2026 Design Trends
As we look ahead to 2026, home design continues to evolve, blending innovation with a renewed appreciation for comfort. Homebuyers and owners in Charleston and beyond are increasingly seeking spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, mindful of their environmental impact, and reflective of their personal stories. Here’s a look at the key trends we predict will shape homes in the coming years!
"Grandpa Chic" is a playful, internet-friendly name for a much broader movement that is dominating design forecasts for 2026. Also known as Eclectic Grandpa or Modern Heritage, this emerging interior design aesthetic blends classic, comfortable, and nostalgic elements with a modern, curated sensibility. This movement is a strong counter-reaction to the past decade's bright white, stark minimalism, and cool gray palettes and the antithesis of stark, white-washed styles (like the previous "coastal grandmother" or "fisherman" looks). Instead, it creates a space that feels warm, collected, layered, and full of history, like a lived-in library or study. Here are the key elements that define Grandpa Chic:
1. The Vibe: Cozy and Collected
Lived-In, Not Perfect: The style actively avoids the "matchy-matchy" or overly-styled look. It suggests that the pieces were gathered over decades, often mixing different eras and styles (like a Victorian chest next to a Mid-Century Modern armchair).
Comfort is King: Furniture is generally overstuffed, inviting, and practical. Think deep-seated sofas, worn-in leather club chairs, and plenty of soft, chunky throw blankets.
2. Materials and Textures
Rich, Layered Textiles: The style relies heavily on texture. Look for wool, tweed, corduroy, velvet, rich leather (often with a visible patina), and thick knits.
Dark Woods and Metals: Dark, rich wood tones like mahogany, walnut, and cherry are key, often on built-in shelving, desks, and trim. Accents are typically in aged brass, bronze, or copper.8
3. Color and Pattern
Warm, Moody Palette: The color scheme is warm and sophisticated. Key colors include deep jewel tones like forest green, navy, deep ruby red, amber, and mustard yellow, contrasted with creamy neutrals.
Heritage Patterns: Classic, nostalgic patterns are embraced, especially in textiles and wallpaper: plaid (tartan), herringbone, houndstooth, and paisley.
4. Architectural and Decorative Details
Architectural Focus: It often highlights or adds classic architectural details, such as crown molding, wainscoting, and picture rails, to create a sense of heritage.
Curated Accessories: Decor consists of items with a story: stacks of vintage hardcover books, framed oil landscape paintings, old maps, small antique collections, family photos in gold frames, and quirky, traditional decorative objects (like globes or ceramic animal figurines).11
In essence, Grandpa Chic is about celebrating the elegance of tradition while making it supremely comfortable and highly personal for modern living.
Layering nicely with Grandpa Chic is Biophilic Design, which is focused on bringing the outdoors in. The connection to nature will deepen, with live greenery becoming an even more integral part of home aesthetics. This isn't just about adding a few houseplants; it's about integrating natural light, ventilation, and organic materials more thoughtfully into the structure and decor of a home. Expect to see homes designed to maximize views, incorporate indoor gardens or living walls, and utilize materials like natural wood, stone, and rattan.
Kitchens might feature herb walls, large windows overlooking lush greenery, and earthy color schemes that reflect the natural world.
Also playing nicely with Grandpa is Benjamin Moore’s color of the year: Silhouette, a dark warm slate that is reminiscent of tailored suiting and weaves in rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal.
