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2026 Design Trends to Look For: Talking with Laura Baker

January 23, 2026

As we look ahead to the rest of 2026, home design is continuing to evolve in a meaningful way. Buyers are becoming more intentional, prioritizing homes that not only look beautiful, but also function seamlessly for everyday life. At Norfolk Homes, we stay closely connected to these shifts so we can design homes that feel current now and livable for years to come. To better understand what’s ahead, we sat down with our Interior Designer, Laura Baker, to talk through the design trends she sees shaping 2026.

What emerged was a clear theme: homes that feel warm, flexible, and purpose-driven.

Design That Supports How People Actually Live

One of the biggest shifts Laura sees for 2026 is buyers moving beyond surface-level design choices and focusing on how a home supports daily routines.

“In 2026, buyers are moving beyond purely aesthetic features and placing a higher value on spaces that truly support daily life,” she explains. Features like flexible floor plans, well-designed storage, and thoughtfully planned kitchens and mudrooms are no longer optional; they’re expected.

At Norfolk Homes, this philosophy is already influencing how we approach home design. “We’ve been proactive in responding to this shift by designing new homes in Ann Arbor with more intentional layouts,” Laura shares, “with options that prioritize long-term livability, not just first impressions.” The result is homes that adapt as life changes, whether that means growing families, remote work, or new routines.

Familiar Styles, Refined for Today’s Buyer

Rather than seeing trends disappear entirely, Laura notes that many popular styles are simply evolving.

“We’re seeing many trends evolve rather than disappear,” she says. White kitchens, for example, are still in demand, but they’re softer and warmer. “White kitchens are giving way to warmer whites, soft taupes, and natural wood tones, rather than a complete move away from light cabinetry.”

Other once-bold design choices are being refined as well. “Shiplap and farmhouse elements have softened into more subtle textures and cleaner lines,” Laura explains. Even open shelving has found a more functional balance. “Open shelving, once very trendy, is now being used more selectively and paired with closed storage for better functionality.”

Functionality Takes Center Stage

As homes continue to serve multiple purposes, functionality is driving design decisions across every room.

“Functionality is at the center of design decisions moving into 2026,” Laura says. Kitchens are being planned with walk-in pantries, hidden storage, and multi-use islands that support everything from entertaining to everyday meals. Mudrooms are also getting a major upgrade. “They’re becoming true transition spaces with lockers, benches, and added storage,” she notes.

Home offices are another space seeing intentional design. “They’re no longer an afterthought,” Laura explains. Instead, they’re planned with sound control, built-ins, and specific electrical additions to support long-term work-from-home needs—something buyers increasingly expect.

Warmer Materials with Real-World Durability

Material choices are also shifting toward options that feel elevated but stand up to daily life. According to Laura, “There’s a clear move toward warmer, more natural materials that look elevated but perform well.”

Quartz remains a favorite for countertops, especially as newer options mimic natural stone with warmer tones. Flooring choices are also evolving. “Luxury Vinyl Plank has become a go-to flooring choice,” she says. “Buyers love the look of wood with the added durability and easy maintenance that LVP provides.”

At Norfolk Homes, this balance between style and livability is intentional. “We’ve been proactive in offering updated quartz and LVP options that reflect this balance,” Laura adds.

Personalization That Feels Meaningful

Personalization continues to be one of the most important elements of home design, and that won’t change in 2026.

“Buyers are no longer looking for a one-size-fits-all home,” Laura says. “They want spaces that reflect how they live, their personal style, and their long-term needs.” That’s why personalization is central to our design process. “We work closely with each buyer to understand what they are envisioning, and the Norfolk team works together to bring their ideas to life.”

This collaborative approach ensures every home feels personal; not trendy for the moment, but right for the homeowner.

Designing for Today, Built for Tomorrow

When balancing trends with longevity, Laura emphasizes a thoughtful approach. “We focus on keeping the architectural bones and major selections timeless, while using finishes and details to bring in current trends,” she explains. That balance allows homeowners to enjoy a modern look now without worrying about it feeling dated later.

When asked to sum up 2026 design in a single phrase, Laura puts it simply: “Warm, functional, and thoughtfully flexible.” Homes in 2026 are less about making a statement and more about creating spaces that truly support everyday life, and that’s a direction we’re proud to build toward at Norfolk Homes. 

For more information about our new homes in Ann Arbor and Southern Michigan, explore our move-in ready opportunities and give us a call at (734) 336-1912 or fill out our online form today!