Trend #1: Focusing on Functional, Luxury Details

Luxury used to be synonymous with expensive materials and flashy finishes. In 2026, homeowners aren’t abandoning marble countertops, exotic hardwoods, and custom metalwork. Instead, they’re focused on adding unique touches that make their home feel effortless, personal, and deeply livable.

This can mean:

Including custom-built in storage for unsightly golf equipment
Opting for pet (and kid) friendly upholstery in modern shapes
Carving out space for thoughtfully displayed art galleries featuring important pieces

Trend #2: Prioritizing Intelligent Flow Over Open Concept

In the 1990s, open concept floor plans became the default, but entering into the 2000s, and especially after the pandemic, demand for more partitioned spaces has grown. Homeowners are now prioritizing flow and functional zoning over wide open floors. The result is a home that adds privacy, feels cozier, and keeps clutter hidden.

We’re incorporating this design trend by:

Using architectural elements, like arches and textured walls, to break up space
Creating continuity between rooms through flooring
Pairing open entertaining space with privacy-focused areas for work, relaxation, and sleep

Trend #3: Layering High-end Materials and Finishes

Minimalist kitchen remodels drenched in white have given way to layered textures, pops of color, and warm tones. Homeowners are rebelling against the unlived in home and are seeking to add interest, coziness, and personality back into their space.

This can mean:

Incorporating stone-forward kitchen islands
Mixing warm woods and metals with furniture style cabinetry
Adding visual interest through unique materials (faux-leather paneled cabinets, custom metal hoods, metal cabinet inlays)
Including color and texture through unique tile choices

Trend #4: Increasing Functionality Instead of Square Footage

Most people want their existing space to work harder. Whether it’s turning an unused sitting room into a home office or improving the layout of an existing kitchen, we all have areas in our homes that could be utilized to better fit our daily lives.

We’re helping homeowners by:

Retrofitting prep kitchens with extra cold storage and cooking space
Reconfiguring beverage bars built for year-round, easy hosting
Creating hybrid, or flexible, office space
Converting walk out basements into fully separate in-law suites

Trend #5: Integrating Wellness into Every Day

According to a 2025 real estate report, homes and communities designed around wellness boast resale values 10%–25% higher than standard properties. This paired with recent consumer explosion in wellness, fitness, and health categories underscores why we’re seeing more homeowners seek to bring wellness into their space.

We’ve helped Chicago residents incorporate wellness via:

Creating luxury, spa-like primary bathrooms
Building out complete gym, office, cold therapy, and sauna spaces
Bringing the outdoors in, with flexible living environments, three season rooms, and oversized windows

Trend #6: Leading with Architecture

More homeowners are engaging architects to answer questions like “How can this renovate integrate with the rest of my home?” or “How will this room fit with my family’s daily routine?” By leveraging architects early on, you can consider how renovations will impact layout, natural light, and structure.

Our in-house architects help clients create functional, bespoke spaces by:

Ensuring cohesion from room to room and between interiors and the exterior
Defining zones with ceiling treatments
Adding interest through integrated millwork
Using spatial design and architectural features, like arches, to create paths that naturally fit your routine

Trend #7: Pursuing Timeless, Not Trendy

Quick DIYs and jack-of-all-trades contractors have fallen off in favor of legacy considerations. Now, over 90% of homeowners are opting to hire professionals to complete their renovations. Many are choosing to stay in their properties for longer, with most planning to remain for 10+ years. This is likely because many homeowners who bought before 2022 locked in great, low mortgage rates, and real estate performance has outpaced salary growth. Families are also hesitant to give up great neighborhoods and school districts.

We’re seeing homeowners invest in their properties for the long-term by:

Creating homes that age well architecturally
Coordinating sustainable decisions early and considering smart systems, water efficiency, and indoor air quality
Prioritizing premium, resilient materials such as sintered stone and quartzite

Trend #8: Evoking Emotion Through Design

Color, wood choice, lighting, textures, and finishes combine to create an emotional atmosphere within a home. Stark white and gray stone countertops create calm through subtraction. Deeply saturated shades create emotional richness. Both palettes try to solve the same thing: creating calm in a hectic world.

The newer interiors feel “built,” not decorated. We’re moving away from overt decadence toward intentionality, through:

Using warm colors and shades of deep blue to add weight in a heavy world
Choosing deep tobacco and honey-toned woods to create visual grounding
Pairing raw stone with plaster walls, thick wools, and matte metals to build depth and authenticity

Incorporate Trends into Your Home

As the leading Chicago-based home remodeler, we’ve helped thousands incorporate different design trends in a way that feels modern, timeless, and deeply connected to you. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our design experts to see what’s possible for your home.