High Point Market 2026: The Top 6 Home Design Trends

According to Forbes, keeping a close eye on major design and lifestyle events is key to understanding how buyer preferences are evolving. One of the most significant of these gatherings is the High Point Fall Market in North Carolina - an expansive, multi-building showcase often regarded as the home-furnishings equivalent of CES.

Every year, thousands of designers, manufacturers, and industry experts walk through more than 11 million square feet of showrooms to preview upcoming products and spot new ideas. And while I attend from the perspective of how interior design trends ultimately shape home value and buyer expectations, the insights are always incredibly relevant to the real estate market.

This year, the themes emerging for 2026 were apparent and optimistic. Below are the trends that stood out the most - and why I believe they will matter for homeowners and homebuyers in the coming year.

1. Kitchens and Bathrooms Take the Spotlight

One of the most notable trends emerging from this year’s market is the increasing dominance of kitchen and bath innovation. These spaces have always played a pivotal role in home value, but their evolution is now accelerating at an impressive pace.

A major home-products retailer made a significant debut as a market sponsor, situating its presence within the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s new flagship space - an indication of just how much attention these categories are receiving.

Key observations include:

• A growing number of kitchen and bath manufacturers are showcasing advanced products

• An expansion of educational programming for professionals in these specialties

• A noticeable increase in designers who focus specifically on kitchen and bath projects

  
  

This momentum aligns with long-standing market behavior. Kitchens and bathrooms continue to deliver the strongest return on investment, and demand for spa-inspired bathrooms, chef-style kitchens, natural materials, and smart fixtures is steadily rising. The market’s emphasis suggests that high-quality finishes and thoughtful upgrades in these areas will remain leading priorities through 2026.

2. Wellness Becomes a Core Design Principle

Another trend that dominated the market was wellness-centered design. This goes far beyond a few calming paint colors - wellness is becoming an integrated approach to creating homes that feel restorative, comfortable, and healthy.

Across the showrooms, a consistent emphasis on wellness-focused design was evident.

Common themes included:

• Sustainable, natural materials

• Soft, organic forms and textures

• Products aimed at improving indoor air quality

• Lighting solutions aligned with natural circadian rhythms

• Surfaces featuring antimicrobial properties

• Furniture designed to reduce stress and enhance overall comfort

  
  

Designers emphasized wellness as a guiding principle that influences every room in the home. The concept is straightforward: when a space functions well on a physical level, it naturally supports a calmer, more balanced state of mind - an idea that strongly resonates with today’s homeowners.

3. Rising Interest in Biophilic Design

The influence of nature on interior spaces is becoming impossible to overlook. Biophilic

design - creating environments that connect people to nature—has moved from a “nice idea” to a mainstream trend.

At High Point, this showed up in many forms:

• Earthy, calming color palettes

• Nature-inspired patterns in textiles and wallcoverings

• Materials like wood, stone, jute, clay, and woven fibers

• Furniture designed for comfort and proper ergonomic support

• Even wellness-focused pieces like massage chairs

  
  

The overall goal is to create interiors that feel balanced, grounded, and soothing. Natural materials continue to be hugely appealing to buyers because they bring warmth and timelessness into a space. For homeowners preparing to sell in the future, integrating even small biophilic elements can make a notable difference in how welcoming and “livable” a home feels.

4. Lighting as a Mood-Shaping Element

Lighting trends deserve their own category this year. Designers are no longer treating lighting as a purely functional component - they’re using it as a way to create ambiance, emotion, and a sense of calm.

The most prominent lighting themes included:

• Fixtures made from organic materials like rope, plant fibers, or textured metals

• Soft, warm finishes designed to create a soothing glow

• Sculptural forms that double as art

• Lighting systems that adjust throughout the day to match natural daylight patterns

  
  

This shift aligns with the broader conversation around wellness. Good lighting can transform the experience of a room, and buyers are increasingly recognizing its impact. Homes that feature layered lighting - ambient, task, and accent - tend to photograph beautifully and feel more luxurious.

5. A New Approach to Fixtures and Surfaces

Beyond lighting, the market highlighted significant updates in plumbing fixtures, hardware, and surface materials, all centered on turning everyday routines into more meaningful, spa-like experiences.

Key themes included calming textured finishes, increased use of sustainable materials, water fixtures with a more luxurious feel, and surfaces that emphasize cleanliness and simplicity. Even small upgrades - such as matte fixtures, sculptural hardware, or textured tile - can greatly elevate a space and appeal to today’s buyers.

6. Technology That Enhances Comfort, Not Complexity

It’s clear that tech-enhanced design isn’t going anywhere - but the approach is evolving. Rather than overwhelming spaces with gadgets, brands are integrating technology that improves wellness, convenience, and aesthetics.

The market showed strong interest in smart-home innovations, including integrated charging systems, streamlined lighting controls, automated shading, tunable LED lighting, and systems that enhance air quality and natural-light balance. A major smart-home brand returned to High Point after over a decade, highlighting the growing demand for “invisible tech” that improves comfort without disrupting interior design. These smart systems are increasingly expected in well-designed homes, particularly in the higher-end market.

Final Thoughts: 2026 Will Be About Comfort, Functionality & Calm

Market designers highlighted how clutter, poor lighting, and uncomfortable furnishings can increase stress, while thoughtful design promotes comfort, productivity, and overall wellness. This year’s Market showed a clear shift toward homes that are comfortable, functional, calm, naturally beautiful, and enhanced by discreet smart technology.

To explore how these emerging trends may inform your renovation or selling strategy, please get in touch to schedule a private consultation.

Source: forbes.com