(January 27, 2026 - Washington, D.C.) – The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) today released its 2026 Trends Outlook report, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, offering a comprehensive analysis of the forces shaping the interior design profession amid rapid social, technological, and economic change.
The annual report examines shifts in lifestyle, wellness, technology, the workforce and the economy, and outlines how these dynamics are redefining expectations for the built environment. Drawing from a cross-sector lens—from sustainability and adaptive living to artificial intelligence and design—the report provides critical context to help interior designers anticipate change and make informed decisions in the year ahead.
“To best serve clients and communities, designers must understand how broader societal shifts are influencing the way people live, work, and connect,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “As the only professional association representing all sectors of interior design, ASID has a responsibility to deliver timely, comprehensive insights. The 2026 Trends Outlook goes beyond identifying trends—it translates them into practical, actionable guidance designers can apply to strengthen their businesses and amplify their impact.”
The report is authored by ASID Research Fellow, Dr. S. Dawn Haynie and ASID Director of Communications, Lindsey Koren, with contributions from Cynthia Harrison, designer, SuccinctStudio, and members of the ASID Trends and Futures Committee, a multidisciplinary group of designers and educators focused on advancing adaptive, future-ready design solutions.
From economic uncertainty to generational change, evolving societal values continue to shape client expectations and demand across design sectors. Key insights include:
Economic Conditions
Consumers and institutions are becoming more selective, value-conscious, and outcome-driven. Rather than prioritizing scale, investment is concentrating on spaces that support performance, well-being, flexibility, and long-term value—elevating the role of design in delivering measurable results.
Living Arrangements and Relationships
Baby boomers are rethinking how and with whom they live. Downsizing, co-living, aging-in-place strategies, and urban “senior roommate” models are gaining traction, particularly in high-cost cities. Many are balancing independence with multigenerational caregiving responsibilities, driving demand for housing models centered on dignity, adaptability, and connection, rather than age-based segregation.
Maximalism Returns
After years of restraint, cultural expression is swinging back toward boldness and individuality. Quiet luxury is giving way to saturated color, playful silhouettes, and visible personality. Celebrity influence is accelerating the shift, with cobalt blue emerging as a standout hue, Y2K-era denim resurging, and bold beauty choices—like dramatic bangs and statement hair—signaling confidence and individuality. The mood is optimistic, nostalgic, and deliberately noticeable.
The report also examines trends shaping specific design sectors, including residential and commercial environments. Additional highlights include:
The Sustainability Paradox: Technology vs. Conservation
The very technologies meant to increase efficiency are driving higher energy demand. Smart systems, AI-enabled devices, and connected homes add significant load to individual spaces and place growing strain on an electrical grid that is not evolving at the same pace. Designers are increasingly called upon to build energy literacy into their work—carefully modeling loads, anticipating future demand, and planning beyond essential systems. The rapid expansion of AI data centers intensifies this challenge, raising questions about energy use, water consumption, and environmental impact even as AI delivers benefits in forecasting, optimization, and monitoring. Public opinion reflects this tension, with rising bipartisan support for nuclear energy as part of the solution.
Urban Transformation
American cities are undergoing another major transformation as remote work reshapes how people live, work, and interact with urban environments. Suburban migration accelerated post-COVID, density became a concern, and reliance on central business districts declined. Commercial real estate has faced persistently high office vacancies, rising public safety concerns, and financial pressures amplified by higher interest rates. CBRE categorizes 19 U.S. markets into four archetypes—Super Cities, Mixed Majors, Sprawling Darlings, and Developing Destinations—highlighting divergent recovery paths shaped by economic, demographic, and urban characteristics.
The final section of the report addresses trends influencing the business of interior design, including operational and strategic considerations. Findings include:
Global Risk Environment
According to the “Global Risks Report 2025” geopolitical conflict, climate extremes, societal polarization, and rapid technological change are creating an increasingly volatile operating environment. For design practices, these overlapping risks underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and scenario planning.
Procurement: Cost Pressure and Volatility
While manufacturers report strong order volumes, pricing volatility driven by tariffs, materials, and labor remains a significant challenge. Nearly three-quarters of firms report raising prices to offset rising costs, prompting a shift toward greater transparency, flexibility, and strategic sourcing across the supply chain.
The ASID 2026 Trends Outlook report is the first installment in ASID’s three-part Outlook series, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, and will be followed later this year by the Economic Outlook and State of Interior Design reports.
The report is available for download at asid.org. It is free to ASID members and available for purchase for nonmembers. Members of the press may request a copy by contacting majesty@novitapr.com.