Homeowners have the creative freedom to personalize their living space. You can make your house look however you’d like, especially if the latest renovation trends inspire you. Check out these 2026 remodeling trends to find something that elevates your home’s design.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners with reliable home remodeling contractors in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura Counties, we speak to homeowners every day about new remodeling projects that can help revamp their home – here are some trends and tips to get you started.
Between 2019 and 2021, the number of Southern Californians working from home tripled due to the pandemic and increased desire for remote positions. It’s challenging to conduct meetings and focus without a dedicated space for work, so home offices are one of the leading contenders for 2026 remodeling trends. You could install a custom desk, flip an existing room or add a new room to your home to create more space for your professional responsibilities.
Estimated Project Length: 1–3 months
Estimated Budget: $50–100 per square foot
2. Expansive Windows
Wider windows are more popular for numerous reasons. They let more sunlight into your home, decreasing the need for lamps and more electricity. Big windows can also make rooms appear bigger. Your home will feel brand new with a slightly more expansive view of your backyard or neighborhood.
Estimated Project Length: 1–2 days
Estimated Budget: $500–3,000 per window
3. Tankless Water Heaters
Environmentally friendly remodeling projects will be big this year. People want to help the planet by renovating the spaces they use most often during the week. Tankless water heaters are an easy way to do that.Instead of consuming electricity to continuously heat a large tank of water for small usages, tankless heaters warm water only when you need it. They’re more cost-efficient for long-term use than water tanks because you’ll use much less daily electricity.
Estimated Project Length: 6–10 hours
Estimated Budget: $500–2,800
4. Hidden TV Centers
People don’t want to get rid of their televisions, but sometimes it’s nice to unplug for the night. Entertainment centers will become a much bigger remodeling trend in 2026 because they can hide TVs away for more family time and a cleaner aesthetic. Contact contractors to discuss building a built-in bookshelf that spans your living room wall or an alcove with hidden doors above your fireplace.
They’ll discuss which options work best with your home’s structure while maintaining your design vision. Whether you have a large flatscreen that prioritizes the environment or a vintage television, you can build an entertainment center that tucks it out of sight whenever you want to unplug
Going to the spa is always a treat, but you might not schedule appointments as often as you’d like. That’s one reason homeowners are installing jetted bathtubs in their bathrooms. You can relax in luxury without leaving your home once you remodel your bathroom to fit your preferred jetted model. The simple remodeling trend will help relieve your daily stress if you love to soak in a bubble bath.
Estimated Project Length: 12–18 hours
Estimated Budget: $1,500–$17,000
6. Walk-In Closets
Bigger closets give you more room to store your belongings, but they’re so much more than storage space. They also add luxury to any home and create new opportunities for personalization.Consider remodeling your closet this year to include features like cabinets, built-in lighting, display shelves, and seating. You’ll add value to your home and make it feel like a mansion. Plus, it’s always helpful to have extra room for storing your belongings.
Estimated Project Length: 1–2 days
Estimated Budget: $1,200–3,000
7. Wallpaper
When someone mentions wallpaper, you might imagine past decades of gaudy designs, but it’s back in a new way as a major 2026 remodeling trend. Modern designs feature classy motifs and minimalist art so your wallpaper accentuates any room without taking it over. It might be the perfect touch to add to your living room, kitchen, or bedroom if they’re missing a cohesive interior design element.
Estimated Project Length: 1–2 days
Estimated Budget: $1–7 per square foot
8. Built-In Bookshelves
Wobbly bookshelves and temporary furniture are old news. People are looking forward to installing built-in bookshelves this year instead. They add value to any property and give it instant character — built-in shelves are more of a bold statement than standing shelves. They’re also a fun opportunity to create a secret doorway or an entertainment cabinet – talk about a fun remodeling trend.
Estimated Project Length: 5–20 hours
Estimated Budget: $1,250–4,100
9. Outdoor Showers
Thanks to celebrities and popular architects, outdoor showers are having a moment this year as a major remodeling trend. They’re practical outdoor remodeling projects that serve multiple purposes and add unique designs to traditional neighborhoods.You could use your shower to rinse off after swimming in your pool or mowing your lawn. Wash your dog in your outdoor shower to minimize the inevitable indoor mess.
They’re also great additions to coastal rental homes for guests who frequently jump into the waves.If you’re considering an outdoor shower, remember to select features like water-resistant tiles to make it last longer. It should also have complete privacy from any neighbors and drainage that directs water away from your home’s foundation.
Estimated Project Length: 2–3 days
Estimated Budget: $500–8,000
10. Garage Door Awnings
Garages are often the first features people see when they pull into a driveway. It makes your home’s first impression and doubles as a place to hang out.You might use your garage as your home gym or extra entertaining space when you invite friends over. An awning would make the space more visually appealing and create additional sheltered space for people to relax.
Prepare for the Most Popular 2025 Remodeling Trends
Homeowners can consider these remodeling trends as they plan their 2026 renovation budgets. Whether you make your property greener, transform your basement, or add an outdoor shower, your home will become a place of luxury by the end of the year.
When it comes to finding the best remodeling contractor in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura or San Diego – GreatBuildz is simplifying the contractor search. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
Author: Rose Morrison is a home & construction writer from Pittsburgh, PA. She’s the managing editor of Renovated, a web magazine for the real estate industry. She’s most interested in sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.
Jon Grishpul is the co-founder of GreatBuildz, Co-CEO of Maxable, and a recognized expert in home remodeling and ADUs. Since he co-founded GreatBuildz in 2019, the company has evaluated 20,000+ California contractors and helped 2,000+ homeowners. With years of experience in construction, consulting, and technology, he has been featured in Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and US News & World Report. Jon helps homeowners navigate their renovation projects and he is committed to providing them with transparent, trustworthy guidance so they can renovate with confidence and clarity.