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5 Home Design Trends Pros Say Have Staying Power in 2026
As homeowners choose longevity over short-lived fads, these five design shifts are graduating into new classics
When it comes to design trends in 2026, homeowners are doubling down on what works. We recently asked nearly 50 home design and construction professionals what they’re seeing on the ground, and a clear consensus emerged. Warm palettes, layered finishes, personalized details, natural materials and aging-in-place features have been growing in popularity for years, and pros say these core ideas are evolving rather than fading. Here’s a look at five trends pros expect will continue to define how homes look and feel.
This Sonoma, California, living room by Mia Sandmark Design features warm, earthy vintage furniture, a curated art collection and cherished pottery.
“People are craving livable, inviting and cozy homes,” says Kallan Chavez of Kallan Interiors. “They’re steering clear of cold, sterile white-and-gray interiors and leaning into warmer tones and layered textures.”
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“People are craving livable, inviting and cozy homes,” says Kallan Chavez of Kallan Interiors. “They’re steering clear of cold, sterile white-and-gray interiors and leaning into warmer tones and layered textures.”
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2. Collected, Layered Interiors Take Hold
The shift away from minimalism also continues to gain momentum, evolving from simple accent choices into rooms that feel thoughtfully assembled over time. Pros say homeowners are favoring character, history and personal storytelling over off-the-shelf perfection.
“Clients are asking for homes that feel warmer, more tactile and less perfectly coordinated,” says designer Judi Lee-Carr of Jubilee Interiors. “More than any single material, clients want their homes to feel collected and personal rather than brand new and overly polished.”
In this Los Angeles kitchen by the aptly named Canyon Collected Design, layers of warm wood, stone, aged metals and soft, creamy whites create a collected look with lasting depth.
It’s a design philosophy Seashal Belldina of Interiors by Seashal sees taking root across the home. “I’m seeing a lot of interest in warm, layered kitchens that feel collected and timeless rather than overly trendy,” she says. “Clients are moving away from the all-white kitchens that dominated for years.”
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The shift away from minimalism also continues to gain momentum, evolving from simple accent choices into rooms that feel thoughtfully assembled over time. Pros say homeowners are favoring character, history and personal storytelling over off-the-shelf perfection.
“Clients are asking for homes that feel warmer, more tactile and less perfectly coordinated,” says designer Judi Lee-Carr of Jubilee Interiors. “More than any single material, clients want their homes to feel collected and personal rather than brand new and overly polished.”
In this Los Angeles kitchen by the aptly named Canyon Collected Design, layers of warm wood, stone, aged metals and soft, creamy whites create a collected look with lasting depth.
It’s a design philosophy Seashal Belldina of Interiors by Seashal sees taking root across the home. “I’m seeing a lot of interest in warm, layered kitchens that feel collected and timeless rather than overly trendy,” she says. “Clients are moving away from the all-white kitchens that dominated for years.”
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This Santa Monica, California, living room by Julia Chasman Design features an inviting style layered with pattern, texture and traditional details.
“We’re seeing homeowners move away from stark minimalism and toward spaces that feel layered, personal and emotionally restorative,” says designer Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Interiors, which uses Houzz Pro.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
“We’re seeing homeowners move away from stark minimalism and toward spaces that feel layered, personal and emotionally restorative,” says designer Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Interiors, which uses Houzz Pro.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Character and Personality Matter More Than Perfection
Pros are seeing a deeper appreciation for materials and details that carry a sense of history. Handcrafted tile, artisan plaster, natural stone, aged metals, vintage pieces and original architectural elements all contribute to a lived-in look that prioritizes authenticity over too-precious surfaces.
Architect Todd Smith of Syndicate Smith welcomes the shift toward personal storytelling. “We’d much rather have them focus on how they live, what makes them excited about being with their family, how it relates to their environment, defining their rituals and why they truly want to invest in a legacy home on an amazing piece of property,” he says.
Henley Design created this character-filled custom game nook in Rockport, Massachusetts, tailored specifically for a family devoted to game nights.
Pros are seeing a deeper appreciation for materials and details that carry a sense of history. Handcrafted tile, artisan plaster, natural stone, aged metals, vintage pieces and original architectural elements all contribute to a lived-in look that prioritizes authenticity over too-precious surfaces.
Architect Todd Smith of Syndicate Smith welcomes the shift toward personal storytelling. “We’d much rather have them focus on how they live, what makes them excited about being with their family, how it relates to their environment, defining their rituals and why they truly want to invest in a legacy home on an amazing piece of property,” he says.
Henley Design created this character-filled custom game nook in Rockport, Massachusetts, tailored specifically for a family devoted to game nights.
Meanwhile, homeowners are less interested in designing for resale or following a prescribed look and more interested in creating spaces that reflect their lifestyles. Pros describe clients asking for homes that feel deeply personal, whether it’s the layouts and materials they choose or the objects they display. That shift is also giving homeowners more confidence to make individual choices, including unusual tile patterns, expressive wallpaper, distinctive furnishings and colors they love.
“We’re seeing more clients embrace color in a thoughtful and intentional way rather than relying solely on all-white or neutral palettes,” says Brittany Cocozza of Trinity Design, which uses Houzz Pro. “Soft blues, greens, warm earth tones and richly layered accent colors are becoming increasingly popular in cabinetry, tile, wallpaper and furnishings. Clients still want timeless designs, but they’re becoming more comfortable incorporating color to add personality and create spaces that feel unique to them.”
In this formal dining room, interior design firm Lavish integrated the homeowners’ inherited mahogany furniture, framed travel art and family keepsakes to create a distinctly personal space. A soft blue-gray palette and botanical wallpaper ceiling treatment crown the classic Chippendale table and antique sideboard, anchored by decorative wall plates and a gilded chandelier.
