2026 Home & Design Trends: Framing the Future

In a world where design is constantly evolving, windows and doors are no longer just functional elements — they’re central to how we experience home. We’re predicting trends that are closely tied to a home’s region and shaped by the local geography and climate. We’re seeing an embrace of tactile materials that patina with a home. We’re also seeing a new generation of high-performance home builders innovatively making homes more comfortable than ever before. 

Trend No. 1: Windows That Fill the Space

Windows are now design statements. In today’s homes, walls are being transformed into canvases of light, shape and expression. From floor-to-ceiling expanses to custom configurations, designers are embracing bold openings that enhance natural light, ventilation and architectural identity. These large-scale windows do more than elevate aesthetics; they also support energy efficiency and well-being, making them a defining feature of modern home design.

Trend No. 2: On Its Way Back – Glass Blocks

Glass blocks are making a stylish comeback in 2026, reimagined to balance transparency, privacy and texture. Once iconic in mid-century design, they’re now used in fresh, artful ways.

A standout example is the Park Home in Ravenna, designed by architect duo Kejia Zhang, AIA, and Xiaoxi Jiao, Assoc. AIA. Their award-winning renovation blends modern minimalism with historic charm, using glass blocks to create a luminous, timeless facade. “We chose these windows for their sleek profile, reliable performance and flexibility,” said Kejia. “The 4-inch frame depth fit seamlessly into the glass block wall, and the customizable dimensions gave us full creative freedom.”

Trend No. 3: Old Soul, New Build: The Double-Hung Window’s Role in Heritage Revival

Homeowners are looking beyond modern minimalism and turning toward something more rooted: homes that feel like they’ve been part of the neighborhood for generations, even if they’re new.

Whether driven by historic district rules or personal taste, the goal is the same: to create homes that feel rooted, warm and enduring.

Trend No. 4: Tactile By Design: Textured Materials Add Curb Appeal to Exteriors

Home exteriors are embracing a more tactile aesthetic where texture takes center stage. The focus is shifting away from finishes that aim to stay pristine and toward materials that age gracefully and weather beautifully over time, including wood shingles, copper gutters and stucco.

These surfaces add warmth and a sense of story, helping exteriors feel more personal and lived-in. Whether used to soften minimalist forms or enrich transitional styles, texture offers versatility and lasting appeal. It evokes craftsmanship and permanence, making homes feel both contemporary and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Trend No. 5: The Power of Placement: Thoughtful Sightlines That Elevate Everyday Living

Strategically positioned openings, often in unexpected locations, are being used to frame the most beautiful and meaningful views, turning everyday moments into visual experiences.

This trend is all about intentionality. It’s not just about letting in light, but about curating a moment. These carefully considered placements turn ordinary views into quiet focal points and transform daily rituals into sensory experiences.

Trend No. 6: Tub Windows as Tranquil Focus Points

Bathrooms are no longer just functional. They’re becoming personal sanctuaries. At the heart of this transformation is a bold yet serene design feature: the tub window.

These expansive panes of glass are being used to frame the outdoors like living artwork, turning the bath into a destination for rest and reflection. Whether it’s a quiet garden, a snowy mountain or a dense forest, the view becomes an integral part of the room’s ambiance — a visual exhale that invites stillness.

See real-life examples of how to bring these trends to life in your own projects and how different regions express these trends in their own ways: View the 2026 Trend Report.