Interior Design Trends 2026: Insights from the Cambria Design Panel

At construction2style, we are proud of a team that is always learning, evolving, and pushing forward. Growth is part of our culture. Whether it happens on a jobsite, inside the design studio, or during industry conversations with peers, we believe progress comes from staying curious and engaged.

This past week was no exception.

Our own Kayla Schulz, Director of Design + Operations + Events, was invited to participate in the Cambria Design Event, joining a panel of industry professionals to discuss the shifts shaping residential design and construction today and explore emerging interior design trends 2026 that are influencing how homes are planned, built, and experienced. It was a meaningful opportunity to share perspective, exchange ideas, and connect with others who are helping shape the homes of tomorrow.

If you have followed construction2style for a while, you may already know that we approach our work a little differently. Our company is often recognized for blending residential construction with lifestyle storytelling and digital media, bringing a modern perspective to how homes are designed, built, and ultimately shared with homeowners. For us, building homes is not just about materials and floor plans. It is about creating spaces that reflect the people who live in them and telling the story behind the process along the way.

One of the elements that made the Cambria event particularly special actually happened before the panel ever began.

Summer Kath of Cambria, Kasey Johnson and Regan Nix of Blue Pencil Collective, Sean Glessing of Sean’s Cabinetry and Kayla Schultz of construction2style taking a photo together after being on the panel and discussing interior design trends 2026

The evening prior to the event, the Cambria team invited all of the panelists to dinner. What might seem like a simple gesture turned out to be one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Spending time together in a relaxed, informal environment allowed everyone to get to know one another beyond professional titles and emails. Conversations flowed easily, ideas were exchanged, and genuine connections were made among people who share a passion for design, craftsmanship, and the evolving world of residential construction.

By the time the panel discussion began the following day, the stage no longer felt like a room full of strangers. Instead, it felt like a continuation of the conversation that had already started the night before. That sense of comfort and camaraderie made the discussion feel natural, thoughtful, and collaborative, exactly the kind of environment where meaningful ideas can surface.

And when the panel officially began, it became clear just how powerful that group of voices around the table truly was.

Katie Hronski of Cambria, stands at a podium in front of a group of designers and builders introducing the Interior Design trends 2026 panel

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Industry Experts Share Insights on Interior Design Trends 2026

Guests began arriving mid-morning, welcomed by a lively social hour that set the tone for the day. Designers, builders, architects, and industry partners gathered over coffee and conversation, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new collaborators. The relaxed start allowed everyone to settle in before the formal program began, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a community gathering than a traditional industry presentation.

Once the room filled, the event transitioned into the main panel discussion moderated by Cambria’s Executive VP of Design, Summer Kath, who guided the conversation with thoughtful questions about how design, construction, and craftsmanship are evolving today.

The panel brought together voices from different parts of the residential building world:

Summer Kath, VP of Design at Cambria is leading the Interior design trends 2026 panel: Kasey Johnson & Regan Nix of Blue Pencil Collective, Sean Glessing of Sean’s Cabinetry and Kayla Schultz of construction2style

Kasey Johnson and Regan Nix of Blue Pencil Collective, a Minneapolis-based interior design studio known for their layered interiors and collaborative approach to design.

Sean Glessing of Sean’s Cabinetry, a respected custom cabinetmaker whose work focuses on precision craftsmanship and cabinetry tailored specifically to how families live in their homes.

And representing construction2style was Kayla Schulz, Director of Design + Operations + Events, who brought a builder-designer perspective rooted in both construction experience and client relationships.

Together, the panel explored what they are seeing inside homes today not just stylistically, but emotionally and culturally as well.

Kayla Schultz: Designing Homes With Intention

One of the themes Kayla spoke about throughout the panel was the noticeable shift in how homeowners are approaching their projects, a shift that is shaping many of the interior design trends 2026. In recent years, she explained, clients are using language that was far less common a decade ago. More and more homeowners are describing their projects as “forever homes.”

That mindset naturally changes how people approach design decisions. Rather than playing it safe, homeowners are increasingly willing to invest in thoughtful design, personal expression, and spaces that truly support their lifestyle. Kayla noted that clients today are often more open to taking creative risks, selecting bolder materials, exploring layered design elements, and prioritizing how a home will function for them long term.

This shift also shows up in the types of spaces homeowners are requesting. Wellness has become a recurring theme in residential design conversations. Clients are thinking beyond square footage and focusing on how their homes can support their physical and emotional well-being, whether through calming environments, thoughtful lighting, or spaces designed specifically for rest, movement, or personal retreat.

Kayla Schultz of construction2style is answering a question on interior design trends 2026 at a Cambria panel discussion

Another key element of interior design trends 2026 that Kayla highlighted, was the gradual evolution of the open floor plan. While open living spaces remain popular, the concept is evolving. Instead of large undefined rooms, homeowners are increasingly drawn to spaces that feel more intentional, rooms with purpose, warmth, and a sense of place within the home.

Lighting, Kayla noted, has also moved much earlier in the design conversation. Rather than being treated as an afterthought once construction is underway, lighting is now becoming a foundational design element discussed early with homeowners. The right lighting can dramatically influence how a space feels, how materials are experienced, and how people move throughout the home.

AI & Technology Changing the Design Process

Kayla also shared how emerging technology is shaping the way design teams work with homeowners today.

At construction2style, AI has become a helpful tool for both internal workflows and client communication. Rather than relying solely on traditional search engines, the team often turns to AI first when working through complex ideas or refining communication.

