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Interior Design Trends for 2026

26 Wednesday Nov 2025

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As the new year approaches, we’re reviewing the latest in the world of interiors. Since we don’t change our homes yearly to follow trends, it’s interesting to note that comforting colors, understated designs and exploring your personal vision are always in style. These ideas are actually quite timeless, and here are some interior design ideas to explore for 2026:

One clear message is that blue will be the standout color for 2026. Blue has never really gone out of style, but darker blues are making a comeback. . Benjamin Moore is showcasing colors like Blue Danube, Palladian Blue and Ocean Air. We’re also seeing more teal shades from various paint brands. If you think this feels outdated, contact me for stylish ways to incorporate these colors.

Overall, interiors are becoming more understated. Instead of colorful and busy rooms, we’re noticing more neutral tones and simpler designs. Fabrics are less flashy, with a focus on softness and warmth through texture. This style is seen in the use of natural materials, plain upholstery in soft tones, modern furniture with clean lines, and selected antiques with unique shapes.

Texture plays a key role in creating a cozy interior. Simple, beautiful woven fabrics—both antique and modern—are being used in creative ways like wall hangings or cushions. Designers look to focus on combining hand-dyed linens with traditional pieces in their work. This movement also embraces small accessories with beautiful European inspired influences.

Many ideas for 2026 lean towards a modern look, moving away from traditional styles. There’s a growing interest in whimsical and surrealistic pieces that evoke the creativity of the early 20th century. I’ve noticed a lot of work influenced by Art Deco set design and artists such as Salvador Dali, showcasing fun designs like chairs shaped like people, bird-like lamps, and fish-shaped bottle openers.

For all your interior design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design at 925 915 1005 or stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com. Also visit my Instagram page!

Late Summer 2025 Tablescape Ideas!

28 Thursday Aug 2025

Posted by in decor, home, Home renovation, interior design, lifestyle, Lifestyle, outdoors, real estate, seasons, summer, Uncategorized

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For August tablescapes, embrace that end of summer feel with fresh fruit like lemons or peaches. Add vibrant citrus colors like yellow and orange. Other options include a coastal theme with blues and whites, or a tropical vibe using greenery and bold, bright colors. For a natural touch, use earthy tones with wooden elements and greenery like eucalyptus or palm leaves.
 

Fruitful & Citrus Themes

  • Lemon/Citrus Accents:. Scatter whole lemons or use them in a decorative arrangement with flowers and candles for an effortless, elegant look. 
  • Peach & Berry Tones:. Use shades of peach, and other berries, to create a warm and late-summer feel. 

Coastal & Tropical Vibes 

  • Coastal: Use a soothing color palette of soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, and add elements like seashells or starfish as accents.
  • Tropical: Incorporate lush greenery, vibrant tropical flowers like orchids, and textured elements like bamboo or rattan to create a paradise feel.

Earthy & Natural Elements

  • Greenery: Use fresh herbs, leafy plants, or palm leaves to add a natural, fresh touch. 
  • Wooden Accessories: Incorporate wooden elements for a rustic or earthy vibe. 
  • Natural Materials: Use simple white dishes and natural accents for a fresh, clean look. 

Color Palettes 

  • Warm & Bright: Combine sun-kissed yellows, oranges, and pops of pink for a cheerful and vibrant tablescape.
  • Cool & Refreshing: Use hues of blue, turquoise, and crisp white to evoke a refreshing summer feel.
  • Light & Airy Neutrals: Soothe and ground your table with earthy tones that complement vibrant summer colors.

For all your interior design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design – 925 915 1005 or stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or on Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign

Sit On It!

09 Wednesday Jul 2025

Posted by in furniture, home, Home renovation, interior design, lifestyle, Lifestyle, outdoors, real estate, seasons, Uncategorized

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There are so many fun and innovative ideas this year for seating that truly redefine our living spaces. The concept of matching chairs at a dining table or the traditional three-cushion sofa are being left behind. Designers are exploring new ways to look at how we sit and live in our homes. Modular seating arrangements adapt to various social settings. Unique materials blend comfort with artistic flair. These modern solutions emphasize both aesthetics and functionality. Multi-purpose furniture is also becoming more popular. This trend allows for flexible living arrangements. It caters to the demands of contemporary lifestyles. It also enhances the overall ambiance of your space.

