Yes, modern homes often feature textured walls, but the style of texture has evolved. Today's modern designs avoid older, heavy textures (like popcorn or heavy orange peel) in favor of subtle, deliberate finishes.
Textured walls are not entirely out of style, but the types of textures used have shifted dramatically. Modern design favors subtle, touchable textures like Venetian plaster or limewash. Conversely, heavy, builder-grade patterns (like "knockdown," "orange peel," or popcorn) are widely considered outdated and can negatively impact home resale value.
Are textured walls still in style in 2026? Yes. Textured walls are a major modern design trend in 2026 because they create warmth, improve visual balance, and make large spaces feel more finished. The most popular styles are understated, using tone-on-tone color and repeated shapes rather than bold patterns.
In upscale real estate, details like Venetian plaster or hand-applied finishes can significantly increase a property's perceived worth. While some homeowners attempt to texture walls themselves, luxury finishes demand precision and expertise.
Drywall alternatives like plywood, plaster, and shiplap provide options for those seeking unique aesthetics or improved functionality in wall finishes. While drywall is affordable, easy to repair, and fire-resistant, these materials offer benefits that might better suit specific needs.
Smooth ceilings and knockdown texture are the top choices. Smooth finishes are preferred for modern, high-end, or minimalist spaces, while knockdown (a mottled, dimensional look) is widely used to conceal minor imperfections. Skip trowel is also trending for a rustic, artisan plaster look.
Before the widespread adoption of drywall in the 1940s and 1950s, older houses used a method called lath and plaster. This technique consisted of nailing thin wooden strips (lath) horizontally across wall studs and coating them in thick layers of plaster.
Are textured walls out of date? Yes, textured walls are becoming outdated. Builders and consumers are moving away from them because they absorb light, make spaces feel smaller, and create challenges for cleaning and repairs. Smooth walls are now the preferred choice for a modern, sleek, and brighter look.
For 2026, white interior and exterior paints are trending towards warm, soft, creamy off-whites that feel welcoming and timeless but that doesn't mean more stark, cool whites are out.
Again, we can look to Joanna Gaines for inspiration. Everyone knows that she is incredibly fond of shiplap as a design material, as evidenced by many of the homes featured on her popular show "Fixer Upper." But she's also been known to use other types of wood, such as cedar, as an accent wall material.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
For instant festive glam, drape glittery curtains or shimmery fabrics across walls and windows. Layer them with fairy lights or LED strips for a twinkling backdrop. Combine soft fabrics, fairy lights, and metallic balloons to create a cozy yet glamorous ambiance for your New Year party 2026.
Beige tones, hues of white, and grey should be the colors of choice for your furniture, curtains, drapes, and other home accessories. Neutral colors not only give that plush look, but they also give you that warm feeling.
Yes, textured walls can decrease a home's resale value, particularly in regions where smooth walls are standard, as they are often viewed as dated or difficult to repair. While common in some areas (e.g., the Southwest), heavy textures like popcorn or knock-down can reduce value by $500–$1,000 per 500 square feet due to removal costs.
In 2026, lighting and ceiling fans step out of the background and into the spotlight, becoming essential design elements that define the entire space. The way a room is lit, how light moves throughout the day, and even how air circulates all play a role in how a home feels to live in, not just how it looks.
For interior design, the overarching color trend is defined by warm, earthy neutrals and soft, airy whites. Instead of cold grays or stark whites, the most popular palettes center on grounding, nature-inspired tones.
Warm, nature-inspired off-whites and "greiges" (a balance of gray and beige) are the most popular wall colors right now. Homeowners are moving away from stark, cold grays in favor of soft, inviting tones that make spaces feel cozy and bright.
Fashion in 2026 is seeing a massive wave of nostalgia, reviving everything from edgy late-2000s indie sleaze to relaxed, boho-chic. The biggest comeback styles currently dominating include:
The most popular drywall texture in 2026 is the skip trowel texture / hand texture it is done by hand, you can order it in light, medium and heavy, light meaning almost flat in the wall and the heavier the most drywall compound it's going to have so it's going to be sticking more from the wall, but the pattern it's ...
Painted, single-color accent walls are broadly considered outdated, as designers now favor painting the entire room to create a deliberate and immersive atmosphere. However, modern alternatives like textural feature walls, intricate wallpapers, and wood paneling remain highly stylish if they add intentional depth rather than just a pop of color.
Meanwhile, the least desired home styles appear to be shipping container homes and tiny homes, the study finds.
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional drywall, PVC wall panels (like Trusscore or Duramax) are a leading modern replacement. They install up to four times faster than gypsum boards because they eliminate the need to mud, tape, sand, or paint.