Design experts are already forecasting the biggest home renovation trends for 2026, and they suggest that homeowners will be moving away from open-concept layouts in favor of more defined and functional spaces. Architect Peter Miles predicts that as people continue spending more time at home, traditional floor plans with designated areas, such as private home offices, will become more desirable. In addition, wellness-focused renovations are expected to grow, with homeowners adding amenities like home gyms, saunas and meditation rooms to support healthier lifestyles. Improved air quality and natural light will also be top priorities, reflecting a continued emphasis on comfort and wellbeing that emerged after the pandemic.
Another major shift will be seen in design aesthetics. Homeowners, staying in their properties longer due to high interest rates, are prioritizing personal expression over resale value. This means bolder color choices and warmer tones are replacing the stark whites and cool grays of the past decade. Designers Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon note that earthy hues like terracotta, clay, olive and deep browns will dominate. They also predict a rise in seamless stone and slab backsplashes that extend from countertop to wall—creating a cohesive, low-maintenance and luxurious look. Altogether, 2026’s design trends will celebrate individuality, warmth and wellness over minimalism and resale-driven choices.
