Timeless Traditions and Solutions That Make Sense

In New Hampshire, homes are shaped by seasons, tradition and routine. They warm snowy boots by the door, let in the sun spilling over the mountains and provide a space to shower off the sand after a day at the beach. New Hampshire Magazine asked experts from a range of home construction and landscape design specialties to share how they are helping clients make thoughtful choices in creating spaces that work better, last longer and look beautiful.   

We asked: What is the most compelling trend in your segment of the home industry, and how can homeowners take advantage of it?

Rather than chasing the latest fad, the insights you’ll see here reflect a deeper shift toward intention. Today’s most compelling ideas focus on how a home feels, functions and supports the people who live there. Trends inspire elements, but don’t take the spotlight. Spaces are designed around real life with materials chosen for durability, comfort and craft. 

Across every perspective, our experts shared a common thread: personalization. In building, renovating, selling or even a minor refresh, homeowners are encouraged to ask better questions on how they live and what matters most to them. The answers lead to a home that is grounded, welcoming and built with the future in mind. 

These conversations offer practical guidance rooted in local experience and shaped by the realities of life in New Hampshire. It’s not about reinventing your home overnight, but making thoughtful, lasting decisions that create spaces you’re glad to return to season after season. 

Jason Bailey, AIA, Managing Partner and Principal Architect at TMS Architects   

In high-end shingle-style architecture, one of the most meaningful design advances is often the least visible. While the language of the style remains rooted in tradition, natural materials, carefully proportioned massing and a strong relationship to landscape, its evolution is increasingly defined by the home’s performance. Sustainable, energy-efficient design has become a natural extension of the shingle-style ethos, reinforcing its emphasis on longevity, comfort and craftsmanship.

Rather than announcing itself through overt technology, sustainability in these homes is embedded within the architecture. High-performance building envelopes, discreetly detailed insulation, and carefully scaled window openings improve comfort while preserving the warmth and restraint that define the style. Mechanical systems are right-sized and quietly integrated, supporting the architecture rather than competing with it. 

For homeowners, the benefits are immediate. Energy demands are reduced, interior environments are more stable and serene, and materials are selected for durability as much as beauty. Over time, these homes prove resilient, aging gracefully as codes, climates and expectations evolve. 

In this way, sustainable design does not alter the character of shingle-style architecture. It deepens it, outlasting trends and ensuring that houses rooted in tradition continue to perform intelligently for generations to come.

Stephanie Wentworth, NCIDQ, ASID, CKBD, President, Decorative Interiors   

For me, the most compelling trend in the home industry is lighting, and it starts with planning. Lighting was never overlooked, but it has truly moved to the front seat of the design process. Today, it’s about more than fixtures; it’s about how light shapes the way a home feels and functions throughout the day.

Ambient lighting can now be intelligently controlled, with color temperature adjusting as daylight changes. This creates a natural rhythm in the home, supporting energy, focus and calm as exterior conditions shift. Even window shades now contribute to lighting design — gently waking you in the morning, extending daylight into the evening, and welcoming you home from work or school.

Decorative lighting has also evolved beyond function. It can be a true work of art that is sculptural, expressive and deeply personal. These pieces anchor a space visually, create moments of impact and help tell the story of the home.

 When lighting is planned early and layered thoughtfully, it elevates every other design decision. It’s not just about seeing a space — it’s about experiencing it.

Cicely Beston, Cicely Beston Interior Design   

I am not a big believer in trends. Rather, I focus my process on timeless, classic designs.

However, I do find all the energy-efficient tools and materials available for construction exciting. And I love the return to handmade craftsmanship.

As for artificial intelligence (AI), while I think it has an application in our industry for organizing meeting notes and project data, I do not believe it is a good tool for design. I design homes and spaces for people to live in, and I always want the human touch to be part of my process.

Brie Stephens, Broker & Owner, Lake Life Realty   

One of the most compelling trends in today’s real estate market is the strategic use of “private exclusives” and “coming soon” marketing prior to a public launch. Rather than relying on a single MLS debut, homeowners are increasingly working with agents who capitalize on these early phases to create opportunity-driven results.

