Inside the 2026 Design Trends: What’s Shaping Excel's Show Homes
Inside the 2026 Design Trends: What’s Shaping Excel Show Homes
Show home design is more than just creating beautiful spaces; real success comes from envisioning what trends buyers will love next alongside timeless appeal. For 2026, our interior design partners at Designer’s Edge have shared the design trends moving into our show homes this year—trends that keep homes feeling fresh, and elevate how modern families live, entertain, and relax. Dive into the guide below to discover the design trends that are influencing Excel Homes’ next wave of show homes.
Why do these trends matter?
This year we’re leaning into one simply principle: integrating emerging design trends with timeless classics, so each space feels current, but still familiar. That means our homes have smarter layouts, richer materials, and palettes that bring not just a sense of calm, but also character. The outcome then turns a show home into something that resonates emotionally while still being functional for everyday life.
Tone on tone: calm, cohesive, and elevated
The talk of the tones in 2026 is soft neutrals or muted colours across walls, millwork, textiles, and stone. Expect to see more rooms layered in a single hue family—the real magic of this comes from a mix of finishes and textures. Think matte paint, subtly grained woods, honed stone, and tactile fabrics, the depth without busyness, creates a serene backdrop for modern living.
How we’ll use it:
- Feature walls and finishes in complementary tones.
- Upholstery and drapery that echo cabinetry and flooring shades.
- Quiet luxurious kitchens and ensuites created to be calm and cohesive.
Kitchens with personality
All-white kitchens are fading into warmer, richer expressions. Colour is back, think natural woods, painted cabinetry, calm hues, and bolder accents that showcase the warmth of the home. Statement islands, mixed metals, and expressive backsplashes are officially in this year, and these elements help give those vibrant, lived-in, and distinct vibes.
What’s new:
- Colour—used confidently, and thoughtfully.
- Natural wood tones that add warmth and authenticity.
- Elevated hardware and light that is designer, but also durable.
The spice kitchen: where beauty meets function
As open-concept living continues to shine, homeowners prioritize beauty and purpose together. Spice kitchens, are becoming more mainstream in 2026, providing concealed zones for storage, small appliances, and meal prepping for those extra aromatic dishes. These little kitchens are truly the secret ingredient for both effortless hosting and day-to-day organization.
Why you’ll love them:
- They keep the main kitchen clean and photo ready.
- Adds practical storage and prep space without sacrificing aesthetics.
- Seamlessly supports larger gatherings and busy family routines.
Furniture: more texture, more character
Think, heavily textured furniture, like plush shearling and boucle, are back—with a nod to 70s nostalgia to contemporary. These pieces soften clean architectural lines, invite touch, and help make living spaces feel lived-in. Perfect for family rooms!
Design tips:
- Mix textures for depth, i.e. boucle and smooth linen.
- Keep silhouettes tailored, so rooms stay refined.
- Layer with tone-on-tone palettes for a sophisticated vibe.
2026 and the defining shades
2026 is also throwing shade (not that kind), a few different shades that is. The three leading paint brands have set the mood with their colours of the year:
- Benjamin Moore – Silhouette (AF‑655): a rich espresso‑charcoal that adds depth and timeless sophistication.
- Sherwin‑Williams – Universal Khaki (SW 6150): a warm, livable neutral rooted in comfort.
- Graham & Brown – Divine Damson: a luxurious plum‑cherry tone that brings dramatic elegance.
Together, they signal a shift towards richness, longevity, and character, perfect backdrops for tone-on-tone rooms and personality-filled kitchens.
What does this mean for Excel Home buyers?
With the help of Designers Edge, these trends are being brought into our show homes this year. You will see spaces that feel serene yet layered, kitchens that invite, and spaces filled with smart details that improve daily life. Whether you’re drawn to the calm of tone-on-tone design, utility of a spice kitchen, or the warmth of textured furniture, our goal is the same—create homes that look beautiful on day one and live beautifully for years to come.
Ready to see these modern designs in person? Visit our show homes to experience the 2026 design direction, and find that inspo to fit your style, budget, and routine.