Bringing 2026 Home: Werner Harmsen's Guide to Stylish, Small-Town Wisconsin Living

Remember when design trends felt miles away from our cozy Wisconsin homes? Not anymore! For 2026, the biggest movements in interior design are all about comfort, connection to nature, and creating spaces that truly serve your life – something we in small-town Wisconsin have always understood. At Werner Harmsen, we're excited to show you how these trends can beautifully blend with your unique style, and how our custom carpentry and curated furniture can make your home both timeless and on-trend.

Rooted in Warmth: Earthy Hues and Rich Wood Tones

Create a serene retreat in your own living room with furniture that balances modern style with small-town warmth.

The days of stark, cold interiors are fading like a winter's breath. 2026 is all about enveloping your home in warmth, with earthy colors everywhere. Think muted greens, soft clays, creamy beiges, and deep, comforting browns. These colors perfectly echo the natural beauty of our Wisconsin landscapes, from the summer forests to the rich autumn harvests.

2026 is moving away from "fast furniture" toward soulful, hand-crafted pieces like this table, which celebrates the natural grain and durability of real wood.

Paired with these inviting palettes are warm and medium wood tones. We're seeing a resurgence of rich oak, walnut, and cherry – woods that bring depth, character, and a sense of enduring craftsmanship. At Werner Harmsen, this is our bread and butter! Our handcrafted furniture often features these stunning, natural wood tones, ensuring that your pieces aren't just trendy, but built to last for generations. Imagine a custom-built dining table in a warm walnut, becoming the heart of your family gatherings for years to come.

Softening the Edges: Curves, Geometry, and Classic Patterns

This curved sectional paired with rounded ottomans perfectly balances modern sophistication with the relaxed comfort of small-town living.

Say goodbye to harsh lines! Curves and soft geometry are making a big statement. Arched doorways, rounded furniture, and flowing forms create a more welcoming and serene environment. This trend fits beautifully with the relaxed, unpretentious charm of Wisconsin living. Our designers at Werner Harmsen are experts at incorporating these softer lines into custom built-ins and unique furniture pieces, creating a harmonious flow throughout your home.

Our in-house designers specialize in mixing patterns and textures to create a space that’s uniquely yours—whether you're looking for a bold backsplash or a custom-tiled entryway.

And when it comes to floors, two classic patterns are stealing the show:

checkerboard and star-and-cross tile. These timeless designs add a playful elegance and a touch of heritage, perfect for entryways, mudrooms, or bathrooms. Don't worry about picking the right shade or pattern – our in-house designers are here to guide you, helping you select tiles that complement your home's character and stand up to the demands of everyday life.

The Return of the Grid: Plaid and Patterned Comfort

Heirloom-quality comfort you can feel. This classic plaid set is built to be the favorite seat in your house for generations to come.

While we’re embracing curves, 2026 is also seeing a sophisticated return to grid patterns in textiles, particularly through modern takes on classic plaid. For a small-town Wisconsin home, plaid furniture offers the perfect blend of high-fashion "fisherman-core" and timeless heritage warmth.

At Werner Harmsen, we have a beautiful selection of furniture featuring these grid patterns—from bold tartans to subtle windowpanes—that add a layer of structured comfort to any room. These pieces feel right at home whether they're placed in a cozy reading nook or used as a statement piece in your living area.

Designing for Life: Comfort, Function, and Longevity

Our designers can help you transition your bathroom into a safe, beautiful space with modern fixtures and timeless tile patterns.

One of the most meaningful trends for 2026 is smart design for aging in place. This isn't just for retirement homes; it's about creating spaces that adapt to every stage of life, ensuring comfort and safety for years to come. Our Werner Harmsen designers specialize in creating beautiful, accessible bathrooms with features like spacious walk-in showers and thoughtfully placed grab bars that blend seamlessly into your design. We believe that practical doesn't have to mean sacrificing style.

When you choose a piece from us, whether it's a custom-built cabinet or a carefully selected piece of furniture, you're investing in quality that lasts. Our furniture is crafted from durable, natural materials designed to age gracefully, reducing waste and supporting a more mindful way of living. We believe in creating pieces that become part of your home's story, passed down through generations, rather than replaced with fleeting trends.

Werner Harmsen: Your Partner in Home Design

Warm wood tones and custom cabinetry create a timeless, earthy kitchen that’s perfectly on-trend for 2026.

At Werner Harmsen, we understand that your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a reflection of who you are and a hub for creating memories. This focus on creating homes that support real life is the heartbeat of our mission to help families in Waupun and beyond create homes they love with heirloom-quality furnishings and timeless renovations. It perfectly aligns with our vision to be a destination known for exceptional quality and lasting craftsmanship, reflecting our deep commitment to investing in the strength and future of our local community.

Visit our showroom at 116 E. Main St. in Waupun today to explore our collection of furniture featuring rich wood tones, earthy colors, and soft curves. Talk to our designers about how we can help you integrate these 2026 trends into your Wisconsin home, from custom cabinetry and built-ins to stunning tile selections and age-in-place bathroom solutions. Let Werner Harmsen help you create a home that is both beautiful and built to last.