Turning the corner on 2025 means looking ahead to see what new ideas await design lovers in the coming year. According to Pinterest—which released 21 emerging trends across fashion, beauty, travel, home, and other lifestyle categories—2026 is set to pack a style punch. There’s a playful gummy-bear aesthetic, a dramatic opera look, and musings on cool-toned celestial blues, though we picked five other favorites we could actually see taking up space in our spaces.
If you take yourself seriously: Poetcore
What it is: With searches up 175% for the terms “the poet aesthetic,” this moody, cerebral look is a top contender. While it technically relates to attire, I suspect that this lofty bookworm vibe will quickly translate into our homes. Worn leather furniture, olive green lamp shades, plenty of oak or walnut bookcases, and a soft spot to land (or two).
How to use it: Got an empty corner in an office, your living room, or bedroom? That’s prime real estate for a bookish nook, either via a plush armchair or a small writing desk for journaling, pen paling, or, okay sure, some poetry.
Accessorize with it: Brennan Accent Chair in Performance Velvet, $825 at Quince
If you don’t take yourself too seriously: FunHaus
What it is: The complete flip side of Poetcore is FunHaus, which has a campy, circus vibe. If that sounds over-the-top, it’s really more what you make of it. Love stripes and checkerboard patterns already? You’re halfway there. Sculptural and bouncy silhouettes in seating and lighting add a touch of “clownish charm,” as Pinterest puts it.
How to use it: A little goes a long way here. Paint thick cabana stripes on your walls and up into your ceiling; maybe finish it off with a scallop border. Primary red is a key color to this theme, but balance it with pastels like sky blue and buttery yellow to keep things from getting too kitsch.
Accessorize with it: Circus Lamp in Red, $129 at Etsy
If you fancy yourself the “cool” friend: Neo Deco
What it is: “Leather banquette,” “red marble bathroom,” and “antique bar cart” are all trending search terms under the Neo Deco trend, which should paint a picture of what this look is. Part Art Deco, part contemporary modernism, it’s what all the cool kids are doing in their homes right now. There’s plenty of chrome or brass, fan arches, geometric patterns, and—gulp—maybe even some chevron prints again.
How to use it: A style like Neo Deco can be sprinkled into what you already have via a shiny chrome lamp, a sleek metal console table, or a luxurious marble tray in brown or burgundy—but it’s most effective when you’re fully committed. Go spare but impactful with materials, furnishings and finishes fit for a hip boutique hotel.
Accessorize with it: Pierce & Ward Marble Drink Table (13″), $199 at West Elm
If you love a bit of whimsy: Cabbage Crush
What it is: If you were to read the description about Cabbage Crush from Pinterest, you’d realize this trend refers to changing food preferences. But food-based design has a tendency to go viral thanks to TikTok and its eclectic leanings, and cabbage won’t just be gracing our meals but also our dinnerware next year.
How to use it: A cabbage leaf serving bowl or platter is just the whimsical touch your table needs to break through the monotony of all the matte earthenware that has saturated our dinner parties the last half a decade.
Accessorize with it: Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Olive Dish, $70 at Bloomingdale’s
If you need inspo for your kid’s room: Throwback Kid
What it is: More 1960s than 2026, Throwback Kid is a nostalgic, retro-inspired design for kids’ rooms and nursery. Vintage toys from the mid-century—or early 2000s according to the search data—bold primary colors, crochet and upcycled fashions come together to create a youthful and timeless space.
How to use it: Hit up places like eBay, your local thrift shop or peer-to-peer marketplaces for old school toys to display on shelving (be sure to research any recalls or safety concerns if your child will actually play with it). Or lean into punchy colors with a classic school clock in primaries, vintage trucks or a fun mushroom lamp or pillow.
Accessorize with it: Mushroom House Pillow, $39 at Pottery Barn Kids
The realtor.com® editorial team highlights a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration; clicking a link to the retailer that sells the product may earn u