The Trendy Architectural Feature That Will Make Your Home Look Dated In 2026

There are many architectural styles that captivated us in 2025. As a sculptural, flowing form, among them was the decorative arch, which homeowners couldn't help but implement in their organic modern and minimalist designs. Alongside curved furniture, decorative arches added more whimsy and natural touches to our spaces. However, this trend may have overstayed its welcome, because in 2026, designers are saying that decorative arches might be the bold interior design choice you may come to regret. Last year, homeowners wanted to add a unique touch to their homes with this once outdated feature. However, while gorgeous for a brief moment in time, arches have become oversaturated and thus outdated in interior design, and many folks went overboard with the trend.

Designers have shared their frustrations with decorative arches. "They've been used everywhere, and when applied without architectural relevance, they start to feel gimmicky," leading interior designer Cherie Lee told Hello! Magazine. Rather than being an intentional, sculptural, or architectural feature, homeowners were adding arches to multiple doorways, hallways, windows, over shower or bath alcoves, by the front door, or even in the garden via moon gates. Of course, counter to the overuse of this feature, many design experts in the past year have also cautioned homeowners about using arches the wrong way, often advising against a singular feature arch or arches added to a home that doesn't suit the style.

When it comes to the trendy arch, it was encouraged by some experts to push beyond the imaginary limitations of including arched doorways, mirrors, or alcoves in solely Mediterranean or traditional-style homes. However, others forewarned that putting arches in every home style simply wasn't a good design choice long term. One reason the decorative arch trend is waning is that this feature often doesn't match modern homes. Decorative architectural arches feel forced in some home styles and give off a tacky vibe. Rather than looking like an intentional, sculptural form meant for that house, some have found that their arches appear out of place and don't suit the home's existing architectural style. 

However, arches aren't totally disappearing in 2026. The arch is evolving as folks find better ways to implement the feature in their design schemes. In some homes, the arch may never make an appearance as we shift towards using it in places that make sense. Alternatively, some homeowners are being more intentional about arch placement, creating feature nooks instead of using them as transitions from one room to another. Or, they are using arches more subtly, on tile, via mirrors, or other non-permanent decorative elements. Further, there is one decor trend that could completely replace the timeless arch. The hexagon shape is entering spaces and curating an eccentric geometric tone that feels inspiring and modern.