2026: Designing with Depth & Connection
January always brings a sense of possibility. At TOBE Design Group, we’re entering 2026 inspired by where design is heading, and we’re energized by how our own brand is evolving alongside it.
This year is about intentional transformation: deeper color stories, more meaningful spaces, and design decisions rooted in longevity rather than momentary trends. As we move into the year, we’re also laying the groundwork for exciting TOBE brand updates coming later this spring.
Before we get there, we wanted to share what’s currently inspiring our team, from color conversations to the shifts we’re seeing in how people want to live, gather, and feel in their spaces.
Photo: Benjamin Moore
Color of the Year: Mood Over Minimalism
Each year, the design world buzzes with Color of the Year announcements. Last month, we decided to put the conversation to our community and polled our Instagram audience, asking them to weigh in on three 2026 color contenders:
Pantone: Cloud Dancer
Benjamin Moore: Silhouette AF-655
Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki SW 6150
The clear favorite? Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette was chosen for its richness and moodiness. While Pantone’s Cloud Dancer leans light and airy, our team—and our audience—seem to be craving something more grounded. As Marsha put it, “Personally, I think Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are closer to the pulse of life right now.”
We’re seeing that echoed across the industry as well. Designers Today recently highlighted a strong preference among designers for deeper, more nuanced paint colors heading into 2026—tones that feel comforting, layered, and emotionally resonant rather than stark or overly minimal.
Silhouette led Benjamin Moore’s colour trends palette for 2026. The eight-shade collection balances pale, ethereal tones, such as the dusty pink Batik, with handsome midtones like the blackened teal Narragansett Green, all designed to mix and layer effortlessly throughout the home.
The takeaway: Color is no longer just an accent. It’s becoming immersive, expressive, and deeply personal.
What Our Team Is Seeing (and Loving) for 2026
Sydney: Depth, Drama, and One-of-a-Kind Moments
Sydney has been tracking trends that began emerging in 2025 and are now fully finding their footing:
Stripes as a bold, architectural design element
Rich, moody color palettes
Dramatic stone with strong veining and presence
At the same time, she’s noticing a clear move away from:
All-white interiors
“Pop of color” moments in otherwise neutral spaces
Easily recognizable, mass-market furniture and fixtures
Instead, interiors are feeling more color-drenched, leaning into monochromatic, with a strong desire for unique pieces that tell a story. As Sydney says, “everyone is looking for their one-of-a-kind piece”.
Marsha: Design as a Calming Force
Marsha shared a more emotional and deeply human perspective on where design is heading. 2026, she says, feels reminiscent of the early pandemic days, but with an important shift. Where that moment pushed us inward toward our homes, today’s focus is expanding outward—toward community, connection, and belonging.
This shows up in:
A move away from trend-driven design toward individual style
A resurgence of color, texture, and warmth
Vintage, repurposed, and storied pieces
A renewed emphasis on quality and longevity
Rather than filling homes quickly or cheaply, there’s a growing desire to invest in pieces that last—both structurally and emotionally. Design is becoming a way to create calm and grounding in a world that often feels unpredictable.
Warm, inviting primary suite in our Woodley Park project.
A family heirloom was transformed into a modern-day bar in our Sterling project.
Todd: Defined Spaces with Meaning
Todd is excited about a return to spaces that feel intentional and architectural:
More defined rooms instead of completely open floorplans
Walls that allow for privacy, art, and visual interest
Color moving beyond whites, grays, and beiges
He’s also seeing a shift away from generic styling. Accessories are becoming more personal—objects with history, meaning, and craftsmanship—rather than décor that simply fills space. This isn’t new for Todd—his approach to styling has always leaned toward thoughtful curation, layering personal objects, collected pieces, and art with intention rather than relying on store-bought décor or filler.
Stylized art in the living room of our Kirkside project.
Curated shelves shelves in our Kalorama project.
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2026, these ideas—depth, individuality, connection, and intention—will continue to shape our work. They’re also deeply aligned with where TOBE is headed as a brand. We can’t wait to share more in the coming months. Until then, here’s to a year of bold choices, meaningful design, and spaces that truly support the way we live.
Ready to elevate your space? We are.
Give us a ring at 301.656.6600, drop us a note at hello@tobedesigngroup.com, or share your project goals 👉 Let’s Get Started