As we look ahead to 2026, home design trends continue to evolve, reflecting changing lifestyles, priorities, and values. From smarter technology to warmer, more personal spaces, today’s buyers are seeking homes that offer comfort, functionality, wellness, and a deeper connection to nature. Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the future of residential living.
- The bells and whistles continue with smart homes still on the rise
Fully automated home networks now control security, temperature, lighting, and other functions throughout the home. Motorized shades and curtains, heated floors, and so much more are becoming standard.Smart appliances, charging stations, wine dispensers, and coffee/latte systems are all connected to the home network, creating a fully automated home powered by biometrics and voice control. The future is now with smart home networking technology.
- Say bye-bye to open floor plans
The “open the front door and see the whole house at once” concept will be on its way out for 2026. I’m seeing a shift toward defined spaces, including true dining rooms, cozy family rooms, and rooms with a specific purpose. People are returning to the comfortable, personal, and layered spaces of their own childhoods. - Colour and warmth. Say hello to colour for 2026
Warmth and comfort are making a comeback for buyers who want designs that convey timeless beauty. All-white, cookie-cutter homes with sterile staging are no longer desirable. You’ll still need to rein in the clutter but let personality and colour shine through.Painting rooms sterile white before selling is on the way out, and warm, timeless, classic colours are in. Benjamin Moore leads this trend with its 2026 Colour of the Year, Silhouette AF-655. Google searches for “colour drenching” are up by 179%.
Painting an entire room the same colour—including bookshelves, trim, and doors—is back, with new flair. - Texture and warmth
Moving away from harsh lines and stark whites, I’m now seeing rich, layered textures with plaster, limewash, burled wood, and fluted wood-panelled walls replacing that look. Full slabs of quartz or marble make dramatic additions for feature walls, kitchens, and bathrooms.Curated spaces, curved walls, and hidden doors still provide minimalism, but with a softer feel. Watch for barrelled ceilings and curved, arched doorways also making a welcomed comeback.
- Specialized rooms
Specialized rooms are in, keeping with the non-open-concept floor plan. In a previous blog for the RENOWNED COLLECTION, I discussed table game rooms and smaller, purposeful spaces. Creating a family table game room or a book nook surrounded by bookshelves—where you can unplug and retreat with a good book—is trending strongly.The family table game room is a perfect place for the entire family to unplug and spend quality time together. Many feature secret door access built into panelling or bookshelves for a cozy, private feel. These types of spaces are quickly replacing the traditional billiards room or big-screen TV rooms.
- Sustainable and eco-conscious homes
Sustainable and eco-conscious homes are trending upward.
Features such as carbon-neutral building materials, net-zero energy homes, solar panel systems, and air quality control systems are commanding top prices as they continue to grow in popularity.Google mentions for zero-energy-ready homes, whole-home batteries, and electric vehicle charging are all up. This means buyers are actively searching for eco-conscious living options that reduce their footprint and save them money.
- Home and enhanced wellness trends
Home and enhanced wellness trends have been around for a few years, with no sign of slowing down in popularity or Google searches.The high-end homebuyer seeks to enhance their wellness by creating a haven from their very hectic lives. Saunas, indoor cold plunges, pools, soaker tubs, and high-functioning massage shower systems continue to gain popularity and remain must-haves in any luxury home.
- Biophilia
Do you remember this from a previous RENOWNED COLLECTION article?
Connecting indoor spaces with nature through natural light, plants, and materials creates calm, relaxing environments. I’m seeing a trend where buyers will sacrifice some square footage for character and walkability.When buyers choose less square footage, outdoor space becomes even more critical—and this is where biophilia is at its best.
Think walkout patios, patio rooms, decks, and walkouts from the kitchen or principal bedroom. These features extend living space and bring the outdoors indoors. - Overall trends
The top trends, while all different, are rooted in the same needs and desires: comfort, wellness, and a connection to the outdoors that brings so much joy to our lives.Calming, comforting, and grounded colours, combined with smaller, cozier spaces, soothe the soul and bring into focus what matters most: health, happiness, and family.
By Lynn Hoffmann