Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to refresh your current space, or considering how to stage your home for sale, staying apprised of the latest trends can help you feel a step ahead.
For insights that reflect the current real estate market and today’s most popular home designs, we tapped Gena Kirk, a design expert at KB Home. The company just released findings from its second annual homebuyer survey, sharing data surrounding buyer aspirations and anxieties.
From the colors and materials that are set to dominate to the design elements capturing homebuyers’ attention today, her insights offer a valuable glimpse into buyer preferences in a fast-evolving housing market.
1. Homebuyers Are Short on Time; Seek Efficiencies
"In today’s fast-paced world, home design is evolving to make life easier and more efficient, with smart technology playing a major role," highlights Kirk. "We’re busier than ever, so our living spaces need to be highly functional and timesaving. Technology will continue to be integrated into home design – from AI-assisted design processes to smart technology features."
Features like smart home technology, energy-efficient systems, and the ability to personalize layouts are important. Many also want homes that are ready to use, with flexible layouts that work for everyday life, whether that includes a home office, family spaces, or dining rooms.
2. Homebuyers Like English Kitchens That Bring Warmth
"European design, particularly the warm, inviting aesthetic of English kitchens, will increasingly influence American homes [this year]," explains Kirk. While open floor plans and modern styles are still common, this look leans more classic. "These spaces offer a sense of timeless elegance and comfort. Exposed beams and natural wood cabinetry, botanical wallpaper, and visible wood grains create a warm and welcoming environment while ushering in texture and vibrancy alongside an old-world charm."
Designers are mixing vintage and new elements. It’s a good match for people who want a space that feels personal and cozy, from the kitchen area to the living room.
3. They Want Color That Feels Personal
Color is moving away from plain white. Warmer tones and rich colors are helping people make their homes feel more like them. "We've transitioned from gray to greige and now are fully embracing beige, which creates cozy and inviting atmospheres, while offering flexibility for bolder accents," notes Kirk.
She adds, "Deeper hues like eggplant, mustard, and navy will add sophistication and depth to spaces, perfect for accent walls or statement furniture. Bright, whimsical accents like turquoise will bring a fun and uplifting energy to kitchens, backsplashes, and decorative elements."
Color has become part of how people show personality in home design. Buyers are looking for homes that feel creative, welcoming, and full of life.
4. They Appreciate Detail and Texture
"Homeowners are increasingly expressing individuality through intricate details that bring out craftsmanship and personal style," shared Kirk. "Classic architecture trends like crown molding, fluted fireplaces, and burl wood will add elegance and character to both modern and traditional spaces. Texture will become key, and materials like corduroy will be a popular choice for creating a comfortable and stylish home environment. Serving as a timeless and modern touch, metallic finishes will help balance soft textures while still elevating design choices."
These kinds of finishes are showing up more in new home plans and remodels. They help add character without taking over the space. Buyers are looking for comfort, style, and simple ways to stand out.
5. Buyers Are Thinking Long-Term
More buyers care about energy efficiency and how their home impacts the environment.
"When it comes to design, leveraging natural and layered ambient lighting throughout your home will not only make your home feel cozy but can also help reduce energy consumption and costs," says Kirk. "Consider upcycling your décor to bring history and character to your spaces to help seamlessly curate a timeless design. And don’t forget to think about touchless faucets and other water-saving fixtures that look great and do good."
The Harris Poll survey showed 86% of buyers won’t give up lower energy or water bills, and 78% want to make a home feel like their own. People are also buying homes for more space, safety (47%), and to avoid rent increases (42%).
Access to outdoor spaces like a backyard is important to 43%, and 41% are thinking about long-term financial growth.
These needs are shaping what builders offer, from eco-friendly materials to outdoor living spaces. Buyers want a new home that feels good to live in, inside and out.
