What is the 2026 trend for your home? If the last decade of interior design was defined by cool grays and stark minimalism, the forecast for 2026 is its antithesis. We are witnessing “The Shift”, a movement away from the sterile and toward the grounded.
In the world of real estate, we aren’t just seeing a change in color; we are seeing a change in feeling. Away from the noise of the digital world and AI; people want something they can feel and an environment that is warm. The future is tactile. The future is raw. The future is warm.
We recently had the opportunity to showcase a property that perfectly encapsulates this new era. A collaboration between Iowa River Builders and Dwell Home Furnishings, listed by the Tyler Riddle Team, this home serves as a masterclass in the emerging 2026 aesthetic.
The 2026 Palette: Grounded & Earthy
Gone are the flipped house grays, and a return to soil and sun. Here is how the 2026 home trend translates into the home market:
1. Cocoa Powder (The New Noir)
Black has long been the anchor of modern design, but Cocoa Powder is replacing it. This deep, red-toned brown offers the same drama and contrast as black, but with a velvety warmth that invites you to stay. In this featured listing, you’ll see deep wood tones and matte finishes that echo this grounding shade, proving that darkness can be cozy rather than cold.
2. Universal Khaki (The Quiet Luxury Staple)
Universal Khaki
If you’ve heard the term “Quiet Luxury,” this is its color mascot. Universal Khaki is an unbleached, natural neutral. It bridges the gap between beige and grey. It feels expensive because it feels natural, like linen, stone, or dried clay. It provides a calm backdrop that allows architectural details to sing without shouting.
Trends are just theory until they are executed.
Trends are just theory until they are executed. This specific Iowa River Builders home is the 2026 home trend in action.
The Design Philosophy: The interiors, curated by the team at Dwell Home Furnishings, utilize these 2026 forecast colors to create a space that feels instantly settled. By layering textures, matte woods against soft textiles; Dwell has moved beyond “staging” to storytelling.
Textured fireplace
The Build Quality:LKR recommends to use a quality builders, a great start for the perfect canvas for this shift. Their custom craftsmanship emphasizes natural materials and clean lines that support, rather than fight, this warmer palette. Check out Elevation Home Builders and Iowa River Builders, just to name a few.
Why “The Shift” Matters for Home Value
For sellers in the Iowa City and Corridor area, understanding this shift 2026 in home trend is crucial. As we move closer to 2026, buyers are increasingly rejecting sterile white boxes in favor of homes that offer emotional safety and warmth.
Updating your paint and staging strategy to reflect tones like Universal Khaki or Wax Paper (a trending soft yellow) can position your home as a forward-thinking, premium listing.
Experience the Look
This property isn’t just a house; it’s a forecast.
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Builder: Iowa River Builders
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Interior Design & Furnishings: Dwell Home Furnishings
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Listing: The Tyler Riddle Team
Are you looking for a home that is ahead of the curve? Contact your favorite Lepic-Kroeger REALTOR® to get started!