Drew and Jonathan Share Room Refresh Ideas to Steal for 2026
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Jonathan’s claiming it: “2026 is the year where we are over boring,” he says. So with that in mind, is there a room that needs a little change? Lucky for you, Drew and Jonathan are walking us through their creative ideas to revamp your spaces for a new-year-new-me vibe that speaks to your personality and style, and that you’ll love for years to come. In the video above, they outline when and where a refresh might be necessary, as well as tips to do it right and mistakes to avoid so you keep your room from dating itself in the future. (A moment of silence for anyone who suffered through a tween bedroom’s neon zebra wallpaper…)
From statement wall inspiration to creative ways to use peel-and-stick paper, wood paneling, and even crafty tips for fabrics you might not have thought of yet, the Bros are ringing in the new year with new ways to redecorate and make your home feel special. After all, it’s fun to experiment with design without committing to a full-blown renovation. So explore tips, tricks, and shopping ideas to pull it off here—plus, make sure to subscribe to our Drew & Jonathan YouTube channel for even more inspiration.
1. Play With Statement Wallpaper
“If there’s a wall in your space that is just begging for an extra treatment, this is where you could do something as an easy weekend project, like wallpaper or paneling,” Jonathan says. “You can go bold with your wallpaper, but just know that the bolder you go, generally the faster it goes out of style.” You can still keep things interesting, though. For example, you can choose a neutral-color paper with subtle pattern or texture, which will add interest without being overpowering.
There are a couple different types of wallpaper that you can use, too, depending on your preferred application:
Traditional wallpaper: Installation requires extra work and care, and things can get messy. However, traditional wallpaper offers better longevity (10+ years) and better performance in humidity.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Installation is simpler. All you have to do is peel the backing and apply to the wall. (We have a tutorial here.) It still requires careful planning and handling, but without as many tools. So removable wallpaper is great for renters or quick DIYs, but it may be less durable over time.
2. Create a Feature Ceiling
However, Drew mentions, “a feature wall doesn’t have to be a feature wall—with the right kind of wallpaper and peel-and-stick, you can have a feature ceiling.” Get creative this year, and do something out of your comfort zone! There are so many different types of wallpaper designs, from textured grasscloth to gorgeous mural designs and more that can transform a boring ceiling into a focal point.
3. Install Wood Veneer Paneling
Wood paneling is not what it used to be! Today’s wood veneer panels offer style, function, and ultra-easy installation that could look absolutely stunning in any home. Many options can be applied to your walls with just a few screws, making sleek wooden statement walls easier than ever. And some brands, like Wood Veneer Hub, even have a sound-dampening backing for better noise absorption—perfect for living rooms, basement entertainment zones, and rental apartments with thinner walls.
4. Go All-In With Color Drenching
Bold walls don’t begin and end with wallpaper. Color drenching has only gotten more and more popular over the past few years—however, it’s a technique that’s actually been around since the early 20th century. The idea, in short, is to coat an entire room in the same color of paint. It embraces artful monochromatic styling and, when done right, gives a dramatic look to the space without looking overwhelming.
It is possible to go overboard here, so make sure there’s some sort of contrast or variant to keep things looking interesting. “I’m not the biggest fan of having tone on tone on tone for your room all the time, because a lot of people get it wrong,” Drew says. “Make sure to have something that adds some other interest in the space, otherwise it’s just going to look very flat.”
“That’s why I like doing the change-up in the finishes,” Jonathan adds. “Even if the draperies are the same color, you might have a slightly different sheen or a slightly different texture to them. A lot of times I’ll do my casings and my baseboards in a satin finish, and then I’ll do the walls in a matte. You can mix it up.”
5. Try a New Tile
For wet spaces like kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms, you’ll want to reach for tile. But that doesn’t mean you have to go for tile in a typical color. “Tile is a lot trickier, a lot more expensive, a lot more work—but also can have a really great effect,” Jonathan says (Just look at the tile at his house!). “Depending on the aesthetic that you’re going for, there are a million different ways that you can create interest.”
“I love a tile that looks artisanal; it looks handcrafted,” Drew says. “You can also go for a repeat pattern if you want, or you can have something that feels varied throughout the design.” Even if you go with a standard subway tile, you can arrange them in a unique way to bring that visual interest: basketweave, herringbone, crosshatch, chevron—there are so many different solutions to make tile look artful, even if you’re going with a more budget-friendly option.
Reupholstering
Fabric is such an easy, affordable way to make a room feel new, and textural layers are a must to give it that designer finish we all crave. “If you look at any design magazine, you’re never going to see everything just flat, or one color, or the same pattern,” Jonathan says. “The stuff that looks really, really good that’s done by professionals is always layered in. And if you don’t think you can figure that out, it’s okay! You don’t have to. Go online and pull inspiration photos, and then just sort of replicate it for your own purposes. I encourage you to steal all of our designs!”
“And you can find inspiration as well when you go into a beautiful hotel or a restaurant,” he adds. “Take some photos, images that you really love the layered look to, and then go to a fabric shop.” You aren’t limited to the pieces you find online! You can reupholster your pillows, make new curtains, tablecloths, and more.
“Whatever you want, big or small, in your design—2026 is all about you. Let’s bring the joy back into your design!” Drew says.
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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