5 Interior Design Trends for 2026 — How to Apply Them in Your Montana Home

 ‘Tis the season for interior design trend predictions, and it seems like everyone from celebrity designers to your next-door neighbor has an opinion. But which of these trends are timeless enough to incorporate in your new build or remodel project? And which design elements will actually work in the big skies of Montana?

As we look ahead to 2026, here is my curated list of design elements worth considering, as well as advice on how you can thoughtfully bring these trends into your own Montana home - whether it’s in Whitefish, Lakeside or Bigfork.

1. Warm, Earth-Driven Colors That Echo the Landscape

2026 is seeing a decisive move away from cool grays and stark whites toward earthy, vibrant palettes rooted in nature - deep ochres, mossy greens, rich terracottas, and muted blues that evoke river water under open skies. (Good Housekeeping)

For a Montana home, this trend feels especially right. The colors of the landscape - sagebrush, clay soils, lodgepole forests, alpine lakes - can become your interior color story.

How to apply it:

• While greiges and whites are still enduring paint colors, choose a hue with warm undertones on living room walls. Most new build projects in Montana are designed to take advantage of the views and have plenty of natural light, so make the warm paint color your backdrop rather than the star of the show.

• Introduce darker colors such as olive or deep plum in moody spaces like media rooms or bedrooms where you want a rich, enveloping feel.

• Layer in these tones through textiles like wool throws, linen draperies, and area rugs that feel tactile and grounded.

By pairing saturated, earthy hues with Montana’s natural light, you create interiors that feel intentional rather than trendy.

2. Texture as the New Luxury

Texture isn’t just an add-on in 2026—it is the way to bring richness and depth into a home. Designers are recommending layered materials: smooth stone against reclaimed wood, nubby wool rugs, artisanal wall finishes, and organic upholstery and bedding. (Homes & Gardens)

Montana spaces naturally lean into this trend. Whether you’re in a modern mountain build or a rustic log home, texture deepens the sense of place.

How to apply it:

• Look around and note existing textures that can’t be changed in your space – does your home have rough-hewn logs or a polished concrete floor? Introduce contrast by juxtaposing rough and smooth, such as grasscloth wallpaper next to steel.

• Use slate or honed stone around fireplaces or kitchen islands to give a tactile edge that stays true to natural Montana materials.

• Bring in textile where you least expect it. Whether it’s a specialty plaster finish in a bedroom or wallpaper on the ceiling, taking a risk can pay off.

Rather than flat, one-note spaces, texture turns every room into a tactile experience.

3. Architectural Details That Feel Intentional

Interior design in 2026 embraces architectural details - think layered moldings, picture-frame wall trim, and expressive millwork. These elements add depth and character without feeling fussy. (Elle Décor)

In some of the larger homes that we’re seeing built in Montana nowadays, intentional architectural details can save a home from feeling bland.

How to apply it:

• Introduce panel molding or added trim on walls of dining areas or bedrooms to create sophisticated yet warm spaces.

• Curves are continuing to be popular in the right spaces. Use arched doorways, niches or built-in shelving to define and separate spaces.

• In wooden interiors, celebrate fluted or textured cabinetry to elevate kitchens and baths while remaining tactile and practical.

The result is a home that feels like a reflection of your personal style, not just a big blank box.

4. Wellness-Oriented Design for Everyday Life

Well-being continues to shape design choices in 2026. Beyond aesthetics, homes are now expected to support how we live, move, and breathe. (Axios)

For Montana homeowners - where connection to nature and seasonal rhythm is part of life - design that promotes comfort, health, and calm is especially vital.

How to apply it:

• Prioritize spa-inspired bathrooms with natural stone, warm wood tones, and ample light so that the space feels like a retreat, not just somewhere to wash your hair.

• Create reading nooks near windows that frame mountain views and invite relaxation - a place to pause daily.

• Consider natural ventilation and light in your layout, blending indoor and outdoor elements to maximize daylight and air flow.

If you have the space for a home gym or yoga room, that can be a great way to bring wellness into your home during long winters.

5. Natural Wood Kitchens

A standout trend highlighted by Vogue for 2026 is the resurgence of natural wood kitchens, celebrating the beauty and character of timber as a central design element. Rather than matching, mass-produced cabinets, I’m seeing new homes with bespoke woodwork that feels organic and lived-in. (Vogue)

Here in the Flathead Valley, we’re lucky to have so many talented woodworkers and cabinet makers that can produce one-of-a-kind pieces. What better place than Montana to embrace warm, natural wood cabinetry that echoes the forest and landscape surrounding us?

How to apply it:

• Kitchens are moving away from one uniform cabinet system and instead using richer wood tones - oak, walnut, and hickory – sometimes in finishes that will age gracefully and develop character over time.

• In a mountain kitchen, use custom wood islands or standalone cabinetry crafted by local artisans. Let each piece feel like it was handcrafted rather than factory-ordered.

• Don’t shy away from using more than one color or tone – such as uppers and lowers in a kitchen. Darker colors like charcoal or navy blue pair especially well with wood tones.

Natural wood pairs beautifully with stone countertops and metal accents like stainless steel or bronze, achieving warmth and function in a space that is often the heart of the home.

The 2026 Landscape

The interior design landscape of 2026 is rich with depth, texture, color, and intention. What ties all these trends together is a focus on environments that feel meaningful, comfortable, and at home in nature - qualities that naturally resonate with life in Montana.

Whether you’re renovating a lakeside retreat or refreshing a mountain lodge, these trends can be adapted to enhance your space while honoring the landscape that surrounds it. And as you consider design choices this year, think about how each element - color, texture, form, and finish - can create a home that feels both timeless and deeply yours.