Here are just a few seating ideas I’ve found recently that I love:

leatherwirediningchair

This wire and British Racing Green dining chair from Overgard & Dyrman is classic English style and luxury! The combination of leather with thin legs gives it a strong, masculine yet airy appearance.

Svensectional

The SVEN sectional, shown in Grass Green – what a combination of classic design and Mid Century Modern influence. Large enough to stretch out on but a space saving footprint. And you should see it in their blue and purple!  Wow!

Moroccanfloorpillows

Moroccan style floor pillows are back! Why be limited to sitting on the furniture when you can plop anywhere you like? Great for conversation and lounging with friends. Adding the burst of color and pattern will upgrade any room.

Aphrochichanging

Organic and boho style upholstered rope porch swing will make your summer an experience. Use outdoor spaces as another room and just fall asleep under the stars! From AphroChic.

Chunky, sexy and modern – this dining chair from By Design connects traditional design with a space age shape. Pair them with a glass dining table or enjoy just one in a library setting and settle in!

Steven Edward Wallace is a full service interior designer. He is ready to take a concept and design dreams from just an idea to reality. Contact us at 925 915 1005, at stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign.

Design Trends For Summer 2025

10 Tuesday Jun 2025

Posted by in decor, design ideas, furniture, home, Home renovation, interior design, lifestyle, Lifestyle, outdoors, real estate, seasons, style, summer, trends, Uncategorized

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Summer 2025 interior design trends include natural materials. They also feature soft neutrals and organic shapes. There is a move towards more sustainable and recycled styles. Color palettes will feature earthy tones, verdant greens, azure blues, and unexpected accents like soft blues and chartreuse. Curves, arches, and organic shapes will be prominent, alongside statement lighting and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

Colors and Palettes:

  • Soft Naturals and Sun-Kissed Neutrals: Warm, earthy tones like browns, tans, and creams will dominate.
  • Unexpected Accents: Azure blues and verdant greens will offer a grounding yet unexpected element.
  • Color Drenching: Embrace a single color across walls, floors, and furniture. Buttery yellows are a popular choice for a warm and luminous effect.
  • Nautical and Botanical Patterns: Botanical and nautical patterns will bring a summery feel to interiors.

Materials and Textures:

  • Natural Materials: Wood, stone, linen, and other natural materials will continue to be popular for their grounding and comfortable feel.
  • Statement Stone: Statement pieces made of stone, like sculptural side tables or marble fireplaces, will add visual interest.
  • Sustainable and Recycled: There’s a growing emphasis on incorporating eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals.
  • Wavy and Scallop Shapes: Curves, arches, and soft, undulating shapes are found in furniture, decor, and lighting. These elements will add a touch of whimsy. These shapes also give visual interest.

Furniture and Decor:

  • Statement Lighting: Unique and eye-catching lighting fixtures will take center stage.
  • Indoor-Outdoor Living: Creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces will continue to be a popular trend.
  • Wellness Spaces: Dedicated spaces for relaxation and well-being, such as yoga studios or spa-like bathrooms, will become more common.
  • Furniture: Updated upholstered furniture, like headboards and velvet stools, will add a touch of luxury and softness.
  • Earthy-toned Maximalism: Mixing patterns, colors, and textures, often inspired by global influences, will continue to be a trend.

For all your design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design @stevenedwardwallacedesign, email @ stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or call 925.915.1005

The Best New Trends in Kitchen Tile & Back Splashes.

24 Thursday Apr 2025

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1. Single Slab Back Splashes

Traditional tile back splashes are being replaced by single slabs of materials like marble, granite, and quartz. These slabs create a sleek, polished look and are easier to clean and maintain. For a minimalist look, keep the material the same on both counter and back splash. To bring in that maximalist vibe, that is so popular now, explore patterns, bookended slabs and color blocking.

2. Bold Hues

While white kitchens remain timeless, vibrant colors are making a comeback. Bright greens, navy blues, and metallics are popular choices for back splashes, adding a dramatic and lively touch to the kitchen. Don’t be afraid of color – bold hues express your personality and say ” I am not afraid to make a statement”!

