BUILDING YOUR 2026 DREAM HOME?? THESE DESIGN FEATURES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

BUILDING YOUR 2026 DREAM HOME?? THESE DESIGN FEATURES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

It’s 2026, and if you’re thinking about building a brand-new home, today’s video is for you. New construction looks very different than it did even five years ago. What builders are offering, what buyers are demanding, and how homes are designed has changed significantly over the past few years. Today, we’re diving into trends, floor plans, design features, color schemes, and everything you need to know to build the ideal home in 2026.

We’ll talk about features that hold their value, add value, and improve everyday livability. Most importantly, we’ll discuss what you should be doing now to make sure that when it’s time to sell, buyers are lined up around the corner. Whether you’re building from the ground up or purchasing an inventory home, this is for you. Let’s get started.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Lisa McBride with Sarasota Neighborhood Experts. My team and I love helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate real estate. If you’re considering new construction, let us help. We know the builders, how to negotiate with them, what features matter most, and how to help you choose the perfect lot. From start to finish, we’re here for you.

Let’s begin with flooring, because this is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in new construction. In 2026, the most in-demand options are luxury vinyl plank flooring and large-format tile. These materials aren’t going out of style anytime soon, and they’re especially popular in Florida. With heat, humidity, and sandy feet, you want flooring that’s durable, easy to clean, and resistant to warping, scratching, and wear. That’s exactly why luxury vinyl and wide plank tiles continue to dominate.

When it comes to color, lighter tones are winning. Think white oak, light oak, soft tans, and linen shades. Builders and buyers are moving away from grays and dark floors. While dark flooring can be beautiful, it shows every grain of sand and every pet paw print. Light, bright flooring keeps homes feeling fresh and coastal.

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is changing flooring in the bedrooms. While many people love carpet, it can hurt resale value. Buyers consistently say they want continuity throughout the main living areas. Choosing one flooring type for all main-level spaces creates a seamless look and makes the home feel larger and more cohesive. If you’re building a two-story home, carpet upstairs is perfectly acceptable. It helps with sound and warmth. For staircases, however, luxury vinyl is becoming more popular and adds an upgraded feel.

Before moving into kitchen design, there’s one must-have feature in Florida homes that isn’t a design element but a structural one: impact doors and windows. While not always required by code, many builders are now including them, and for good reason. Impact-rated windows and doors are made with reinforced laminated glass designed to withstand strong winds and flying debris. Even if struck, the glass cracks but stays intact.

Impact windows provide added safety during storms, eliminate the need for hurricane shutters, reduce outside noise significantly, and can lower homeowners insurance costs. While they are more expensive than standard windows, they are absolutely worth the investment. Buyers in 2026 expect them, so if your builder doesn’t include them, I strongly recommend upgrading.

Now let’s talk kitchens, because the kitchen is truly the heart of the home. White cabinets remain a timeless choice and continue to be one of the safest design options. What we’re seeing more of now is white paired with earth tones or darker accents to add warmth and contrast. Waterfall countertops are increasingly popular, especially in higher-end homes, and many builders now offer them as an option.

Range hoods are another standout feature, whether covered or left exposed for a more industrial look. Storage is a major priority, and kitchens are expanding beyond traditional pantries. Sculleries and butler’s pantries are becoming more common, offering extra appliances, coffee bars, and hidden storage that keeps the main kitchen clutter-free. These spaces are especially useful for entertaining and holidays.

Cabinets extending to the ceiling are an option many builders offer. While they look beautiful in model homes, they’re not always practical unless you’re building a luxury home. Many buyers choose to skip them to stay within budget, since upper cabinets are often hard to reach and used only for overflow storage.

Under-cabinet lighting is a must-have in 2026, along with soft-close drawers and doors. Pay attention to practical details like trash and recycling placement, ideally located near the sink. Decorative features like glass cabinet doors are a personal preference and won’t significantly impact resale value.

One emerging trend that I absolutely love is the French door oven. While more expensive than traditional ovens, they’re incredibly practical, eliminate the need to bend down, and make everyday use much easier. If your builder offers this option, it’s definitely worth considering.

Primary bathrooms are just as important as kitchens when it comes to buyer appeal. Frameless showers are a must. They allow more light, are easier to clean, and create a sleek, modern look. Standalone soaking tubs are optional. Some buyers love them, others rarely use them. If skipping the tub allows you to expand the shower, that’s often a smart trade-off, especially if you’re budget-conscious.

Bathroom design in 2026 favors clean lines, simple vanities, and streamlined lighting. Full-wall mirrors are still common, but separate mirrors are becoming more popular as well. Both options work, depending on the look you prefer.

One of the biggest lifestyle trends in 2026 is additional living space. Buyers are asking for flex rooms, club rooms, bonus rooms, and secondary TV spaces. These rooms offer flexibility for offices, game rooms, guest spaces, or overflow sleeping areas using Murphy beds or daybeds. Builders are responding by increasing bonus space, especially on second floors.

Second-floor bonus areas function much like basements in other parts of the country, giving guests their own bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. Some builders are even creating second primary suites or in-law-style layouts. Homes are being designed to match how we truly live today, and that shift has been especially noticeable since 2020.

To wrap up, there are a few additional features buyers love. Large sliding glass doors that pocket into the wall create seamless indoor-outdoor living. Outdoor kitchens are also extremely popular, especially for Florida living during the cooler months. Even if you don’t install one immediately, having the rough-in in place is a smart move.

Glass panel doors are another favorite feature. They bring in more natural light and make homes feel brighter and more open, which is a major trend in 2026.

If you’re thinking about building a new home this year, there are so many exciting options available. Give us a call at Sarasota Neighborhood Experts and let us help guide you through the process. Thank you for watching and trusting us to be part of your home-buying journey. And remember, when you’re buying or selling, always work with a local expert.