Move over minimalist farmhouse chic - the hottest interior design trend of 2026 is all about embracing the "lived-in" look. What this really means is that today's savviest homeowners are rejecting the pressure to maintain a Pinterest-perfect home in favor of spaces that feel authentic, comfortable and, yes, even a little bit messy.

As House & Garden reports, there's been a noticeable shift in how we consume and create home content online. TikTok videos showcasing "normal" houses are going viral, while Instagram accounts that highlight real, lived-in spaces are racking up the likes. The bigger picture here is that people are craving a break from the relentless pursuit of aesthetic perfection.

Embracing Imperfection for a More Authentic Home

According to Fine Homes & Living, this shift is being driven in part by the rise of AI-generated imagery on social media. As it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and artificial perfection, people are gravitating towards homes that feel genuinely lived-in.

"We are collectively craving the human touch," says interior designer Laura Stephens. "Much like a small typo might indicate a piece of text hasn't been spewed out by a robot, clutter on a coffee table shows a real person has created that home."

7 Designer Tips for a More Authentic Home

So how can you create a space that feels comfortably lived-in, rather than rigidly curated? Brit + Co tapped into the expertise of designers to share their top tips:

  • Mix old and new furnishings to create a layered, eclectic look
  • Embrace natural imperfections like worn wood or uneven tile
  • Display your collections, books, and personal mementos proudly
  • Incorporate vintage or antique pieces that already have character and patina
  • Opt for textiles and fabrics that will soften and fade over time
  • Arrange furniture in a way that looks effortless, not staged
  • Allow for clutter, mess, and "imperfections" - they make a space feel lived-in

At the end of the day, the most important thing is creating a home that reflects your unique personality and way of living - not someone else's idea of perfection. As one designer puts it, "I am so fed up with soulless, generic modern 'farmhouses' that proliferate...I feel strongly that people want something different with character and charm."