Top 5 Interior Designers Who Are Trendsetters in 2026

As the world of design continues to evolve, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of bold innovation, creative reinvention, and a fresh approach to interiors. From reimagined living spaces to sustainable and tech-integrated designs, interior designers are redefining how we experience our homes and workplaces. But not all designers are created equal—some are pushing boundaries, setting trends, and inspiring the next generation of creators.

In this article, we spotlight the top five interior designers who are leading the charge in 2026. These trendsetters are celebrated not only for their aesthetic vision but also for their ability to combine functionality, sustainability, and a distinctive personal touch in every project. Whether they are transforming minimalist apartments into striking sanctuaries or turning commercial spaces into immersive experiences, their work is a testament to the power of design to shape lifestyle and culture.

Join us as we explore these visionary professionals whose creativity is setting the tone for interior design this year, providing inspiration for homeowners, industry insiders, and design enthusiasts alike.

1- Joyce Anderson

Spaces designed for travel and temporary living now carry higher expectations. Guests want comfort, beauty, and ease. Owners want performance, longevity, and a clear return. The most successful properties balance all of this while still feeling personal and memorable. Design has become less about decoration and more about experience.

Joyce Anderson of Joyce Anderson Interiors works at this intersection of design, hospitality, and strategy. As the founding designer of her firm which  focused on short-term rental properties, her approach considers not only how a space looks, but how it functions and how it feels to stay in. Each project is shaped by the way people move through a home, what draws their attention, and what lingers in memory long after a visit ends.

Her studio specializes in luxury short-term rentals and second homes across diverse regions, including coastal, desert, and mountain settings. Drawing from a lifelong love of travel and storytelling, Anderson brings a narrative lens to each interior. Rather than relying on trends, her work reflects place, purpose, and human experience. The result is a layered environment that feels intentional, welcoming, and quietly elevated.

Her studio specializes in luxury short-term rentals and second homes across diverse regions, including coastal, desert, and mountain settings. Drawing from a lifelong love of travel and storytelling, Anderson brings a narrative lens to each interior. Rather than relying on trends, her work reflects place, purpose, and human experience. The result is a layered environment that feels intentional, welcoming, and quietly elevated.

Central to her process is the RESORT Framework, a proprietary methodology that guides research-driven and guest-focused design decisions. This system helps property owners align aesthetics with performance, ensuring spaces are both refined and practical. Anderson is also the author of Beyond the Welcome Mat: Designing Your Short-Term Rental for Success, a book that shares her hospitality-inspired approach with a broader audience.

Beyond client projects, Anderson is recognized for thought leadership within the short-term rental design space. She educates property owners, investors, and fellow designers through content, interviews, and speaking engagements, offering insight into creating homes that truly resonate.

To learn more about Joyce Anderson Interiors, visit the studio website and follow along on social media for ongoing insights into hospitality-driven design. Her book, Beyond the Welcome Mat, is available on Amazon in both paperback and digital formats.

2- Tolin Designs

A well-designed space can change the way people feel, think, and live. It shapes daily routines and influences how families connect and how businesses operate. True design goes beyond decoration. It requires vision, structure, and the ability to guide an idea from concept to completion. When creativity meets leadership, spaces become more than rooms. They become experiences.

That philosophy defines the work of Krystal Tolin, Co-owner and Lead Designer of Tolin Designs. Her path into design began with a bold decision that reshaped her perspective. More than fifteen years ago, she and her husband purchased a one-hundred-year-old church and transformed it into her home. The project demanded patience, problem-solving, and trust in her vision. It taught her to see opportunity where others saw limits, and that mindset continues to shape her work today.

Tolin Designs is a full-service interior design and remodeling company that guides clients from planning through construction. The firm specializes in kitchens, baths, whole home renovations, business rehabs, and distinctive transformations. As both owner and designer, Krystal remains closely involved in every stage. She balances creativity with structural understanding and budget awareness. Clients benefit from clear direction and consistent oversight throughout the process.

Her work has earned recognition within the industry and the community. Tolin Designs has been named a Best Interior Design Company by Best of Business ratings for two consecutive years. Three projects were featured on the FOX Showcase, bringing regional attention to the firm’s design-build approach. 

The team also received recognition from the Daughters of the American Revolution for providing free remodeling projects that served the community. For Krystal, the most meaningful achievement remains the steady referrals from past clients.

Krystal continues to focus on building a design-build brand grounded in creativity, craftsmanship, and trust. She is committed to raising standards within the remodeling industry by combining artistry with organization and accountability. Through every project, her goal remains consistent. She seeks to create spaces that feel intentional and lasting.To learn more about Krystal Tolin and Tolin Designs, visit the company website and follow along on social media for updates and design insights.

