Want to know what’s new in the world of homes? We do! So, we drove down to Orlando to cover Design and Construction Week, the largest residential trade show in the world. We swear it wasn’t just because Jonathan and Drew Scott from the TV program “Property Brothers” were appearing.
The convention, organized annually by the National Association of Home Builders and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, was ginormous. In more than 1 million square feet, all the biggest companies from bathrooms and kitchens to windows and doors to outdoor living - more than 2,250 exhibitors – displayed their red-hot products to 120,000 building professionals.
Also presented was the New American Home, a luxurious house chock full of the latest and best stuff. It took 13 months to construct this showstopper near Orlando. With six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the almost-8,000-square-foot mansion, featuring a wellness center, theater, wine cellar, game room and underground garage for 18 cars, was valued at $15 to $16 million.
We may never see an 18-vehicle garage in the Triangle, but here’s Carolina Woman’s quick, A-to-Z rundown on what we will see.
AI
It’s in ovens that can distinguish different types of food and then suggest cooking instructions as well as fridges that can track if you’re running low on milk. And that’s just the kitchen!
Bends
Curves are everywhere from arched cabinets to scalloped edges on sinks to rounded architectural elements in built-ins.
Color
Bold hues as well as warmer, moodier tones are back while all-white has taken a hike.
Details
Craftsmanship is a buzzword and factors such as texture and depth matter.
Energy
The entire house reflects a shift toward wellness so home gyms and spots of calm, like a plunge pool or sauna, are popular.
Flat Panel
Sleek and streamlined, simple cabinets doors with no ornamentation are taking center stage in bathrooms and kitchens.
Gaze
Everywhere is worth a look, including the accent ceiling - a “fifth wall” – that’s getting almost as much attention as walls and floors.
Hidden
From play to privacy, secret spaces include reading nooks under the stairs and bookshelf doors that lead to offices in closets.
Indoor-outdoor flow
Exterior spaces are becoming true extensions of the house as residents better connect the two sections of their abodes.
Jaunty
Inhabitants are unafraid to put their creative stamp on the house, which becomes an impactful statement of the personality of the people living there.
Kozy
The open floor plan isn’t quite as popular this year as residents look for function-designated spaces, such as conversation corners, reading nooks, hobby rooms and other cozy scenes.
Lighting
The line between illumination and art continues to blur with the use of tactile materials and sculptural forms plus frosted, textured and smoked glass.
Maximalism
Luxe trappings and opulent finishes, often borrowing from eras such as Art Deco, are making minimalism so last year.
No Sweat
Smart appliances and connected systems are all the rage, so occupants can do just about anything remotely and easily, including dosing detergent, learning of water leaks and tracking energy use.
Outdoors
Backyards are thoughtfully designed retreats – with lighting accents, fire features and water elements - boasting dedicated zones for everything from yoga and quiet reflection to al fresco dining and game nights.
Proactive
Addressing the needs of aging household members – with, for example, single-level layouts and wider walkways – is on builders’ minds.
Quick
With new materials and new ways of installing and maintaining them, improvements can be made faster and owners can have less work to keep up with the Joneses.
Retro
Vintage looks and richly stained wood, such as that found in traditional English country and modern Tudor designs, are resulting in elegantly warm properties.
Seamlessness
Discreet design embraces camouflaged lighting, concealed range hoods, pocket-door cabinets and hydraulic-lift storage units that don’t compete with the architecture.
Texture
Displaying a sophisticated, organic feel are textured plaster, limewash, stone, handmade tiles, grasscloth and boucle fabrics (a nubbly finish often used in upholstery).
Undeniable
Objects that blur the line between function and art, transforming everyday fixtures into creative pieces, are gaining momentum.
Visual contrast
Combining materials, such as stone, composite, wicker and metal – even mixing metals - as well as putting together various colors and patterns adds drama.
Wise
Avoiding the depletion of natural resources and assuring longevity means durable, eco-conscious stuff takes the place of short-lived, disposable pieces.
X-factor
Tech features such as integrated charging and built-in functions are included in just about everything but are incorporated so well they disappear from view.
