The Design Trends to Look Forward to in 2026
As we step into 2026, there's a noticeable shift happening in how we think about our homes. After a year of uncertainty and rapid change, the design world is embracing something refreshingly simple: spaces that feel authentic, grounded, and deeply connected to the way we actually live.
Back to Nature
One of the biggest movements we're seeing is a return to natural materials—think rich wood tones, beautiful stone, and finishes that only get better with age. In Mexico City, a stunning residence showcases this approach with Swiss larch and ebony wood paired with expansive marble surfaces. As interior designer Gloria Cortina puts it, these natural materials remind us of where we come from. They bring warmth and authenticity that synthetic alternatives simply can't match.
The Human Touch
There's also a renewed love for craftsmanship and handmade details. In an age where everything feels mass-produced, homes with artisan touches stand out in the best way possible.
Take a property near Byron Bay, Australia, inspired by traditional Sicilian farmhouses. Every detail tells a story—hand-chipped limestone walls, century-old hardwood floors, terracotta finishes, and custom brass details. Yet it's not stuck in the past. The estate thoughtfully integrates solar panels and rainwater collection, proving that classic craftsmanship and modern sustainability make perfect partners.
Building Smarter for Tomorrow
With weather patterns becoming more unpredictable, homeowners are increasingly focused on resilience. The question isn't just "Does it look good?" but "Will it last?"
A modern retreat in California's wine country offers an elegant answer. The home uses shou sugi ban, an ancient Japanese technique of charring wood to make it naturally fire and insect resistant. Combined with stained cedar, concrete, and generous windows, it's both beautiful and built to withstand California's fire season. "We needed a design that was sustainable and fire resistant," explains architect Jarrod Denton. "Our approach considered everything."
Windows That Wow
Glass is having a major moment. We're moving beyond simple windows to dramatic walls of glass that frame views like living artwork and blur the line between indoors and out.
On Greece's Athens Riviera, a striking home wraps itself in expansive glass facades that showcase sweeping Aegean Sea views. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with natural light, making the coastal setting as important to the home's character as any piece of furniture.
Green Living, Elevated
Energy efficiency is becoming the standard, not the exception. Passive house design—once thought of as modest and utilitarian—is now being applied to grand, luxurious homes.
Case in point: a 15,000-square-foot Utah residence that holds the title of world's largest certified passive house. Powered by geothermal and solar energy with triple-pane windows and advanced air filtration, it proves that sustainability and luxury aren't mutually exclusive. "Passive homes deliver a healthier, quieter, and more comfortable living experience," says builder Alex Cross. "It's luxury you feel every day."
Honoring Place
Perhaps most importantly, there's a growing appreciation for homes that truly belong to their landscapes—designs that celebrate where they are rather than looking like they could be anywhere.
In New York's Hudson Valley, an upcoming home takes direct inspiration from the region's glacial history. The six-level residence reflects the dramatic geological forces that shaped the land beneath it. Architect Adam Kushner sees it this way: every piece of land is unique and worthy of respect. Great design honors that uniqueness and creates something that could only exist in that one special place.
These trends point to something bigger than style—they reflect a desire for homes that feel meaningful, lasting, and true. As we move into 2026, the message is clear: the best design isn't about following trends, it's about creating spaces that genuinely enhance how we live.
Adapted from "From natural materials to climate-resilient architecture, the design trends shaping 2026" by Mandi Keighran, Sotheby's International Realty