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“We’re seeing more clients embrace color in a thoughtful and intentional way rather than relying solely on all-white or neutral palettes,” says Brittany Cocozza of Trinity Design, which uses Houzz Pro. “Soft blues, greens, warm earth tones and richly layered accent colors are becoming increasingly popular in cabinetry, tile, wallpaper and furnishings. Clients still want timeless designs, but they’re becoming more comfortable incorporating color to add personality and create spaces that feel unique to them.”
In this formal dining room, interior design firm Lavish integrated the homeowners’ inherited mahogany furniture, framed travel art and family keepsakes to create a distinctly personal space. A soft blue-gray palette and botanical wallpaper ceiling treatment crown the classic Chippendale table and antique sideboard, anchored by decorative wall plates and a gilded chandelier.
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4. Natural Materials Get More Expressive
The interest in natural materials is moving beyond simply choosing wood cabinetry or a stone countertop. Pros are seeing more appreciation for the variation, texture and imperfections that make natural materials feel authentic. Natural stone is showing up in unexpected applications, including sinks, furniture and lighting. Handmade and high-variation tile, honed and leathered stone, plaster and warm wood all contribute to a more tactile look.
“Rather than relying on highly polished finishes, clients are gravitating toward natural wood, textured stone, handcrafted tile and materials that develop character over time,” says architect Donovan Davis of Danze & Davis Architects.
This Philadelphia powder room by Safferstone Interiors showcases the trend with a dramatic natural stone sink, plaster walls and unlacquered brass light fixtures designed to patina naturally over time.
The interest in natural materials is moving beyond simply choosing wood cabinetry or a stone countertop. Pros are seeing more appreciation for the variation, texture and imperfections that make natural materials feel authentic. Natural stone is showing up in unexpected applications, including sinks, furniture and lighting. Handmade and high-variation tile, honed and leathered stone, plaster and warm wood all contribute to a more tactile look.
“Rather than relying on highly polished finishes, clients are gravitating toward natural wood, textured stone, handcrafted tile and materials that develop character over time,” says architect Donovan Davis of Danze & Davis Architects.
This Philadelphia powder room by Safferstone Interiors showcases the trend with a dramatic natural stone sink, plaster walls and unlacquered brass light fixtures designed to patina naturally over time.
This character-rich Dallas bathroom by AMF Construction features textured blue zellige-style wall tile, checkered black-and-white flooring and a botanical motif tile in the shower.
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5. Pros Are Designing Homes to Evolve
Long-term livability is becoming a standard of good design rather than something homeowners address only when a need arises. Pros report a rise in requests for features that make a home comfortable to navigate at any stage of life.
“A growing priority is designing homes that support long-term livability,” architect Davis says. “Features such as curbless showers, wider circulation paths, generous natural light and thoughtfully integrated storage are increasingly requested — not because clients necessarily need them today but because they appreciate homes that remain functional for decades.”
This Seattle kitchen by Kate Savitch Design features wide, well-lit pathways and abundant easy-access drawer storage.
Long-term livability is becoming a standard of good design rather than something homeowners address only when a need arises. Pros report a rise in requests for features that make a home comfortable to navigate at any stage of life.
“A growing priority is designing homes that support long-term livability,” architect Davis says. “Features such as curbless showers, wider circulation paths, generous natural light and thoughtfully integrated storage are increasingly requested — not because clients necessarily need them today but because they appreciate homes that remain functional for decades.”
This Seattle kitchen by Kate Savitch Design features wide, well-lit pathways and abundant easy-access drawer storage.
New Market Design + Build updated this Philadelphia home for a couple looking to age in place, outfitting the primary bathroom with a spacious curbless shower, an integrated bench and stylish grab bars.
The mindset extends well beyond physical accessibility. ADUs and secondary suites are being designed to accommodate multigenerational living, extended guest stays, rental income and future family needs. Meanwhile, dedicated wellness amenities like saunas, cold plunges and meditation spaces offer new ways for a home to support evolving well-being routines.
“Homeowners are looking for more flexible living arrangements, whether for multigenerational living, long-term rental income or future-proofing their homes,” says builder Natalia Harhaj of Alair Homes Toronto. “These spaces are no longer afterthoughts. They’re being designed with the same level of intention and quality as the main residence.”
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The mindset extends well beyond physical accessibility. ADUs and secondary suites are being designed to accommodate multigenerational living, extended guest stays, rental income and future family needs. Meanwhile, dedicated wellness amenities like saunas, cold plunges and meditation spaces offer new ways for a home to support evolving well-being routines.
“Homeowners are looking for more flexible living arrangements, whether for multigenerational living, long-term rental income or future-proofing their homes,” says builder Natalia Harhaj of Alair Homes Toronto. “These spaces are no longer afterthoughts. They’re being designed with the same level of intention and quality as the main residence.”
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
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The move away from stark white-and-gray interiors continues, but warmth is now less of a trend and more of a foundation for home design. Pros say homeowners aren’t just swapping cool finishes for warm ones. They’re layering warm wood tones, earthy colors, multiple textures and natural materials to give rooms more depth and personality.
“We are seeing clients ask for more warmth, texture and character,” says general contractor Nathan Svoboda of Wichita Home Works. “Instead of plain white-and-gray spaces, homeowners are gravitating toward warm wood tones, plaster-style walls, handmade-looking tile, aged brass or bronze finishes, earthy colors and old-world or Mediterranean-inspired details.”
This Big Sky, Montana, living room by Reid Smith Architects showcases an inviting look with warm stone walls, wood details and earthy furnishings.
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