Top Trends in House Design in 2026

Mixed Materials, Architectural Trimwork & Warm, Welcoming Tones Shape the 2026 Trends in House Design

At The Plan Collection, we keep a close eye on the home design trends shaping how Americans build and live. After several years of black, white, and shades of gray, house design in 2026 will experience meaningful change. Despite concerns over inflation, declining interest rates will encourage homeowners to invest more in creative, yet timeless, design. Bold, stark contrasts from the past will be replaced with warmer, more inviting tones. A greater appreciation of architecture and craftsmanship will emerge. The question, “how many square feet” will come more into balance with what is the quality and flexibility of the space. For designers, architects, builders, and homeowners, 2026 will be an exciting year.

What’s trending in 2026?

Using mixed materials — both inside and out. 

Take a five-minute drive, and you are bound to see one, two, three or more “modern farmhouses” with white siding and black shutters. You may see contemporary homes with the same color combination. In some communities, it feels like that is all you see. 

Starting with the exterior, mixed materials will replace the overused black-and-white combination. The homes may still be architecturally a modern farmhouse design, but the materials used will set them apart. The same will be said for contemporary homes. Be it a chimney or a raised foundation, stone accents will set a home apart. Natural woods with warm tones replace white columns along a porch and painted garage doors. Contemporary homes will change part of an exterior wall into an accent wall of natural wood. Stucco will find its way into house design again, while roofing materials will include metal and tile. Together, using a combination of materials on the exterior of a house will create a home with lasting curb appeal.

The mixed-materials trend in 2026 continues inside the home. While we expect the popularity of wood floors to continue, you will see more of a focus on craftsmanship. Think stone floors in the foyer and patterned brick floors in the mudroom. Exposed wooden beams in the great room. This sets the tone for 2026 home design.

 

Architectural trimwork makes a comeback

Four walls, a couple of windows, and a ceiling is reminiscent of a just-out-of-school rental home. Homeowners will rediscover an appreciation for architectural trimwork and detailing. Trimwork in the home harkens back to a time when craftsmanship was admired and desired. Fortunately, most trimwork is relatively straightforward to install and works within most budgets. With an almost endless array of options, the hardest part of the process may be choosing the trimwork style to go with! Home centers, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, and lumber yards typically have a great selection in stock. Architectural trimwork also fits nicely into our next trend.

 

 

Warm, welcoming tones.

Remember the distressed gray wooden floors of recent years? We can close the door on that trend in 2026. Instead, we will embrace warm, rich tones. This starts with hardwood floors in honey, rich oak, or chestnut color. Similarly, color returns to those white walls. Think muted greens, terracotta, and — if playing it safe — creamy off-whites. To add personality, designers and homeowners will add a touch of bolder color. This may be with a set of upholstered chairs, painted bookshelves, a sideboard, or dresser. 

 

 

The “modern” country kitchen

For those of us who have been around long enough to remember, the country kitchen style of the 1990s is well remembered for its floral patterns, checkered fabrics, and light oak-stained cabinets paired with bright white appliances. All in all, not a great look. We want to emphasize that this will not return in 2026. Instead, expect to see a return to the country kitchen vibe but with a modern, more contemporary look. Cabinets will be painted muted colors and appliances will blend into the background. Granite countertops will have warm hues or at least not a stark white hue. The kitchen island will be the center of attention, but it might be a different color or have a different surface than the rest of the kitchen. The modern country kitchen will be an inviting, welcoming space.

 

With warm wood tones, a stacked stone veneer wall, and muted blue-gray paint for the base of the island, this modern country kitchen welcomes everyone to gather around. (Plan #198-1189)

 

Emphasis on lighting fixtures.

Whether a tight or extravagant budget, shopping for lighting fixtures will be high on the 2026 list. Recessed lighting (also known as downlights or can lights) has dominated new home construction for the past thirty years. Why? Because it is relatively inexpensive and uncontroversial. These lights worked when the look one was going for was stark and white. However, they are anything but warm. Most would not call them welcoming either. A single lighting fixture can change the entire look and feel of a room. Homeowners will explore their local DIY center, lighting store, or flea market to find the gem of a light fixture to reimagine each room in the home. 

 

 

Kick back, relax on the wraparound porch.

In new home construction, builders are always looking for that next trend that will set them apart from the competition. The 2026 homebuilding trend is also one we consider timeless: the wraparound porch. Most new homes have a porch, but they typically are only large enough to keep a couple of Amazon packages out of the rain. As the name suggests, the wraparound porch wraps around at least one side of the house. Their generous width allows plenty of space for rocking chairs and a side table, perhaps even a swing. Homeowners want to connect with the outdoors and nature. They also want to connect with their neighbors. In 2026, the wraparound porch will do just that.

 

Here’s to a warm, welcoming 2026 in your home and neighborhood.