Design trends come and go, but the ones that last tend to reflect how people actually want to live. As buyers continue to prioritize comfort, connection, and personalization, home design in 2026 is leaning into spaces that feel intentional, layered, and quietly elevated rather than overly ornate or trend-driven.
To get a pulse on what today’s buyers are truly gravitating toward, we sat down with New Leaf designers Jessica Sanderson and Brooke Harrington. From kitchens designed for gathering to materials that add warmth without sacrificing a clean aesthetic, these are the design trends influencing New Leaf homes across Charleston, SC and Wilmington, NC this year.
Islands Built For Gathering
Larger kitchen islands continue to anchor the home, designed for casual meals, entertaining, and everyday connection, something New Leaf plans for from the start.
Color Drenching
Saturated, single-color rooms add depth and personality, and New Leaf designers are embracing it to create spaces that feel intentional and immersive.
Soft, Tonal Palettes
Walls, trim, and ceilings in layered whites, creams, and tans keep open living spaces airy while avoiding high-contrast edges.
Cleaner Cabinetry
Buyers are favoring streamlined cabinet styles with simple profiles and minimal ornamentation for a more modern, timeless look.
Warm Woods, Reimagined
Natural wood tones are making a strong return in kitchens and baths, from statement wood hoods to island and vanity cabinetry.
Cabinets to the Ceiling
Full-height kitchen cabinetry creates a more architectural, finished look while maximizing storage, a detail New Leaf buyers continue to love.
Larger Tile, Fewer Lines
Oversized bathroom tile creates a cleaner, more seamless look with fewer grout lines and a more elevated finish.
Designing Your New Leaf Home
When you build with New Leaf Builders in Charleston or Wilmington, you’ll work directly with designers Jessica Sanderson and Brooke Harrington to personalize your home from the inside out. Their collaborative Design Studio process helps translate these trends into selections that fit your lifestyle, taste, and budget. The result is a home that feels considered, personal, and distinctly yours.
