It should come as no surprise that The Glam Pad loathes trends. We cringe each January as the lists of what is “in” and what is “out” dominate the shelter magazines and social media. We advise ignoring anyone telling you to chuck your white kitchen or that scallops are “out of style.” The late great decorator Billy Baldwin stated, “Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style” and we couldn’t agree more. Instead, we like to focus on “anti-trends”… old-fashioned, tried and true classics to embrace that stand the test of time. And every year since 2018, we explore our favorite “anti-trend” predictions for the year. Below are our thoughts for 2026…

1. Embracing Analogue

According to Forbes, 2024 was the year of Artificial Intelligence. “If 2023 was a year of wonder about artificial intelligence,” the Associated Press reported, “2024 was the year to try to get that wonder to do something useful without breaking the bank.” The public discourse shifted from “is AI going to kill us?” to treating it like a normal technology, AP said, and Artificial Intelligence technology rapidly transformed the way we seek information and interact on social media. Fast forward to 2026 and, going offline has become the latest status symbol, according to Vogue Business. “Unplugging” has become luxury’s most valuable currency.

As psychologists reveal the myriad and detrimental ways digital systems are reshaping human thought, creativity, and imagination, society yearns for a doom-scroll detox. Hobbies, past-times, and lifestyle habits The Glam Pad actively promotes, including the following, are experiencing a resurgence:

• Handiwork including needlepoint, quilting, crochet, sewing, arts and crafts
• Writing by hand including commonplace journaling, Bible journaling, letter-writing, calligraphy, cursive
• Pastimes including painting, puzzles, boardgames, chess, cards
• Simpler technology such as landline phones, Polaroid cameras, record players. flip phones, typewriters. Even CDs and Walkmen are making a comeback, with sales increasing for the first time in nearly two decades, driven by nostalgia and the desire for physical ownership.

Skilled Trades

We are also predicting this resurgence will create an overall demand for specialized trades, and thus a rise in enrollment in art and trades schools. Alongside formal training programs, we anticipate a growing interest in artisan apprenticeships, with young creatives choosing to learn directly from skilled artists and craftspeople, drawing on the tradition of mentorship that still defines many great European ateliers, including Hermès.

There is tremendous opportunity for skilled tradespersons to flourish within the design industry, from muralists to carpenters to custom tile makers. Homeowners deserve better than cheap builder-grade finishes, and the beauty of the Internet is it allows for skilled craftsmen and women to advertise and sell their works worldwide.

2.  The Return of the Dinner Party & Home Entertaining

Following the psychological trauma of Covid-induced social distancing, people have been hungrily seeking to reconnect with others. A desire for in-person gatherings has continued to grow as social media increasingly replaces real-life interactions. Last year, we reported on the growing number of independent bookstores, particularly ones that specialize in offering opportunities for customers to convene through like-minded interests. This year, we look forward to the return of the dinner party. Martha Stewart reports “More than ever, celebrations are moving back to kitchens, patios, and living rooms. Hosting in your own space eliminates venue fees while letting guests settle into a warm, personal environment.” With rising costs at restaurants and grocery stores, budget-friendly entertaining options such as pot-luck dining are also making a comeback. And creativity abounds with “micro-themed” parties such as 80s Night, Crafting Parties, Kentucky Derby, Football Parties, etc. gaining force.

3.  Antiques and Collected Interiors

In 2016, Financial Times wrote about the declining interest in antiques and “brown furniture”. Mom and Pop antiques shops around the country were forced out of business. “Pretty” and “traditional” interiors were replaced by “edgy” and “modern.” Grey and beige were all the rage, and wallpaper was “out.” Fine antique furniture was cast aside for new foreign imports and cheap Ikea particleboard. The dressmaker details from the Mario Buatta days became tailored and streamlined… no frills. We are delighted that pretty is back in full force. “Grandmillennial” style took the design world by storm in 2019, largely with thanks to the Internet’s ability to bring together like-minded individuals from around the globe and unite them together into a united movement that forces a cultural overhaul in style… What we have seen afterwards has been an onslaught of niche variants on traditional decorating including Cottagecore, Balletcore, Coquette Core, Dark Academia, Ralph Lauren Aesthetic, Little Women Christmas, Coastal Grandmother, Grandpa Chic, and more. While we frequently bemoan the dark side of technology, we do appreciate that it inspires people to embrace their unique decorating preferences and unite with others who share their aesthetics for inspiration. It is our hope that these highly personal design styles will continue to empower individuals to embrace their own unique style, one that suits their personality and tells their own story, rather than embracing any “trend” for the sake of keeping up with the Jonses.

4.  Desiring Defined Spaces

Last January, we wrote a farewell to open-plan living, and we are delighted to see this return to traditional spaces continue in the new year. Open-concept living peaked before the pandemic, but as we continue to spend more time at home, homeowners realized one big great room does not suit most lifestyles.  We yearn for a return of walls and the defined space of a traditional floor plan where rooms served their intended purpose, and privacy wasn’t a quaint relic of the past. With more people working from home and embarking upon analogue hobbies, homeowners are looking for craft room/home office combos focus on multi-functional, organized spaces that facilitite function and organization with shelves, desks, creative storage space, etc.

Furthermore, with the increasing return to in-home entertaining, one reader noted, “Cold, vacuous and sterile, they are uninviting boxes not meant for living or real entertaining.” No one wants to see piles of dirty dishes and cookery in the kitchen while enjoying a seated dinner party.

5. The Rise of Heritage Brands

“Heritage brands”, defined by longevity, authenticity, and a strong sense of origin, are trending towards authentic storytelling, blending tradition with modern relevance through high quality and a return to classic typography like serifs. Heritage Brands eschew extreme minimalism and emphasize craftsmanship, cultural roots, and sustainability, with a focus on quality materials and deeper narratives to foster strong consumer connections. Key Trends for Heritage Brands in 2026 according to AI Overview include:

• Authenticity & Craft: A move towards high-quality materials (dry-hand silks, indigo), artisanal techniques (tone-on-tone jacquards, sashiko), and deep storytelling to provide grounding and security.
• Modernized Classics: Updating timeless silhouettes with relaxed tailoring, structured shapes (cinched waists, strong shoulders), and functional adaptability, rather than just oversized looks.
• ‘Mutant Heritage’ Design: Reimagining vintage typography (serifs, grotesks) with a contemporary, slightly off-kilter, tech-tuned feel, combining nostalgia with innovation.
• Cultural Reconnection: Drawing inspiration from diverse global traditions (Nigerian textiles, Ethiopian art) and connecting with consumers through meaningful rituals and heritage ingredients, especially in beauty.
• Subtle Richness: Prioritizing quiet luxury with detailed textures and patterns over loud logos, offering visual depth that rewards a closer look.
• Strategic Collaborations: Partnering with creators and cultural moments to forge authentic connections, moving beyond just big global events. 

Conclusion

In summary, for 2026 The Glam Pad foresees a continuation in the return to traditional interiors, “old fashioned” pastimes, skills, and entertaining. These have been bread and butter components of The Glam Pad since our inception in 2011, before they became en vogue. While we proceed with caution when it comes to technology, we fully appreciate the benefits it offers and will continue to explore and embrace the exciting opportunities it presents while remaining true to the core of our soul. We hope you will continue to follow us along on this journey as we sail along into unchartered waters.

HAPPY 2026!