3- Melanie Haselmayr

Interior design has evolved into much more than choosing colors and arranging furniture. Today, it’s about creating spaces that reflect personality, enhance functionality, and promote well-being. The best design work goes beyond trends, focusing on thoughtful details and purposeful choices. In a world where people are spending more time at home, design plays a crucial role in how spaces feel and function. Whether it’s a cozy residence or a polished commercial setting, good design has the power to transform everyday experiences.

One studio embracing this shift is redefining what it means to design with intention. Melanie Haselmayr, the creative force behind CURATED., brings a fresh perspective to the industry through a blend of strategy, artistry, and hands-on execution. Based in Miami Beach, her studio began in 2018 as a home staging business and has since grown into a full-service interior design firm. CURATED. now serves high-end residential, hospitality, and select development projects—each approached with the same dedication to beauty and functionality.

What sets Melanie apart is her blend of European sensibility and American ambition. Her philosophy is rooted in precision, not scale. “Design With Purpose”, the firm’s guiding principle, reflects a belief that every choice should be intentional. Clients value her direct involvement and the seamless experience she provides from start to finish.

Her work has earned recognition from Decorilla, Forbes, Haute Residence, and VoyageMIA. She was also awarded “Rising Star Home Stager of the Year” in 2020 and recently received the title of “Best Interior Design Studio in Florida” from Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.Alongside her interior work, she continues to explore new ventures in consulting, education, and product design, each guided by the same principle of purposeful living. To stay connected with her journey, visit the website. And to know more about CURATED, connect via social media.

4- Andreas Charalambous AIA, IIDA.

Great design has the power to transform how we experience spaces. Thoughtful planning and creative vision can elevate function, enhance well-being, and leave a lasting impression. In healthcare, residential, and commercial environments, good design supports both purpose and aesthetics. It improves daily operations and reflects the identity of those who use the space.

Bringing this philosophy to life, one firm has been consistently delivering impactful design for over three decades. Washington, DC-based FORMA Design, Inc. has been shaping the future of architecture and interior design since 1994. With a strong focus on creativity, function, and thoughtful execution, the firm has completed a wide range of memorable projects across healthcare, commercial, and residential spaces.

FORMA has earned 15 awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and 21 from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Their work has been featured in over 200 publications worldwide. They are also CBE certified in Washington, DC.

In the healthcare field, FORMA brings a deep understanding of how design can improve both patient experience and operational efficiency. They have been invited to speak at the National Dental Meeting in Washington, DC, where they presented on dental practice branding and office design. The firm has also received back-to-back National Healthcare Environment Awards for its innovative approach to medical and dental office spaces. 

Further demonstrating their expertise, founder Andreas Charalambous authored an article in Healthcare Design magazine titled “Why Good Design Is Good Business,” which explores the tangible benefits of well-executed design in healthcare environments. This year marks their seventh consecutive nomination for the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s National Design Award—the nation’s highest recognition in design excellence.

FORMA’s design process blends strategy and aesthetics. Their healthcare brochure outlines the steps involved and features testimonials from clients who speak to the impact of well-designed environments on both staff and patients. To explore their portfolio, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

5- Andrea Wilson

Interior design goes beyond selecting colors and furnishings. It is about shaping environments that feel thoughtful, functional, and aligned with how people live. A well-designed home supports daily routines while offering comfort and visual interest. Every element, from the layout to the lighting, contributes to how a space looks, feels, and performs.

This philosophy is central to the work of Andrea Wilson, Principal Interior Designer and founder of Wilhouse Designs. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Andrea established the studio in 2020 after nearly 15 years in the industry. Her goal from the beginning was to create not only beautiful interiors but also a process that feels smooth, supportive, and tailored to each client.

Her design process places a strong focus on communication and collaboration. She helps clients remain within their scope while introducing new ideas that enhance function and creativity. Her work often includes strategic space planning, layered materials, and custom architectural features. The result is a cohesive design that reflects the lifestyle and personality of each client.

Andrea has received recognition at both the state and national levels. In 2022, she earned several ASID Alabama Design Excellence Awards, including six Gold Awards across major residential categories. In 2023 and 2024, she was honored by the Best in American Living Awards for standout work in kitchen and bath design.

As the firm continues to grow, the team has expanded and is preparing for a larger studio location to support future projects. Andrea also hopes to design a custom lighting collection, reflecting her belief that lighting is a defining element in any space.Her passion for interiors is rooted in the belief that good design improves how people live. More about her approach can be found at wilhousedesigns.com.