After 15+ years of building custom homes in the South Okanagan, we’ve seen trends come and go (and sometimes come back again). As we head into 2026, the design landscape is shifting in some exciting ways, offering fresh inspiration for creating spaces that reflect who you are.
Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or simply looking for small updates to refresh your space, understanding what’s in (and what’s being left behind) can help you make choices that truly suit your home and lifestyle.
Here’s what’s trending for the coming year, and what’s on its way out:
What’s out in 2026
All-White Everything
Don’t get us wrong, white will never go completely out of style. But the ultra-stark, all-white look is starting to feel dated. The trend in 2026 is moving toward warmer tones and personalised touches. Homes that lean too heavily on a cold, clinical palette can feel impersonal, so adding texture, colour accents, or layered details will keep your space feeling fresh, inviting, and stylish. A great example? Our mid-century modern renovation, where a bold blue backsplash and burnt-orange accents bring energy and dimension to an otherwise streamlined kitchen. It proves that you don’t have to abandon white, just balance it with colour and warmth to create a space that feels modern and uniquely yours.
Millennial Grey
Grey had its moment but the era of all-grey is fading. Homeowners are feeling braver with colour, embracing warm neutrals, rich earth tones, and even bold, statement hues. The all-grey trend still shows up in homes built for resale or mass-market developments, but custom homes are moving toward spaces that feel personal, vibrant, and full of life.
Open Concept at All Costs
The pendulum is swinging back. While open spaces still have their perks (lots of natural light, easy flow for entertaining, and a sense of spaciousness) homeowners are increasingly seeking flexibility. The pandemic showed us the value of separate rooms for work, study, or quiet time, and now there’s a renewed interest in homes with well-defined spaces. Designers are meeting this demand with clever layouts, pocket doors, and adaptable rooms that balance openness with privacy, giving families the best of both worlds.
Farmhouse Everything
Shiplap, barn doors, and “Live Laugh Love” signs may be fading from the spotlight. While farmhouse style isn’t disappearing, the ultra-rustic, Pinterest-perfect look that dominated the mid-2010s is evolving. Today, homeowners are opting for a more refined, thoughtful approach, keeping the warmth and charm of farmhouse design but pairing it with modern touches, quality materials, and a personalised feel that feels fresh rather than cookie-cutter. Our Summerland Modern Farmhouse is a perfect example of this shift. It blends timeless farmhouse elements with modern architecture and curated finishes that feel sophisticated rather than cliché.
What’s in for 2026
Warm Minimalism
Clean lines meet cozy vibes. It’s minimal without being cold, curated without being cluttered. Natural materials, warm woods, and a “less but better” philosophy are leading the charge. Terracotta, sage, warm taupes, and soft clay tones are everywhere. These colours feel organic and timeless.
Statement Ceilings
If 2025 was all about accent walls, 2026 is shifting our attention upward. Statement ceilings are becoming a modern way to add personality and drama to a room. Whether bold and attention-grabbing or soft and subtle, ceilings are getting the spotlight with unique paint colours, wallpaper, wood beams, plaster, and other textured treatments. Elevating the “fifth wall” brings balance, style, and a fresh layer of individuality to any space.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Large windows, indoor-outdoor flow, natural materials, and designs that celebrate rather than compete with the landscape. Beyond aesthetics, connecting with nature has real benefits: lowering stress, easing anxiety, and boosting overall mood. Features like expansive glass walls, oversized sliders, and seamless transitions to patios help blur the boundary between indoors and out, creating brighter, airier spaces that feel grounded and restorative. In the South Okanagan, we’re blessed with incredible views and weather. Why not design homes that actually take advantage of that?
Sustainable, Intentional Choices
Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword anymore. With climate awareness on the rise, homeowners are choosing features that genuinely reduce their footprint: solar panels, high-performance windows, smart home systems that actually reduce energy usage, and materials chosen for longevity over trends. Today’s mindset is “buy well, buy once.” People are moving away from trend-driven, disposable décor and investing in durable, high-quality products that last. Building smart is the new building big.
Multi-Functional Spaces
Home offices that convert to guest rooms. Mudrooms that double as pet stations. Garages with workshop space. Bonus rooms that actually have a purpose. This shift is all about adaptable, flexible spaces that keep up with modern life, particularly with the rise of remote work and the desire to maximise functionality in smaller areas. In 2026, every square foot needs a purpose. No more dead zones. If a space is in your home, it should be working just as hard as you do.
Our Take
Trends are fun to follow, but your home should be designed for you, not for Instagram. The best homes we build are the ones where clients take inspiration from what’s current but aren’t slaves to it.
That said, if you’re building or renovating in 2026, consider how your choices will age. Will you love that bold design decision in five years? Ten? If the answer is yes, go for it. If you’re doing it because it’s trendy, maybe take a moment to reconsider.
At Edgehill Homes, we help clients navigate the balance between timeless design and contemporary style. We’ve seen enough trends come and go to know what holds up and what dates a home.
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
At Edgehill Homes, we specialise in designing and building custom homes that reflect your style, needs, and lifestyle. From the initial concept to the final finishing touches, our team will guide you through every step to create a home that truly feels like you.
Contact us to begin your custom design and build journey.
