Designing for 2026: Creating Homes That Feel Timeless, Not Trendy

Designed by JL Norris Design

As we head into 2026, I’m noticing a meaningful shift in the way people want their homes to feel. Instead of asking, “What’s the latest trend?” the question has become, “Will I still love this in five or ten years?”

And honestly—I love that.

At JL Norris Design, timeless design has always been at the heart of what I do. My goal isn’t to create a home that looks good for a moment, but one that feels right for the long term—a space that’s uniquely you, filled with pieces you truly love, thoughtfully curated over time or meaningfully inherited.

That philosophy is woven into everything I do—“Uniquely You, from Old to New.” I believe the most beautiful homes are layered with items you love, pieces you’ve collected over the years, and meaningful elements that tell your story. When those pieces are brought together intentionally, the result is a home that feels cohesive, personal, and truly timeless.

So as we look ahead to 2026, here’s how I’m approaching design—and what that means for your home.

Timeless Over Trendy

Design trends will always come and go, but a well-designed home should be able to grow with you. My approach has always been rooted in creating classic foundations—ones that work across a variety of styles, not just a single moment in time. By focusing on enduring materials, thoughtful layouts, and finishes that won’t feel dated a few years from now, a home can feel both current and lasting.

When those foundational elements are done well, your style has room to evolve naturally. You can layer in new pieces, refresh accents, or subtly shift the mood without needing to redesign from scratch. It’s about creating a home that supports change while still feeling grounded and cohesive.

Intentional design has nothing to do with chasing trends. It’s about honoring what you already have and truly love—then thoughtfully building upon it. The pieces that hold meaning, tell your story, and feel like you are where great design begins.

Yes, we gather inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and beautifully styled magazines—but those spaces aren’t real life. They’re carefully curated moments, layered and edited by designers to spark ideas, not blueprints to copy. When we try to replicate someone else’s home, we often lose the personal connection that makes a space feel authentic.

Your home should reflect your life, your memories, and your style. Intentional design is about slowing down, making purposeful choices, and creating spaces that feel lived in, loved, and uniquely yours—not what’s “in” this season, but what feels right when you walk through the door.

Because the most beautiful homes aren’t designed for trends or likes—they’re designed for the people who live there.

Designed to Evolve, Not Be Replaced

Your home should feel complete, comfortable, and livable—while still leaving room for growth. Life changes, and over time, your needs and style will shift. By designing with strong foundations and timeless elements, your home can adapt naturally, allowing you to evolve it thoughtfully instead of starting over.

When the bones are right—layout, scale, and key pieces—you can refresh and layer over time without losing the heart of the space. This approach isn’t just more intentional; it’s more sustainable and more meaningful. Your home grows with you, season by season, rather than being replaced every few years.

Some of the design directions I’m loving right now reflect this philosophy beautifully:

• Warm neutrals layered with natural wood tones, creating a calm, inviting backdrop that allows you to add personality through rugs, artwork, and accent pillows in colors you love—now or years from now.

  

  Design by: www.todhunterearle.com

  
  

• Color-drenched rooms in hues that give you life, paired with layered fabrics, textured wallpapers, and subtle patterns. These spaces feel rich and intentional while remaining timeless when done thoughtfully.

  

  Design by JL Norris Design

  
  

• Furniture with classic lines and proper scale, chosen for longevity—pieces that can transition from home to home and adapt to different life seasons as your family and lifestyle evolve.

  

  JL Norris Design Curated Living Room

  
  

Designing for 2026 isn’t about predicting the next big trend—it’s about creating homes that feel grounded, personal, and enduring. Spaces that tell your story today and still feel like home years from now.

Because timeless design isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.