Kayla recommended the book AI Driven Leader to the audience, sharing how it helped shape the way the team thinks about integrating AI into their workflow. The goal, she explained, is not to replace creativity or human decision-making, but to use technology as a guide and a thought partner.

a graphic of 16 AI and Strategy books that we recommend every business owner reads

Sometimes that means asking AI for assistance when drafting a complicated email. Other times it involves teaching AI the team’s tone of voice, so it can help structure ideas more clearly. In design conversations, AI tools can also help generate fast visual renderings that allow homeowners to better imagine a space they might otherwise struggle to visualize.

In many ways, technology is becoming another design tool, Kayla emphasized, one that helps bridge the gap between a client’s imagination and the final built environment.

A Thoughtful and Engaged Audience

Throughout the conversation, Kayla’s insights sparked thoughtful engagement from the audience. Attendees asked questions, shared observations from their own experiences, and continued the dialogue that had started the night before.

Events like this thrive when the audience participates, and this group clearly came ready to learn and exchange ideas.

Beyond the panel itself, Cambria’s team added some bonus interactive elements that made the event feel even more enjoyable. Guests could visit the permanent jewelry station hosted by The Locket Sisters, where many attendees selected a small piece to commemorate the day.

Nearby, Curio Rugs displayed a curated collection of beautiful rug samples, giving guests the opportunity to see and feel the textures firsthand while learning more about how thoughtfully sourced rugs can anchor and elevate a space.

Design Movements Shaping the Industry in 2026

After the panel conversation concluded, attendees gathered again for a presentation by Cambria’s Executive VP of Design, Summer Kath, who explored several deeper shifts influencing residential interiors today.

Rather than framing design as a rotating cycle of trends, Kath spoke about broader design movements. While many people refer to what is happening in the industry as interior design trends 2026, she explained that she prefers to describe them as movements. These movements reflect cultural changes and the way people increasingly want their homes to feel, not just how they want them to look. Her presentation centered on the growing influence of neuroaesthetics, a field that studies how the brain perceives and reacts to beauty, art, and the built environment.

Studies in neuroaesthetics suggest that nearly 98 percent of our response to a space happens subconsciously. Long before we analyze a room intellectually, our brain is already responding to it. The discipline combines neuroscience, psychology, architecture, and art to better understand how environments influence stress levels, emotional well-being, creativity, and overall mental health.

Summer Kath, VP of Design at Cambria is presenting on interior design trends 2026 and emphasizing earthy walnut that is leading in cabinetry this year

Kath explained that our brains instinctively react to several sensory components within a space: pattern, light, color, sound, and texture. When these elements are intentionally layered together, they shape environments that can feel calming, energizing, restorative, or grounding, even if the reason is difficult to articulate.

A key idea she introduced was the concept of slow design. Rather than focusing strictly on environmental metrics, slow design reframes sustainability as a commitment to longevity and emotional connection. Homeowners are increasingly moving away from constant redesign cycles and instead investing in fewer pieces that are crafted well, carry meaning, and are intended to last.

This approach celebrates craftsmanship, heritage materials, and interiors that feel rooted in a personal story, which we absolutely love at construction2style. It often involves preserving older elements, incorporating pieces with history, and selecting materials that age gracefully over time. The philosophy aligns closely with the mindset many builders, designers, and makers already value: thoughtful work that remains relevant and beautiful for decades.

Kath also discussed the rise of warm minimalism, a direction that softens the starkness traditionally associated with minimalist interiors. Instead of highly rigid or empty spaces, this approach focuses on restraint paired with comfort. Clean lines remain, but they are balanced with warmth, texture, and material richness.

In these interiors, simplicity is maintained while depth is introduced through sculptural furniture, layered natural materials, and carefully chosen accents. The goal is clarity without coldness, allowing spaces to feel both modern and inviting.

Another focus of the presentation was the role of finish and texture in shaping contemporary interiors. One slide highlighted how designers are increasingly working with tactile surfaces, pronounced textures, glossy finishes, soft fabrics, and antique elements. Rather than relying heavily on pattern or bold color shifts, richness is often created through contrast between materials. Smooth stone may sit beside carved wood, aged metals may be paired with soft textiles, and matte surfaces may be balanced by reflective ones.

Her presentation also touched on several 2026 Colors of the Year, which reflect this shift toward warmth, depth, and emotional resonance within interiors. Among the palettes highlighted were Hidden Gem by Behr, Warm Eucalyptus, Épernay, Little Greene Adventurer, Divine Dawson, Dutch Boy Melodious Ivory, and Warm Mahogany. These colors lean into natural tones, layered neutrals, and grounded hues designed to create spaces that feel both personal and restorative.

Together, these ideas set the stage for the panel discussion that followed, where professionals from different corners of the industry shared what they are seeing firsthand in their work with homeowners today.

Honored to Be in the Room & Share the Stage

Events like this remind us how important it is for our industry to gather, exchange ideas, and continue learning from one another. At construction2style, we are always honored to be invited into conversations that bring together designers, builders, makers, and thought leaders who care deeply about the future of the homes we create.

We have had the privilege of partnering with Cambria on many projects over the years, and we continue to admire the way their team fosters meaningful dialogue within the design community. Their commitment to bringing professionals together creates opportunities for real growth across the industry.

Being part of events like the Trends on Lock panel allows us to share what we are seeing in our own work while continuing to learn from others in the field. Just as importantly, it allows us to bring those conversations back to our readers. We have always believed in documenting and sharing what is happening in the industry, including the interior design trends 2026 that are shaping homes today, so homeowners can make informed decisions about their own spaces. We often explore these ideas on our blog, including past features like our guide to exterior design trends and earlier conversations about home design trends that continue to influence how people approach their homes.

Most importantly, we are incredibly proud of Kayla. Her ability to speak thoughtfully about design, construction, and the changing needs of homeowners reflects the values that guide our entire team. Watching her share her perspective alongside other respected voices in the industry was a moment that reminded us why we care so deeply about the work we do.