BLog

The 2020s have been a decade of both change and hope. At times those forces feel like they’re pulling in opposite directions—but honestly, that tension feels true to the moment we’re living in.

As we cross into the second half of the decade, many of us are sensing a shift. Trends still exist, but the way we engage with them is changing. Less urgency. Less pressure. More discernment. More joy.

At Sunnyside Gardens, we see 2026 as a turning point: a year of balancing play and reality, beauty and meaning, whimsy and intention.

Here’s what’s feeling in and out to us as we look ahead.

What’s In for 2026

Cherries, Still

After a hot moment in 2025, cherries aren’t going anywhere. From color palettes to recipes to playful motifs, they feel joyful, nostalgic, and just a little indulgent—in the best way.

Scallops Everywhere

In decor, in textiles, and even on the menu, scalloped edges add softness and charm. They’re structured without being severe—perfectly aligned with our love of gentle design.

Skinny Jeans (Yes, Really)

They’re making a comeback—not as a rule, but as an option. Which feels very 2026: wear what works for you.

Travel-Inspired Plants & Decor

We’re seeing more people bring home inspiration from their travels—plants they saw growing wildly on vacation, textures and colors that remind them of meaningful places. It’s less about souvenirs, more about memory and connection.

Gardening for the Planet

Gardens aren’t just about aesthetics anymore. We’re seeing deeper interest in native plants, pollinator support, soil health, and sustainability. Beauty still matters—but purpose matters more.

Slow Living

Snail mail. Staying home. Saying no. A slower pace that leaves room for rest and creativity. These aren’t trends so much as quiet rebellions against burnout.

Brooches & Personal Details

Small, intentional accessories—brooches, pins, meaningful objects—are having a moment. Personal style feels less curated, more collected.

Scent Stacking

Layering fragrances in the home and on ourselves—candles, garden blooms, personal scents—creates a sensory experience that feels deeply individual.

Purposeful Spending

Choosing items that last, matter, or support local communities. This mindset shows up everywhere—from home goods to plants to how we spend our time.

What’s Out for 2026

Honestly? The idea that anything is out.

Trying to stay on trend is fading fast. Chasing every aesthetic, every micro-moment, every internet-approved look—it’s exhausting, and it’s losing relevance.

What’s out is the pressure to perform your life online.
What’s out is prioritizing appearance over experience.
What’s out is thinking there’s one right way to show up.

Whatever is true to you has always been in style—and that feels clearer than ever now.

A Shift We’re Feeling at Sunnyside

We’re seeing more people choose real life over internet life. More conversations in the garden center. More curiosity. More care. Less fixation on perfection, more focus on joy.

In homes.
In gardens.
In communities.
In personal style.

2026 feels like a year of coming back to ourselves—still playful, still creative, but rooted in what actually matters.

And if that means your garden is a little wild, your style is deeply personal, and your home smells like herbs and fresh soil instead of trends? We think you’re doing it right.

Here’s to a year of intention, whimsy, and growing what truly matters.