Planning a Home Renovation in 2026? Here Are the Trends Shaping Smarter, Warmer and More Personal Homes

As the year draws to a close, many homeowners start thinking about how well their home really worked for them in 2025; the spaces that felt too small, the rooms that never quite functioned properly, and the areas that finally deserve some attention. 

If you’re considering a renovation, extension or reconfiguration in 2026, December is the perfect moment to start planning. With over 30 years of experience, Tony Adams Builds has seen first-hand how early preparation leads to smoother timelines, clearer budgets and better design outcomes. 

And with the home design trends for 2026 already emerging, now is the ideal time to explore ideas that will shape a more comfortable, personal and future-ready home. 

Why Plan Your 2026 Renovation Now? 

Before we dive into design trends, here’s why getting ahead matters: 

1. Spring and Summer 2026 diaries are already open and filling up. 

Builders, architects and structural engineers often book many months ahead. Securing a slot early gives you access to the right people before schedules fill up. 

2. Planning permission takes time 

If your renovation involves structural changes, extensions, or major reconfigurations, applying early avoids delays and last-minute compromises. 

3. Early design decisions save money 

From load-bearing walls to kitchen layouts, early planning helps create a clear brief and an accurate budget - essential for avoiding unexpected surprises. 

4. If you're buying in 2026, pre-purchase advice is invaluable 

We often support clients before they exchange contracts, helping them understand the structural potential of a property and avoid expensive pitfalls. 

Getting prepared now means you can hit the ground running in the new year and start shaping a home inspired by the biggest design trends emerging for 2026. 

2026 Home Design Trends to Inspire Your Renovation 

Design experts and industry insights are already pointing towards warm, textured and deeply personal homes as the defining look for 2026. From soft minimalism to character-rich spaces, next year’s trends are all about comfort, wellbeing and natural materials, making it the perfect time to start thinking about how these ideas could shape your renovation plans. 

Here’s how these trends translate into real, achievable renovation ideas, and where Tony Adams Builds can help bring them to life. 

Modern Tuscan - Warm, tactile, rustic luxury - reimagined for modern living 

Think earthy tones, natural stone, wood textures and soft plaster finishes that blend countryside charm with contemporary simplicity. 

How we can bring this to life: 

• Incorporating natural stone or wood into kitchens, extensions or feature walls 

• Opening up dark layouts to create calm, light-filled space 

• Adding timber beams or rustic architectural details 

• Using high-quality materials that age beautifully, not cheaply imitate the look 

This trend pairs beautifully with open kitchen-dining spaces and extensions that blur the lines between home and garden. 

2. Grandpa Chic - Character, layers and story-rich spaces 

This home trend embraces personality - think antiques, vintage pieces, rich colours and cosy textures. It’s a shift away from sterile interiors towards something warmer, lived-in and collected. 

 How we help make it practical: 

• Creating snugs or dedicated reading corners through smart reconfigurations 

• Adding alcoves or built-in joinery for displaying meaningful pieces 

• Improving lighting, wiring and layout so the characterful look is functional too 

It’s a trend that pairs perfectly with older homes in Harpenden and surrounding villages. 

3. Warm Minimalism - Less clinical, more calm and comfortable 

Not cold minimalism, but a softer, more welcoming version of it. Expect earthy palettes, curved lines and clutter-free living. 

Where building expertise matters: 

• Creating clean architectural lines by removing walls for open layouts 

• Installing underfloor heating to remove bulky radiators 

• Adding hidden storage solutions to keep the minimalist look realistic 

• Using smooth wall finishes and seamless transitions between rooms 

 Warm minimalism works beautifully in modern homes and larger extensions. 

4. Wellness-Focused Design & Biophilia - Spaces designed for calm, connection and wellbeing 

2026 will see even more homeowners creating homes that support a slower, more restorative lifestyle. 

Think: 

• Bigger windows 

• More natural light 

• Spa-like bathrooms 

• Indoor-outdoor flow 

• Natural materials 

How Tony Adams Builds can help:  

• Adding bifold or sliding doors that open the home to the garden 

• Installing skylights in kitchens, lofts or side returns 

• Creating spa-inspired bathrooms with underfloor heating and walk-in showers 

• Designing utility, boot or laundry spaces that make daily life feel calmer 

This trend often works hand-in-hand with extensions, loft conversions and reconfigured kitchens. 

5. Sculptural Shapes - Curves, arches and soft edges everywhere  

Expect more curves - from kitchen islands to archways and custom joinery.  

We can integrate this through:  

• Curved structural openings 

• Bespoke joinery with softened edges 

• Shaped island ends in kitchen renovations 

• Rounded alcoves or shelving 

These organic shapes add a sense of flow and movement, especially when reconfiguring older layouts. 

6. Natural, Tactile Materials - Surfaces you want to touch 

2026 is set to focus heavily on natural warmth - woven textiles, textured stone, hand-scraped timber and limewash finishes. 

Where craftsmanship counts:  

• Installing premium timber flooring 

• Adding feature walls with tactile finishes 

• Using real stone or high-quality alternatives 

• Creating bespoke carpentry and storage 

 Quality materials elevate a renovation and add longevity, especially in high-traffic areas. 

7. Bold Personal Expression - Unique, handmade and beautifully imperfect 

More homeowners want spaces that feel truly theirs — not mass-produced. 

 This looks like: 

• Burgundy or aubergine kitchens 

• Bold entry door colours 

• Handmade tiles 

• Personal collections on display 

 How we help:  

• Reconfiguring kitchens to accommodate striking designs 

• Creating statement porches or front elevations 

• Integrating bespoke joinery to highlight meaningful items 

We help clients balance personality with practicality, ensuring bold choices stand the test of time. 

8. Statement Floors & Ceilings - Because walls aren’t the only canvas 

 Painted floors, patterned tiles, dramatic ceilings and architectural details are set to rise. 

We can support with: 

• Structural reinforcement for upstairs finishes 

• Installing underfloor heating beneath feature floors 

• Adding ceiling panelling or beams during renovations 

• Creating lighting layouts that enhance ceiling architecture 

This trend works beautifully in extensions, lofts and kitchen renovations. 

How to Choose the Right Trend for Your Home 

Trends are inspiring, but your home’s age, layout and long-term needs matter more. Here’s our advice:  

• Match trends to your lifestyle, not just what’s fashionable 

• Blend ideas subtly rather than adopting them all 

• Consider your property’s character 

• Use high-quality materials that will age well 

• Seek structural advice early to explore what’s realistically achievable 

With thoughtful planning, any trend can be adapted to create a timeless, well-designed home. 

How Tony Adams Builds Helps Turn Ideas into Reality 

With over 30 years’ experience, we’re trusted by homeowners across Harpenden and the surrounding areas to deliver renovations, extensions and reconfigurations with care, craftsmanship and clear communication. 

We support you from the very first idea through to the final finish: 

• Early consultations and pre-purchase advice 

• Structural expertise for wall removals and underpinning 

• Extensions, kitchen renovations and full home refurbishments 

• Tidy, respectful and professional working 

• Honest guidance on materials, timelines and budgets 

We’re now booking for Spring and Summer 2026, and we’re always happy to discuss your plans, whether you’re ready to begin or simply exploring possibilities. 

Conclusion 

2026 is shaping up to be a year of warm, textured, personal and wellbeing-led design and with early preparation, you can create a home that feels both beautiful and brilliantly functional. 

If you’re dreaming of a renovation next year, now is the ideal moment to start planning. We’d be delighted to help you bring your ideas to life.