
Sustainability Remains a Priority
Sustainability continues to influence how people design and renovate their homes. From natural materials to energy-efficient upgrades and EV-friendly features, homeowners are seeking ways to make their spaces both stylish and environmentally conscious.
Hidden Gem’s nature-inspired tone fits comfortably within these choices. It pairs effortlessly with organic textures like stone, linen, clay, and reclaimed wood, creating a look that feels grounded and connected to the environment.
With Hidden Gem leading the way, 2026 offers endless opportunities to create a home that feels expressive, grounded, and beautifully your own.
How to Bring Coastal Charm into Your Home No Matter Where You Are
Coastal interior design captures the calm elegance of life by the water. It’s bright, breezy, and effortlessly connected to nature, drawing inspiration from the textures and warmth of the shore, the shifting blues of the sea, and the weathered charm of driftwood and dune grass. This style invites the outdoors in, creating spaces that feel open, welcoming, and dreamy, no matter how far you are from the coastline.
Defining Features of Coastal Interior Design
Natural Materials
Coastal design embraces organic textures that feel relaxed and lasting, mirroring the landscape along the shoreline. Wicker and rattan furniture bring a light, casual elegance, while woven jute or sisal rugs add earthy texture underfoot. Weathered or reclaimed wood, whether used in furniture, ceiling beams, or accent walls, offers a sun-worn character that feels authentic to seaside living. Glass elements, including vases, oversized mirrors, and light fixtures, reflect light and mimic the clarity of water, while stone or pebble accents can subtly reference the beach and coastline. Even fabrics play a role, typically with cotton, linen, and other breathable, natural fibers, keeping the look feeling fluid and inviting.
A Coastal Color Palette
The colors of the coast bring this style to life. Crisp whites and soft creams create a fresh, open backdrop, while sandy beiges and sun-bleached wood tones add warmth and a lived-in ease. Layered into this foundation are sea-inspired blues in every shade, from the pale, airy blue of a summer sky to the rich, grounding depth of navy. Small pops of teal, aqua, seafoam green, and even coral can bring a burst of energy, infusing the space with the vibrant, refreshing spirit of life by the water.
Light, Airy Spaces
Abundant natural light is central to coastal interiors. Large windows, double-glass French doors, and open layouts blur the lines between inside and out. Sheer linen drapes catch the breeze, while white or pale walls reflect light to make rooms feel even more expansive. One of the advantages of using natural materials in coastal design is that they age gracefully, gaining character over time while preserving the fresh, airy feel that helps define this style.
Subtle Nautical Touches
Coastal design often incorporates gentle, well-chosen nods to the sea. Rope accents woven into mirrors or light fixtures, bowls of collected shells, or artwork featuring surfboards, sailboats, and marine life can all bring a hint of nautical charm. Avoid an overly beachy look by balancing nautical accents with clean lines and neutral tones. These elements should evoke the feeling of the coast rather than recreate it literally, keeping the space elegant, storied, and timeless.
Built-In Charm
Architectural details like white-washed built-in shelving, wood-clad ceilings, or wall paneling give coastal homes a sense of craftsmanship and permanence. These features provide the perfect stage for displaying curated coastal finds like sea glass, ceramics, or woven baskets.
Bringing the Look into Your Home
You don’t need an ocean view to enjoy the beauty of coastal design. Start with a light, neutral foundation and layer in soft blues, sandy tones, and natural textures. Choose furniture that feels comfortable and unfussy, and incorporate elements that remind you of the shore, whether that’s a woven jute rug in the bedroom, a driftwood coffee table, or a few well-placed nautical pieces.
Candles or diffusers with fresh, sea-inspired scents can enhance the atmosphere, creating the sensory experience of a salty ocean breeze. And if you’re looking for real-life inspiration, a visit to Seabrook, WA, can spark ideas with its homes and community spaces being a masterclass in blending classic coastal styles with modern living.
For more design inspiration, tips, and trends, visit the design section of our blog.