Yours
When it comes to appliances, seemingly everything – whether surfaces, hardware or colors – is interchangeable, making customization a breeze.
Zany
We’ve gone beyond faux stone to fun products that mimic natural goods – for example, fake boulders and indoor walls reminiscent of caves.
The Latest and Greatest
Here are deeper dives into up-to-date directions from leading firms in various corners of the home market.
BENJAMIN MOORE
Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year is Silhouette AF-655 – an alluring espresso with subtle notes of charcoal. Balancing refinement and distinction, this hue weaves a narrative of enduring style and grace, inspired by the modern take on classical suiting.
"The connection between fashion and interiors has always been a source of inspiration, but this year in particular, we've noticed a renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes; the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown color family," says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore.
COLETO BRANDS
"Old Hollywood" glamour returns.
Polished nickel is making a notable comeback, bringing with it a renewed appreciation for the vintage-inspired. At this year's builder show, the veneer appeared frequently in bathroom lighting, reflecting a broader shift toward timeless metals with a warm luster.
The Kichler Daines Bath Bar exemplifies this direction with its sleek, cylindrical form and polished-nickel finish, creating a refined look reminiscent of celebrity dressing rooms while delivering modern LED performance.
Art Deco contrasts with Mid-Century.
Another design theme emerging across lighting was the contrast between Mid-century restraint and the return of Art Deco detailing.
The Rigsby Pendant from Progress Lighting reflects this shift through its scalloped texture, which adds depth and visual rhythm. While the overall form remains clean and modern, the layered detailing introduces a decorative quality that nods to Art Deco.
Richness of materials reaches new heights.
The show saw more craftsmanship and texture than in past seasons.
The Mikale Pendant from Kichler Lighting highlights this emphasis through its hand-thrown clay construction, which creates a ceramic, artisanal look. The textured surface and tactile, organic material reflect the growing demand for lighting that feels both handcrafted and design-forward.
FEENEY
In 2026, people design decks, patios, and terraces as places for gathering, wellness and everyday use. Outdoor spaces are created with the same intention and homey factor as interiors.
This movement is driven by a desire for indoor-outdoor flow and an emphasis on comfort and materials that feel elevated. As people invest more in these spaces, they want products that balance performance and durability with design.
FIBERON
Fiberon Novus fused decking pairs a groundbreaking photo-realistic wood appearance with a new-to-the-industry thermoset shell that prevents scratches and dents. It's an innovative approach to composite decking. Designed after cedar and the Brazilian hardwood ipe trees (exotic woods that traditionally come with hefty price tags), Novus brings luxury aesthetics with a sustainable advantage.
Like Fiberon's other composite collections, Novus is built with recycled plastics and reclaimed wood, helping to reduce deforestation. It is also Fiberon's most slip-resistant board ever, offering year-round confidence in every step.
LEGRAND
Power up in style.
Today's residences demand more from every outlet, and Legrand's adorne 65W USB Type-C Outlet delivers without sacrificing style. Featuring dual USB Type-C ports with Power Delivery, the outlet delivers up to 65 watts per port, providing fast, reliable charging for laptops, tablets and smartphones. That means compatible laptops can charge from 0% to 50% in under 45 minutes, reducing the need for bulky adapters.
But what truly sets it apart is its designer sensibility. It installs in a standard electrical box and is compatible with more than 40 adorne wall plate colors and finishes, including glass, metal and wood.
The kitchen island just got smarter.
For anyone who has ever wished for a plug right where it's needed most, Legrand's Kitchen Countertop Outlet is the answer. Less obtrusive and smaller than a pop-up outlet, the surface-mount Kitchen Countertop Outlet provides power on kitchen islands and peninsulas.
It's the first upward-facing outlet to pass the half-gallon spill test required for UL standards and to meet the National Electrical Code, which means it's built to handle the inevitable splashes and spills of a busy kitchen.
For those who love a cohesive kitchen aesthetic, optional cast metal lids are available in matte white, matte black, stainless steel and champagne bronze.