Unsplash/Moritz Kindler
The world of home design is constantly evolving, and it’s often true that the trends in this space shift most significantly at the turn of the year. In our 2026 Trends Forecast series, we take the guesswork out of this game by tapping the expertise of skilled professionals to identify what’s in vogue this coming year. One trend making major gains in 2026 is smart technology integration.
Once a luxury, smart features are now the expectation in homes. “Nearly every project has some level of smart tech now—garage doors, shades, lighting, and appliances,” says Kristin Reinitz, co-owner of Admit One Home Systems & Aurora One Lighting. “The system should anticipate your needs, like heating up the bathroom floor in the morning or lowering shades automatically as the sun sets.”
People want their homes to be part of their healthy lifestyle, “whether that’s circadian lighting that supports sleep, shades that cut glare but keep the view, or whole-house audio that creates a vibe throughout the day,” Reinitz adds.
Smart is practical, too. “Today’s systems can monitor energy use and respond with heating, cooling, and EV charging,” Reinitz explains.“The trend is toward technology that disappears, with clean design where speakers, shades, and controls blend seamlessly into the architecture.”
Smart Home Features to Try
If you’re dabbling into the world of smart home upgrades, here are some easy ways to start.
- Smart light switches from GE, Leviton, and others are easy to install and use.
- Water leak sensors from Moen, Flume, and more can be simple safety devices or full monitoring systems.
- Smart garage door openers from Chamberlain and others add security and convenience.
- IFTTT app programs can be used for fun, security, or novelty. IFTTT links two or more apps with automations called Applets, and you can choose a trigger, pick an action, and customize it to your needs.
Read this next: Trend Forecast, 2026: Building + Architecture
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