Photo from Martha Stewart Living

3. Unexpected Colors

Neutral tones are being challenged by surprising bursts of color. Designers are using colors like pink, neon green and other bright hues to create eye-catching and unique back splashes. A visit to your local tile store will open up a whole new world of colors and patterns you may not know even existed.

4. High Contrast Designs

Bold contrasts, such as black and white or dark green against blue shades, are becoming trendy. These high-contrast designs make the back splash a focal point and add dynamic energy to the kitchen. Contrast can be more than just color, mixing and matching materials like glass or metal with multi dimensional texture also highlights this high contrast trend.

5. Creative Grout Choices

Grout is no longer just white. Using contrasting grout colors like black, blue, tan, or green can significantly change the look of a back splash, making it more striking and unique. Here again, go for fresh colors and unexpected palettes. You can also experiment with grout width. Wider spacing is becoming more accepted and adds another level of interest.

.6. Textured and Patterned Tiles

Textured tiles and intricate patterns are gaining popularity. These designs add depth and interest to the kitchen, making the back splash a piece of art. One of the best new trends for the kitchen are ethnic and organic patterns that bring a worldly sophistication to your room.

Photo From Martha Stewart Living

7. Extended Back splashes

Back splashes are no longer limited to the space between the counter top and cabinets. Extending the back splash to cover entire walls or larger areas is a growing trend, creating a cohesive and expansive look. Be creative – tile a facing wall or around a doorway with your back splash material for that feeling of being in an inclusive space!

8. Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainable and eco-friendly materials are becoming more common in kitchen designs. Recycled glass, reclaimed wood, and other environmentally friendly options are being used for back splashes. Talk to your interior designer or architect about what eco friendly materials are native to your region. Let your back splash tell a story of where you live.

For all of your design needs, contact Steven Edward Wallace Design at stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com, @stevenedwardwallacedesign or call 925.915.1005

Is Your Home Ready For Summer?

17 Monday Mar 2025

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Although for many on the East Coast and the Midwest, summer may still seem a long way off, here in California we are already experiencing warmer day and more sunshine. I know I’m ready to pull up the blinds and open the windows and let the light and fresh air in.

Your home may also feel that it’s tired of being closed up and wants to breath. Now is the time to look at ways to add freshness and vigor to your rooms and embrace the change of seasons.

Here are 5 great ideas that will chase away winter and get your home ready for summer!

Put away that old heavy comforter and invest in a brightly colored throw or coverlet for the bed. This season I’m seeing a whole new approach to prints and patterns. Stripes are always easy to mix and match with solid sheets and fun flower patterns reminiscent of the 1970’s are crazy fun and will add a smile to your face.

Open the windows. Heavy drapes collect dust and visually drag down the whole room. Now that we are seeing more sun, change them out for woven shades, billowy linen panels or just take them down and enjoy the view! Here color and texture work wonders, allowing the sunlight to shine in, enhancing a basic window – taking it from drab to fab.

Pull out glass containers, vases and bowls. For summer 2025, color is what’s happening. Don’t be afraid to experiment. In a garden window mix canary yellow, apple green and melon orange glass objects in different sizes. Don’t worry yet about adding flowers or fruit to the bowls and vases, let their color and shape alone be the interest factor.

Get Passionate for picture frames. So many of us put a photo from a holiday or vacation in a frame and there it sits, growing stale, for years and years. Take a good look at your frames, whether they are on a shelf or the piano. Discard dark colors and heavy woods and replace them with shell borders, glass on glass and brightly hued plastics. Not only will you see those photos in a new light, but the patterns and colors will brighten up the whole room.

Invest in one new furniture piece.  We can’t always afford to throw everything out and start new, but often just one fresh item can change the whole room. Modern wicker is making a big comeback – an organic side chair or an ottoman/pouf in a colorful pattern is a quick inexpensive way to make a tired room look refreshed and brighter.  Small “drink tables” are always easy to find in so many styles, from metallics to stone top to wood and fit just about anywhere.

It’s already March! If you close your eyes, you can feel the change in the air.  Spring is right around the corner. Are you ready?

For all your design needs contact Steven Edward Wallace Design – @stevenedwardwallacedesign, stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or 925 915 1005.

A Conversation with Steve Wallace of Steven Edward Wallace Design.

