Say Goodbye To Boring Walls: The New Trend That Will Add An Artistic Touch In 2026

For years, home design trends have shied away from certain types of wall decor that make the home feel either dated or overly trendy. The result has been a focus on plain painted walls with a single accent wall, or simply removing walls entirely in favor of an open concept. But people are realizing that the trade-off of this simplistic approach to walls is making the home feel less personal. In 2026, designers are ditching the open concepts and refocusing on creating comfort in the home. In many rooms, this means improving the function of the space while incorporating comforting elements like earthy tones and inspired accents. When it comes to large walls, however, one trend has shifted the focus to a more artistic approach: decorative hand-painted treatments.

We all know wallpaper got a bad reputation in the early 2000s as being outdated, but there is a reason it has remained popular for centuries. Designers agree that repeating patterns create a sense of visual harmony and balance in a space that promotes a calm environment. Hand-painted patterns, on the other hand, create a deep sense of artistry and humanistic design. Combining these two design concepts together works to create a unique painted wall style that is on trend in 2026.

If you're looking for a painting trend for your walls that will express your personality and create comfort in your space, hand-painted wall art might be the right choice for you. Designers are all about personalization in 2026. Most home decor trends are focusing on removing the "Instagram-ready" aesthetic of refined home spaces that feel more transactional than personal. That includes adding more natural color palettes, adding function, and creating comfort through art and decor. One of the ways designers are accomplishing this is by incorporating hand-painted art right into the design. While accent walls are still being used, they may be filled with murals of nature or the night sky this year.

Alternatively, some designers are combining repeating patterns with the hand-painted craft to create an artistic, yet comforting environment. Designers at Decorilla have also called the trend "freehand artistry," which celebrates the imperfections in the design. Ashley Childers, owner of Ashley Childers Interiors, said in a review of 2026 design trends on YouTube, "Decorative wall murals and painted details really reflect a growing desire for artistry and craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind interiors."

So, how do you actually design your hand-painted wall art to fit in your space? Should you go with a trendy wall treatment that brings nature indoors with a large wall mural, or should you go with a more delicate approach that mimics the traditional wallpaper style and brings a sense of harmony to the space? Ultimately, this choice comes down to personal preference, but there are some things you can do to help narrow down the choices. Start by defining the vision for the space. Do you want it to feel like a fantasy forest, an underwater escape, or something else entirely? Once you've narrowed down the aesthetic idea for the space, browse social media or designer portfolios for styles that inspire you.

If you are artsy, of course, you can create the mural or repeating artwork yourself. All you will need to budget for is the painting supplies (and maybe your time). However, if you want to hire a designer, pricing can range from $15 to $50 per square foot, depending on the designer, location, and complexity of the design. The actual cost could range between $2000 and $5000 for an experienced designer and a full wall mural.