February 13 2026

Old Souls, New Spaces: Antiques Shaping 2026 Home Design

With the New Year comes a fresh perspective on home design. For 2026, curated nostalgia and maximalism with meaning take center stage. This is not the year for rushing to big-box stores but rather about thoughtfully collected, one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story. Think rich wood tones, timeworn finishes, hand-blown glass, and a touch of ‘grandmacore’ charm, all coming together to create spaces that feel personal, timeless, and lived-in. For those seeking pieces with history and heart, Pook & Pook offers a place to discover decor that feels both storied and perfectly at home in the present.

Pook & Pook’s upcoming Online Decorative Arts Auction will showcase 950 lots of furniture, decorative pieces, and textiles sure to inspire; each offering a sense of history, craftsmanship, and soul. These are the kinds of pieces that linger in memory: softly worn woods, timeworn fabrics, and objects that feel as though they’ve already lived a beautiful life, waiting to be woven into yours.

A growing appreciation for nature-inspired design is reflected in hand-blown, colored glassware, with lush green examples in lots 2152, 2655, and 2686, offering a subtle yet timely nod to the outdoors. Keeping with the nature-inspired theme, still life paintings are just as relevant as ever. While lots 2734 and 2738 reflect the classic still-life tradition with fruit and floral subjects, lot 2614 offers an unexpected departure, depicting a small robin’s nest with vibrant blue eggs poised to hatch.

Speaking of birds, avian decor takes flight as a cornerstone of personally curated maximalism. Each species brings its own personality to a space; from the bold bravado of roosters (lot 2102) to the soft, coastal poetry of shorebirds (lot 2701). And for those drawn to something a bit darker and clever, my personal favorite- the crow (lot 2549) offers intrigue, intelligence, and undeniable presence.

If birds lend movement and personality to a room, rich wood tones and antique furniture provide the grounding counterpoint. Heavily grained woods, softened by time and use, anchor maximalist interiors with warmth, history, and undeniable soul. A corner cupboard like lot 2228 makes for the perfect place to showcase bespoke treasures while the Regency architect’s desk of lot 2244 feels newly relevant. Its elegant lines and storied craftsmanship aligning perfectly with the renewed desire for antique furniture with presence, purpose and individuality.

All of these example and much more will all be available to bid on during our February Online Decorative Arts Auction on February 18, 2026, offering collectors and design lovers alike the opportunity to bring storied beauty into their own homes.

By Erika Lombardo