23 Thursday Jan 2025

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Tell us about yourself and your business. 

I grew up in a small town in Michigan, but always felt California was calling, and moved out west after college. After a few years of working for designers, manufacturers, showrooms and completing the UCLA design program, I started flipping houses with a business partner. After seeing the reaction to my renovations, it was time to open my own business. Since then, I’ve completed design projects all over California as well as Arizona, Florida and Las Vegas. Currently, I live in Palm Springs and Carlsbad – continuing to work with incredible clients and creating interiors that work with their lifestyle and giving them the home of their dreams.

Sample design from Steve Wallace, Palm Springs designer

What is your design philosophy?  

I believe a home should be your sanctuary from the stress of the world. Design is successful if it not only gives the client a great space, but also reflects their personality and gives them joy every time they step through the door. Working with the client’s budget, I strive for a balance between functionality and creativity. But, sometimes I push them to expand their mind and educate them on everything their home can be.

Who or what are some of the key influencers in your design approach? 

I really take the time to get to know my clients, how they live. For example, do they like to entertain in their home or need a quiet place to recharge? My first influences start with them. I am intrigued with mixing styles, international cultures and eras, not sticking specifically to one look. (Yes, I’m talking to you Mid Century Modern!) I’ve always been fascinated with architecture, classic design and the importance, especially in our climate, of the link between interiors and nature.

Do you have a favorite style of home that you like to design?  

One of the best things about being a designer is that no two jobs or projects are the same. It’s stimulating to explore new and exciting styles – learning and growing myself. Clean, minimal and modern is my personal aesthetic. Asian influences reflect a clean and classic, timeless style with the use of natural, eco-friendly materials. A low maintenance life is my mantra. But, I never push my own likes and agenda on a client. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to design in many styles over the years and always have found it has improved my design eye and opened up my own mind.

Sample design from Steve Wallace, Palm Springs designer

What are some of the current design trends in the desert? 

Obviously, in Palm Springs, the Mid Century Modern look is still going strong. Sadly, it seems to have become a bit of a cliché and, for me, losing touch with what it really was. It is becoming a bit generic. I like that we are seeing people begin to break out of that box and explore all the architectural styles Palm Springs has to offer. But in the desert, I think open floor plans, modern architecture, and indoor/outdoor living will never go out of style. The use of tactile, textural elements like wood, stone and metal has always been strong here and always will.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?   

When you hire Steven Edward Wallace Design, you get a designer with over 30 years of experience in the trade – someone who will listen to your needs, your ideas and work with your budget. I help to make the process as easy and low stress for you as possible. A big compliment to me is when my clients say to me five or more years after we finish “I still love my house!”

For more information contact Steve at stevenedwardwallace@gmail.com or 9259151005. Follow on Instagram @stevenedwardwallacedesign.

The Livin’ Is Easy!

03 Thursday Aug 2023

Posted by in home, Home renovation, interior design, lifestyle, Lifestyle, outdoors, real estate, seasons, summer

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Remember this song? “Summer time … and the livin’ is easy.” I always loved the slow swaying movement of that song. It fit the weather – hot, humid and heavy with the smells of summer: BBQ, tanning lotion, bug spray and campfires.

Growing up in the Midwest, summer was brief and we had to make the most of it. Boating on the lake, camping on the beach, laying out under the stars, hoping to catch a tan before school started up. It was a happier time, not because it was the “good old days” but because when you are young without much worry or stress, life is just simpler.

And that’s what’s so awesome about this time of year. We get outside, we enjoy the sunshine, the friendship, the laughs. We roast s’mores. We jump off docks into freezing lakes. We rock on the front porch. Our stress levels drop and for a brief time our life is simple again.

Here are just a few design ideas to incorporate into your home this season.. Take time to make your livin’ easy and embrace life outdoors!

summertimeadirondacks

Adirondack chairs are an American classic and fit into any outdoor decor. I love these green painted ones. They are inviting down a flagstone walkway to the fire pit. Place them in the middle of the  garden or the end of the dock or just simply out on the lawn.

summertimeopenwindow

Make your outdoor dining fun and easy. Poolside … this inventive swing up window is great for a walk up bar. By day, it’s ice cream and lemonade, at night, it’s cocktails and finger food. 

summertimestringlights

Modern, simple and elegant – a glass of wine, string lights and a hot August night. What more could you want? Candles set the mood for romance or just star-gazing. As the evenings cool, grab a blanket and stay out til dawn!

summertimepots

Have a boring patio or porch? Colorful container pots let you make your own statement. Group assorted sizes for a real designer look. Great for small spaces, apartment living or celebrating a summer holiday.