These Seabrook listings showcase how coastal style blends comfort, light, and seaside charm.
Pueblo Revival Architecture and Its Timeless Southwestern Charm
Pueblo Revival architecture is one of the most distinctive and enduring styles in the American Southwest. With its warm stucco walls, rounded edges, and earthy materials, it’s a look that’s both culturally significant and inviting. Rooted in Indigenous and Spanish colonial traditions, this style has evolved over time while remaining closely tied to the landscape and climate it was originally built for. Today, Pueblo Revival homes continue to charm homeowners with a timeless design and unmistakable Southwestern character.
Origins and Historical Significance
Pueblo Revival architecture has roots that run deep, drawing inspiration from the Indigenous Puebloan communities and early Spanish settlers of the Southwest. This blend of cultures creates structures that reflect a centuries-old tradition of building in harmony with the environment. Built to thrive in arid climates, these homes feature thick walls made from adobe or stucco, which helps keep interiors cool during the day and warm at night.
It’s a design ideally suited for the desert, where water isn’t abundant, and staying comfortable means working with, not against, the elements. Spanish influences brought the use of wood, while the earthy colors mirror the atmosphere. Today, you’ll find Pueblo Revival homes across Arizona, New Mexico, California, and beyond, each one a testament to Southwestern living.
Key Features and Design Elements
Pueblo Revival design, also known as Santa Fe and Southwestern, is easy to spot and even easier to love. Here are some hallmark elements:
- Walls are typically built with adobe, stucco, or sun-dried mud.
- Flat or low-pitched roofs with parapets.
- Rounded corners and soft edges create a gentle, organic feel.
- Neutral and earthy color palettes inspired by the desert landscape.
- Large Spanish-inspired wooden doors, exposed beams, and vigas add warmth and texture.
- Small, deep-set windows.
- Porch posts and covered patios provide shade from the desert sun.
Modern Interpretations and Living Spaces
Today, Pueblo Revival homes continue to evolve, embracing modern conveniences while staying true to their roots. Many still feature signature elements like exposed wood beams, earth-toned exteriors, and textured finishes. Thoughtful landscaping and eco-friendly materials continue to help these homes blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert environment.
Inside, you’ll often find interiors that echo the home’s Southwestern heritage in subtle and loud ways. Handcrafted pottery, cactus plants, woven textiles, and other nods to regional artistry bring warmth and character to the space. Rich desert-inspired hues like terracotta, sunset red, adobe orange, and golden yellow are often paired with earthy neutrals to create depth. Vibrant accent colors like turquoise or deep blue add a touch of contrast, reflecting the natural beauty of the landscape. The result is a space that feels grounded, soulful, and full of life.
Explore our guide to Southwestern interior design for more inspiration.
Pueblo revival homes are a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Whether you’re captivated by their timeless charm or drawn to their modern interpretations, these homes offer a well-balanced, organic lifestyle that’s always in style.
5 Defining Elements of Moroccan Interior Design
For centuries, Morocco has captivated people from around the world with its rich tapestry of culture, art, and unmatched design. From the lively souks of Marrakech to the serene riads of Fes, Moroccan interiors tell a story of intricate craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and a blend of tradition and global influence.
In this post, we’ll look at the influences behind Moroccan design and explore how you can bring its distinct style into your home.
Influences of Moroccan Design
Moroccan interior design is rooted in ancient tradition and draws from various cultural influences, including Berber, Arab, Mediterranean, and Moorish. This fusion creates a warm, layered aesthetic that pairs detailed patterns with earthy textures and natural materials. You’ll often find colorful tilework, bold textiles, and handmade pieces that reflect centuries of artistry and heritage. And though this style is steeped in history, it remains timeless, seamlessly blending into modern homes while adding warmth, character, and a global touch to any space.