Through private exclusives, properties can be quietly introduced to a network of qualified agents and buyers, allowing sellers to gauge interest, receive early feedback and maintain privacy, often resulting in strong offers before public exposure. The “coming soon” phase then builds momentum by generating anticipation, visibility and buzz through targeted digital marketing, professional visuals and storytelling, all before the home officially hits the market.

Together, these phases help reduce days on market, encourage competitive interest, fine-tune pricing and protect a home’s long-term market perception. Homeowners can take advantage of this trend by partnering with an agent who understands how to thoughtfully deploy these tools —using timing, data and marketing strategy to position a property for its strongest possible outcome before the public launch ever begins.

Tressa Kosowicz, Little River Oriental Rugs 

Our vegetable-dyed wool Oriental rugs are hand-knotted with a construction that prioritizes craftsmanship, durability and quality; they are long-term investments, not seasonal fads. Rugs are the anchor of a room. They shape the tone and mood of a home, adding depth, dimension and texture.

We curate patterns and colorations that are timeless to create a space that is both welcoming and personal. Fine rugs are not a trend-driven category in home furnishings; however, we do get to see consumer interests with what they are selecting for colorations and style. From a style standpoint, we are seeing tremendous response to our designs that are fresh takes on traditional patterns, which is achieved by removing the thick borders that typically act as a “frame.” These new designs take a classic, like a Bidjar or Heriz design, and give a less detailed patterned border that may only be two inches wide, versus other styles that have borders closer to nine inches. Sometimes, even a patterned border isn’t used; we have a solid color for the border, with the rug field going nearly to the edge. This thin border style has become a modernized hybrid of nostalgia and today’s more casual living.

Katherine Norwood, Crown Point Cabinetry & Crown Select   

The most compelling trend we are finding in the cabinetry industry today is the shift toward personalized design. The homeowners we work with have moved away from one-size-fits-all solutions and are instead investing in spaces tailored to how they live, work and entertain.  

At Crown Point Cabinetry, this isn’t a new trend for us because it’s how we’ve always worked. Every single project of ours is fully custom and built to order. Rather than chasing a single look or finish, the focus is on function, longevity and craftsmanship. Cabinetry designed to fit the space, not the other way around.

By choosing to work with Crown Point Cabinetry, clients work directly with our in-house designers. With their expertise, each space is thoughtfully planned to reflect how you live. This collaborative approach allows homeowners to fully embrace personalized design, resulting in handcrafted cabinetry that is intentional and timeless.

At Crown Point Cabinetry, we’re seeing homeowners prioritize lasting quality and thoughtful selection while investing in their homes with intention. Within the cabinetry industry, another compelling trend is the shift toward expertly designed solutions that feel custom, perform beautifully and stand the test of time.

Crown Select was created to deliver exactly that. This line of cabinetry offers a streamlined path to custom-quality cabinetry, while still providing
homeowners with the same exceptional fit, finish and craftsmanship as our Crown Point line.

Rather than navigating endless choices, Crown Select helps homeowners focus on their investment where it matters most. The collection is intentionally designed to simplify the decision-making process and deliver a polished result with confidence. It’s an ideal option for homeowners who value exceptional craftsmanship and quality while appreciating a more efficient, value-driven approach to custom design.

Shannon Robinson-Beland, Owner/Vice-President of Wood & Clay, Inc.   

Homes built by Wood & Clay are typically second and third homes for the majority of our clients. With seasonal or occasional use in areas where the weather can be extreme, minimizing maintenance is almost always a priority. For years, we have recommended composite siding and trim when it aligns with a client’s aesthetic and maintenance goals and have had great results with recycled PVC products such as Azek. 

More recently, we have seen an uptick in the use of natural wood products that have been modified in a variety of ways to yield both stunning results and lasting durability. One such product is Accoya. Through a process called acetylation (simply explained, Radiata pine is submerged in a strong vinegar bath), the wood is transformed into a highly-stable, water- and rot-resistant material that is well suited for decking and trim. Shou sugi ban, or Japanese charred wood, is another natural product that has seen a recent rise in popularity on our projects, typically for siding. Both are natural alternatives to PVC products that still promise to minimize maintenance while appealing to those looking for sustainability in a real wood product.   

