Five top design pros gathered at Rejuvenation in SLC to share what’s defining design today—and tomorrow
Alex Adamson
Cozy Room Revival
“I’m seeing a return to closed floor plans rather than the super open ones. People want little pockets within their home—spaces with their own mood that can transport them somewhere else. It’s so fun to design a den or even a laundry room as its own little world with its own color scheme.”
Color and Character
“I’m loving that clients are taking more risks and having fun with color—they aren’t as scared as they used to be. More millwork and architectural interest is exciting, too. Anything that gets us away from blank drywall is a win.”
Anne-Marie Barton
The Return of Heritage
“We hit a point where we were all a little bored with vague, quiet design. Suddenly, crown molding and draperies feel exciting again. There’s this resurgence of heirloom detail—an urge to return to an essence of heritage that shows evidence of the people who live here.”
Brass Reimagined
“I’ve always loved brass for its authenticity, but this year I started challenging it—ruining it, nickeling it, pushing it toward new personalities. Working with a foundry and creating finishes for 2026 has me obsessed with making things that feel truly my own, and surprising clients with what that becomes.”
Cara Fox
Embracing Authenticity
“People want spaces that feel gathered rather than designed—places that show the hand of the artist, whether it’s in materials, artwork or even the fingerprint in a ceramic. There’s a real desire for things that feel handmade instead of fabricated.”
Adventurous Spirit
“I hope we keep seeing more client bravery and more thinking outside the box. With so much inspiration and so many new ideas everywhere, I love that clients are willing to go for the crazy concepts.”
Susannah Holmberg, Susannah Holmberg Studios. Photo courtesy of Malissa Mabey.
Susannah Holmberg
Artisan Details
“Whether it’s a carved cabinet front or a hand-painted mural, artisan-made details do so much to create a story for a homeowner. It feels very of the moment—and it pushes design in a direction that’s truly out of the box.”
Lighting Gets Moody
“There’s been a major move away from recessed lighting and toward mood lighting throughout entire plans. It may seem small, but it’s been a seismic shift for all of us—and one that couldn’t be more welcome.”
Hillary Taylor
Aged Elements, Bold Moves
“I’m seeing an embrace of patina like never before. Gone are the days of requesting bulletproof— people want materials that age, that show life. And alongside that, I’m loving the saturation of moody tones and a renewed embrace of the bold.”
Fresh Hues
“I love that I’m seeing egg-yolk yellow, not butter, but bright. And at the same time, a return to monochromatic whites. There’s something weirdly daring about a sea of cream.”
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