Building Design Trends for 2026: What Homeowners and Designers Can Expect
At Sierra James Construction, we specialize in remodeling and building custom homes that truly fit our clients’ tastes, lifestyles, and long-term needs. One of the best parts of what we do is that no two clients, and no two homes, are the same. Sometimes a design aligns with current trends, and sometimes it intentionally goes its own way.
While we don’t believe in chasing trends for the sake of being “trendy,” we do enjoy paying attention to what designers, builders, and homeowners are anticipating. Trends can be helpful indicators of how people want to live, and how homes are evolving to support that.
Below is a curated look at home design and remodeling trends for 2026, based on respected industry resources and what our team is seeing firsthand on custom home builds and remodels across Central Oregon.
Building & Remodeling Trends:
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1. Universal Design & Accessibility
Our #1 building design trend for 2026 is Universal Design.
Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant increase in homeowners asking for spaces that support accessibility, whether for multigenerational living, injury recovery, or long-term aging in place. What’s changing is the perception: accessibility is no longer viewed as a compromise in design. Homeowners are starting to understand that accessible does not mean institutional. Universal Design can be both highly functional and beautiful.
Today’s Universal Design is intentional, refined, and seamlessly integrated into modern homes.
At Sierra James Construction, we believe Universal Design is not just a trend, but a new baseline for smart, future-focused building. To stay ahead of this shift, we’ve partnered with LiveAble Homes, a recognized leader in accessibility, aging-in-place, and Universal Design. Our on-staff architect recently had ADU and single-family home plans certified through LiveAble Homes, confirming they meet Type A Universal Design standards. These plans illustrate how accessibility can be thoughtfully designed from the start, proving that inclusive spaces can also be visually striking and highly livable.
As homeowners look toward the future, Universal Design offers flexibility that evolves with changing needs. Elements like zero-threshold entries, wider doorways, adaptable floor plans, and well-designed bathrooms allow homes to remain functional and comfortable over time. From a market perspective, accessible homes are increasingly attractive to buyers and renters alike, often performing better than comparable non-accessible homes. Designing with accessibility in mind from day one isn’t just more efficient- it’s a strategic investment in longevity, livability, and long-term value.
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2. Multifunctional Spaces
Industry trend forecasts, including Reimagine Home’s 2026 Trend Forecast and Star Furniture’s Looking Ahead: 2026 Interior Design Trends, highlight multi-purpose and flexible rooms as a defining trend. Homes are evolving to meet more diverse daily needs, and we’re seeing that clearly in our projects.
At Sierra James Construction, requests for multifunctional spaces have increased significantly. Recent examples include:
- A sunroom addition that serves as an extra living room with a fireplace, a wellness space filled with natural light, a seasonal dining area, and an entertaining hub that opens to the outdoors (Interior Design by Fishhouse Design Studio)
- A converted hay barn reimagined as a family game room on one side and a home photography studio and office on the other, complete with a pickleball court outside
- Home offices or entertainment rooms designed with Murphy beds so they can easily transform into guest rooms when needed
- These flexible spaces allow homeowners to check more items off their wish list, making homes more efficient, adaptable, and enjoyable.
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3. Spa-Like, Wellness Bathrooms
Wellness-focused bathrooms continue to rise in popularity, and we don’t see this trend slowing down anytime soon.
Many of our clients want their bathrooms to feel like a sanctuary- a place to unwind, recharge, and step away from daily stress. Over the past year, we’ve created numerous bathrooms featuring calming, natural tones, organic materials, and thoughtfully layered lighting.
Popular features include heated floors, underlit cabinetry, spacious walk-in showers, soaking tubs, and increasingly, home saunas. According to Times Union, spa-inspired bathrooms with dual vanities, separate showers and tubs, and expanded dressing areas remain in high demand.
In an increasingly busy world, homeowners are prioritizing personal wellness, and the bathroom has become a key space for that.
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4. Reading Nooks & Home Libraries
Business Insider reports that cozy reading nooks and home libraries are growing in demand, and this is a trend we’re happy to see.
Sierra James Construction has completed several projects featuring custom home libraries, dedicated reading nooks, and even a recent build with a secret bookshelf door. Many members of our team, including our co-owners, are avid readers, so this trend feels especially close to home.
While we believe reading never goes out of style, it’s exciting to see spaces designed specifically to slow down, unplug, and enjoy a good book highlighted as a 2026 trend.
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Looking Ahead
Design trends come and go, but the best homes are built around how people truly live. Whether you’re planning a full home remodel, an addition, or a custom build, these 2026 design trends point toward homes that are more flexible, wellness-focused, and future-ready.
At Sierra James Construction, our goal is to combine thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and long-term functionality- creating spaces that feel just as good years from now as they do on move-in day.
If you’re considering a remodel or custom home in Central Oregon and want to explore how these trends could work for your lifestyle, we’d love to connect.