This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

 Questions: What design trends are you seeing in the residential market?

Answer: Every year our marketing department does a deep dive into home design trends that multiple local and national design experts say to look for each year. Some of these trends last just a year or two, others take hold for a decade. Often, these trends reintroduce styles from decades ago, with small tweaks.

You can click this link to browse the full 2026 Design Trends e-booklet from RLAH Real Estate. I’ve pulled out a few highlights and personal favorites below…

Color of the Year

• Pantone: Cloud Dancer (11-4201). An “airy, ethereal white that embodies tranquility and gentle balance in a fast-moving world”.
• Benjamin Moore: Silhouette (AF-655). A “rich and expressive hue” that blends burnished umber with subtle charcoal undertones.
• Behr: Hidden Gem (N430-6A). A “moody jade infused with smoky depth” that feels both grounding and energized.
• Sherwin Williams: Universal Khaki (SW 6150). A modern classic enriched with a soft yellow undertone, bringing warmth and ease to any space

The “Soft Kitchen”

The kitchen is moving away from the clinical “showroom” look to become a true sanctuary. This trend transforms the kitchen into a space that feels layered and lived-in, acting as a continuation of the living room. Look for warm timber cabinetry, antique brass hardware, creamy stone countertops, and natural textures like oak and linen.

Textured Wallpaper

Flat walls are officially out. In their place comes a new era of textured, dimensional wall coverings that feel more like “sculptural art than background décor”. Think embroidered silk, pearl appliqués, and bas-relief plasterwork that invite you to run your hand across them.

Sanctuary Spaces

In 2026, the ultimate luxury isn’t a massive kitchen island, but a “quiet little corner that simply makes you feel better”. These are restorative pockets designed for slowing down—whether it’s a meditation room with floor cushions or a spa-style bathroom with a deep soaking tub. The goal is a space to “reset your nervous system”.

Narrative Decorating

Say goodbye to pristine, impersonal showrooms. The “narrative decorating” trend combines “cluttercore” and “poetcore” to create homes that look lived-in, storied, and deeply personal. It is about “curated chaos”—surrounding yourself with objects like travel souvenirs, ceramics, and books that tell your specific story.

Returning From Last Year

Several trends from 2025 are sticking around and evolving this year:

• Lived-in Luxury: The philosophy that homes should be elegant but work beautifully for everyday life is here to stay, with a focus on performance fabrics and quality materials that patina gracefully.
• Moody Moments: We are fully committing to saturated, enveloping hues like aubergine, olive, and tobacco that turn a room into an atmosphere.
• Curves: This trend is expanding beyond furniture into architecture, with arched doorways, curved headboards, and soft profiles on kitchen cabinetry.
• Biophilic Design: Nature remains a timeless influence, now focusing on connecting indoor and outdoor living with large doors and circadian lighting systems.
• Dark Wood: Walnut, mahogany, and smoked oak are returning as hero finishes, adding visual weight and architectural richness to open spaces.

 If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

• Rosslyn – 2BR+den/2.5BA/2,000sqft – Condo (2021) – 1781 N Pierce St Arlington VA 22209
• Arlington View – 3BR/2BA/1,400sqft – Townhouse (1986) – 10th St S Arlington VA 22204
• Rosslyn – 3BR/2.5BA/2,400sqft – Condo (1986) – 1530 Key Blvd Arlington VA 22209
• Ballston – 4BR/3.5BA+office/4,000 sqft – Four Townhouses (2026/2027) – 11th St N Arlington VA 22201
• Glebewood – 4BR/2.5BA/1,800 sqft – Duplex (1953) – 20th Pl N Arlington VA 22207
• Arlington Heights – 5BR/5.5BA/5,000 sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – South Highland St Arlington VA 22204
• Williamsburg – 6BR/5.5BA/5,500 sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – 27th St N Arlington VA 22207
• Yorktown – 6BR/6.5BA/6,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – N Greencastle St Arlington VA 22207

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.