2025 was a banner year for Blackband Design! Our clients’ beautiful homes were featured in some of our favorite publications—Modern Luxury Riviera, Modern Luxury San Diego, Modern Interiors, SUNSET, Newport Beach Magazine, Anita Yokota’s book, Grounded Living and more. We were honored to receive the Modern Luxury Design 9 Award West Coast for Best Bathroom for our Project La Jolla, a milestone that reminds us why we love what we do.
After 20+ years of designing homes alongside incredible clients, we’ve learned that trends come in waves—and while each wave brings its moment, it’s just as important to know when to let go. As we step into 2026, we’re saying goodbye to 10 trends that served their time, making room for fresh ideas, renewed inspiration, and innovative design directions. Some of these trends will always hold a place in our hearts—but it’s time to evolve. Hello, 2026!
1. ALL WHITE WALLS
Yes, Pantone may have crowned Cloud Dancer as their color of the year, but the era of stark, gallery-like white walls has officially passed. Those blank, echoing spaces felt fresh once, but now they feel a little empty—like a room waiting for someone to show up. In 2026, walls are getting their warmth back: richer tones, layered finishes, color that actually says something. White isn’t gone forever and we’ll certainly use it but the all-white-everything approach is out.
2. STANDARD SHAKER CABINETS
Shaker cabinets were the go-to for years—simple, clean, dependable probably used in most of our homes growing up. But in 2026, we’re craving cabinetry that feels as personal as the people who use it. The basic five-piece door is giving way to custom millwork that solves real needs and reflects real lifestyles. Does your family cook every evening? Well, you’ll need more that a spice rack—how about a custom spice drawer? Do you prefer minimalist countertops without the clutter? Let’s build a custom coffee cabinet that pulls out each morning but disappears back into clean lines come 10am. It’s time for cabinets with intention, not just repetition. Reliable is nice, but bespoke is better.
3. BLACK HARDWARE + PLUMBING
Black hardware made its mark, but it also made everything feel a bit… heavy. The high contrast, the bold lines—once chic, now a touch harsh. In 2026, we’re leaning into finishes with softness and longevity. Details that whisper rather than shout. Think timeless finishes like nickel and brass. Black isn’t “bad”—it’s just no longer the default.
4. OVERSIZED GREAT ROOMS
The giant all-in-one great room had its reign. But life doesn’t always happen best in a single space. In 2026, we’re bringing back the joy of smaller, intentional rooms: a comfortable den for late-night movies, a library with a little bar tucked in the corner, a jewel-box dining room that glows in the evening. Defined rooms allow for distinctive design and different moods—we’re here for it!
5. CURVED SOFAS
Curved sofas came in hot—beautiful to look at, sculptural, very editorial. But eventually reality set in: they aren’t always the most functional. They shrink seating, limit layout options, and lean a little too modern for homes that want soul and warmth. In 2026, comfort and practicality are taking back their seats—literally. Curves had their moment, but we’re craving furniture that feels lived-in, not just photographed.
6. REEDING, REEDING, REEDING
Reeding took the millwork world by storm—ribbed, textured, dimensional. Don’t get us wrong, we still love reeding and fluting, but we don’t overuse it! In 2026, we’re leaning into custom designs with more nuance and less déjà vu. Texture is still in just not the same ridges on every surface.
7. ZELLIGE TILE FOR EVERY ROOM
We adore Zellige tile—its variation, its handmade charm, its glow. But loving something doesn’t mean using it everywhere. Not every room benefits from uneven edges or glossy imperfection. In 2026, we’re letting each space call for its own material—mixing finishes, exploring shapes, and creating personality through variation. Zellige stays, but the overuse goes.
8. RECLAIMED WOOD
Reclaimed wood had its moment and that moment will remain for barns and ranch beams. What we’re still loving instead? Rift white oak. It’s classic, timeless and goes with almost everything!
9. MILLENNIAL GRAY
Millennial Gray had its cultural moment—soothing, neutral, an antidote to the saturated chaos of childhood homes. But we’ve moved on. We want character again. A little nostalgia. Spaces with personality, color, and charm. Gray isn’t going extinct; it’s just no longer steering the ship. The colorless calm has lifted, and the energy is back!
10. MODERN FARMHOUSE
Modern Farmhouse had a generational run—white beams, black windows, shiplap galore. And while some versions were truly lovely, the trend became so widespread that it lost its individuality. Even the term feels tired now (Wendy has made her feelings clear!). In 2026, we’re craving something fresh—something with soul, texture, and identity. Modern Farmhouse stays comfortably in 2025.
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