Bold is beautiful

Forget featureless white walls and cold, pale floors, a warm, rich colour palette is one of the key decorating trends this year — and it won’t break the budget to update your house if repainting isn’t on the cards.

Despite Pantone’s announcement of a “soft, serene and versatile” shade of white as 2026’s colour, interior designers and decorators are eschewing Cloud Dancer, informally christened “the landlord’s special,” for richer, jewel- and nature-inspired hues such as soft ochre, deep green and earthy brown.

Moving away from the sleek, clinical practicality of flat minimalism, this year’s trends reflect the uncertain political, social and economic climate, firmly re-establishing the home as a place of safety, comfort and refuge.

“Spaces that are overly minimal can feel empty and dated,” says Michelle Chisick, interior designer at Interior Illusions on Princess Street.

“Think warm tones — yes, even brown — and interiors that feel thoughtful and lived-in rather than overly polished. Homes with character over perfection, warm and layered with personality.”

While paint can be a simple and affordable way to transform a room, there’s no need for a redo if you’ve just slapped on a fresh coat of white. There are still plenty of inexpensive ways to make trends work if you’re after a refresh.

Tap into the layering curve by first grounding the room with a large rug before switching up furniture placement. Treat white walls as blank canvases and add depth with textured textiles repurposed as wall hangings or transform the space into a gallery wall by hanging up distinctive art works.

When it comes to choosing other decor and smaller furniture, build a more cohesive look by pulling specific colours from paintings or wall hangings, and add contrast with cushions and throws, combining different materials to emphasize a more personal style.

“I feel like people want a homier, more lived-in feel for their rooms. We’re using unconventional items as art. I am seeing a lot of tapestry and sometimes even rugs being used as artwork which I’m loving,” says local lifestyle content creator Oksana Katchanovski, who will be designing winter tablescapes and sharing her concepts and hosting tips at the 2026 Winnipeg Renovation Show this weekend.

“I’m Ukrainian and as a kid we had rugs and tapestries on our walls. I used to think that it was so old-fashioned but now it’s coming back. I feel it’s a very eclectic style. People are moving away from labels and are decorating with purpose.”

While it’s not very practical to restyle your home every time a new trend emerges, there are ways to smarten up spaces without having to take out a second mortgage.

“Updating cabinet pulls, doorknobs, faucets and lighting can give a big style boost without a big spend,” Chisick says.

When choosing materials and finishes, opt for warm neutral shades, paired with matte black hardware and bronze accents, she advises.

Keeping these consistent throughout a space instantly creates a sophisticated, elevated look.

Another relatively inexpensive way to dramatically influence a space comes by way of lighting — both from fixtures and from bulbs. Improving lighting can instantly modernize a home.

“Many people overlook lighting in renovations, but poor placement, outdated fixtures or harsh bulbs can make even a renovated room feel dated,” Chisick says.

Clearly defined spaces — think separate, more intimate rooms instead of open-planned living — and dark wood floors are also making a comeback, but don’t start building walls just yet. Instead, segment existing spaces by repositioning furniture to create cosy nooks and corners.

Other key trends include mixed wood tones, bold prints, and mismatched furniture using heirloom and traditional pieces alongside newer designs for a more layered, lived-in look.

No heirlooms? No problem! Scour thrift stores and vintage furniture emporiums for unique pieces. And when buying new furniture, choose different pieces that complement each other instead of a matching set.

There’s also no need to fear animal print as the current iteration favours subtle nods rather than going the whole hog.

Considered a neutral in the design world, patterns such as zebra and leopard print appear in rugs, on throw cushions and smaller upholstered accessories

Think in terms of touches rather than splashes — less leopard-skin sofa and more leopard-skin cushion in either a boucle or linen fabric on a chocolate couch for a luxe, contemporary look.

The plethora of choices, from colours and textures to fittings and finishes can lead to overwhelm and decision fatigue. So what to keep and what to ditch?

“Skip bold, graphic-patterned tiles. They’re expensive, hard to replace, and can lock a space into a very specific style. And keep neutrals and layered textures. A neutral palette allows flexibility, while layering creates an elevated look that can easily adapt to new trends. Use trendy items in small, swap-outtable areas for less commitment,” Chisick says.

If you really must have that statement tile Katchanovski suggests opting for tile stickers as a commitment-free way to embrace the trend. Often referred to as “renter-friendly” options, tiles are available in various sizes and take around 48 hours to adhere to clean walls and flat surfaces.

“Go for a peel and stick tile you can put over your existing tiles. They’re easy to install and you can have a new kitchen backsplash in just one afternoon,” she says.

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