The beauty of a custom home is that every space, surface, and detail can be designed to your exact specifications.
Many couples and families planning their custom build want a house they can love and enjoy for the long haul — but are often influenced by recent trends.
As an experienced custom home builder in Connecticut, we’ve seen trends come and go. Throughout the years, we’ve leaned into certain trends that stand the test of time, like understated modern farmhouse, and have added finishing touches to keep homes looking current.
Of course, the most important thing to consider about your custom luxury build is the materials you choose. Why? Because approximately one-third to one-half of the cost of your build goes to materials.
While some of this is lumber, insulation, and other construction elements that won’t be seen, other things like countertops, wall finishes, and flooring will set the style and tone for your home.
So if you are asking, “Which materials are best for my custom home construction?” read on.
What’s Trending for Luxury Custom Homes This Year
Here are some up-and-coming trends we foresee taking off in the next year. From ceilings to the floorboards, these luxury home materials and furnishings are sure to make your home feel current yet timeless.
Paint Colors
Years of neutrals and white-on-white left many people tired of the blank canvas feeling, which then gave way to dark and moody spaces, rich color drenching, and deep jewel tones. We’re seeing a new trend emerge that makes use of fun colors — but in a soft and warm way.
Trim and Decorative Finishes
The modern design scheme is still going strong, but instead of sleek and neutral, we’re seeing simplistic spaces with splashes of color. Clean finishes are still popular — many custom builds are still opting for sleek lines and uncluttered spaces, but textural and natural materials are being incorporated to soften up the cool and bold modern that’s been popular in the past.
For example, bronze and earth tones are more popular now, mixed with softer wood shades. This lends an organic and nature-inspired feel to a custom build that makes it clean, fresh, and timeless.
Countertops and Cabinets
Natural stone reigns supreme, as people opt for marble, natural quartzite, and soapstone to add depth, beauty, and natural variation to their kitchens. However, in the past, striking, heavily veined stone was popular. Now, more colorful options like deep greens or burgundys are gaining popularity.
For cabinetry, modern and sleek fronts are still popular, but we’re seeing new and creative edge profiles take over. From baby shaker — a modern take on the more traditional paneled styles — to intricate edge details that involve custom trim, cabinetry is a way to subtly add personality and style to your space.
Flooring
You’ll notice a theme here — natural materials like warm wood, stone tile, and honed finishes that feel elevated yet “lived-in” are gaining in popularity. 2026 home material trends are all about feeling elegant while remaining grounded and comfortable. Hardwoods with character, tectural tile, and organic styles can make a custom home feel historic and well-loved, rather than builder-grade and sterile!
Customized Elements
One of the best benefits of a custom luxury home build is your ability to tailor your home to your lifestyle.
Health and wellness are coming to the forefront of home trends in 2026. We’ve seen saunas gain popularity along with cold plunges.
In addition, adding features such as built-in HEPA air filters or other air-quality devices can help keep your home feeling fresh and clean while supporting your family’s health. The Corbo Group has been incorporating measures like this into our home builds for years — but the popularity of it continues to grow.
Get a Trendy and Timeless Custom Home in 2026
To learn more about building a custom home, get in touch with the Corbo Group.
We offer a luxury design-build process in select areas of Connecticut, where we manage every detail to bring your vision to life. We’ve won dozens of awards for our builds — proof that we can deliver on outstanding design.
Whether you are looking for a modern and trendy home or a traditional and timeless build, let us be your partner. Inquire about booking a free consultation for your potential 2026 home today.
