Key Points

  • Designers are moving away from all-white and all-gray looks, which can feel flat and sterile.
  • Pros prefer rich colors, textures, and natural materials for warmth and depth.
  • Homes are shifting from neutral minimalism to cozy, personalized comfort.

With just a few days left in the calendar year, it’s time to begin looking ahead to 2026 and thinking about the design styles we would like to take with us and what we’re happier leaving behind; January is all about a fresh start, after all.

While new design styles come and go every year, some are seen as more timeless than others. We asked designers to pinpoint any trends that have been pegged as timeless—yet just aren’t speaking to them anymore—and they definitely delivered.

All-White Kitchens

Credit:

Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

If you’ve always had a soft spot for an all-white kitchen, you’re not alone. But if you’ve struggled to resonate with white kitchens over the years, you’re also not the only one.

“For years it’s been considered a safe, classic choice, but in reality, it often falls flat, especially in homes with real character or architectural history,” says interior designer Lexie Saine. “An all-white palette can end up feeling sterile and one-note, and it doesn’t always age gracefully.”

Instead, Saine would prefer that more people welcome a range of colors and materials into their cooking spaces rather than defaulting to a monotone look.

“What excites me much more is a kitchen with layers: natural wood tones, stone with movement, and colors that bring warmth and depth,” she says. “Those combinations tell a richer story and feel more personal than a sea of white cabinetry and countertops ever could.”

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All-Neutral Palettes

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John Keeble / Getty Images

Speaking of all-white kitchens, interior designer Hannah Griffiths isn’t wild about the widespread use of all-neutral palettes. She says a neutral like white, beige, or taupe is timeless, but covering an entire home in neutrals to create a spa-like atmosphere often ends up feeling flat or commercial.

“The eye seeks a focal point to linger on,” Griffiths says. “Contrast, pattern, and visual texture are what bring a space to life—transforming it from calm-but-bland into truly timeless and vibrant.”

If you’ve been toying with the idea of embracing more color in your space, consider this your sign to do just that and not feel daunted by it.

Gray Everywhere

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asbe / Getty Images

Interior designer Pantea Bionki shares similar views with regard to the all-neutral palette and specifically is tired of seeing gray absolutely everywhere. Even though gray was sold as a timeless neutral, it now feels flat, cold, and dated.

“Homeowners [have begun] craving spaces that feel restorative, cozy, and welcoming, and gray doesn’t deliver that emotional comfort,” she says.

Do not think that saying goodbye to gray means that you have to go extra bold, though. Even colors like warm neutrals are excellent alternatives, Bionki explains. Earth tones are another great option.

“These palettes provide a sense of calm and connection, aligning with the shift toward homes that nurture both body and mind,” she says.