Kimberly Young, CEO, The Home Beautiful 

Design inspiration is everywhere; TikTok, HGTV shows, and home magazines all play a big role in getting homeowners excited about their spaces. While those trends influence what people ask for, here in New England, our customers still lean toward classic, timeless design rather than anything too trendy.

What we’re seeing most is a strong demand for wider plank wood floors with a matte finish. They feel warm, clean, and updated without going out of style. In the Lakes Region especially, durability really matters. Many homes are seasonal, see a lot of foot traffic, and need materials that can handle real life: water, sand, pets, and guests coming and going.

Because of that, water-resistant flooring like luxury vinyl plank, has become extremely popular for summer homes, while pet-friendly options are a must for a lot of our customers. Homeowners want floors that look great but don’t require constant worry or maintenance.

The best way to take advantage of this trend is to use inspiration as a starting point, then choose products that make sense for how you actually live. When you balance style with durability, you end up with a home that works just as good as it looks.

Lynne Wardlaw, Deck Dock   

The most compelling trend we’ve seen for the past several seasons is a shift away from traditional wood and cast metal toward recycled materials that are maintenance-free and can be recycled at the end of a long life of carefree comfort. 

Recycled HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) frames, combined with Sunbrella cushions, offer tremendous year-round comfort and durability. 

Our best-selling poly line is Seaside Casual of Rhode Island. Their designs transcend the clunky utilitarian design of most poly products with hidden hardware and modern style, and are manufactured in the USA.

Lea Kelsey, President, 3W Design 

As we move into 2026, the most compelling shift we’re seeing in kitchens and baths is toward spaces that feel more personal, functional and layered. In recent years, many homeowners felt pressure to follow a familiar formula: an all-white kitchen, spa-inspired baths or completely open layouts. What’s exciting now is that people are permitting themselves to design for how they actually live. 

In kitchens, this shows up through warmer materials, deeper colors, thoughtful storage, and layouts that support gathering as much as cooking, while still allowing for moments of privacy for work or study. In bathrooms, the focus has shifted to comfort and longevity: walk-in showers, better lighting, smart niches and storage, and materials that feel calming but not clinical.

The opportunity for homeowners isn’t to chase a trend, but to ask better questions: What isn’t working in my space? How do I want this room to feel? What colors and materials genuinely appeal to me, regardless of what’s trending? And what will still make sense five or ten years from now?

Compelling design today is less about making a statement and more about creating rooms that feel intuitive, comfortable, and unique to the homeowner. When those priorities guide the process, the result almost always feels current — without ever feeling trendy.

Ann Henderson, Ann Henderson Interiors   

This will be an exciting year for interior design with intentional swings away from neutrals, minimalism and restraint. Driving this present-day shift is our requisite desire to feel wrapped in a natural cocoon of emotional comfort, self-expression, warmth, luxury and biophilia.

Revival of the greats — Tony Duquette, Sister Parish and Albert Hadley — will invite clients and designers to a less curated, layered and colorful look. Look for color drenching (one color on all surfaces and textiles) in warm analogous bygone hues of aubergine, yellow, burgundy and persimmon. Eclectic combinations of patterns and styles will create a personal, vintage sensibility. Imagine the resurgence of bold, colorful wall coverings, trimmings, fabrics and furnishings. Unexpected cultural and stylistic combinations will infuse interiors with artistic sophistication.

Preserved or reimagined wood paneling, warmly stained or painted in dramatic, reflective hues, will suggest traditional craftsmanship. There will be references to wood and stone both in natural and man-made materials. Oversized art, performance fabrics, curves in upholstery and case goods, fantastic lighting inspired by nature and cordless LED lamps are beautiful emerging trends greatly influenced by modern technology. This renaissance of self-expression and love of home will surely bring gratitude and enjoyment to our surroundings.