Every new year brings a fresh wave of excitement for home design. We all love seeing what’s new on the horizon, but as we look toward 2026, it is important to distinguish between timeless style and fleeting fads. While some trends might look great on social media, they don’t always translate well to real life, especially for busy families here in Northern Colorado.
At Sutherlands Lumber & Design Gallery, we believe your home should work for you today and five years from now. To help you plan your next project, we have gathered a few trends you might want to reconsider as we approach 2026.
1. Excessive Minimalism
The “ultra-minimalist” look has had a long run, often featuring stark white rooms, hidden storage, and very little personality. While a clutter-free home is wonderful, stripping a space of all warmth can make it feel sterile rather than welcoming.
The Solution: Instead of cold minimalism, aim for “warm functionality.” Use natural textures like wood and stone to add character. Sutherlands offers a wide variety of tile and flooring options that provide clean lines without sacrificing the cozy feel of a family home.
2. Impractical Open Shelving
Open shelving in the kitchen looks beautiful in magazines, but it requires constant dusting and perfectly organized dishes to maintain that aesthetic. For most households, it becomes more of a chore than a design feature.
The Solution: Consider a mix of storage solutions. Use glass-front cabinet doors to display your favorite pieces while keeping dust away. Our design team can help you create a kitchen design that balances display space with practical, closed storage for everyday items.
3. Gray-on-Gray Everything
For years, gray has been the safe, go-to neutral. However, the all-gray interior is starting to feel dated and can sometimes appear gloomy, especially during the winter season.
The Solution: Shift towards warmer neutrals. Beiges, soft creams, and warm earth tones are making a big comeback. These shades create a more inviting atmosphere and pair beautifully with natural wood elements. If you love gray, try using it as an accent rather than the main event.
4. Overly Bold Accent Walls
Bold accent walls, like vivid paints, dramatic wallpapers, or graphic murals, have gained popularity for injecting personality into a space. But when taken too far, these statement walls can quickly feel overwhelming or go out of style, making your home harder to refresh or update down the road.
The Solution: Consider subtle texture or layered, complementary tones rather than a single, bold focal wall. Incorporate personality through décor, artwork, or changeable textiles instead. Our team at Sutherlands can help you choose timeless finishes and materials that will compliment your evolving taste for years to come.
Building for the Future with Sutherlands
Designing a home with the future in mind doesn’t mean you have to ignore trends completely. It means choosing quality materials and classic layouts that serve as a strong foundation for your personal style.
At Sutherlands, we are here to guide you toward choices that stand the test of time. Whether you are looking for durable flooring, custom cabinetry, or expert advice on home design, our team is ready to help you create a space that is both stylish and sensible. Stop by Sutherlands Lumber & Design Gallery today and let’s build a home you’ll love in 2026 and beyond.
