In 2025, we saw a definitive shift toward "soulful" spaces—homes that value emotional resonance as much as aesthetic perfection. As we look toward 2026, we expect our clients to continue to move away from "Millennial Gray" and lean into a more intentional, layered approach to living.

At Wendel Klein Design Build, we don't just follow trends; we adapt them to the historic bones of the homes we love in Cambridge, Arlington, and beyond. Here is what we’re expecting to see in the year ahead.

Trend 1: Character-Driven Design

Homeowners are getting braver with color to reflect their unique personalities. The era of "playing it safe for resale" is being replaced by "designing for the life you live."

You’ve likely seen our clients' famous blue kitchen—now, meet the green kitchen. Whether it’s a moody forest hue or a soft, botanical sage, green brings a calming, nature-inspired energy into the home’s center. It’s about creating a space that feels uniquely yours.

Trend 2: Warm Minimalism

For those who prefer a calmer palette, we are seeing a move toward Warm Minimalism. This isn't cold or stark; it’s about clean lines paired with tactile, organic textures and soft, creamy tones that feel like a sanctuary.

We achieve this look by focusing on how light interacts with surfaces—think matte finishes, plaster walls, and light-toned stones that offer a "hugging" effect rather than a sterile one.

Trend 3: The "Fifth Wall" (Ceilings)

We’re looking up. In 2026, the ceiling is no longer an afterthought; it’s a primary architectural feature.

From bold paint colors and intricate wood paneling to statement chandeliers and a zillion skylights, we are extending our designs to include interesting ceilings that complete the room's architecture and draw the eye upward.

Trend 4: Honest, Natural Materials

There is a massive return to real stone, unlacquered brass, and rich wood grains. Some of us never wavered from these "living finishes," but we’re happy to see them officially back on trend!

The beauty of unlacquered brass is that it develops a unique patina over time—it tells the story of the hands that have touched it, making it the perfect material for a home intended to last generations.

Trend 5: The Multi-Purpose Mudroom

We’re turning entryways into high-functioning "command centers." Today’s mudrooms are designed for pets (dog wash stations!), tech charging, and heavy-duty winter gear storage.

In fact, these spaces have become so essential that I’m currently trying to carve out a few square feet for one in my own home!

Ready to start your own transformation? Whether you're dreaming of a "soulful" kitchen or an efficient mudroom, we’re here to help you navigate your next project.