Must-Have Home Features in 2026
The past few years have changed the way we live, work, and play at home. Spaces and features that were once considered “nice-to-haves” are now thought of as essential.
From flexible layouts to smart technology and energy-efficient designs, these must-have features of 2026 are shaping the modern home — making it more comfortable, connected, and functional than ever before.
Ready to see what’s topping homeowners’ wish lists? These must-have features are setting the new standard for modern living and redefining what it means to love where you live.
Open and Flexible Floor Plans
Denison Floor Plan, 55' Traditional Homes Collection, The Grove Frisco Community, Frisco, Texas
Modern living is all about flexibility. Homeowners want spaces that reflect how they live today but can also evolve with them over time.
Open-concept design remains a favorite among buyers with the natural flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, allowing for better connection with one another. The open sightlines allow for an abundance of natural light, creating spaces that feel brighter and more inviting.
At the same time, homeowners are looking beyond open layouts to spaces that adapt to their changing needs with a growing demand for multi-use and flexible spaces. Buyers want a guest room that can double as a home office, a basement with the potential to become a rental unit, or an additional living suite for multi-generational living.
Thoughtful space planning ties it all together with wider hallways, ample storage, and seamless transitions that make daily life much more comfortable. While open spaces encourage connection, architectural details like tray ceilings, archways, or accent beams help define distinct zones without adding walls. The end result is a home that feels spacious and intentionally designed.
Functional Entryways and Mudrooms
Palermo Floor Plan, Estate Collection, Rockland Park Community, Calgary, Alberta
The entryway is more than just a place to hang your coat. This transition point between the outside world and the comfort of home is the first (and often most-used) part of the house. Having a well-designed entry or mudroom sets the tone for the entire day and can help make your everyday life run more smoothly.
Built-in benches make for a convenient spot to take off your shoes, while incorporating hidden storage underneath gives you a place to put them and keep the floor clear. Wall hooks can hold your bags and jackets, while upper cabinets and cubbies can hide away sports gear, beach towels, or pet supplies.
These thoughtful details keep the clutter out of the main living areas and create a sense of order, even on the busiest of mornings.
Chef-Inspired Kitchens
Solana Floor Plan, Vista in Summit Collection, Orchard Hills Community, Irvine, California
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where design meets function, and where families naturally connect. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast for the kids, hosting a dinner party for guests, or catching up with a friend over coffee, this space needs to support every aspect of life.
Modern kitchens balance beauty and practicality with thoughtful details that make cooking, entertaining, and even cleaning up easier. Oversized islands often serve as the centerpiece, providing space for meal prep, dining, and gathering. Waterfall countertop edges add a touch of sophistication, while quartz surfaces deliver both style and durability.
High-end finishes and statement backsplashes bring personality to the space, transforming it from purely functional to truly inspiring. Walk-in pantries offer extra storage and organization, ensuring ingredients stay within easy reach. Some homes even include specialty features, like dedicated wine storage or a built-in coffee station, creating custom moments of luxury.
Smart, energy-efficient appliances round out the modern kitchen, helping homeowners save time and money without sacrificing performance.
Hotel-Inspired Primary Suites
Residence 4 Floor Plan, Tesoro Neighborhood, Amoruso Ranch Community, Roseville, California
Today’s homebuyers are prioritizing relaxation and comfort. A thoughtfully designed primary suite becomes a place of tranquility and escape, where daily routines are elevated out of the ordinary, and where luxury meets livability.
Spacious layouts filled with natural light set the tone for a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Many homeowners want those highly desired extras, like a fireplace, a cozy seating area, or a private balcony for morning coffee or unwinding at the end of the day.
A hotel-inspired primary suite isn’t complete without a spa-like ensuite. Oversized showers, freestanding soaking tubs, or a steam shower create moments of retreat in the daily routine. Heated floors, soft-close drawers, and elegant tilework add both comfort and style.
The cherry on top of a primary suite retreat is spacious, well-designed walk-in closets. Organization and thoughtful storage solutions take these practical spaces and elevate them into high-end design features. Built-in shelving, adjustable rods, drawers, and dedicated shoe or accessory storage are just a few additions homeowners desire to help keep their bedroom clutter-free and maximize space.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
Solstice Floor Plan, Mariposa Collection, Blossom Rock Community, Apache Junction, Arizona
Outdoor spaces are now seen as an essential extension of the indoor living space, designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Blending indoor comfort with outdoor enjoyment adds valuable living space and deepens your connection to nature.
