Homeowners

The 2026 Decor Shift Buyers Are Falling for and the Smart Ways to Bring Them Home

Lately, there has been a noticeable change happening inside the homes catching the most attention from buyers. The stark, gallery-like interiors that once signaled “design savvy” are making way for rooms that feel warmer and more grounded.

Indeed, buyers are responding to inviting homes that suggest real life happens here, not just ones that are perfectly staged, according to Houzz’s 2026 U.S. Home Design Trend Predictions.

Designers say these requests are coming directly from homeowners who are fatigued by overly polished spaces that photograph well, but feel emotionally flat.

“The number one trend we see in our design center is that warmth is back,” said John Salvatore Gelfusa of HomeWorks, a building and remodeling company in Chesterfield, MI. “Clients keep saying they want something that feels more like home, cozy, not cold and trendy.”

Homeowners preparing to sell, and those simply renovating their space, may want to look into home equity loans to help fund the improvements.

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), cash-out refinance, or second mortgage may help homeowners tap into the equity they built in their properties to help pay for one of these top nine Houzz décor predictions for 2026.

1. A softer return to traditional décor style

Traditional design is back. Yet this version feels relaxed rather than formal.

Inspired by English-country and modern Tudor influences, it brings in arched doorways, inset cabinetry, plate racks, and richer woods that add character without overwhelming the space. The effect is familiar and refined yet approachable.

Get the look: Swap reflective finishes for softer satin or matte surfaces. Introduce subtle architectural elements such as a curved niche or decorative trim to add visual interest. Choose a palette of olive, taupe, deep brown, and muted blue to establish a sense of warmth and continuity.

2. Flat-panel cabinetry will be popular in 2026

Once associated strictly with sleek, contemporary kitchens, slab-front cabinetry is now finding broader appeal. Its pared-down silhouette allows the surrounding materials to take center stage, creating a calmer, more balanced visual environment.

“When the cabinets are simpler, the hardware becomes the star,” said Gelfusa. “The pulls and knobs have turned into the jewelry that makes the entire kitchen feel finished.”

Get the look: Repainting or refacing existing cabinets in warm neutral tones such as mushroom or soft white can achieve a similar effect without a full renovation.

3. Checkerboard floors are back with a refined update

Checkerboard flooring is returning, but with softer color choices and elevated materials. The pattern now feels nostalgic yet sophisticated, playful without becoming overpowering.

Get the look: Introduce this style in smaller spaces such as powder rooms or entryways, where design risks feel more manageable. Combinations like cream and sage or gray and clay maintain visual interest while staying tasteful.

4. Natural stone is trending

Homeowners are leaving behind engineered kitchen countertops and gravitating toward organic marble and quartzite slabs with soft veining in green, brown, red, and gold for a softer look. These natural surfaces also add visual depth in a kitchen, offering what many homeowners describe as a more relaxing aesthetic.

“Natural stone with gentle movement creates a sense of calm and grounding that people crave, especially as daily life becomes more dominated by screens and technology,” said Ed Ovenden, design director at the bedding company The Lad Collective.

Get the look: Focus on one impactful area to install natural stone such as a backsplash or island surface rather than overwhelming the entire room.

5. Wall-mounted faucets that elevate the bathroom are trending

Wall-mounted faucets are gaining popularity for both aesthetic and practical reasons. This offers a streamlined look and frees up valuable counter space.

Get the look: Best suited for vanity updates, these fixtures work particularly well in powder rooms, where one thoughtful design choice can subtly transform the entire room.

6. Warm yellow tones will be hot in 2026

Muted shades of yellow, from honey to soft ocher, are reemerging as a new neutral. These tones evoke warmth, suggesting sunlight and slower moments of calm.

“Warm yellow accents are also on-trend thanks to the preference for wellness lately,” said Ovenden. “That sun-washed golden shade echoes the light under which we naturally unwind, like that late afternoon glow.”

Get the look: “Use subtle yellow textiles, ceramic objects, or judicious ambient lighting add that soft lift without turning the room into a color statement,” said Ovendon.

7. Modern Art Deco touches elevate home decor

Art Deco influences are appearing in more subtle ways through geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and sculptural accents. The look feels carefully curated rather than theatrical.

Get the look: Incorporate small touches such as a vintage-inspired mirror, decorative light fixture, or patterned tile to introduce visual drama without overwhelming the space.

8. Outdoor spaces that extend a home remain in demand

Backyards are increasingly viewed as functional living spaces, divided into intentional zones for dining, lounging, and reflection.

“Whether it’s because [people] are staying home more because of remote work or because of the increasing attention put toward eco-friendliness, gardens in general are becoming more intentionally planned and maintained,” said Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love in San Diego. “Outdoor garden rooms in particular are becoming more popular because they allow the outdoors and indoors to merge.”

Get the look: Use planters, pergolas, and outdoor lighting to create distinct yet cohesive areas that encourage both gathering and solitude.

9. Built-in walls for organization will make life easier in 2026

Zoned built-ins are reshaping living spaces by combining media areas, shelving, and concealed storage into a cohesive design feature. These installations bring order and reduce visual clutter. This contributes to a more serene atmosphere.

Get the look: While custom cabinetry delivers the most tailored effect, modular units can achieve similar results when styled with intention and consistency.