Every season brings fresh inspiration to our homes, and this summer is no exception. As renovation projects, home refreshes, and entertaining season get underway, we’re seeing several beautiful design aesthetics taking centre stage.
Here are three standout trends to inspire your next refresh.
Coastal Grandmother
Despite its name, Coastal Grandmother has nothing to do with age. Instead, it captures a relaxed, timeless lifestyle centred around comfort, effortless entertaining, and beautifully curated interiors.
Inspired by classic seaside homes and the warm, welcoming spaces often featured in Nancy Meyers films, this aesthetic embraces soft neutrals, linen fabrics, blue and white accents, fresh florals, natural textures, and sun-filled rooms.
Key elements include:
- Blue and white colour palettes
- Linen upholstery and textiles
- Woven natural materials
- Soft, layered lighting
- Fresh hydrangeas and seasonal florals
- Timeless accessories with an understated elegance
- The result is a home that feels calm, inviting, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Vintage Prep
One of the fastest-growing design trends for 2026 is Vintage Prep — a fresh interpretation of classic heritage style.
Think traditional prep-school influences combined with collected antiques, rich wood tones, timeless patterns, and thoughtful layering. Rather than feeling formal or dated, today’s Vintage Prep aesthetic introduces brighter colours, contemporary artwork, and polished finishes that give the style a youthful update.
Signature details include:
- Plaid and striped textiles
- Leather-bound books
- Brass accents
- Dark wood furnishings
- Vintage-inspired artwork
- Collected décor with character and history
This style is perfect for anyone who appreciates timeless design while still wanting their home to feel current.
Garden Party
If you’re looking to bring colour and joy into your home, the Garden Party trend offers endless inspiration.
This look celebrates the beauty of the outdoors with botanical prints, cheerful florals, layered table settings, and decorative accessories that encourage gathering with family and friends. It’s vibrant without being overwhelming and instantly creates an uplifting atmosphere.
Look for:
- Floral fabrics and patterns
- Botanical-inspired décor
- Soft pastel palettes
- Layered tabletop styling
- Porcelain accessories
- Elegant silver accents
- Fresh seasonal blooms
Garden Party is all about creating spaces that feel welcoming, lively, and perfect for entertaining.
In my recent segment on Breakfast Television, I challenged the hosts to identify which décor pieces belonged to three of today’s most talked-about interior design trends.
Shop the Look: Prop Guide by Theme
Coastal Grandmother
- Hurricane Candle Holder — HomeSense
- 7” Candle with Lid — Pottery Barn, Kravet Collection “Blooming Peony”
- Checkered Pillow — Pottery Barn
- Antique Cut Goblet — Pottery Barn
Vintage Prep
- Silver Candle Holder — HomeSense
- Plaid Pillow — Pottery Barn
- Leather-Bound Book — Amazon, faux brown leather decorative book “DROFELY Decorative Book Box Vintage Style”
- Framed Artwork — HomeSense
Garden Party
- Botanical Candle Holder — Pottery Barn, iron candle holder
- Hydrangea Arrangement — Amazon, faux silk flowers “Wracra Hydrangeas Floral Arrangement in Glass Vase”
- Floral Pillow — Pottery Barn, reversible embroidered
- Floral Bowl — Pottery Barn, porcelain serving bowl
All items sourced from HomeSense, Pottery Barn, and Amazon. Availability may vary by location and is subject to change.
You Don’t Need to Redesign Your Entire Home
One of the biggest misconceptions about design trends is that embracing them requires a complete renovation. In reality, even a few carefully selected accessories can completely shift the look and feel of a room.
A new pillow, decorative candleholder, artwork, fresh florals, or a beautifully styled tabletop can introduce a trend without changing your home’s overall character. Even better, you don’t have to choose just one style.
Many of today’s most beautiful interiors blend elements from multiple aesthetics — perhaps the relaxed elegance of Coastal Grandmother, the timeless character of Vintage Prep, and the cheerful touches of Garden Party. The key is creating a home that reflects your personality while feeling cohesive, comfortable, and uniquely yours.
