Top 10 Home Remodel Design Trends for 2026

Design aesthetics in home renovation continue to evolve, and 2026 brings a renewed focus on thoughtful craftsmanship, comfort, and personalization. Building on enduring design principles while embracing new ideas, these are the top remodeling trends we’re helping homeowners achieve across the New England communities we serve.

1. Craftsmanship-Driven Design

Today there is a certain freedom to experiment with a broad range of color, texture, and materials. With freedom comes responsibility. With attention to detail in choosing the right materials and high standards in executing a design, doing things right allows clients to realize an aesthetic vision with fewer boundaries.

Brick flooring in a herringbone pattern, high ceilings with wood tone and white ceiling accents, tall cabinets in a small side door access area – these disparate elements work together when the workmanship and materials choices are done right.

This basement bar mixes wood tones, stone, chrome and white cabinets and floating shelves to create a unique, welcoming space.

2. Mixing Wood tones with Paint

There are so many directions to go when combining wood tones with painted surfaces. Whatever style you are drawn to – contemporary, traditional, or transitional – the look can be enhanced with a smart blend of wood tones and paint.

This “I can’t believe this is my home!” kitchen features warm Quartzite countertops over white oak cabinets. Contrast is achieved with a darkly painted cabinet, accents around some glass cabinet doors, and a black stove in this award-winning kitchen design.

Bright white cabinets and countertops contrast beautifully with a deep walnut-stained island.

3. Embrace Warm Tones

The trend is warm tones and crisp finishes. White and gray alone put your home design into the background. Renovations that feature more color and draw more attention to design elements are being embraced.

The warm tone of this mudroom cubby stands out against the white walls.

A subset of this trend is a move toward jewel tones. Jewel tones are deep, rich, and highly saturated, inspired by color like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple. These bold hues create depth and sophistication in a remodeled space, adding a sense of luxury without overwhelming the design.

The emerald green of the kitchen cabinets creates a warm contrast to the backsplash.

A deep blue jewel tone brings added life to this award-winning bathroom design.

4. Sustainability, Smart Materials & Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient windows and Energy Star appliances are increasingly standard in our renovation projects.

Energy-efficient windows transform the common areas of a cramped 1950’s era home into a light-filled sanctuary.

5. Spa-like Bathrooms

A top priority in many renovation projects is an enhanced bathroom. Homeowners are looking for spa-like comforts especially in the primary suite.

Spa finishes in smaller places can be achieved like in this bathroom where this one-of-a-kind shower door follows the roofline.

Enjoy a relaxing bath in this spa-like retreat.

6. Design for Quiet Spaces

Life can be chaotic at times. Finding quiet places in the home to unwind and unplug have become important on the must-have list in home remodeling.

A reading nook in an attic room with a soft, serene color palette.

7. Enhancing Space for Beloved Pets

Fur babies are part of the family. They deserve to have a pleasant place to rest and a place for bathing that is not the kitchen sink.

Here is a dog station and crate area to keep the doggies comfortable – part of an award-winning kitchen and laundry room design.

8. Aging In Place

Why leave a home where you have invested so many memories? Design for aging in place shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Modifications to the bathroom are a focus when designing. Fortunately, this does not mean throwing design aesthetics out the window for pure functionality. Your home can remain as beautiful as ever, reflecting your style while giving you or your loved one’s freedom no matter what age.

A European inspired universally designed wet room demonstrates how beauty does not need to be sacrificed for functionality

9. Flexible & Multi-Use Layouts

There are many spaces in a home that are used for more than one thing – a guest bedroom might also be a study. And what’s behind that built in closet?

This built-in bookcase that doubles as an entry to a primary suite closet has become something of a fan favorite.

What had been an old, screened porch was turned into a multi-purpose room for laundry, crafts, and a home office. Lots of storage and natural light makes this space inviting and a pleasure to work in

10. Create Interest at the Ceiling Level

Our eyes do not stop at the walls. Ceilings are an area where attention to detail and fine craftsmanship can be showcased, displaying pride of ownership literally from the top to the bottom of your home.

A tray ceiling with trim detail adds volume to this kitchen space.

Even with a low ceiling, trim work can add interest and contrast with a warm toned wood floor.

A masterfully done coffered ceiling adds gravitas to this elegant award-winning kitchen design.

These are just a few of the trends our designers are seeing in New England home renovation. The right design elements executed with skill will stand the test of time and enhance your home for years to come.

To learn more about the home renovation process, please read our eBook, “The Homeowner’s Guide to Creating the Dream Home You’ll Love.” And if you are ready to speak about your next renovation, please schedule a home renovation discovery session.