What are the top interior design resolutions for 2026?
January has a way of making everything feel possible, including your home. The best part: interior design resolutions for 2026 don’t need to involve gut renovations, giant mood boards, or a sudden interest in limewash. The smartest updates this year are quieter, more intentional, and designed to fit real life. Think progress over perfection, style that works harder, and changes you can actually follow through on once February rolls around.
Declutter one room at a time, invest in one quality piece, add texture, layer your lighting, finish incomplete spaces, choose lifestyle-friendly styles, reclaim neglected areas, and give your entryway a design moment.
Here are the design resolutions we’re actually making (and recommending) this year:
Resolution #1: Declutter One Room at a Time
Forget the full-house purge. In 2026, we’re all about small, sustainable wins. Pick one room each month and commit to a mini-edit. Keep what you love, donate what you don’t, and clear out what doesn’t serve your lifestyle anymore. Your space (and brain) will thank you.
Resolution Tip: Start with the “junk room.” You know the one.
Resolution #2: Commit to One Quality Piece
Instead of trying to do it all at once, focus on upgrading one major item this year. Maybe it’s your dining chairs, your living room rug, or finally replacing that hand-me-down media console that’s been wobbling since 2014. One stylish, functional piece can elevate your entire space.
Resolution Tip: Keep a running wish list and shop during big sales, we’re talking strategy, not impulse.
Resolution #3: Add More Texture (Without the Clutter)
Flat, one-dimensional rooms? Not in 2026. But adding depth doesn’t mean piling on knick-knacks. Try a boucle pillow, a woven basket, or a velvet curtain panel. Mixing textures makes a space feel intentionally layered, not busy.
Resolution Tip: Aim for three distinct textures in each room. It’s a stylist’s trick, and it works.
Resolution #4: Stop Living Without Lighting
Still relying on overhead lighting alone? You deserve better. A layered lighting plan adds instant warmth and flexibility. Think table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and even battery-powered options if outlets are scarce.
Resolution Tip: Add one new light source to the room you use most. It’s an instant mood booster.
Resolution #5: Actually Finish the Room
The “almost done” syndrome is real. That gallery wall you never hung? The bare windows you’ve been ignoring for two years? Make this the year you actually complete the spaces you started.
Resolution Tip: Schedule one day each month to knock out a lingering task. You’ll feel more accomplished than you would after finishing any Netflix series.
Resolution #6: Prioritize Style That Works for You
Trends come and go, but your lifestyle is constant. Make design choices that match how you live. Kids? Pets? Frequent hosts? Your home should support all of that without sacrificing style.
Resolution Tip: Choose performance fabrics, forgiving finishes, and designs that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Resolution #7: Reclaim a Neglected Space
You know the one—it’s either collecting clutter or being completely ignored. Reclaim it with intention. A hallway can be design-worthy. An unused corner can hold a reading chair or storage. Even the area under the stairway is ripe with possibilities. Every space has potential.
Resolution Tip: Think function first. Then layer in the style.
Resolution #8: Give Your Entryway a Moment
Even if it’s just a few square feet, your entryway sets the tone. Add a bench, small console, hooks, a runner, or even a mirror. Function meets first impression.
Resolution Tip: Use baskets for hidden storage and a tray for keys or mail to keep clutter at bay.
Want Help Making It Happen?
If you’re ready to finally pull your space together in 2026 but need a plan that fits your budget and timeline, we’ve got you. Our designers work quickly, transparently, and without markups. You’ll get a layout, shopping list, and expert advice so you can confidently complete your space (and stick to your resolutions).
Book a free design consultation and let’s make 2026 the year your home finally feels like it fits.