2026 TRENDS THAT WORK FOR OLD HOUSES 

A guide to 2026 interior design trends for period homes, Victorian and Edwardian houses, and other older properties.  

See the trends, choose if you follow

Studio Wallander is not trend-driven, nor is it beholden to what is hot or not. What works in a house works, whether it is everywhere online or not. However, 2026 is proving to be a year when the trend-gods decree that old houses and their styles will suddenly be the hottest thing. Below are eight incoming trends which not only suit but also highlight period properties’ bones and structures. Step into the new year knowing that as well as loving your old-world aesthetic, you are also as trendy as Pantone’s Cloud Dancer colour of the year (not included on the list due to it being, well, white). 

1. Heritage maximalism and nostalgia 

Back to the past with pattern, colour and a ‘more is not more, but more is thought through’ attitude. Old-fashioned patterns (note, not dated) such as florals and paisley from Victorian and Edwardian interiors, fabrics like chintz and damask give a British sensibility when paired with strong colours and dark woods (both part of the 2026 trend movement). The key is to be intentional and not shy.  Accent walls are on the wane; go all out if you choose a patterned wallpaper. If choosing a new sofa, make it bold. 

SW tip – don't be afraid of mixing patterns. Consider the colours and make sure they stay in the same family and suit the architecture of your period home. 

2. Dark woods 

Darker woods such as walnut and mahogany are back with a vengeance and feel completely natural in Victorian and Edwardian houses and other period homes. We have experienced the derision of brown furniture; now it is sought after again. The blonde woods of Scandinavian design and mid-century pieces will still be around if that is your style, however, the heavier, more stable feel of darker woods matches the need for a more solid impression. 

SW tip – look for small side tables, nightstands or lamps with dark wood bases if you do not want to commit to larger pieces of furniture. 

3. Metals other than chrome 

2025 was the year of silver and chrome. 2026 leans into the warmer metals such as brass and bronze in both kitchens and bathrooms of older houses. These metals chime with the heritage intention and darker woods, and hark back to a slower world of proper heritage hardware and solid fittings. Kitchen hardware and light switches will feel substantial and more butler’s pantry than stainless steel commercial kitchen. 

SW tip – if you like your metals alive, opt for unlacquered brass. It will start nice and bright and then acquire a darker patina and start to show its age. If you wish for clarity again, simply polish it and it will be as good as new. Living finishes like this do spot and mark, which suits relaxed period homes but not everyone’s tolerance for upkeep. 

4. Strong and deep colours 

Paint and fabrics will lean towards the deeper end of the colour spectrum in 2026 interior design trends for period homes. Particularly blues and browns will flourish, sitting neatly next to each other. Wallpaper matched with coloured woodwork, the avoidance of bright white and the painted ceiling are still going strong. 

SW tip – when painting woodwork or the ceiling, look for a colour in your fabrics or wallpaper and match that. It does not need to be the pre-dominant colour. If you want to have a white, never use bright white on walls or woodwork in a period home. Choose an off-white with an undertone that speaks to the main colour in your patterns. 

5. Pattern combinations in tiling 

Patterned tiles will sit next to plain, and more than one pattern can be used in hallways, bathrooms and Victorian-style entrance floors. Whimsical combinations, spliced up by a plain colour will ensure pattern overload is avoided and will enable you to have more than one of your favourite tiles. 

SW tip – make sure to only pick this trend if you love the idea. Changing tiles is laborious and can prove expensive. It is not something to commit to unless you are certain you will be able to live with your choices for a long time.

6. Art Deco 

Deco is back with a softer take. It has been on the way in for the last few years but now it is firmly here. However, despite being slightly watered down, it is not something one dips one’s toe in. Art Deco is a full-on commitment and truly works best in the corresponding architecture, such as Art Deco flats, 1930s houses and interwar apartments. If you are fortunate enough to own a property that lends itself to the clean geometrics and mints, pinks and blacks, make the most of it. 

SW tip – look for mirrors with geometric shapes, opt for glossy tiles, and always add a small amount of black somewhere in the space. 

7. Natural materials 

Woods, stone, crafts and skill suit period homes. 2026 suggests a return to real materials and a move away from plastics. It might be a reaction to the overload of fake surfaces that has dominated for a very long time. That said, not everything will be what it seems. Techniques such as scagliola (a craft made to imitate stone) mimic the real deal whilst still being produced with proper materials. For more information on such crafts see our essay ‘Smoke and Mirrors'. 

Good-quality veneers and engineered stone can also earn their place where solid materials are impractical. 

SW tip – Look for dowelled joints, dovetail drawers and solid timber backs in antique furniture; these are all signs of quality joinery in older pieces. Use linen, cotton and wool in upholstery and window treatments for tactility. 

8. Curtains other than on windows 

Think door coverings, room dividers, and curtains covering your washing machine. It brings in a cottage feel without taking the whole countryside with it. You get one more shot at bringing in patterns, and, for instance, chintz will look amazing and stop it being overbearing. Don’t be precious about hanging methods. Rods, or tracks will work. Just make sure that whatever you use is either beautiful or hidden. Portière rods work wonders in small spaces with no returns. Make sure the length is not too short but avoid puddling if you are not a keen cleaner.  

SW tip – If you are not keen on heavy patterns, go for a ticking stripe or plain linen or cotton. If trying to shut out draught, opt for an interlined wool curtain.

It's not the law, just inspiration

In the end, trends are exactly that. The 2026 interior design trends that work for older houses and period properties will come and go. They are not so much trends as timeless designs that are currently trending. If you love them, bring them into your home. Indeed, if you love them, they might already be there. If you do not care for chintz, or maximalism, feel free to sit this one out. Design your home according to what works for you and your house. Whether it chimes with this list of interior design trends that will change next year again really is irrelevant. 

If you wish to explore your style, consider booking an online Parlour Consultation