American Society of Interior Designers: Trends to Watch in 2026
The American Society of Interior Designers released its 2026 Trends Outlook report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the forces shaping the interior design profession amid rapid social, technological and economic change.
The annual report examines shifts in lifestyle, wellness, technology, the workforce and the economy, and outlines how these dynamics are redefining expectations for the built environment. Drawing from a cross-sector lens — from sustainability and adaptive living to artificial intelligence and design — the report provides critical context to help interior designers anticipate change and make informed decisions in the year ahead.
From economic uncertainty to generational change, evolving societal values continue to shape client expectations and demand across design sectors. Key insights include:
Economic conditions
Consumers and institutions are becoming more selective, value-conscious and outcome-driven. Rather than prioritizing scale, investment is concentrating on spaces that support performance, well-being, flexibility and long-term value — elevating the role of design in delivering measurable results.
Living arrangements and relationships
Baby boomers are rethinking how and with whom they live. Downsizing, co-living, aging-in-place strategies and urban “senior roommate” models are gaining traction, particularly in high-cost cities. Many are balancing independence with multigenerational caregiving responsibilities, driving demand for housing models centered on dignity, adaptability and connection, rather than age-based segregation.
The report also examines trends shaping specific design sectors, including residential and commercial environments. Additional highlights include:
The sustainability paradox: Technology vs. conservation
The very technologies meant to increase efficiency are driving higher energy demand. Smart systems, AI-enabled devices and connected homes add significant load to individual spaces and place growing strain on an electrical grid that is not evolving at the same pace. Designers are increasingly called upon to build energy literacy into their work — carefully modeling loads, anticipating future demand and planning beyond essential systems. The rapid expansion of AI data centers intensifies this challenge, raising questions about energy use, water consumption and environmental impact even as AI delivers benefits in forecasting, optimization and monitoring.
Procurement: Cost pressure and volatility
While manufacturers report strong order volumes, pricing volatility driven by tariffs, materials and labor remains a significant challenge. Nearly three-quarters of firms report raising prices to offset rising costs, prompting a shift toward greater transparency, flexibility and strategic sourcing across the supply chain.
The ASID 2026 Trends Outlook report is the first installment in ASID’s three-part Outlook series, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, and will be followed later this year by the Economic Outlook and State of Interior Design reports. The report is available for download at asid.org. It is free to ASID members and available for purchase for nonmembers.
