Hi, I’m Elaine FitzGerald, a qualified Interior and Lighting Designer. I moved to Donegal after almost 10 years in France.

Through my company, Eyra Interiors, I work with clients all across Ireland on new builds, rebuilds, refurbs and refreshes.

I’m not a fan of the word “trends”.

But at the same time, in a huge contradiction, I like to know what’s trending. It’s a vicious cycle! 

Instead I like to think of it as newness, what’s popular… and to be very honest, what are people doing in their homes and can I do that in mine?! It’s the nosey Nora in me, I can’t help it.

Here’s what can we expect to see more of in 2026 homes:

Interiors for wellness

With neurodiversity becoming much more prevalent and more and more people being diagnosed, 2026 is going to be a big year for sensory design.

Finding solutions to echo chamber rooms, changing out lighting for softer options, adding greenery to encourage grounding not to mention tactile materials and fabrics are all things that we’ll see happening in many homes around the country.  

Image from Spruce Magazine

A move away from open plan living

In recent years, we’ve seen a definite move away from fully open plan homes. People are adding things like pocket doors, glass doors and wooden partitions to separate their spaces.

Pocket doors on a project by Eyra Interiors

While the idea of being open and all together, the reality is that it doesn’t work for everyone.

Once the kids you needed to keep eyes on are bigger, glued to screens and fighting with each other, now all you want to do is close a door on them. It happens. 

Warm, tonal colours, darker woods 

Scandi style is still in full swing but this year will see a shift in tones. What does that mean? Get ready for richer colours, warmer wood palettes and neutrals with pink and red undertones. Think walnuts, warm oaks, russets and deep olive greens. As a nation, we are getting braver with colour and we’ll continue to see bold, comfortable homes rather than beige instagram ready boxes.

Image created by Eyra Interiors, AI enhanced

Personality through style 

In keeping with this idea, I for one am delighted to see homeowners looking to their own personalities for style inspiration. 

Fun, functional and practical interiors are in. Showhome style interiors are out.

Image: Project by Eyra Interiors 2024

 

For more design queries and inspiration, follow Elaine on Facebook and Instagram. 

Interior Design: What 2026 has in store for our homes was last modified: January 22nd, 2026 by Elaine FitzGerald

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