6 Key Design Trends That Are Make-or-Break for Homebuyers in 2026
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Homebuyers may have some leverage in 2026, and they likely don’t want to make as many sacrifices as they have in the past few years. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) released its 2026 Design Trends Moving Real Estate Report and found six trends driving buyer decisions in 2026.
Here are the design trends that are make-or-break for buyers, as well as how much money you could expect to spend on them.
Also see five renovations that doubled these home values overnight.
1. The New Starter Home
According to the report, the new starter home is not just about affordability. The average buyer, who is about 40 right now, is looking for spaces with smaller footprints, natural beauty and intentional design. This is a top priority for nearly half of all buyers, the report added.
A 2025 Realtor.com analysis found that the household income required to afford the typical starter home, defined as the 25th percentile of available list prices, is $70,164, up more than 100% from $32,357 in 2019.
2. The Right Paint Color
BHGRE found that for 40% of buyers, the right paint color strongly makes a big first impression, and a third says it catches their attention. Buyers prefer calm, earth-inspired tones and classic neutrals.
The BHGRE interior color of the year is Calming Coastal Blue, which helps create that sense of calm and comfort, while the exterior color of the year is a timeless natural tone called Soft Stone Gray.
According to Angi, interior painting costs an average of $2 to $6 per square foot. Exterior painting costs between $1.50 and $4 per square foot.
3. Social Media
Social media influencers have made a big impact on buyers. Viral posts about curated pantries, cozy reading nooks and handcrafted kitchens have made these elements must-haves for buyers.Â
While costs vary, adding something like a reading nook can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for built-in bookcases and professional installation, Angi reported.
4. Layout
Approximately 86% of buyers say flexible layouts help them see past size, favoring designs with better flow and adaptable spaces for work and family.
And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, changing a home’s layout isn’t cheap. According to Planner 5D, floor plan changes can cost between $2,000 and $15,000.
5. Craftmanship
Homebuyers want craftsmanship, including custom millwork, natural materials and artisanal finishes, per the BHGRE report. According to Angi, custom cabinets cost an average of $7,438, but most homeowners pay between $2,799 and $12,952.
6. Curb Appeal
First impressions have always mattered in real estate, but now nearly half of buyers won’t buy a home that doesn’t feel right when they walk through the front door, the BHGRE report found, including right at the curb.
Buyers want curb appeal that feels simple with native landscaping, organic finishes and inviting front entries that feel balanced. Softscaping, which emphasizes native plants and trees, can range from $800 to $10,000, according to Fischer Landscaping.
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