PulteGroup forecasts longer-lasting home design trends for 2026

PulteGroup expects design trends to stay in fashion longer, and forecasts that multigenerational living, a focus on wellness, and an emphasis on quality will have a big impact on home design trends in 2026. 

The homebuilder released a 2026 Design Trends Forecast on Thursday that highlights a growing anti-consumerism movement among buyers. 

“What’s exciting about 2026 is a fundamental intentionality and longevity trend,” Angela Nuessle, Pulte’s National Vice President of Interior Design, notes in a press statement. “Life cycles are elongating, so what’s in stays relevant longer. This reflects the anti-consumerism movement. People want choices that last. They care about quality and are more intentional when purchasing homes.”

For context, the “anti-consumerism movement” Nuessle references is “a social and economic viewpoint that opposes the excessive consumption of goods and services, advocating for a focus on essential needs and deeper personal or social values over material possessions. It … promotes living with intention, which can lead to reduced environmental impact, greater financial stability, and a focus on experiences and relationships over material things.”

Homebuyers stay put for longer

Buyers may be looking for timeless styles since they tend to stay in their homes for longer than they used to. A recent report from ATTOM Data notes that homeowners who sold in the third quarter of 2025 owned their home for 8.39 years on average. This is the longest homeownership tenure in at least a quarter of a century, according to the report.

This could be due to several factors, including high home prices and a “lock-in” effect in which homeowners refuse to sell because their current mortgage rate is low. Americans are also growing older, and older people tend to be less likely to move.

A Redfin study observes that a typical U.S. homeowner stays in their house for 11.8 years. This is down from a peak of 13.4 years in 2021, but is much higher than the average tenure of 6.5 years in 2005.

Pulte’s forecast seems to take this shift into account and may explain why the builder expects design trends to stay in fashion for longer.

Multigenerational living is a top lifestyle trend

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that 17% of homes purchased in 2024 were a multigenerational household, up from 12% in 2020. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Pulte highlighted multigenerational living as a top lifestyle trend. Many buyers are looking for flexibility and rooms that can vary from bedrooms to playrooms, offices, and other uses as families evolve. 

The builder highlighted its ALLGEN floor plan, which has first-floor owner’s suites, separate living areas with kitchenettes, and accessible bathrooms. 

“Quiet luxury and wellness” also make the top of the lifestyle trends list. Pulte emphasised using natural materials and designing cozy corners for mindfulness and spacious gathering spaces for community. 

“Wellness has been a trend we’ve seen over the last few years really gaining momentum, and is now integrated into every detail,” Nuessle said. 

Pulte is a leader in wellness living through its Del Webb 55+ Active Adult communities and Del Webb Explore brand, which is open to all ages. Both brands aim to deliver a resort-style living experience, with community amenities like a pool, clubhouse, gym, sports courts, and trails. 

Design trends to look out for in 2026

Pulte highlighted four interior design styles to look out for in 2026. These include the following:

• Warm Minimalism: uncluttered and simple, combined with cozy, inviting elements.
• Heritage Classics: focuses on a classic design with antiques and natural wood grains.
• Tailored Traditional: mixes classic and modern elements. 
• Glam and Luxe: balances luxury without feeling too indulgent. 

Nuessle also expects certain appliances, such as modern smudge-proof stainless steel appliances and combination appliances that free up kitchen space, to gain traction next year. This coincides with an emphasis on minimalism and reducing clutter. 

Black and white is a classic color pairing that will continue to stay in style, according to Pulte’s forecast. Other pairings that will stay in style next year are bold blues and dimensional greens, soft tans and taupes, and coffee-inspired palettes that emit mocha, latte, and espresso tones. 

“When trying to figure out what trend works best for you, one word of advice is, don’t try to incorporate all of them. Choose what speaks to you and works best with your lifestyle,” Nuessle said.