If you find knowing where to start with your home renovation and improvements overwhelming, it's understandable given there are lots of options available to you. Plus, it's even more important if you're renovating to sell at some point in the future.
To help kick start your plans, we asked industry experts what their predictions are for the jobs, features or changes homeowners are prioritising in 2026. After all, understanding what people are prioritising can help you narrow down what you need or want to do in your home.
From elevating flooring, to drilling down into how your home performs, here's what you can expect to see homeowners prioritising in 2026.
1. Zoning will replace open plan layouts
While open plan living was once the most popular layout for homeowners looking to extend, renovate, or even self build, recent years have seen a decline in the appeal of the one-space-suits-all approach.
Whether this was triggered by the realisation that everyone trying to operate in one space during the pandemic was untenable, or the fact we prefer our homes to be sanctuaries full of cosy corners, we now look to broken plan layouts more.
“In 2026 homeowners are prioritising homes that are simpler to run, more comfortable in every season, and more adaptable to changing routines," says Ran Ankory, founder and managing director of Scenario Architecture.
"We are being commissioned for more full house renovations where the brief is not just a new kitchen or a prettier finish, but a genuine upgrade in how the home performs and how it supports day to day life.
“We are seeing a clear shift toward purposeful re-planning of spaces," he continues. "Homeowners want better zoning rather than one vast open space, so the house can shift between family life, focused work, and hosting without feeling cluttered or noisy.
"Families need spaces that can shift throughout the day: school bags and homework after 4pm, cooking and connection in the evening, and calm corners when the house is busy at the weekend," he explains.
It's also a trend that's been noticed by Emily Newmarch, design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways
“We’re seeing homeowners take a more holistic view of their homes, focusing on the flow of entire ground floors rather than just single rooms," she agrees.
But does the requirement for zones, or enclosed rooms mean we will be extending our homes more? Not necessarily says Emily. "People want smarter use of space, meaning often a reconfiguration is just as powerful as an extension.”
Scenario Architecture is a RIBA-chartered architectural practice founded by Ran Ankory in 2007, specialising exclusively in bespoke residential projects for private homeowners across London and the Home Counties. With over fifteen years of experience, the studio is known for creating contemporary homes that are deeply tailored to each client’s lifestyle, both now and for years to come.
Emily is a design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways, a design and build company who not only create bespoke kitchens, but also thoughtfully crafted renovations and extensions.
Shop room divider solutions to help with zoning
Use these modern wooden posts to create a contemporary room divider that zones but still lets natural light in
Build a partion wall and create separate rooms with these modern glazed internal doors
Switch up your zones to suit your family needs with this portable paper room divider available in a range of sizes and colours
2. Bathrooms are most likely to get a glow-up
When it comes to the room homeowners will prioritise in 2026, according to recent research from Wickes, nearly a third (31%) of us are hoping to tackle a bathroom renovation this year.
So what can you do if this is top of your priorities too? A good place to start is by looking into bathroom trends, as this will partially dictate what you will find to buy for your bathroom. Do you want a wet room or a walk-in shower? Is a freestanding bath your goal, or is a luxury bathroom a must?
Whatever your final specification, make sure you get granular on the details says Grazzie Wilson, creative director at Ca' Pietra.
"It's the detailing that quietly completes a bathroom," she says. "Grout colour for example alters the tone of the design; a gentle, tonal shade allows the tile to settle into the space, while a contrasting line draws attention to pattern or geometry.
"Trims and edge treatments should feel integrated, especially where tiled areas meet painted walls or the adjoining room. In older properties, tiles can complement the architectural language by adjusting the layout or choosing materials that echo the era without feeling pastiche," suggests Grazzie.
Not in need of a bathroom upgrade? It's perhaps no surprise that according to the Wickes survey which questioned 2000 homeowners, 23% of us will instead be looking at a kitchen renovation, 17% at enhancing home storage, while garden landscaping ideas will also be on the cards for 17% of homes.
3. Kitchens will have to work harder and smarter
But, it's not just any kitchen upgrade that homeowners are seeking in 2026 say the experts. In much the same way that we are taking a holistic approach to our overall home improvements, so we are looking at kitchens through a larger lens.
