What homeowners want from their spaces is evolving. According to a new design outlook report from the luxury brokerage Engel & Völkers, homes in 2026 are expected to do much more than look beautiful. Increasingly, design choices are centered on well-being, comfort and creating spaces that reflect how people truly live.
“Homeowners are making deliberate choices about how their homes support their health, emotional well-being and realities of everyday life,” says Jennifer Adams, Engel & Völkers lifestyle and design expert. “These choices are reflected in everything from material selection and layout to color, light and how spaces are used.”
Here are five trends the company says are shaping home design.
1. Wellness design
Features that once felt like luxury upgrades are becoming expectations. Homes are being designed to support physical and mental well-being through natural light, improved air quality and materials that promote comfort. Flexible spaces are also being used for wellness routines—like yoga areas, quiet recovery corners, cold plunges or sauna spaces integrated into the layout. The goal: a home that helps people feel better.
2. Feel-good style
Rather than following rigid style rules, homeowners are choosing design elements based on how a space feels. Colors, textures and patterns are increasingly selected to promote calm, energy or focus. Soft neutrals inspired by stone, sand and nature are popular, while patterns that echo water movement or natural landscapes can help create a sense of harmony.
3. Warm earthy interiors
Another color palette gaining traction centers around warm, grounding tones—like clay, spice hues, taupe and sun-washed browns. These interiors emphasize comfort and restful living. Texture also plays a big role, with layered materials like relaxed linens, boucle fabrics and woven accents adding softness and warmth. The result is a home that feels cozy and welcoming.
4. Seaside cool
Another emerging aesthetic is what designers call “Seaside Cool.” Inspired by the calming effects of coastal environments, these spaces feature layered blues, soft greys and natural woods. The look isn’t necessarily beach themed. Instead, it focuses on creating light, airy interiors that feel restorative and uncluttered.
5. Personality-rich interiors
Homeowners are moving away from perfectly staged interiors and toward spaces that feel personal. Heirlooms, artisan pieces and travel finds are replacing generic décor in creating layered homes that reflect the people who live there.
