6 DIY Trends Designers Say Will Take Over Homes in 2026

Planning a renovation or even a few weekend updates? Staying on top of the latest home trends can help you make design choices that not only look fresh but also add lasting value to your space. Outdated materials or styles can quickly make a home feel behind the times—and may even affect its appeal down the road.

To help you make smart, stylish upgrades, we asked a design and construction expert to share the biggest DIY trends set to take over in 2026. From materials and color palettes to layout ideas and finishing details, here’s what’s next in home improvement.

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Painted Shelving

Shelving has often been neglected in home designs, but in 2026 you will see more homes and apartments take advantage of the unique visual appeal of shelves to highlight these areas of the home. ”

Painting and refreshing existing shelves provides an affordable update, breathing new life into older storage areas or displays,” says Daniel Kocur, Interior Designer and Capital Project Manager at InterRent REIT.

The color of paint will depend on your exact purpose with the shelving display. Two primary options will take the lead in 2026 trends with some DIYers painting the shelves a completely different color from the room, so that they stand out boldly, while others will choose a similar color in the same color palette to highlight the shelving without making it a focal point of the room.

DIY Spa Bathrooms

People are looking to take advantage of the space they have to fully relax and recharge at home, and what better way that to create a DIY spa in your bathroom.

“Creating simple spa-like spaces in large bathrooms by adding calming decor, candles, and natural elements is a strong trend as people prioritize home wellness and relaxation,” Kocur says.

If you are planning a bathroom renovation, focus on calm and relaxing colors, as well as more natural-feeling elements, such as a rain showerhead, stone tiles, and bamboo decor.

Elevated Minimalism

Serene and relaxing homes are the goal of 2026. With this in mind, DIYers are aiming to remove needless clutter and cut down on expensive, over-the-top aesthetic choices.

Rather, it will be sustainability and an elevated minimalism that will feature in most homes, as DIYers invest in sinks, fixtures, and stone finishes that can be repaired and refreshed regularly, instead of paying for replacements every time something occurs.

This investment in quality, minimalistic designs will cut back on waste and create a calm, uncluttered, timeless atmosphere to the home in 2026.

Reading Nooks

Whether they are used for reading, curling up to scroll on your phone, or sitting with a laptop to binge your favorite new show, reading nooks are a popular trend for 2026.

“Cozy, inviting nooks with plush seating, layered lighting, and personal touches are popular in living rooms and bedrooms, supporting mindful breaks and hobbies,” Kocur says.

The best part about DIY reading nooks is that you can set them up in just about any area of the home, giving you a quiet space to escape to when you need a little time for yourself.

Yet, at the same time, these nooks aren’t so closed off that you feel inaccessible, making them perfect for couples and families who enjoy the shared presence of having others nearby despite doing their own separate activities.

Color Capping

The ceiling of the room is an often ignored aspect, typically painted in white and left completely untouched, even when you repaint the walls several times over the years.

But in 2026, color capping will be a popular trend, which involves painting the ceiling a different color from the walls to help it stand out more in the space.

DIYers can create a cohesive look by painting the ceiling in a shade from the same color palette as the walls—just a bit lighter or darker—to give it subtle contrast without fully color-drenching the space.

Painting the ceiling a significantly different color, but one that still works well with the existing wall color, can also be a great way to create a unique color-capped space.

Outdoor Relaxation Spaces

It’s not just the interior of the home that you need to pay attention to when you are considering new trends for 2026.

“Outdoor patios, decks, or gardens are being transformed into private relaxation zones, adding greenery, comfortable seating, and soft lighting,” Kocur says.

Instead of opening up the yard for large gatherings, DIYers in 2026 will be focusing on creating small, dedicated spaces for privately relaxing outdoors.

While these spaces will still be suitable for company, the goal will be more on small gatherings with a few close friends or relatives, so you can enjoy have a cup of coffee in the morning sun.

Even in the evening, these relaxing spaces will be lit with soft lighting that highlights naturally appealing elements, like hanging flowers, without overwhelming the space, so you can still watch the stars in the sky.