At the end of each year, Taylor Morrison design and architectural experts uncover current and future trends they anticipate seeing throughout the year. For 2026, nearly every major design trend is tied to one thing…wellness.
Ready to explore 2026 design trends? Let’s dive in!
Everything Old Is New Again: The Vintage Resurgence
From lighting all the way to plumbing and hardware, heritage and vintage designs are flooding the trends. There’s an art in making something old, new again. With warm tones as popular as ever, burnished brash, champagne gold, and polished nickel are making a serious comeback.
2026 Design Insight from our National Director of Design and Model Experience, Lee Crowder
“Finishes are still rooted in the big three—chrome, brushed nickel and black—but we are now seeing wood handles and mixed metals moving into plumbing fixtures.”
Grandma Hobbies Aren’t Just for Grandma’s
Homey interests are all the rage. Crafting, baking, sourdough baking, knitting…the list goes on. These cozy hobbies inspire people to stay in more often, and the architecture experts have noticed.
Hence, the rise of flex rooms! Flex rooms can be customized to your interests, whether you want a home gym, craft space, office, and beyond.
Walkability Matters More Than Ever
Tired of bare sidewalks and parked cars blocking walking paths? You’re not alone. Sidewalks that cater to pedestrians and connect throughout communities are increasingly important to home shoppers like you.
Let’s Hear from the President of Esplanade, Cammie Longenecker
“Our resort-lifestyle communities, Esplanade by Taylor Morrison, are designed with walkability at top-of-mind. These walking paths immerse community members into the natural environment and emulate how vacationers feel when they walk through a resort.”
Comforting, Earthy Colors
Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year is officially unveiled! Say hello to Universal Khaki, a timeless neutral that anchors our selections with warmth and versatility. Try layering it with these two colors for a calm atmosphere:
- Mushroom, a brighter neutral that adds depth and light
- Limestone, a soft warm gray that brings grounded elegance
Back to You, Lee!
“We’re leaning into the science of design, recognizing that color impacts our well-being. Research shows that warm tones can reduce cortisol levels by up to 15%, contributing to lower blood pressure and improved mood. Design, therefore, is not just a lifestyle choice—it’s a wellness strategy.”
Cabinet Refresh
Painted cabinets are still the most popular choice, but as we look ahead to 2026, stained cabinets in warm or neutral tones are gaining ground. An evolving color palette is emerging:
- Warmer whites
- Earthy hues
- Terracotta
- Deep brown
When it comes to cabinet style, slimmer outer panels and decorative trim details are making a comeback, bringing a modern twist to a classic style.
Maximalism Via Gen Z
Gen Z is ditching clean minimalism for bold maximalist interiors. While offices and hallways may be getting smaller, you can still leverage those areas for design purposes.
2026 Design Insight from our Vice President of Product Design, Brian Juedes
“Today’s buyers are searching for a laundry room that can support multiple functions with space to fold, hang up clothes, iron, store cleaning supplies, and possibly even work on crafts and hobbies. In Taylor Morrison homes, over 70% of our laundry rooms are large enough to support more than just the clothes washer and dryer.”
Green Thumbs, It’s Your Moment
If you’ve always been a plant lover, you’re especially on-trend in 2026. Here at Taylor Morrison, we’re committed to creating sustainable communities through our exclusive partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).
Explore Verdin by Taylor Morrison
Verdin is our very first NWF-Certified community! That means every single front yard will be designed to support native wildlife and desert-friendly landscaping. Even years down the road, the HOA will require homeowners to stick to NWF guidelines.
Compressed Porcelain Countertops
Introducing a breakthrough in countertop technology; compressed porcelain blends durability with design flexibility. These ultra-strong slabs are highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. Here’s what you can expect to see:
- Dramatic patterns
- Eggplant hues
- Metallic accents
- Terracotta warmth
- Earthy greens and blues
Separate Bedrooms are More Common Than You Might Think
According to The American Academia for Sleep Medicine 2024 survey, 35% of couples admit to sleeping in different spaces, often due to opposite schedules or disruptive snoring.
Sleep counts, and the study proves it. Looking for other sleep wellness hacks? Try out motorized complete blackout shades, advanced luxury bedding, and white noise sound machines.
2026 Design Trends | Thank You for Reading
That’s a wrap! Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired by the design trends to come. Subtle changes can make a big impact, especially when it comes to wellness-focused design. Until next time!