How To Update A Small Bathroom!

25 Tuesday Apr 2023

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Recently I was asked by a client to help with a bathroom remodel they badly needed. We were unable to enlarge the space due to adjoining rooms, but she wanted to know – “How can I make a small space look bigger than it is?”

Bathrooms can be tricky because there is rarely much continuous, uninterrupted space. Mirrors, shower doors, tub surrounds can all make the room seem cut up. If you don’t need a bathtub, remove the shower/tub combo and create a big walk in shower.

Square tiles are currently a trending look. Use large format tiles, 18″ or more, if possible. Keep the grout lines to a minimum and match your grout to your tile for a more cohesive look. Laying subway style horizontally elongates a room, while installing vertically gives you a visual of volume. . Be careful with mixing patterns. If you like a marble look quartz counter top, use a simpler floor tile.

I’ve never been a fan of the vessel sink, the ones that sit on top of the vanity. They add another dimension that is just not needed and waste counter space. For a classic, clean look use simple, wide porcelain under mount sinks.  Wall mounted cabinets expose more floor space – their minimal footprint modernizes any space!

Color is important… gaudy colors are not helpful when you first wake up in the morning! Paint your bath a soothing color like ochre, cream or anything organic in base. Strive for that spa, Zen like feeling. If you need color, bring it in with your towels and counter accessories.

Lighting is also key, not only in how it can affect the look of the space, but how it reflects YOU. Install a few ceiling can lights, but also add sconces to the left and right of the mirror. This lighting is very flattering and makes putting on makeup or shaving easier by lighting the whole face, and not leaving shadows on the lower half.

Store anything and everything you can away. Cut out niches in the walls make use of even the littlest available space. Stow toiletries away when not in use.  Open shelving lets light through. Remember, clutter is the enemy here. Towels rolled in a basket keep them fresh and tidy. Always use frameless shower doors – another easy and effective change, it will open up your room like nothing else.

For more tips and design ideas, contact Steven Edward Wallace Design!

Holiday Design Trends 2022

28 Monday Nov 2022

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The holidays are nearly upon us. As we pull old decorations from storage, it’s a good time to explore the latest design trends to liven up your home and entertaining this year!

3 creative ideas to make this holiday unlike any before:

Tweak your Christmas colors: We all know red and green as the colors of the season. This year explore the whole palette available to you.  Silver and white are very hot this season and always a sharp and sophisticated element to transition into New Years Eve.  Introduce a chocolate color into your holiday décor.  Not only does it add warmth and modernism to the room, it brings that organic feeling inside.  Keep to tones that suggest a culinary experience, like latte, cocoa or cinnamon.  Have fun experimenting with ornaments in stripes, polka dots or abstract designs.

Twist your tree: We all like to unwrap the ornaments and discovering the one that’s been in the family for generations, brought home from vacation or made in grade school.  This year, do something completely unexpected.  Decorate your tree in only one color or with just blue lights.  I’ve seen trees hung from the ceiling upside down, completely covered in high heels or with dog toys. Metallics are a huge trend this season. Revive the pink aluminum tree from the ’60s!  Consider purchasing a live tree in a pot and plant it outside after the holidays.  It’s renewable and enjoyable year around!

Party like it’s 2023: The key word this season is innovation.  Mix things up and keep the energy high.  Throw a costume party and invite guests to come as their favorite holiday character.  Decorate the house in a fiesta theme but make it black tie.  Ask friends and family to bring the tackiest ornament they can find and have a prize for the most outlandish!  Mix and match your dishes and glasses or add tropical prints to the holiday décor.  Put palm fronds in a vase with pine cones and ban poinsettias from the property.

Christmas hat and coconut cocktail.

Whatever you do, have fun!  Enjoy the love & laughter of friends and family and happy holidays to all.