Social media changed everything. With the tap of a finger you can scroll through million-dollar kitchens, or tour the remodel of your favorite celebrity or designer’s backyard. The change is making design more accessible, and it’s putting to the forefront what Los Angeles County buyers want to see in a home on the market.
I said long ago that the monochromatic farmhouse look was out and 2026 design trends confirm, it is. Gone are the days of shiplap, harsh black-and-white contrast and distressed wood finishes. In its place, design has returned to the traditional and classic, oozing with warm, inviting shades of white and cream, and showcasing modern yet fresh details that focus on organic shapes, hues and textures.
On the wood front, we’re seeing a lot of rich mahogany and walnut, or in some instances, a beautiful natural oak. It really depends on the vibe of your house … and that is another design trend for 2026. There’s no one shade of wood that feels “modern.” There’s no one material for kitchen countertops that’s the one everyone wants right now. It’s about seamlessly blending what works for your home’s particular design style, so everything feels seamless and streamlined. (Of course, no cluttered spaces, please!)
How does this impact homes on the market? Well that question can only be answered on a case-by-case basis — speaking of, feel free to book a complimentary consultation with me here. The condition, design and layout of your home can impact the cosmetic changes that’ll have the most impact. And speaking of floor plans, I don’t think there’s one floor plan buyers prefer over another. Open concept works when it works, and a more structured layout can also appeal to buyers when done right.
As for necessary changes, in many cases, a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, updated lighting and decluttering can completely transform a space. In other cases, we might do a full-scale remodel to bring a home up to its full potential. It depends, like I said, on your home and also on your budget and goals … when you’d like to sell and how convenient or inconvenient a remodeling project might be for your lifestyle.
There’s another side to home renovations and it’s about living happily in your home now. Too often I work with sellers who make amazing cosmetic updates and think, “Wow, why didn’t I do that sooner?” A home, after all, is meant to be lived in, so if there’s something you’ve been wanting to do … make the change now and enjoy it!
Another trend in 2026 home design is energy-efficiency and conservation. Buyers today want to know that their home is not going to waste energy or worse, be a safety hazard against elements like potential floods or fires. Today’s buyer is also seeking convenience, which translates to ENERGY STAR certified appliances, solar power and smart home technology that’s integrated into the home.
So, there’s the practical side of 2026 design but there’s also the whimsical side. We recently co-listed (and sold) a stunning Sherman Oaks home designed with the “Nancy Meyers aesthetic” and buyers loved the warmth exuded in the picture-perfect interiors. A balance between lived-in and luxurious is appealing to the modern buyer, who wants to do nothing more than envision themselves living in the home, whether it’s hosting friends poolside in the backyard or lounging on the couch and watching Netflix on a Monday evening.
To recap, here’s my list of what’s on trend or out of style for 2026:
OUT OF STYLE
- Gray walls
- The modern farmhouse aesthetic
- Shiplap
- Distressed wood treatments
- Perfectly matching furniture sets
- Maximalism and bold color choices (not necessarily out of style but this doesn’t work for a home on the market today)
ON TREND
- Warm white or beige walls
- Modern, “quiet” luxury that’s understated and elegant
- Natural, organic textures and materials
- Patterns (when not overdone)
- Mixed wood tones
- Classic and contemporary elements combined
- Energy-efficient appliances and smart home technology
- Warm, earthy backsplashes and tiles
- Millwork and crown molding
- LED lighting accents
- Midcentury modern that still feels timeless
If you’d like to learn more about how you can maximize your home’s design to appeal to buyers or if you’d simply like to refresh your spaces, get in touch for a complimentary design or selling consultation! I’d be happy to share what I’m seeing in homes today and how you can take these trends and make them your own!
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Andrew Manning • REALTOR® • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties • DRE: 00941825 • 818-380-2147 • andrew@andrewmanning.com