Bright living room with large windows, neutral furniture, a blue rug, and a view of a sunny patio area with outdoor seating and a pool.

What’s In & What’s Out for Home Design in 2026

Back in 2020 and 2021, our homes had to work overtime. Dining rooms turned into Zoom zones, spare bedrooms became classrooms, and backyards suddenly felt like the only place to breathe. We saw homeowners making big, fast changes to stay comfortable and sane.

Fast-forward to the end of 2025, and the mindset looks very different. Instead of scrambling to make homes do more, people are focusing on making their spaces feel intentional, calming, and better suited for long-term living. Buyers are paying closer attention to flow, natural light, energy use, and how a home actually feels day to day — not just how trendy it looks online.

To help you stay ahead of the curve, here’s a look at what’s gaining traction and what’s fading as we move into 2026, based on current buyer preferences and recent Realtor.com design data.

What’s IN for 2026

1. Bringing the Outdoors In 🌿

A modern open-concept living and dining area with wood accents opens to a lush garden, featuring large windows, skylights, and contemporary furniture.

Buyers are craving a stronger connection to nature. Think big sliding doors, skylights, natural textures, indoor greenery, and layouts that make outdoor living feel like an extension of the home. Spaces that feel serene and airy are topping wish lists.

2. Energy Efficiency Is the New Must-Have

A modern faucet dispenses water into a rectangular bathroom sink with a grey tiled backsplash under soft lighting.

Eco-friendly upgrades aren’t “bonus features” anymore — they’re expected. Popular choices include:

  • Water-saving fixtures
  • Homes wired for EV charging
  • Solar panels with battery backup
  • Better insulation and high-efficiency windows

Lower bills + lower environmental impact = universal appeal.

3. Thoughtful Smart Home Technology

Modern living room with large glass walls, a long gas fireplace, sectional sofas, and a flat-screen TV, illuminated by soft artificial and natural light.

It’s less about flashy gadgets and more about everyday convenience. Automated lighting, solid wired internet connections, whole-home WiFi, and integrated security systems are becoming standard — especially with hybrid work still so common.

4. Wellness-Driven Spaces

Modern home gym with weight rack, squat rack, cardio machines, exercise bench, punching bag, and large windows overlooking a garden patio.

People want homes that support their mental and physical health. That means:

  • Home gyms
  • Cold plunges
  • Spa-style bathrooms
  • Peaceful outdoor lounging areas

Wellness is no longer a luxury — it’s a lifestyle.

5. Warm, Modern Styling

Modern kitchen with a large island, barstools, pendant lights, and open dining area featuring wood accents and neutral decor. Natural light streams through tall windows.

The design sweet spot right now is clean and modern, but still cozy. Think earthy materials, coastal-inspired palettes, mixed textures, two-tone cabinets, and organic finishes like limewash or aged metals. It’s stylish without trying too hard.

What’s OUT for 2026

1. Stuffy, Formal Rooms

Traditional dining rooms with heavy built-ins are becoming less desirable. Buyers want flexible, open spaces that feel casual and social.

2. Oversized Features That Don’t Get Used

Homes with huge garages or lots of small, divided rooms are falling out of favor. Efficiency and flow are winning over size for size’s sake.

3. Overly Ornate Interiors

Elaborate European-style décor and heavy detailing are being replaced with simpler, more natural looks.

4. Ultra-Specific Luxury Add-Ons

Things like wine vaults or infinity pools still have wow-factor, but they’re no longer “must-haves.” Many buyers see them as expensive to maintain and too narrowly tailored.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you’re thinking about updating your home, you don’t need to chase every new trend. Instead, focus on improvements that boost both comfort and functionality.

Smart upgrades to consider:

  • Improving lighting and swapping outdated fixtures
  • Creating multipurpose office-friendly spaces
  • Enhancing outdoor living areas
  • Adding energy-efficient systems or appliances

Upgrades to think twice about:

  • Highly specialized or rarely used luxury features
  • Formal design choices that limit flexibility
  • Trendy finishes that may date quickly

The Takeaway

As we head into 2026, home design is all about intentional living — spaces that feel warm, natural, efficient, and aligned with everyday life. Buyers want homes that look great, but more importantly, live well.

If you’re thinking about updating before selling, or just want advice on which improvements make the most sense in your neighborhood, a quick conversation with a local real estate expert can help you make smart, value-adding decisions.