As home décor manufacturers look toward 2026, the industry is entering a pivotal moment where familiar strategies are no longer enough to guarantee growth. Shifting consumer expectations, evolving retail models, and increasing operational complexity are converging to reshape how products are designed, produced and sold.
Last week in Atlanta Market, manufacturers were eager to share their thoughts on 2026 and the key factors they believe will impact businesses this year. Mark Abrams, vice president of design and marketing for Port 68, believes success in 2026 will depend on a combination or “cocktail” of many things. “The overall tariff situation and where it will stand; mortgage interest rates tied to housing needs impacts us all on purchasing and consumer confidence overall in the marketplace. Unfortunately, none of those things is in our control. What we can do is offer beautiful well-made products, have great customer service, ship quickly and continue to evolve as the marketplace continues to change,” Abrams said.
Mark Wiltshire, president of Streamline Art, homed in on inventory management. “At Streamline Art, we pride ourselves at being in stock 95% of the time. With all the ‘noise’ going on in the economy, retailers have been cautious with their buying. If there is an uptick in business (which we feel there will be), we will have the inventory to support them at the best prices in the industry. We couple this with our state-of-the-art domestic production with lead times typically averaging two weeks,” said Wiltshire.
“I believe the resurgence of interest in high‑end, original, handmade, artisan‑crafted products will have the greatest impact on our business, reinforcing our long‑standing commitment to timeless design. This is not a passing trend for us—it is a deliberate and foundational choice,” said Beatriz Ball, founder of Beatriz Ball.
“Our products are handcrafted by skilled artisans who merge traditional metalworking techniques with contemporary design. From the very beginning, brides and bridal gifting have been at the heart of our brand. For many couples, registering for wedding gifts is their first introduction to the world of tabletop design, and the pieces they receive often become treasured objects that accompany them through a lifetime of celebrations. Our collections resonate with brides of all ages, and our relationship with our customers grows over time. As their lives evolve, so does their connection to our brand. We create for customers who are both young and young at heart—those who value beauty, craftsmanship, and objects meant to be enjoyed and cherished for years to come,” Ball added.
For Currey & Company, uncertainty is the primary influencer in 2026. ” Our roadmap for growth depends on a number of foundational factors like interest rates, tariffs, home building, transportation costs and global supply chain stability to be consistent and predictable,” said Bob Ulrich, senior vice president & marketing for the company.
Not showing at Atlanta Market but showing at the upcoming Las Vegas Market, Brian Berk, president of Howard Elliott Collection, said economic uncertainty makes business predictions difficult. He cited the potential for additional rising consumer costs caused by inflationary effects due to tariff policies as well as rising labor costs. “This coupled with a low housing start figure may cause a longer period of depression in the home furnishings industry,” Berk said.
“If the government can maintain or lower tariff rates and the housing market can start to flourish, the second half of 2026 can become more robust. The suppliers and wholesalers have the inventory and capacity to perform at a higher level. Product design continues to evolve to exude a higher perceived value. Unfortunately, the factors that are creating this uncertainty are out of our daily control, but the [Congressional] midterms are around the corner, when the people have an opportunity to vote their personal and business opinions.”
