The Cozy, Lived-In Design Style That’s Taking Over in 2026

Many people are looking for comfort at home right now. They want a sense of warmth and familiarity. So far, 2026 hasn’t felt like an era that sleek modern design is going to dominate. Many want their homes to welcome them in with open arms — to provide a retreat from the world.

According to The State of Home Design 2026 survey, the interior design world agrees: 43% of designers pointed to “Cozy Craftsman” as an emerging design style, which is exactly the “comfort food” of interiors that many people are craving this year. 

Here’s what you need to know about this decor style, and how you can bring it into your own home.

Imagine stepping into an early 20th-century bungalow, with all of its original wood paneling still intact. There’s a stained glass window by the front door, reflecting vibrant light across the hardwood floors. The original fireplace beckons you into the living room, where cozy layers of richly colored textiles and brown wood furniture bring a sense of nostalgia. This is craftsman at its core.

Craftsman design dates back to around 1900, with simple, handcrafted lines; beautifully functional built-ins; and warm wood taking center stage. It’s waxed and waned in popularity, but its main tenets — an emphasis on natural materials and handmade details — remain as relevant today as they were over a century ago.

Whether you live in a modern apartment or a city rowhome, you can bring elements of “Cozy Craftsman” into your own space. Introducing warm wood furniture is an easy way to acknowledge the natural wood trim and built-ins that are often featured in craftsman spaces without doing any renovation. Pieces like a handcrafted trunk or vintage wood chair add a cozy feeling, and you can often pick these items up at a thrift store. 

Several of the colors predicted to trend in 2026 play perfectly to the “Cozy Craftsman” look: 36% of designers are excited about a rich espresso brown this year, while warm mahogany, martini green, and marigold are all other popular choices. These warm colors, particularly when paired with wood and natural materials, feel like a shot of comfort in a hectic world. Craftsman rooms are often saturated and accented with pattern, which is fitting because 29% of designers anticipate using flora and fauna patterns this year (hello, arts and crafts icon William Morris).

You can also bring these colors and patterns into your home through accent pillows, throw blankets, or even a small reupholstered piece of furniture (a textured chenille — another trending material — would be perfect for a DIY upholstery project!).

And, if you’re up for a bigger commitment or a DIY challenge, think about adding a craftsman-inspired wallpaper to your foyer or a small nook in your home, or even stripping trim to bring back an original wood look.