Top Remodeling Trends of 2026: What's In, What's Out, and What’s Adding Value
If your home has been quietly whispering "I need a makeover," this is the year to finally listen. Whether you're prepping to sell, investing in your forever home, or simply ready to fall back in love with your space, this year's remodeling trends are all about smart design, meaningful functionality, and a whole lot of style.
The Kitchen Gets a Second Act (Again)
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, and this year, it's getting a full personality transplant. Bold cabinetry colors are officially in: deep forest greens, warm terracottas, and moody blues paired with natural wood accents. White kitchens aren't extinct, but they've received a makeover of their own, leaning into textured finishes and mixed materials like stone-look quartz countertops with brushed brass hardware.
One of the biggest functional upgrades homeowners are investing in is the butler's pantry. What was once a luxury is now a near-necessity, offering dedicated prep space, extra storage, and a place to stash the mess before guests arrive. Smart appliances, refrigerators that suggest recipes, ovens you can preheat from your phone, are also becoming standard rather than splurge-worthy extras.
Bathrooms That Feel Like a Spa Retreat
Homeowners are ditching outdated builder-grade fixtures and investing in spaces that genuinely feel restorative. Wet rooms, open, curbless shower spaces with rain heads and body jets, are increasingly popular, especially in primary baths. Freestanding soaking tubs are back in a big way, this time in organic shapes and matte finishes that feel sculptural rather than just functional.
Warm, earthy tones dominate the palette: creamy limestones, warm taupes, and terracotta tiles that turn a bathroom into a sanctuary. Heated floors, smart mirrors with built-in lighting controls, and steam shower systems are all seeing a spike in demand. A beautiful bathroom isn't a luxury anymore, it's self-care infrastructure.
Outdoor Living Is the New Square Footage
Why stop at your back door? This year, outdoor living spaces are being designed with the same intention and investment as interior rooms. Full outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, pizza ovens, bar seating, and even refrigerators are a popular request. Pergolas with retractable shading systems and weatherproof ceiling fans extend the usable season significantly, especially here in the Twin Cities where every warm day counts.
Beyond cooking and dining areas, homeowners are carving out cozy conversation zones with fire pits, all-weather sofas, and ambient string lighting. Landscaping is being thoughtfully integrated with hardscape. When done right, a well-designed outdoor space doesn't just add enjoyment; it adds real, measurable value to your home.
The Low-Maintenance Home Is Having a Major Moment
Life is busy, and homeowners are finally designing around that reality. The low-maintenance home isn't about cutting corners; it's about making smart material choices that look great and age even better. Think luxury vinyl plank flooring that handles pets, kids, and spills without breaking a sweat. Composite decking that never needs staining. Quartz countertops that shrug off scratches and heat. Exterior fiber cement siding that holds its color for decades without a single coat of paint.
On the tech side, smart home systems are being built in from the start rather than bolted on as afterthoughts. Automated lighting, programmable irrigation systems, whole-home water leak detectors, and app-controlled HVAC aren't just convenient - they actively protect your investment. The result is a home that works for you, not the other way around. When it comes time to sell, buyers notice. Low-maintenance features consistently rank among the top value-adds in today's market.
Make A Move
Whether you're looking to remodel before listing or upgrade your current home for the long haul, Fox Homes is here to help you navigate every step. Contact us today and let's talk about what's possible for your space.