Outdated styles and materials can quickly make a home feel stale and behind the times. But staying abreast of the latest home design trends can help you make smart design choices that look gorgeous and add lasting value to your space. To help you, our custom home design experts have compiled a few trends we think are worth paying attention to in 2026!
An Emphasis on Personalization
Move over, minimalism. For 2026, personality is back in the home in a big way! For a long period of recent design history, interiors were defined by clean lines and soothing neutrals but now, homeowners want to use their spaces to express themselves. Look for bold paint color, unique tile patterns, statement lighting fixtures and patterned flooring used to create spaces bursting with character. Custom home design caters perfectly to this trend, allowing homeowners to create rooms that feel unique and meaningful to them, rather than cookie-cutter.
Earth-Inspired Palettes
After several years highlighted by stark whites and cool grays, designers’ color palettes are now moving toward deep, earthy colors that make spaces feel warm and inviting. A wide spectrum of colors connected to nature can be seen popping up in today’s interior designs, including rich chocolate brown, clay, moss green, olive, peacock teal and warm terracotta. These colors perfectly complement the airy, open layouts Gateway is known for, helping homes feel cozy but not overwhelming.
Similarly, we expect to see a rise in the use of natural materials throughout the home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Natural stones like veined marble and granite can make a statement yet still feel organic. Rich wood cabinetry and detailed trimwork will also play into this nature-inspired trend.
Smart Home Tech & Wellness
Between working from home and relaxation, most people spend a significant amount of time at home, which means they want to be surrounded by an environment that enhances comfort and wellness. Smart home technology continues to evolve to make everyday living more convenient while becoming even more discreet. Think hidden charging, AI-powered systems that optimize for energy use and smart lighting integrated within beautiful fixtures.
Homeowners want to feel pampered at home so you can also expect to see a continued focus on creating spa-like environments and maximizing natural light for greater well-being.
The Return of the Accent Wall
Yes, accent walls are back but they’ve moved beyond simple paint. Now the focus is on a sophisticated use of texture and material to create more depth and personality, with designers using slatted wood, textured plaster, boldly patterned wallpaper, interesting architectural details and even 3D panels on accent walls to make a strong statement. Gateway’s skilled carpenters love to create eye-catching accent walls and other unique built-ins suited to each homeowner’s vision.
Hidden Storage Everywhere
In the ongoing battle against clutter, homeowners gravitate to features that help them maintain cleanliness and order at home, with popular upgrades such as floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinetry that maximizes storage space, hidden pantries to tuck away food and supplies, custom built-in benches and window seats with hidden storage for blankets and toys, and laundry rooms with folding counters. All these solutions hide clutter while keeping living spaces functional and open.
Which Custom Home Design Trends Will You Try?
After a quarter-century in the residential construction industry, Gateway’s experts have seen dozens of trends come and go. However, our focus always remains on crafting high-quality structures that will serve our clients well for decades to come. We strive to establish long-lasting relationships that extend well beyond the closing date. To learn more, call us at (307) 632-8950 or complete our online contact request form.
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