7 Interior Designers We’re Excited to Follow in 2026

Every year, we keep an eye on designers who are doing something a little different—studios with a clear point of view, a respect for materials, and a knack for creating spaces that feel both thoughtful and lived-in. From historic renovations to boldly modern interiors, this year’s list spans geographies and styles, but shares a common thread: intentional design that tells a story.

Here are the interior designers we’re excited to follow this year.

Studio Day Design thrives on authenticity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for materials that carry history. Whether working on a Catskills farmhouse or a 1920s Tudor in Nebraska, their approach remains consistent: honor what’s already there, highlight the details that matter, and shape spaces that feel intentional rather than overworked.

Their projects strike a careful balance between restraint and personality, often bending traditional “rules” in ways that feel quietly confident. We sat down with the team to talk about the design choices they swear by, the conventions they love to question, and the Schoolhouse pieces currently on their radar.

Photo credits: Photos by Taylor Hall O'Brien.

Brad Thornton is the founder of Thornton Projects, a New York City–based interiors firm known for creating sophisticated, character-rich spaces for discerning clients. In 2025, the studio was named to House Beautiful’s Next Wave, recognizing the country’s most promising emerging designers.

Before launching his own firm, Brad honed his eye at 1stDibs, collaborating with many of the most celebrated names in design. Today, his work spans high-end residential, commercial, and creative projects for clients including Bonhams, Tommy Hilfiger, Salon Art + Design, and Compass. With upcoming residences across New York, Los Angeles, and beyond, Thornton Projects continues to blend polish with personality in a way that feels both timeless and distinctly current.

Photo credits: Headshot by Ryan Tiscareno Photography; interiors by Collin Hughes.

Based in Minneapolis, KEEP.Archi is an architecture and interior design practice founded by partners Austin Watanabe, AIA, and Kotono Watanabe. Their work centers on intentional, quality-driven design for livable spaces that improve with time and use.

Specializing in precise, surgical additions to existing homes, KEEP.Archi takes a contextual approach—designing interventions that feel both thoughtful and restrained. The studio has earned local preservation and design excellence awards, with work featured in Dwell, Midwest Design, MSP Magazine, and Collective Magazine. Their projects prove that sometimes the most impactful design decisions are also the most considered.

Photo credits: Headshots by Roy Son; Ardmore project by Wing Ho of Canary Grey.

Born in Brazil and raised in New England, Thiara Borges brings a distinctive mix of cultural vibrancy and timeless refinement to her work. With two decades of experience, she designs interiors that balance beauty, function, and joy—always grounded in enhancing her clients’ sense of well-being.

Founded in 2019, Studio Borges has become known for its adventurous, story-driven spaces and its deep commitment to process. From the first conversation through final installation, the studio prioritizes a seamless, supportive experience—ensuring the journey feels as effortless as the finished space itself.

Photo credits: Photography by Sean Litchfield; styling by Sean William Styling.

Woodward Throwbacks brings an experimental, textured, and eclectic approach to every project. Inspired by architecture—from gritty Detroit warehouses to storied European buildings—the studio transforms salvaged materials into soulful furniture and interiors that feel entirely their own.

Their ethos is simple: authentic pieces inspire authentic spaces. Whether tackling a large-scale renovation or a small-batch furniture experiment, Woodward Throwbacks follows instinct, embraces imperfection, and often lets the oddball piece take center stage.

Photo credits: Photography by Michelle Gerard and Jenna Belevender

TIEK BYDAY is a Louisiana-based architecture and interiors firm redefining Southern living and hospitality. Founded by mother-daughter designers Cindy and Bridget Tiek alongside architect Hance Day Hughes, the studio is known for pushing classical interiors into bold, expressive territory.

Their portfolio ranges from historic Southern estates to a disco drag bar—each space defined by immersive color, pattern, and carefully curated detail. Named House Beautiful 2025 Next Wave designers, TIEK BYDAY continues to create joyful, transportive environments across Louisiana, Texas, and beyond.

Photo credits:Headshot by Kim Meadowlark, interiors by Jacqueline Marque

Founded in 2014 by Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb, Brooklyn-based Jesse Parris-Lamb has grown into an interdisciplinary studio working across interior architecture and interior design. The firm also creates custom furniture, lighting, and textiles for residential clients.

Known for a lively yet elegant use of color and pattern, and a strong preference for vintage pieces and natural materials, JPL’s work feels both fresh and enduring. The studio has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Vogue Living, and The New York Times, with their first textile line launching in 2026 in collaboration with Kufri.

Photo credits:Photos by Nicole Franzen.