The best designs aren’t the boldest or catchiest. They’re a collection of considerations, artfully arranged. They don’t feel completely aesthetic nor strictly purpose-driven. They solve our daily pain points and elevate the look and feel all at once.
Home design trends in 2026 (and looking toward ’27) reflect this. From kitchen to closet, they combine better use with a more pleasing appearance. However, many homeowners never even considered the possibilities. From inspired architectural details to finishes that feel fresh, keep scrolling for a dozen overlooked remodeling ideas.
1. Comforting bathroom designs with modern amenities.
The sterility of stark brights is being replaced by warm whites, natural materials, and textural interest. Add clutter-busting built-ins, curbless showers, and intricate accent tile to complete the new, cozy spa-like bathrooms.
2. Zoned built-ins that naturally declutter.
One of the most enduring functional home upgrades we’re seeing more of is built-ins that increase a room’s purpose and storage capacity. Think hall trees or benches in entries or kitchens or vanities and dressing spaces in closets. Don’t forget to refresh folding/ironing stations in laundry rooms.
3. Using engineered stone for work surfaces and natural stone for backsplashes.
Engineered quartz is tough as nails and never needs resealing. It comes in every color and pattern for unlimited design control. Make this reliable option your primary countertop. The natural stone taking over home design trends in 2026, like quartzite or marble, adds organic elegance and lasts longer as an accent.
4. Outdoor kitchens that replace pricier bump-outs.
Want a bigger kitchen? Hear us out: building onto an interior kitchen can be double the price of adding a second kitchen. Make the most of your favorite seasons with outdoor kitchens that act as an extension of your home.
5. Checkerboard floors in unexpected colors.
Mocha, terracotta, emerald, and oatmeal. Black-and-white checkerboard flooring will always be an iconic classic, but we’re gravitating toward other color options.
This is one of the most overlooked remodeling ideas because many homeowners assume it’ll be too bold. In reality, it adds craftlike interest and character to more restrained designs.
6. Travel-inspired design.
This design trend depends entirely on you putting your personal stamp on it. You can also take it as far as you want, whether it be a few antiques or an entire wall concept. Pore over Mediterranean color palettes, Parisian architectural ironwork, or Spanish lime wash.
7. Appliances with custom finishes or paneling.
Instead of building appliances into cabinetry, we’re completely concealing them behind panels made to match. This isn’t all about clean lines and seamless looks.
Other appliances can be dressed in accent colors with fresh designer hardware. Functional home upgrades like more powerful exhaust hoods are customized to become a focal point.
8. Wall-mounted faucets.
Custom stone and vessel sinks make the countertop their stage when faucets take a hike. Powder rooms and smaller primary bathrooms look a little visually cleaner. Countertops feel that much clearer. Better yet, you won’t have to wipe at faucet bases every day.
9. Rounded countertops and islands.
Organic shapes and biophilic design show up in the lines and curves of our most functional spaces. If you’re not ready to let go of the rectangle itself, top it with granite or quartz in a rounded shape with a softer edge, like bullnose or even ogee.
10. Hybrid sinks that don’t commit to one trend.
Are you team workstation sink or apron-front? Attaching hardworking accessories to cottage-friendly apron-fronts is one of the year’s easiest functional home upgrades. You can even swap out that white fireclay for stainless steel or copper and enjoy a sink that truly offers the best of both.
11. Mixing metals more than ever.
The most sought-after hardware pairings include combos of nickel, chrome, champagne bronze, and brass. The trick is selecting them in differing finishes. Balancing polish and reflectivity with muted surfaces and patina is overtaking all matte-black looks.
12. Sleek, luxurious inset cabinets.
Home design trends for 2026 and beyond call for cabinetry that either shows no frame or every square inch of it. Frameless and full overlay cabinets are a great modern choice, but more are coming back to inset.
Inset cabinets make even the subtlest details pop, whether you’ve chosen shaker or raised panel. They also look more like custom furniture than other options.
Customize your design with a professional.
All of your best ideas come together at The Designery.
In addition to professional design services, we offer the widest range of quality cabinetry, custom hardware, premier countertops, and the latest in appliances. Tile in every size, shape, and material, plus flooring options, custom closet solutions, and much more. We can even connect you to our network of trusted contractors.
“Great experience! They offer a wide variety of quality products and really take the time to understand what you're looking for instead of trying to sell you something you don't need. The attention to detail and customer service really stood out. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone looking to renovate or update their home.”
Mario, The Designery client
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