Key Elements of Moroccan Interior Design
Vibrant Colors
Moroccan design is synonymous with a vibrant and expressive color palette. Think of the dazzling blues of Chefchaouen, the rich reds and oranges of Marrakech, or the natural greens found in traditional gardens. Don’t be afraid to experiment with jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, which you can balance with more neutral tones like terracotta, cream, and black to create a harmonious blend that pops. Even the most muted Moroccan room will feature a splash of something bold, whether in the tiles, lanterns, or layers of fabric.
Layered Textures
From olefine and wool rugs to carved wooden furniture and hand-woven baskets, texture is everywhere in Moroccan interiors. Plush, overstuffed cushions and floor pillows bring comfort to seating areas, while airy curtains soften windows and doorways. The thoughtful use of natural materials like clay, metal, leather, and stone gives each space a grounded, organic feel. This layered approach, combined with the intricate patterns and ornate detailing, provides a richness and depth that defines Moroccan design.
Mosaic Tilework
One of the most recognizable elements of Moroccan design is its stunning mosaic tilework, known as zellige. These hand-cut, geometric tiles are meticulously arranged to form intricate patterns that adorn walls, floors, and fountains. Each zellige piece is a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, bringing a unique sense of artistry and a cool, refreshing feel to any space. Tiled floors are frequently layered with Persian or Berber rugs. At the same time, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes, and bathroom walls may feature elaborate tilework that feels artistic and architectural. Incorporating zellige in your home, whether as a subtle accent or a vibrant statement, can instantly infuse an authentic touch of Moroccan design.
Riads and Courtyards
The word “riad” means “garden” in Arabic. In Moroccan architecture, a riad refers to a traditional home built around a peaceful interior courtyard. These courtyards are often the heart of the home, featuring tiled fountains, lush greenery, and shaded sitting areas. To replicate this feeling, consider making a designated “courtyard” area in your home by incorporating a small water feature, a collection of plants, and comfortable seating that fosters a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors.
Artisan Accessories
No Moroccan interior is complete without a variety of handcrafted accessories. From ornate brass lanterns and pierced-metal sconces to hand-thrown pottery and embroidered pillows, each piece tells a story that celebrates Morocco’s deep tradition of craftsmanship, giving your space a layered, lived-in feel that reflects both style and soul.
By bringing these 5 key elements into your home, you can create a space that feels soulful, timeless, and uniquely yours. For more design inspiration, tips, and trends, visit the design section of our blog.
What is Loft Architecture?
Known for mixing spacious interiors, high ceilings, and often an industrial aesthetic, loft architecture has become synonymous with urban living. Whether you want to move into your own loft or seek design inspiration, loft architecture offers spaces that foster creativity and versatility. Let’s explore the history, significance, and defining features of loft architecture that fuel its popularity in cities around the world today.
History of Loft Architecture
Over the years, lofts have evolved from repurposed industrial spaces for budget-conscious artists into sought-after symbols of high-end urban living. Lofts, originating from abandoned warehouses and factories in big cities like New York and Boston, were first utilized by artists and innovators who turned these spacious industrial layouts into workshops and living quarters for next to nothing in price. With their utilitarian aesthetic, ample square footage, and sizeable windows that let in plenty of natural light, they were ideal spaces for the dual purpose of living and working. However, in recent years, loft architecture has shifted from utilitarian to more modern, luxury design.
Features of Loft Architecture
Loft architecture is all about maximizing space and embracing industrial features left behind by the buildings’ previous lives. So, along with tall ceilings, open floor plans, and large walls of exposed brick, lofts often also feature plenty of other industrial architectural and design elements. Elements like floor-to-ceiling windows, concrete and hardwood floors, exposed structural beams and duct or pipework, and large doors all contribute to the charm and functionality of loft architecture.
How to Maximize Loft Space
There are endless ways to design the inside of a loft apartment. But to truly make the most of your space, the key is to celebrate the unique features that define it as a loft while keeping both functionality and aesthetics in mind.
Here are a few tips to maximize your loft space:
Utilize vertical space, define areas, and invest in multifunctional furniture! By using the abundance of vertical space and installing bookshelves or cabinets, and by investing in multifunctional furniture like foldable dining tables or beds with built-in storage, you can maximize every square foot in your loft space. It also helps to organize your furniture and place area rugs in ways that define the different spaces within your loft and create a sense of separation.
