What Buyers Are Asking For in 2026: Home Design Trends from an Expert

By Jennifer Skogman, President of Skogman Homes

After walking through hundreds of new homes every year, I’ve noticed something: design trends may change, but what people actually want stays surprisingly consistent.

When buyers tour Skogman Homes, the same questions, comments, and reactions come up again and again. These aren’t just Pinterest ideas — they’re the features people fall in love with in real life.

Here’s what I’m seeing buyers prioritize most in 2026.

1. Nature-Inspired Colors That Feel Warm and Welcoming

One of the first things people comment on is how a home feels when they walk through the door. Soft greens, warm neutrals, and muted blues immediately create a sense of calm — especially compared to the all-white and gray spaces that were popular for so long.

We see buyers connect with these colors emotionally. They make a home feel warm, welcoming, and personal instead of stark or staged. In bathrooms, mudrooms, and accent spaces, these tones create a quiet “wow” moment that people remember long after the tour ends.

This isn’t about bold statements — it’s about spaces that feel easy to live in.

2. Storage and Pantries That Make Everyday Life Easier

This is one of the first things people look at in the kitchen, and it’s one of the most talked-about features on every tour. Walk-in pantries, mudroom drop zones, laundry room cabinetry, and built-in shelving aren’t bonuses anymore — they’re expectations.

Buyers want homes that stay organized without feeling cluttered. When people see pantries designed to hold small appliances, snacks, and everyday essentials, you can almost see the relief on their faces. The same goes for mudrooms with lockers and benches — they immediately picture their life there.

I hear “This is exactly what we need” more in these spaces than anywhere else in the home.

3. Built-Ins That Feel Custom Without the Work

Beyond storage, built-in features throughout the home are becoming one of the most-loved design details. Mudroom lockers, office shelving, window benches, and full-wall cabinetry give a space character and purpose.

What buyers tell me they love most is that these details are already part of the home. It feels custom, finished, and thoughtful — without the extra cost, time, or stress of adding it later.

These are the spaces that make people feel like the home was designed for them, not just built.

4. Statement Tile That Adds Texture and Depth

Bathrooms are where people slow down during a tour. Rich tile colors, glossy finishes, vertical patterns, and textured surfaces immediately draw attention and elevate the entire space.

I can always tell when a bathroom leaves an impression — buyers talk about it again at the end of the showing. Tile has become more than a backdrop; it’s now a design feature that adds personality and depth to the home.

When a bathroom feels special, the whole home feels special.

5. Warm Woods & Natural Materials Are Making a Comeback

We're seeing a strong move toward warmer finishes and natural textures. Rich wood tones, soft fabrics, and organic materials bring balance to modern spaces and make them feel more inviting.

These elements take away the “showroom” feeling and replace it with something more livable and comfortable. Buyers don’t just notice these details — they feel them.

6. Home Offices That Feel Like Real Rooms

Almost every buyer asks where they’ll work from home. Whether it’s remote, hybrid, or part-time, people want a space that feels separate, comfortable, and intentional.

When an office includes built-ins, warm colors, and natural light, it stops feeling like a spare bedroom and starts feeling like a space people actually want to use. Buyers picture their daily routine there — and that’s when the home really clicks.

A Home That Works for You

Trends come and go, but what we see stay consistent is this: people want homes that feel thoughtful, functional, and comfortable.

The features that stand out aren’t just beautiful — they make everyday life easier. That’s what Skogman Homes is focused on building, and it’s what I see buyers fall in love with every day.

If you’re starting your home search, we’d love to help you find a space that feels right from the moment you walk in.

Explore move-in-ready Skogman Homes across Cedar Rapids HERE, or in Cedar Falls, and Waterloo HERE.