"Clients want kitchens that work harder with walk in pantries, utility rooms and clever storage built in from the start," confirms Ran Ankory. As the most expensive room to renovate in a house, it's perhaps no surprise that we expect the most we can get for our money.
"There’s certainly a strong appetite for multifunctional spaces such as open-plan kitchen-living areas, sculleries, walk-in pantries and utility rooms that double as boot rooms," agrees Emily Newmarch.
"We predict kitchen-led renovations will continue to dominate, and glazing choices that maximise light, such as structural glass or slim-frame sliding doors, will remain extremely popular," adds Emily.
No space for a walk in pantry? Try this freestanding option instead with ample storage space including shelving and drawers
4. Energy efficiency and sustainability take centre stage
"It’s also important to look beyond aesthetics," says Wickes design consultant, Sarah-Jayne Thorne, and it's something homeowners are prioritising in 2026 as well.
"15% of the homeowners we surveyed are looking to embrace smart and energy-efficient upgrades such as smart thermostats and smart lighting offering both comfort and long-term savings," she explains.
However, rising energy bills coupled with changing climate conditions also mean we will need to consider how our homes perform in all weathers.
“Energy and climate resilience are now central to the conversation, and will continue to be so," says Ran Ankory. But, while once mainly about ways of keeping warm, it's no longer the case.
"Clients are also more aware of overheating risk in summer and want upgrades that deliver real comfort, not just new glazing," says Ran.
“In support of this focus on energy efficiency, clients are also choosing sustainable, long-lasting materials and being much more considered with where their money is invested," adds Emily Newmarch.
Sarah-Jayne is a Design Consultant and Mentor at Wickes Royal Leamington Spa, and is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable designer with over 20 years of experience designing and transforming kitchens and bathrooms. She has a keen eye for detail and loves making small rooms feel spacious, dated kitchens look modern and classy and dark bathrooms feel light and colourful. Whilst Sarah-Jayne specialises in space optimisation and problem-solving, she also invests a great deal of time and energy in listening to her customers’ needs and tailoring her designs to their dream homes. For this reason, Sarah-Jayne is passionate about the consultation process and has been praised by countless customers for her passion, sincerity and caring attitude.
5. Wave goodbye to boring and bland colours
Despite Pantone revealing Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year 2026 – a soft shade of off-white – it's not really in line with other paint trends, or indeed what colours homeowners say they will be using this year.
"With 72% of homeowners rejecting the grey, cream and off-white colour trend, 2026 is all about colour," predicts Sarah-Jayne Thorne.
If you're in agreement with bland colours being old news, Sarah-Jayne suggests, "injecting bold colours and experimenting with popular hues such as olive green, teal, duck egg blue, sage or sunshine yellow to instantly revive your interiors and help create a more personalised look."
6. Flooring is flipped into the spotlight
While ceilings were a focus in 2025, with colour drenching and colour capping drawing our gaze upwards, according to the consumer activity flooring suppliers are seeing in their showrooms, we'll turn it in the opposite direction in 2026.
"Homeowners are becoming increasingly braver with their flooring choices, using it to inject personality and create a sense of individuality," Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring tells us.
"We predict they will continue to mix different patterns and formats, pairing herringbone in one room with wide planks in another, or using dark floors as a backdrop to bold wall colours.
"This approach allows flooring to define zones in open plan spaces and bring visual rhythm to a home," he adds, perfectly in-keeping with our architect's prediction that zoned layouts will be integral.
"Patterned layouts are also evolving, with chevron, parquet blocks and custom inlays emerging as exciting ways to make a statement. The floor is no longer a background surface but a key feature that shapes the entire mood of a space," adds Ian.
"Wood drenching, an interior design trend that wraps timber across floors, walls and even ceilings, is also gaining popularity," he says, "showing that flooring is no longer just a backdrop, it’s a playful, expressive element that helps make a home feel personal and truly lived in."
