Here are some home remodeling trends for the new year.
As we kick off 2026, the residential remodeling trends landscape is shifting in meaningful ways, especially on the coasts and in major metropolitan areas. The new home design trends emerging now focus on sustainability, natural materials, innovative technology, and indoor–outdoor living. Now is the perfect time to look ahead to your goals for the new year and start mapping out updates that fit your home, budget, and timeline. Here are some home remodeling trends for the new year.
Soft Neutrals Replacing Bright White
The era of cold greys, stark minimalism, and all-white kitchens is fading. Paint companies and product manufacturers are moving toward earthy vibrancy, featuring rich clay, olive, terracotta, muddy blues, and deep plums, paired with natural wood and layered textures. Design-wise, this means embracing personality, depth, and tactile richness rather than ultra-sterile simplicity.
Flexible Floor Plans for Growing Families
One of the biggest home design trends for 2026 is flexible floor plans. Residents want rooms that can evolve as life changes, including:
- Dining rooms that open to covered patios – perfect for entertaining and game-day gatherings
- Hybrid rooms are used for workouts, home offices, guest space, or media rooms
- Open living/kitchen layouts with cozy nooks for homework or quiet work
- Built-in shelving, sliding doors, and subtle dividers help create zones that feel spacious yet functional.
Families want smarter space, not necessarily more space, especially as lifestyle needs shift.
Functional Kitchens
In 2026, we’ll see more kitchens being designed from the inside out. Aesthetics are still a priority, of course, but homeowners want equal weight given to functional updates as well. Lately, homeowners have been prioritizing:
- Larger islands (or dual islands) with seating
- Dedicated zones for prep, baking, and entertaining
- Integrated storage that keeps counters clear
- Lighting layered for both task and ambiance
Aesthetics will always matter, but increasingly, function is holding equal weight with both the reasons to remodel and the perceived ROI once the project is complete.
Spa-Like Bathrooms
In 2026, bathrooms will continue to move beyond just functionality. Homeowners want spaces that feel calm, brighter, and more accessible every day—especially as families plan to stay in their homes for longer. The market has shifted toward spaces that combine high energy efficiency with state-of-the-art building science, along with spa-grade amenities such as saunas, ambient lighting, and heated floors. Aging-in-place features, such as curbless showers, wider doors, and shower benches, are increasingly viewed as both practical and stylish.
Basements as Living Spaces
Basements are no longer treated as secondary spaces. In 2026, they’re designed with the same care as the main floor. Homeowners are designing comfortable family rooms for daily use, as well as wet bars, beverage stations, and even entire ‘kitchens’ for hosting.
Finished basements can become guest suites that feel intentional and private, incorporating features designed to enhance everyday life, such as home gyms and offices. The result is a space that feels connected, cohesive, and inviting not just in the colder months, but throughout the year.
Contact Accessible Home Builders Today
Here at Accessible Home Builders, we’re proud to say we’ve been building and remodeling homes since 1994. We’ve serviced Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Selbyville, Millsboro, Georgetown, Laurel, and more communities within Delaware in that time. We work to guarantee a high level of professionalism, dedication, and the use of quality materials to ensure our customers have the homes they deserve.
To get in touch with us, give us a call at our office at 302-663-0464, send us an email at info@accessiblehomebuilders.com or visit us in person at 28412 DuPont Blvd, #103 Millsboro, DE 19966. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and YouTube to stay updated on what we’re up to next!