The Indoor–Outdoor Design Trends Retailers Need to Watch in 2026 Insights from Design & Construction Wee
Design & Construction Week 2026 once again proved to be the ultimate crystal ball for where our homes are headed next. Spanning the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), this year’s event spotlighted smarter living, timeless materials that not only look good but are built to last, wellness upgrades both physically and mentally, and design details that simply elevate everyday life.
Across the show floor, one theme stood out: today’s homes are being designed to work harder, last longer, and feel more personal than ever.
Hands‑Free Luxury in the Bathroom: Coit Integrated Smart Bidet Toilet
A KBIS Best of Show finalist, the Coit smart bidet toilet delivers a nearly touchless experience with auto open‑and‑close, automatic flushing, warm water cleansing, heated seating, and a sleek tankless design. They aptly named it “the marriage saver” because of the touchless kick plate that will open and close the lid. Easy installation makes it a standout upgrade arriving this spring. https://www.brondell.com/coit-integrated-smart-bidet-toilet/
Simplified Smart Living: GE Lighting Smart Shades
Smart home technology is becoming quieter and more intuitive – simple everyday tasks like opening blinds with voice assistants is not attainable for every price point, and a complete DIY project. GE Lighting’s smart shades integrate seamlessly with major platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. With screw‑free installation and clean aluminum frames, they offer automated privacy, energy efficiency, and modern style without the tech overload. https://shop.gelighting.com/pages/shades
One Hub for Home Awareness: Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat
Honeywell Home continues to build its arsenal of what goes into the platform – and their newest addition The Honeywell Home X8S is stunning and brings real functionality with it’s Ring and First Alert compatible video screen on the thermostat. Its touchscreen displays live video from compatible doorbells, monitors indoor air quality, and tracks HVAC performance—bringing multiple smart home functions into one streamlined device. I love the bodyguard for your HVAC because let’s face it no one knows what’s happening out there! https://www.honeywellhome.com/products/x8s-smart-thermostat
Next‑Level Security: Ring Elite
Ring is the leader in cameras and seeing their newest innovation with 360 view is a total game changer for homes and professional jobsites! Ring introduced Ring Elite, a multi‑lens security camera that delivers a seamless panoramic view using multiple 4K perspectives. Designed for both residential and professional use, it offers enhanced clarity and coverage with fewer blind spots – multiple options available depending how many eyes (camera) you need!
https://ring.com/ring-elite
Stone Surfaces That Set the Tone: Daltile
Stone is the most durable building material, period, and walking into Daltile booth it was clear this is not your grandma’s boring tiles! Daltile’s newest collections feature large‑format slabs, rich textures, and stone‑inspired looks that balance durability with high‑end style. Perfect for kitchens, baths, and outdoor spaces, these surfaces anchor today’s most stylish homes – every style, shape, texture, design and more is here, bringing tile into the spotlight for true style, and functionality. https://www.daltile.com/
The Garage Becomes a Living Space: Clopay Avante® Garage Door with Smart Glass
Garages are evolving into home gyms, offices, and studios. Clopay’s Avante door with Smart Glass allows homeowners to switch from clear to opaque glass at the touch of a button, instantly controlling light and privacy. The sleek, wire‑free design build right into the durable aluminum frame, makes it easy to turn a garage into a true extension of the home. This was a Best Of Winner, and when you see it you can see why – oh unless the glass is turned to opaque then you just need the remote to click it to clear. https://www.clopaydoor.com/c-power-technology
Timeless Exteriors, Reimagined: Tando Composites – Beach House Shake
Natural materials remain a favorite, but homeowners want beauty without maintenance. Tando’s Beach House Shake delivers the classic look of cedar shingles using innovative composite technology. Each shingle features realistic texture and variation, offering lasting curb appeal that won’t fade, crack, or weather over time. Just like decking saw this transition into composite materials, siding is following suit, and with the durability, while style looking stylish, it’s obvious to see why. www.beachhouseshake.com
Style Down to the Outlet: Legrand
Even outlets are getting a design upgrade. Legrand introduced fast‑charging USB‑A and USB‑C outlets, pop‑up countertop solutions, and decorative wall plates from its adorne® collection—turning everyday essentials into intentional design details. The switch plates, were renamed the cover plates – because they are the cover girls in style for your outlets! Beautiful and fast charging never looked so good, and innovative!
https://www.legrand.us/wiring-devices/adorne-collection/c/lgnd030100
Customization & Personalized Finishes From Major Brands: LG, Kohler, Brizo
Personalization took center stage, with brands offering flexible finish and hardware options. Show stoppers included LG’s Tailored Collection appliances with customizable colors and handles, Brizo’s Kintsu lav faucet with interchangeable inserts, and Kohler’s extensive finish offerings across fixtures. https://www.brizo.com/bath/collection/kintsu
Integrated Smart Tech & Connectivity: Ge Profile Smart Wall Ovens
Technology is becoming more seamless and embedded. GE Profile showcased smart wall ovens with AI‑powered CookCam and remote monitoring through the SmartHQ app, while Fabuwood introduced InFocus cabinetry with integrated, wire‑free FreePower charging. https://www.geappliances.com/ge/connected-appliances/ranges-ovens-cooking.htm
Wellness‑Focused Fixtures: Spa Experiences in the Shower with Kohler
Bathrooms continue to evolve into wellness spaces. Kohler’s SpaViva in‑shower facial and cleansing system highlighted the growing demand for self‑care features built into everyday routines. Expect to see self-care at home continue to rise in everyday products. https://www.kohler.com/en/products/showers/shop-spaviva
Bold Colors & Expressive Design: True Residential Brings Color to Refrigerators
Neutrals took a backseat as brands leaned into color (here for this trend)! True Residential wow’ed with vibrant refrigerator hues, offering 13+ standard and custom colors (including Cobalt, Emerald, Lavender, Sage, and 2025’s Olive) paired with 6 hardware finishes (stainless, copper, brass, chrome, gold, pewter). Bringing life back into the everyday, 80s called and said I’m coming to save you all with more color! https://www.truemfg.com/custom-finishes/
Sustainable & Small‑Space Solutions
Efficiency remains top of mind – both in how products are designed and sustainability built right in. GE Profile’s compact dishwasher options—designed for under‑sink or countertop installation—deliver strong performance while saving space and water. Throw in antimicrobial protection, and double drawer efficiency for a truly elevated way to wash dishes. https://www.geappliances.com/ge/profile-dishwasher/
Smarter Building From the Inside Out: Construx Building Products
Not all innovation is visible. Construx introduced a precision‑engineered framing system designed to improve structural performance while saving time on labor and inspections. Built to tight tolerances and engineered for high wind loads, it reflects a growing focus on durability, efficiency, and smarter construction methods. This is a game changer for builders, empowering labor on the job site, with a click to connect style way of building most anyone can do! https://www.buildconstrux.com/
Energy‑Smart HVAC Solutions: Carrier
Carrier’s latest HVAC system combines a high‑efficiency variable‑speed heat pump, redesigned air handler, and smart diagnostics to meet today’s energy standards. Built for electrification and easy service, it reflects the growing demand for efficient, future‑ready homes. https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/products/fan-coils/performance-series-next-gen-air-handler
The Takeaway
Design & Construction Week underscored a shift toward homes that are personalized, efficient, and quietly luxurious. From customizable finishes and integrated tech to wellness‑driven design, the latest innovations are less about showmanship—and more about creating homes that feel better, function smarter, and last longer.
