2026 Interior Design Trends: Seven Predictions for the Year Ahead

Maybe Yogi Berra Was Right. “You can observe a lot just by watching.”

And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing at our custom furniture shop. Over the past year, we’ve had the chance to work with talented NYC designers and discerning clients, and we’re seeing early signs of interior design trends poised to take off in the year ahead.

So without further ado, here are seven predictions for 2026.

1. Ash is the New White Oak

White oak is glorious, no doubt, but it’s been the undisputed star of the New York City interior design world for years and it’s finally time for something new. Maybe that’s why we’ve completed multiple pieces in ash wood furniture in just the last few weeks alone, most notably a large, curved desk for a home office/podcast studio and furniture for a restaurant in Brooklyn. We are even working on a charred bar top (yakisugi style) with this material.

So why is ash finally gaining the attention it deserves? There are a few reasons:

• It’s beautiful and versatile. The bold and varying grain patterns often found in ash are striking without being overpowering, making it suitable for both modern and traditional spaces alike. It also takes stain like a dream and looks really cool in black.

• It’s sustainable. The emerald ash borer has devastated trees throughout the Northeast, presenting opportunities to salvage downed and fallen urban trees for use in the production of furniture and flooring.

It's affordable. Ash is sometimes half the price of white oak and is similar in appearance. Need I say more?

TLDR: If you’re designing or furnishing a space in 2026, ash should be on your radar.

2. Analog Returns (Don’t Call it a Comeback!)

Is the ubiquity of smartphones and other digital devices overwhelming our senses and creating an appetite for all things analog? This author thinks so and apparently, I am not alone. Sammi Cohen, host of the Social Currency podcast, predicts that 2026 will see a “massive adoption” of analog hobbies (i.e. no tech, no phone).

Here’s how this will manifest in 2026:

• Handcrafted dining tables and spaces for family and friends to gather around.

• Built-in reading nooks and custom gaming tables.

• Record consoles and bookshelves that make vinyl and books the focal point of the room. Interestingly enough, we are currently developing a record display prototype for a client. More on that soon!

3. Curves and Rounded Forms are so Back!

I can’t tell you how many inquiries we’ve had for projects that require rounded sculptural forms in the last two months. These include requests for fashion accessories, display stands, and even bespoke chairs.

Here’s how this will play out in 2026:

• Rounded tables that make small spaces feel more open.

• Steam-bent wood in organic, fluid shapes that add vibrance and life to the room.

• Sculpted elements that make furniture feel approachable and human.

Designers take note: sharp edges are out, soft organic curves are in.

4. Handcrafted Takes Center Stage

As customers step away from the digital world in favor of more tactile pastimes, interest in handcrafted furniture and décor is expected to surge in 2026.

Mass-produced furniture can be great, and it certainly has its place, but customers are looking for design solutions that fit their unique space and have a human touch. They also want to be part of the design process and feel connected to their pieces in their home.

A few months ago, a local couple came to our shop to discuss having a custom dining table built. They wanted something different, made from a single live-edge slab, and were willing to wait until we found a slab that would be “perfectly imperfect.” Bow-tie inlays and patches were part of their vision, and they even came to the shop to check out the proposed layout.

This table, as I would later learn, is literally the first thing you see when you walk into their home. They wanted it to have a presence that reflected their personality and lifestyle. Customers want to be part of the process, and you can’t do that with mass-produced furniture.

So what does this look like in the New Year?

• Pieces with real joinery like dovetails and mortise-and-tenon.

• Tasteful live-edge details like burls that bring nature indoors.

• Materials with a story like locally-sourced wood, reclaimed timber, and refinished/repurposed materials.

Life is too short to live with furniture you don’t love.

In 2026, clients will be choosing handcrafted furniture that brings them joy for years to come over mass-produced items that just don’t have the same feeling.

5. Biophilic Design That Goes Beyond Plants

Biophilic design isn’t just about adding a fiddle-leaf fig. It’s about materials that feel alive:

• Matte wood finishes. Lately, a few of our customers have requested finishes that almost appear like raw wood.

• Stone and limewash for texture and depth.

• Natural textures like linen, wool, and rattan that add warmth and tactile interest.

6. Maximalism- Sometimes More is More

Minimalism has had a great run but clients are embracing its opposite- maximalism.

Some outlets are predicting that maximalist will experience a breakthrough year in 2026.

Look for:

• Heirloom pieces with history.

• Natural materials (brass, walnut, stone).

• Eclectic mix of paintings and photographs.

7. A Renaissance? The Classics Return

Some things just work. Classic design is one of them, which is why we are predicting a resurgence of classic and traditional design in 2026.

We recently worked on a project in a Gold Coast mansion—one of those 1920s homes with brass hardware, wide-plank floors, and molding that makes you stop and stare.

And here’s the thing: Those details never went out of style. They were just waiting for the right moment to come back.

Essential elements of this style include:

• Arches and built-ins add soul to modern spaces.

• Brass and warm wood tones feel rich, not dated.

• Classical proportions make rooms feel balanced and intentional.

FAQ: In Which We Answer All of Your Questions (More or Less).

Q: “Is ash wood right for my project?” A: Ash is versatile. It works in modern lofts, classic brownstones, and everything in between. If you’re unsure, we’ll send you samples so you can see (and feel) it in your space.

Q: “How much does custom furniture cost?” A: It depends on the piece, species of wood, and many other factors, but as noted above ash is a good mid-range material.

Q: “How long does a custom piece take?” A: Typical lead times are 6-8 weeks but sometimes faster, depending on the project.

Q: “Do you work with designers?” A: For sure. We offer free consultations and are happy to discuss any projects that you may have in mind.

Q: “Can you match a specific style?” A: Yes. Send us your design inspiration pics and and we will get back to you quickly with some ideas.

Q: “Do you ship outside NYC?” A: Yes! We ship nationwide and offer white-glove delivery in the tri-state area.

Q: “How do I care for handcrafted wood furniture?” A: Keep it simple. Dust regularly, avoid direct sunlight, and wipe spills with a damp cloth.

— Joe Ferrara, Founder, Sound Designs New York