15 Design Trends HGTV Editors Can't Wait To Say Goodbye to This Year

A new year brings new trends, which means some popular styles might feel outdated in 2026. Whether you love to follow the fads or prefer a more timeless approach to decorating your home, you might be surprised by some of the design ideas the HGTV editors think are on the way out.

From fluted furniture to open-concept kitchens, our design editors are naming the top trends they are ready to say goodbye to in the new year — plus some decorating ideas they'd love to see instead.

"Gray floors feel cold and unwelcoming," says editor Lauren Fansler. "Without the right balance of texture, color and decor, gray flooring can give off an industrial vibe that feels more functional than cozy. In 2026, I want to lean into more rich, warm tones that are inviting and help create a space that feels more like a retreat."

"Can we all agree that it's time to say goodbye to under-cabinet lighting? Yes, it can be helpful during late-night baking sessions and early morning lunch packing, but the brightness of these lights often reads as harsh and modern — not homey and relaxed," says newsletter editor Ellie Sanders. "The fix: mini kitchen lamps. At this point, you've probably seen them everywhere and for good reason. They're the perfect solution to the countertop lighting problem."

Ellie is also ready to say goodbye to accent walls. "Dare I say it? Accent walls have had their time to shine; 2026 is the year of commitment — and I say this as someone with a very stark, dark blue accent wall in my living room," she says. "Given the rise of trends that lean into all things cozy, curated and intentional, I've been inspired by spaces that go all-in on color-drenching, bold wallpapers, built-ins, etc."

"Open-concept kitchens can stay in 2025," says Ellie. "This wide open style has ruled the design space for years, and of course, there are some real benefits, but as someone who's always had a closed-concept kitchen, I'm excited to see that they're finally in vogue," she says. "A closed kitchen is a host's secret weapon. Having a hidden place to prep, plate and hide your dirty dishes is a game-changer."

"Muted greens have been the new neutral of the past few years, but I think these gray-tinted green tones are poised to be the next millenial gray and will start to look dated fast," says online editor Noelle Paredes. "If you still love green (like this millenial!), try leaning into richer, warmer shades like forest or olive."

Editor Caroline Alkire says "this year, white on white on white needs to go. Don’t get me wrong, white works in almost any space — I personally love a cream-colored sofa — but white always needs a warm friend. In 2026, I plan on embracing pattern (plaid is on the top of my list); natural colors like olive greens and chocolate browns; and a little bit of maximalist energy."

"A perfectly coordinated furniture set may take the guesswork out of decorating, but it also makes a space feel dated. It’s time to let go of matching sets in favor of curated pieces that bring personality and joy into your home," says Kristie Collado, editorial manager. "A great way to do this is by leaning into vintage home furnishings (who doesn't love an afternoon at the antique store?) or commissioning a piece from a local craftsman. Both can be eco-friendly alternatives to fast furniture, providing you with a piece that tells a story."

"Fluting feels like it's everywhere: walls, furniture, kitchen islands, fireplaces," says managing editor Shannon Phillips. "I do like the way it looks in small doses, but it feels a bit overdone and seems like a dust magnet."

"I’ve never been a big fan of open shelving in the kitchen. It looks nice if all of your kitchenware is perfectly coordinated, but I don’t think that’s practical for most people," says Shannon. "I also can’t help but picture all the dirt and grime that would build up on the exposed items unless they’re used and washed very regularly. I’ll take a kitchen with ample closed cabinetry any day!"

"I’m pretty tired of the all-neutral trend, where every element of a room is a shade of white, cream, beige, brown or gray. I get the appeal — the look is very soothing and it makes it easier to create a cohesive space — but it’s been done so much that it feels dull to me," says Shannon. "I’m really glad to see more color in recent home designs and hope the trend continues in 2026."

"The latest style that punctuates quick-turn home renovations (read: flips) is something called 'organic modern' or 'soft luxury.' You’ve seen it: Creams and whites accented by spare black trim. Throw in a wall randomly covered in wood slats. It’s meant to evoke calm and warmth, but it just feels soulless to me," says editorial director Lauren Piro. "And the style doesn’t pair well with the homier accents, like textiles and photographs, you’ll want to add to your space. Who asked for this?"

"Maximalism resurged in recent years as a response to minimalism, but I think I've had enough of both. Rather than extremes, I'm ready for balance. There's no need to get rid of all decoration and contrast and be completely minimalist but also no reason to go overboard with 10 patterns in a space and stuff everywhere. A balanced design is comfortable and timeless," says senior editorial director, Kelly Smith Trimble.

"It has been all the rage to paint the kitchen island a differing color from wall-mounted cabinetry for several years now, but I predict this trend will soon fade away," says Lauren Fansler. "If you are still loving the two-toned look, consider opting for a white oak or stained wood island to contrast your other cabinets."

"I’m a fan of bold colors in my decor and clothing, but layers of animal-print wallpaper and textiles and jungle-inspired sculptures are a step too far for me," says editorial coordinator Sabrina Choudhary. "Small accents, like an animal-shaped lamp or a set of bookends, can add a touch of whimsy, but personally, I’d leave the more experimental choices to hotel lobbies in 2026."