Lean into the industrial aesthetic of loft living by incorporating industrial-inspired furniture such as metal stools or reclaimed wood tables. Many loft dwellers also enjoy showcasing the features that make lofts unique, like tall ceilings, concrete or hardwood floors, and exposed brick. Balance this out by complimenting your space with modern or minimalist decor pieces.
Personalization is the final touch to truly making any space feel like home. Try bringing your personality and creativity into your loft with artwork and decor that reflect your interests. Also, choose color schemes and lighting that create a positive, inspiring mood. These personal touches add character to your loft and help create a space that will bring joy every time you walk through the front door.
5 Features of Mediterranean Interior Design
There’s so much beauty in the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, it’s no wonder the design style derived from this area of the world has the same effect on a home’s interior. Mediterranean interior design, part of the larger coastal design family, creates interiors that harmonize with the outdoors. Here are a few of its most common features.
5 Features of Mediterranean Interior Design
1. Mediterranean Materials
This style borrows primarily from the longstanding traditions found in Greece, Spain, and Italy, with additional influence from Mediterranean countries like Morocco and France. People have lived in this area of the world for thousands of years, each civilization attaining high levels of achievement in art and culture. Accordingly, the common materials that make up this interior design style show a timeless appeal. Dark wood, marble, or terra cotta tile are popular flooring choices, while the walls are typically made of stucco or plaster.
Mediterranean interior design bathroom | Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: FollowTheFlow
2. Mediterranean Color Palette
Prepare to be inspired. The colors found in a typical Mediterranean palette are tailor-made to make your interior come to life. Each hue is a rich variation of the colors we’re most familiar with in interior design. Golden yellows, olive greens, rich reds, and cobalt blues form the basis of the Mediterranean style. These colors all pop against a white stucco backdrop and evoke liveliness while being grounded in natural and organic elements like the sun, trees, and water.
Mediterranean interior design bedroom | Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: amriphoto
3. Harmony with Nature
The ultimate Mediterranean interior is at one with nature; it’s somewhere you can walk around barefooted while a gentle breeze blows through the room. From its exposed wood beams to natural stone walls, everything about Mediterranean interior design embraces the outdoors and the elements derived from it. Open-air patios are often the central entertaining space, putting an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.
Mediterranean interior design living room | Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Julieanne Birch
4. Mediterranean Decorative Elements
Overall, Mediterranean design takes a less-is-more approach to home décor. Relying on the natural beauty of its elements, its philosophies on design have more in common with mid-century modern interior design than, say, eclectic style. Common decorative items include textured walls, tapestries, mosaic inlays, and Italian-style pottery and art. The countries that form the inspiration for Mediterranean style all have their unique take on sculpture art, commonly found in historical buildings and traditional architecture. Accordingly, sculpted detailing is a fitting décor feature in this style.
5. Bringing People Together
At the end of the day, people are an important part of Mediterranean interior design. Family spaces are a priority, as are communal seating arrangements in areas like the living room, dining room, and outdoor patio. Once you design your home this way, you can’t help but invite family and friends over to celebrate together. The open spaces and natural elements create a welcoming environment that is meant to be shared. Happy hosting!
For more information on home décor, read our blog post on contemporary interior design and how it differs from the modern style:
Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: xavierarnau
What is Victorian Architecture?
Like its namesake Queen Victoria, Victorian architecture is home design royalty. With its uniquely detailed decorations, it helped to define the style of homes in its era. These special homes still exist in large numbers today around the world, perhaps none more famous than San Francisco’s “Painted Ladies” near Alamo Square pictured above. Let’s dive into the history of Victorian architecture and some of its defining features.
What is Victorian Architecture?
