As the calendar turns to 2026, the world of home design is bracing for a vibrant shakeup. Pinterest, the digital mood board and trend oracle, has released its much-anticipated Pinterest Predicts report, and this year’s forecast is bolder and more eclectic than ever. With a keen eye on the data, Pinterest’s annual report has become a lodestar for both design enthusiasts and industry insiders, reliably predicting the trends that will soon dominate Instagram feeds and living rooms alike. According to The Everygirl, who covered the report’s release on December 9, 2025, the upcoming year promises a mix of heritage, whimsy, and futuristic flair, all rooted in personal expression and optimism.
One of the most striking predictions is the meteoric rise of Afrobohemian—or Afrohemian—decor. This trend, a joyful fusion of African heritage and bohemian spirit, is set to take center stage in 2026. Searches for "Afrobohemian home decor" have soared by an astonishing 220% compared to last year, as reported by both The Everygirl and AOL. What’s driving this surge? It’s all about celebrating culture through vibrant Nigerian textiles, Ethiopian wall art, handwoven baskets, and natural fiber rugs. The look is rich in color, texture, and storytelling, with Pinterest users seeking inspiration on how to layer different fabrics and organic materials. As House Beautiful noted on December 10, 2025, this trend encourages layering lush indoor plants in terracotta pots and mixing earth-toned paint palettes for a grounding, expressive space. Whether it’s a rattan accent chair or a jute rug, every piece tells a story—one that’s as much about heritage as it is about style.
But 2026 isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about looking forward—way forward. The futuristic, celestial, and "alien core" aesthetics are set to launch home design into the stratosphere. According to The Everygirl, searches for "alien core aesthetic" are up 80%, signaling a growing appetite for metallic finishes, iridescent colors, and furniture shapes that feel plucked from a sci-fi flick. House Beautiful expands on this, highlighting a 115% increase in searches for "opalescent" decor and a surge in holographic accents and moon-dust finishes. This trend isn’t just about visual spectacle; it also offers a sense of wonder and escape, inviting homeowners to experiment with star- or planet-shaped lighting, iridescent glassware, and galactic prints. AOL’s coverage adds that the celestial aesthetic leans into soft, angelic color palettes—think white, ivory, and frosty lavender—while still leaving room for playful sci-fi elements. It’s a trend that invites both subtlety and spectacle, depending on how far you want to go.
Not to be outdone, the circus has come to town—at least in spirit. Circus-inspired interiors are on the rise, with Pinterest reporting a 130% increase in searches for "circus interior" and a 50% jump for "circus nursery." The Everygirl points out that this trend isn’t about recreating a big top in your living room, but rather injecting a sense of whimsy through stripes, bold color combos, and vintage circus art. House Beautiful describes it as "Fun Haus" maximalism, where bold stripes and sculptural silhouettes bring a hint of clownish charm without overwhelming the senses. The trick, according to the experts, is balance: pair punchy patterns with pared-back palettes, or anchor a room with a few standout pieces. The result is a space that feels playful, optimistic, and uniquely yours.
Meanwhile, a modern twist on a classic is making a comeback. Art Deco, the Gatsby-era style known for its geometric patterns and luxurious materials, is evolving into what Pinterest calls "Neo Deco." As both AOL and House Beautiful report, Neo Deco is a sleeker, moodier version of its predecessor, featuring deep jewel tones, funky patterns, and metallic accents in chrome or brass. The palette is shifting too—ruby red is giving way to burgundy, amethyst to chocolate brown, and royal blue to deep navy. According to The Everygirl, searches for "red marble bathroom" and "brass aesthetic" are on the rise, indicating a move toward bold, opulent, and geometric design elements. The key to Neo Deco is layering: start with a statement piece, like an antique bar cart or a pendant lamp, then build in more details for a look that’s both maximalist and serene.
Of course, no trend roundup would be complete without a nod to color. Blue, in all its icy incarnations, is set to dominate 2026. Dubbed "Cool Blue" by House Beautiful, this trend is all about bringing soothing, glacier-inspired hues into the home. Searches for "icy blue" and "glacier aesthetic" are up 50% and 35%, respectively, while blue drinks and accessories are making a splash in both decor and entertaining. AOL notes that light, cool-toned blue accents can make small spaces feel brighter and more open, and Pinterest even predicts a rise in blue-tinted glassware for those looking to give their favorite drinks an ice-cold touch. The shade pairs beautifully with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, for a restful, cloud-like feel that’s both calming and chic.
But wait—there’s more. AOL highlights the "Cabbage Crush" biophilic trend, a quirky celebration of cabbage-shaped decor that merges cottagecore and garden girl aesthetics. From cabbageware bowls to ruffled napkin folds, this trend is all about infusing the home with playful natural motifs and a touch of whimsy. It’s a testament to the growing influence of biophilic design, which seeks to bring the outdoors in and foster a deeper connection with nature.
What ties all these trends together is a renewed focus on comfort, optimism, and personal expression. As Sydney Stanback, Pinterest’s global head of trends and insights, told House Beautiful, "In 2026, people will make these trends their own, put unique spins on each, and ensure that what’s trending never comes at the cost of personal expression." The data backs this up: whether it’s a 220% spike in Afrobohemian decor or the 80% jump in alien core searches, homeowners are seeking out styles that reflect their stories, dreams, and aspirations.
In a world that often feels uncertain, the home remains a sanctuary—a place where color, pattern, and heritage can come together in joyful harmony. As 2026 unfolds, expect to see interiors that are bolder, brighter, and more personal than ever before. The circus stripes, cosmic finishes, and heritage textiles are more than just trends; they’re invitations to play, experiment, and celebrate the spaces we call home.
