As 2026 approaches, the design & build trends embrace a balance between modern innovation and timeless comfort. Homeowners crave spaces that feel personal, natural, and restorative, while builders rethink how to construct efficiently, sustainably, and intelligently. Here’s a look at what’s shaping both design and construction in the coming year.
Design Trends for 2026
1. Modern Tuscan Revival
One of the most notable design movements heading into 2026 is the Modern Tuscan aesthetic. This style draws inspiration from the warmth and texture of the Italian countryside, but with a fresh approach, blending rustic elegance with modern simplicity. Expect to see natural stone, plaster walls, exposed beams, and rich wood tones. The look celebrates age and imperfection while maintaining a contemporary sense of comfort and convenience.
2. Natural Wood & Rustic Modern Fusion
Designers pair rough, natural wood with polished stone for a tactile and visually rich combination. Sculptural, rounded furniture and oversized pieces give a cozy, grounded feel. The blend of rugged textures and smooth finishes embodies a “rustic modern” sensibility that feels both raw and refined.
3. Wellness in Design
Wellness-driven design remains a focus, as creating calm and restorative spaces becomes a priority for many. Homeowners seeking balance dedicate areas in their homes for mindfulness, yoga, reading, or quiet reflection. The idea is to make relaxation a natural part of daily life.
4. Curved and Organic Forms
Curves are everywhere, from arched doorways and rounded furniture to organically shaped lighting and décor. These fluid forms soften spaces, adding a sense of movement.
5. Color and Finish Shifts
Leading paint company, Behr, chose “Hidden Gem,” a dark blend of green and blue, as its color of 2026, describing it as “smoky jade with an air of mystery and sophistication.” Color trends show a pattern of softening stark white walls into cream, taupe, and greige. Warm, earthy tones, such as sandy neutrals, and deep greens and browns, create a sense of serenity that fosters a connection to nature.
6. Bold Monochromatic Rooms
While color contrast is fading, monochromatic color schemes are trending. Designers are exploring single-color spaces where tone-on-tone layers (such as deep terracotta or moss green) create visual impact through depth rather than difference.
Build Trends for 2026
1. Modular and Prefabricated Construction
Modular and prefabricated construction methods have gained mainstream acceptance due in part to ongoing labor shortages and a growing emphasis on efficiency. These systems enable builders to deliver high-quality, customizable homes more quickly and with reduced waste, aligning with both sustainability goals and economic practicality.
2. Smart Building Technology in Design
Design-builders integrate Smart Home technology, installing infrastructure for lighting, climate control, and security automation from the project’s inception. The result is a seamless smart-living experience that feels cohesive rather than an after-construction add-on.
3. Sustainable Materials
Homeowners are looking for materials that tell a story. Expect to see cork flooring, recycled glass countertops, bamboo paneling, and artisan-crafted tiles replacing mass-produced options. At the same time, recycled and upcycled materials such as reclaimed metals and brick are being integrated into new projects. Builders are using mass timber for its durability and lower environmental impact.
4. Energy-Efficient and Solar-Ready Homes
Solar-ready roofs, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and technology that monitors energy use are becoming baseline features. The focus is on reducing long-term operating costs and environmental impact while enhancing comfort and convenience.
Trends Come and Go, so Choose Wisely
Trends are announced every year across various industries as patterns in customer desires surface. The design-build world is no different in that regard. However, at DeSimone, we would never recommend you upend your home every time a new trend debuts. Choose what suits your lifestyle. Choose what brings you peace or gets you excited. If new construction is in your future, choose what is meaningful to you and your family. A home built with thoughtful, careful input is a space you will truly cherish, as it beautifully embodies your deepest beliefs, desires, and spirit.