Bursting onto the scene in the mid-1800s, Victorian architecture spawned several styles, creating multiple branches of the Victorian home design tree. Borrowing elements of other architectural styles of that era such as Gothic, Greek Revival, and Italianate, the highly ornate style reflected the expensive taste among the British people of the time, who were experiencing increased wealth due to the industrial Revolution. Much of the work required for building Victorian homes could be done by machine, and due to the industrial innovations of the time, the parts could be easily shipped across the country by train. Pretty soon, Victorian homes were popping up everywhere.
Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: LordRunar
Features of Victorian Architecture
- Two to three stories
- Steep, pitched roofs
- High ceilings
- Wood construction with detailed woodwork
- Decorative trim and crown molding
- Towers and turrets
- Spacious porches
- Recessed balconies
- Iron railings
- Bay windows
- Stained glass
Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: YinYang
Styles of Victorian Homes
Though there are several styles of Victorian homes, they are all multiple-story structures with steeply pitched roofs. Part dollhouse, part palace, their vintage character remains popular today. The Stick Victorian style resembles a gingerbread house with its decorative cladding and trim. The Queen Anne style is known for its asymmetry and cross-gable rooflines, while the Folk style is more symmetrical, cutting down on excessive ornamentation. As if the architecture itself wasn’t loud and eclectic enough, many Victorian homes were painted in bright colors to further differentiate their style from other homes—especially Queen Anne Victorian homes.
The Carson Mansion in California, a classic example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: LordRunar
To learn more about the various styles of home design, visit our Architectural Styles page:
Windermere – Architectural Styles
Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Mlenny
Eclectic Interior Design
When decorating your home, it can be hard to decide on just one aesthetic. Maybe you’re a fan of mid-century modern interior design but its minimalistic approach leaves you wanting more. Maybe you love the clean look of a farmhouse style interior but wish it had some of that classic Art Deco flair. Fortunately, there’s an approach you can take where you don’t have to limit yourself to the principles of just one line of design thinking. Eclectic interior design is a smorgasbord of home décor styles that allows your imagination to run wild.
What is eclectic interior design?
Eclectic interior design is a blend of different styles, patterns, eras, and all things home décor. By pulling from seemingly contrasting sources of inspiration, it allows homeowners to create an interior that’s uniquely personalized and lively. Eclectic interiors are inherently busy, so it’s important to focus on leveling the dynamic energy among the pieces and artworks you select to create balance, scale, and proportion.
Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: xavierarnau
Decorating with Eclectic Interior Design
With so many shapes and colors at play, creating harmony is vital. Choose a color palette for your home and select pieces that reinforce that section of the color wheel. That way, when you decorate with accent pieces throughout your home, you’ll have a solid base to work from. This will also help you select which neutral colors will best help to balance out your interior spaces. For example, if you’ve settled on blues and browns as your foundational colors, beiges and creams will act as complimentary neutrals while creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
When it comes to textures and patterns, you’ve got far more leeway with eclectic interior design than many other styles. Have you been waiting to extract your patterned vintage furniture from your storage space? Still waiting to find a home for that ornate gold-framed mirror? Eclectic design may be just what the doctor ordered. With this style, vintage design can pair with modern furnishings and vice versa. Textures help to create contrast throughout your spaces, but even with eclectic design, repeating a texture in a few spots helps to create cohesion. Similarly, make sure your textural pieces fit somewhere within your color palette to create consistency throughout your home.
Create a Gallery Wall
Image Source: Shutterstock – Image Credit: Ground Picture
A gallery wall is naturally eclectic, making it a perfect way to use up empty wall space while reinforcing this unique home décor style. Create a gallery wall at home by selecting the wall space you’d like to use and mapping out your desired gallery pattern. Once you’ve sketched out your plan, pay a visit to your local framing or hardware store so your artwork can hang professionally and evenly. Assemble your tools, hang your pieces, and admire how a gallery wall can really snap a room together visually. Experiment with different frame colors, designs, and textures that reinforce the rest of your interior. Here’s more on how to curate artwork in your home.
For more info on the various interior design styles, home décor tips and more, visit the Design page of our blog:
Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: IPGGutenbergUKLtd
