As we reach the end of 2025, many homeowners are taking time to reflect on what is working in their homes, what is not, and how they want their spaces to feel in the year ahead. Whether you are currently in design with our team, recently completed a project, or are considering a remodel but are not quite sure you are ready to take the next step, one thing is clear:
The way we design and live in our homes is evolving, and the trends shaping 2025 are setting a beautiful foundation for 2026.
This year has marked a shift toward spaces that are more personal, more intentional, and more enriching to everyday life. Design authorities such as Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Sherwin-Williams, and Pantone point to a continued focus on warmth, comfort, and craftsmanship as the defining design direction for the year ahead.
At Hurst, we are seeing these themes unfold across our most recent projects, from serene lower-level retreats in Bay Village to character-filled whole-home transformations and richly detailed kitchens, such as our Brecksville project. Let us explore the design directions from 2025 that are here to stay and how they will continue to influence remodeling in 2026.
The Color Evolution: From Expressive 2025 Palettes to Grounded 2026 Hues
Color has taken on new significance in 2025, with homeowners embracing rich, expressive palettes to add personality and depth to their homes. Sherwin-Williams captured this beautifully with its 2025 Color Capsule, a curated palette of nine hues rather than a single Color of the Year, reflecting a shift toward layered, intentional color stories.
Looking to 2026, Sherwin-Williams announced Universal Khaki SW 6150 as its Color of the Year. This warm, grounded neutral brings a sense of balance and calm to interior spaces, pairing beautifully with the natural materials and saturated tones that have defined 2025.
Pantone’s 2026 selection, Cloud Dancer, follows the same direction. It is soft, serene, and versatile enough to support a thoughtful, curated home.
What this means for homeowners: Color is not about trends. It is about comfort, clarity, and expression. Whether through bold cabinetry, rich wood tones, or soft, layered neutrals, color will continue to play a key role in creating homes with presence and personality in 2026.
You will see this in our Brecksville kitchen, where warm wood tones, thoughtful lighting, and refined finishes create a space that feels both modern and enduring.
Natural Materials and Texture: A 2025 Favorite Carrying Strongly Into 2026
Design voices like Architectural Digest highlight a major theme. The return of natural materials, stone, *wood, clay, metal, and textural finishes took center stage in 2025, and that emphasis will only deepen in 2026.
Clients are choosing spaces enriched with: warm wood tones, honed natural stone, blended textures and layered lighting, matte and organic finishes, and custom craftsmanship and detailing.
We see this in our Bay Village English Pub-inspired basement, where natural materials, custom millwork, and soft ambient lighting create a retreat that feels grounded, welcoming, and intentionally crafted. The architectural detailing in the stair design adds depth and purpose to the entire lower-level experience.
Bay Village English Pub Inspired Basement
View the entire Bay Village English Pub-inspired Basement portfolio.
Defined Purposeful Spaces: The Future of Home Design in 2026
One of the biggest shifts of 2025 has been the move toward purposeful spaces where every room *earns its place and serves a meaningful role in daily life. While the open-concept layout is not disappearing, homeowners increasingly want spaces that support real activities such as cooking, gathering, relaxing, and entertaining.
This trend continues to gain momentum in 2026 as families seek environments that support work, connection, wellbeing, and quiet retreat.
Examples from our recent work beautifully illustrate this direction:
Brecksville Luxury Kitchen Remodel.
This project blends rich materials with an intentional layout to elevate everyday living. Custom storage, refined finishes, and well-planned work zones show how a kitchen can support both culinary creativity and warm family gatherings. View our entire Brecksville Luxury Kitchen Remodel portfolio.
Hudson Modern Artisan Kitchen.
With its striking blue backsplash, sliding pantry door, and balance of clean lines with crafted details, this kitchen demonstrates how purposeful design can feel both modern and deeply personal. Every selection was chosen to support functionality, flow, and the homeowner’s lifestyle. View the entire Hudson Modern Artisan Kitchen portfolio.
Westlake Luxury Spa Inspired Bath.
This serene retreat emphasizes how thoughtful spatial planning enhances daily well-being. Textures, lighting, and calming finishes come together to create a restorative escape that feels intentional and timeless. View our entire Westlake Luxury Spa Inspired Bath portfolio
These spaces reflect a broader movement toward design that is meaningful, functional, and tailored to the way families truly live.
For even more inspiration, we encourage readers to explore the full range of portfolios on our website, which showcase additional kitchens, baths, lower levels, and whole-house remodels designed with purpose and crafted with care.
What Homeowners Will Continue Prioritizing Into 2026
- Personalization and Meaningful Design Homes that reflect the people who live in them, not generic trends.
- Elevated Simplicity, not minimalism. Purposeful selections, clean lines, and craftsmanship.
- Wellness and Comfort Spa inspired baths, layered lighting, improved storage, and sanctuary-like spaces.
- Long-Term Investment Value. With fewer homeowners moving, renovations that enhance function and preserve value are key.
- Quality Artisanship Durable materials, skilled craftsmanship, and a design approach that ages beautifully.
What We Expect to See More Of in 2026 – Warm grounding neutrals and refined color palettes -Deeper, richer materials with tactile appeal – Defined spaces and purposeful floor plans – Thoughtful lighting as a core design principle – Kitchens with personality and architectural detail – Design that balances emotional comfort and everyday function
What This Means for Your Remodel in the New Year
If you are considering a remodel in 2026, the trends that matter most are not fleeting. They are grounded in creating homes that feel meaningful, beautiful, and deeply functional.
Whether you are early in your planning, in the midst of design, or considering future possibilities, our team is here to guide you, support you, and help you explore what is possible through a thoughtful, collaborative approach.
When you are ready, we would love to help bring your vision to life.
Schedule a consultation at (440) 234-5656 or connect with our team anytime at hurstremodel.com.
Here is to a beautifully designed 2026 and the extraordinary homes we will create together.