Large sliding or folding glass doors open up the main living areas, seamlessly connecting the interior spaces to patios, decks, or rooftop terraces. Covered patios and outdoor rooms provide the perfect setting for dining, lounging, and hosting gatherings, while screened porches offer a comfortable (insect-free!) space to enjoy fresh air.
Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and thoughtfully designed seating areas further elevate these areas, making them as functional and inviting as your interior space. Low-maintenance landscaping allows homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces without the stress of constant upkeep, combining beauty and practicality all in one package.
Everyday Conveniences
Small design touches can have a big impact on comfort and organization. Incorporating thoughtful features throughout the home simplifies everyday routines without sacrificing style.
A dedicated laundry room is appearing on more homebuyers’ “must-have” lists. Shoppers are looking for spaces that allow for movement, ample storage for laundry supplies and household items, utility sinks, and designated areas for folding and hanging clothes. In multi-story homes, upstairs laundry rooms offer the same convenience closer to bedrooms, reducing trips up and down the stairs.
Built-in storage solutions throughout the home keep both daily essentials and special-occasion items organized and within reach. Dedicated charging and tech stations help families manage devices and cords, keeping shared spaces neat and clutter-free.
Practical touches, like garage-to-pantry access to simplify grocery unloading and separate entrances for household members and visitors, help daily routines flow more smoothly.
Homeowners are also looking for features tailored specifically to their lifestyle. A pet washing station or a dedicated snack cubby for the kids ensures your home is ready to meet the demands of your modern household.
Lifestyle Spaces
Residence 2 Floor Plan, Patina Neighborhood, RiverSound Community, Napa, California
Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that support their lifestyle with spaces that make it easy to enjoy their favorite activities.
For entertainers, built-in bars, beverage centers, or wine rooms create spaces made for gathering. Artists and crafters are looking for creative studio spaces with personalized storage solutions for their hobbies and equipment. Fitness enthusiasts want room for a dedicated home gym that can house all of their workout equipment. Media rooms or home theaters are must-have spaces for movie lovers who want the cinematic experience right at home.
Spaces that support the activities and interests that make life more enjoyable are quickly becoming non-negotiable on many homebuyers’ wish lists.
Energy-Efficiency and Sustainability
Energy-efficient and eco-friendly features are no longer “nice-to-have” options; rather, they’ve quickly become “must-haves” for today’s homebuyers. With rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, buyers are prioritizing homes that reduce energy consumption, save on long-term costs, and support a greener lifestyle.
Solar-ready or solar-equipped homes are highly sought after, allowing families to utilize renewable energy as soon as they move in. Energy-efficient HVAC systems, high-performance insulation, and multi-pane windows help maintain comfort while keeping energy bills in check. EV charging outlets in the garage are increasingly in demand, reflecting the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Sustainable materials and low-VOC finishes are also top of mind for buyers, offering healthier indoor air quality and minimizing environmental impact.
Smart Home Technology
While smart home features once seemed like futuristic, luxury upgrades, they’ve grown in popularity and have become essentials for modern buyers. Homeowners are seeking convenience, security, and control at their fingertips, and integrated smart systems deliver all three.
From app-controlled lighting and thermostats to video doorbells and smart locks, these technologies make everyday living simpler and more efficient. Whole-home Wi-Fi and connected devices allow families to manage their environment seamlessly, whether they’re at home or on the go.
Smart home technology also enhances peace of mind. Security systems, motion-sensor lighting, and automated climate controls give homeowners confidence and comfort, while energy-monitoring features help reduce utility costs.
Community Connection
Kissing Tree Community, San Marcos, Texas
A great home is even better when it’s part of a thoughtfully designed community that supports everyday living. Today’s buyers are looking for neighborhoods that encourage an active lifestyle and foster connection.
Walkable streets, scenic neighborhoods, and abundant green spaces allow residents to stay active while enjoying nature just steps from their front door. Shared amenities like pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses provide opportunities for socializing, relaxing, and creating lasting memories with neighbors.
Proximity to shopping, schools, and local favorites adds another layer of convenience, putting the best of everyday living within easy reach and creating a vibrant, connected environment where families can thrive and feel truly at home.
Sierra 24 Floor Plan, Front Garage Collection, Chappelle Gardens Community, Edmonton, Alberta
The features buyers once considered luxurious extras have become the must-haves of today’s homes. From flexible floor plans and spa-inspired primary suites to smart technology, energy-efficient systems, and lifestyle-focused spaces, every detail reflects the way families live, work, and play in 2026.
At Brookfield Residential, we design homes that meet your needs today and well into the future. Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!