Ian has been the Managing Director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, a family-run company based in Bristol since 2012. The company has been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
Make your flooring a key focal point by choosing different patterns, finishes or adding contrasting colours
7. Bedrooms will be redesigned as retreats
"It’s been fascinating to see how homeowners’ priorities are evolving as we head into 2026, and the bedroom is really coming into its own as a space people want to get right," says Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company.
"What we’re noticing is that it’s less about following a specific style and more about creating a true retreat within the home. There’s a real shift toward bedrooms that help you unwind, with richer bedroom colours, natural and earthy palettes, and thoughtful touches that make the space feel really personal.
"People are also rethinking how they use their bedrooms," she continues, "with clever bedroom lighting and cosy nooks that support better sleep and daily routines, and design choices that reflect individual tastes rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
"Furniture that can be tailored to a person’s lifestyle, customised to fit the space perfectly or painted in colours that bring a sense of warmth really help make a bedroom feel like it belongs to the person living in it.
"It feels like a lovely moment for bedroom design in 2026" Kate concludes, "focusing on wellbeing, warmth and personal expression in a way that makes a big difference to day‑to‑day living."
Kate Palmer is the creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. With a background in fashion design and passion for colour and interiors, Kate has helped many customers to achieve the exact look they desired for their home.
8. Lighting design will be carefully considered
As we continue to spend more time at home, lighting design will continue to grow in importance in 2026. Long gone are the days of a few spotlights, table lamps and a floor lamp being sufficient. Instead, the impact on how it makes us feel and how it can really make or break a successful scheme will make it an important priority in 2026 home improvements.
"There's no doubt we are seeing an increasing number of homeowners realising the importance in lighting and therefore prioritising it with interior updates in 2026," says James Kendal, operations director at KES Lighting & Home.
"We recommend starting with ensuring each room has a balance of ambient, task and accent lighting. Layering light helps define spaces, create atmosphere and highlight architectural features.
"Replacing a single overhead fitting with a mix of wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps instantly adds depth and warmth," he suggests, "while small updates like upgrading old fittings or adding statement pendants in the kitchen and hallway can make a home feel more refined and contemporary without significant expense.
Kerb appeal also benefits from thoughtful lighting," adds James. "Exterior wall lights or discreet garden lighting can transform how a property looks and feels at night, so don't forget to make this a priority too when making home improvements in 2026."
As Operations Director at KES Lighting, James is perfectly placed to offer expert guidance on all aspects of home lighting. From dazzling crystal chandeliers and statement wall lights to designer lamps and elegant drop pendants, James and his knowledgeable team are always on hand to help customers find the perfect lighting for their individual project.
9. We'll undertake quick DIY projects for easy wins
For those homeowners who don't need to make massive changes, there's also a whole host of quick and easy upgrades you can prioritise in 2026 say the experts. And if we look at the stats from the Wickes survey, there's plenty of DIY projects we will be tackling in order to add more character and individuality to our homes.
"With 92% of Brits seeking quick, affordable ways to make their homes feel new again, an efficient way to do this is to look at storage space," suggest Sarah-Jayne Thorne. "Removing clutter from kitchen work tops for example can really help a space to feel fresh again."
But, if you feel the need for something a little more adventurous, why not be inspired but these other projects homeowners say they will be tackling in 2026:
- Paint the kitchen - 19%
- A garden make-over - 17%
- Create an outdoor entertaining space - 13%
- Install a kitchen island with social seating - 12%
- A spare room makeover - 12%
- Install smart home tech - 12%
- Design a home office space - 7%
- Build a home library - 6%
- Build an outdoor kitchen - 4%
- Add a cocktail bar or beer tap - 3%
Looking to achieve something more substantial with your home improvement plans in 2026? Start by using this advice from Ran Ankory to see what and where you need to make changes.
“Our starting point is always the client’s living scenarios. When you understand who wakes first, where bags land, how cooking and homework overlap, and where you want to retreat, the home’s layout becomes seamless and intuitive.”
And, if this reveals you actually need to add more rooms to your home, take a look at the different types of loft conversion to see if this could provide you with a solution. Or, for more living space, if your kitchen is already functioning as you need, why not think about a living room extension idea instead?
