{"id":229376,"date":"2026-01-16T13:34:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T18:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/?p=229376"},"modified":"2026-01-16T13:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T18:34:18","slug":"2026-interior-design-trends-shaping-new-construction-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/design\/2026-interior-design-trends-shaping-new-construction-homes","title":{"rendered":"2026 Interior Design Trends Shaping New-Construction Homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Design choices carry more weight for new-build homeowners in 2026, with affordability, the ability to personalize, and lifestyle-focused functionality among key priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the top interior design trends that will shape new builds and inspire homeowners in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Design Gets Personal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New-build floor plans are trending smaller, yet kitchens are getting bigger<\/a>, reflecting their role as a space where homeowners want to gather. As a result, the kitchen is emerging as a key location to express personal style. This is part of a larger trend, where kitchen design is shifting from utilitarian to cozy living space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen islands are stepping into the spotlight. In 2026, they are bigger, multi-purpose, and statement-making with fluting, textural options, and sculptural designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchens are increasingly\u00a0showcasing treasured artwork\u00a0and statement stone, according to Gladys Schanstra, owner\/creative director of\u00a0Drury Design.<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomeowners are incorporating artwork, meaningful pieces, and mementos in the kitchen or seating areas. The kitchen is becoming much more personalized than ever before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The need for wall space for display is affecting cabinetry design. Schanstra says base cabinets and in-island cabinetry are being reconfigured to organize plates, glasses, pots, and pans, leaving uppers open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For new construction buyers, this trend matters because you can expect to see many of these layout and cabinetry choices becoming standard options, while statement islands or specialty stone are likely to be upgrade-driven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health and Wellness Influences Self-Care in Bathrooms, Shapes Outdoor Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Health and wellness were among the most influential new-build trends in 2025, particularly in\u00a0kitchen design<\/a>. In 2026,\u00a0<\/strong>the\u00a0<\/strong>wider availability of wellness products is transforming primary bathrooms into self-care destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)\u00a02026 Bath Trends Report,<\/u><\/a>\u00a077% of homeowners are seeking sanctuary in their primary bathrooms and are drawing\u00a0escapist inspiration from hotels and resort designs.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saunas are trending, especially in primary baths, as homeowners embrace the well-known health benefits. Saunas are becoming more affordable and adaptable to different spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cModern sauna designs are compact, modular, and customizable, enabling homeowners to bring a luxury sauna experience into spaces that previously wouldn\u2019t have worked,\u201d says Emily Stubler, marketing director, Kohler<\/u><\/a> Wellness Products, noting that Kohler is launching the first expandable\/retractable sauna in the United States this year, designed for space-conscious consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathtubs made a comeback in new builds last year<\/a>\u00a0as a self-care tool, the trend is set to continue in 2026. While freestanding, sculptural tubs were hot last year,\u00a0industry experts<\/u><\/a>\u00a0expect built-in bathtubs to gain traction now, thanks to growing priorities for practical, timeless design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other trending bathroom features that support self-care include steam showers, rainfall showerheads, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and heated floors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, homeowners are taking health and wellness features outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConsumers are investing in outdoor showers, saunas, outdoor workout rooms, and cold plunges to create wellness spaces outside, and in their garages,\u201d says Lee Crowder, senior director, national design and model operations for\u00a0Taylor Morrison<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For buyers, wellness-driven design matters not just for your health, but because many of these features can add long-term value. Some are becoming more common, particularly in higher-end homes, while others remain premium upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n