Holiday Home Design Trends for 2026: Where Style Meets Smart Living
The holiday home market continues to evolve at pace, and as we move into 2026, design is no longer just about aesthetics. Buyers are looking for spaces that feel considered, comfortable, and future-proof — places that work just as beautifully for weekend escapes as they do for extended stays.
From refined interiors to smarter layouts and a deeper connection with the outdoors, here are the key holiday home design trends shaping 2026.
1. Calm, Nature-Led Colour Palettes
2026 sees a clear move away from stark whites and cool greys, in favour of warmer, grounding tones inspired by nature. Think soft clays, muted olives, warm taupes and sandy neutrals.
These palettes create a sense of calm and escapism — exactly what buyers want from a holiday retreat. Accents of charcoal, bronze, and deep green add contrast without overpowering the space, while textured finishes bring depth and warmth.
Why it works:
Natural tones help lodges and statics feel timeless, reduce visual clutter, and connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.
2. Boutique-Hotel Inspired Interiors
Holiday home buyers are increasingly expecting the same level of design they’d experience in a high-end hotel — but with the comfort of home.
In 2026, we’re seeing:
- Upholstered feature headboards
- Layered lighting schemes
- Statement mirrors and soft furnishings
- Coordinated colour stories across rooms
Bedrooms feel more indulgent, bathrooms more spa-like, and living areas more intentional.
The shift:
It’s no longer about maximising furniture — it’s about curating spaces that feel luxurious, uncluttered and welcoming.
3. Smarter, More Flexible Layouts
Open-plan living remains popular, but 2026 brings a more considered approach. Buyers still want sociable spaces, but also appreciate subtle zoning that allows for privacy and functionality.
Designers are achieving this through:
- Partial dividers and slatted screens
- Kitchen islands that double as dining or workspace
- Defined seating areas within open-plan lounges
This flexibility reflects how people actually use their holiday homes — relaxing, entertaining, working remotely, and spending time together.
4. The Rise of “Real Home” Kitchens
Kitchens are becoming a focal point rather than an afterthought. In 2026, holiday home kitchens are more domestic in feel, with deeper worktops, integrated appliances, and better storage solutions.
Popular features include:
- Handleless cabinetry
- Matt finishes over high gloss
- Contrasting islands or breakfast bars
- Statement lighting above dining areas
The result is a kitchen that feels just as suited to a Sunday roast as it does to a quick weekend breakfast.
5. Texture Takes Centre Stage
Texture is one of the standout design themes for 2026. Rather than relying on bold colours, designers are using layered materials to add interest and warmth.
Expect to see:
- Ribbed wood panels
- Bouclé and soft-touch fabrics
- Stone-effect worktops
- Matt metals and brushed finishes
These elements elevate interiors without making them feel overly styled — ideal for relaxed, low-maintenance holiday living.
6. Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Living
Connection to the outdoors remains a major selling point, and 2026 designs place even greater emphasis on blurring the lines between inside and out.
Large glazing, sliding patio doors, and aligned interior/exterior flooring help extend living spaces onto decks and terraces. Furnishings and colour schemes are increasingly designed to flow naturally from indoors to outdoors. The Victory Kahlo is a great example of this.
Why buyers love it:
It maximises light, enhances the sense of space, and reinforces the lifestyle appeal of holiday home ownership.
7. Sustainability Without Compromise
Sustainable design is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s an expectation. In 2026, buyers are more informed and more conscious of energy efficiency, materials, and long-term running costs.
Design trends reflect this through:
- Better insulation and glazing
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Timeless design choices that age well
Importantly, sustainability is being delivered without sacrificing style or comfort.
8. Personalisation as Standard
Finally, 2026 continues the move towards personalisation. Buyers want their holiday home to feel like theirs, not a showroom replica.
Manufacturers and parks are responding with:
- Wider interior colour options
- Choice of finishes and fixtures
- Optional upgrades for kitchens, bathrooms, and tech
This flexibility helps buyers emotionally connect with their purchase — a key factor in decision-making. Up and coming manufacturer Beverley Leisure Homes give great options for personalisation and bold design, take a look at the Beverley Olive and Beverley Kempton at Akebar Park.
Looking Ahead
The design trends for 2026 reflect a maturing holiday home market. Buyers are more discerning, more lifestyle-driven, and more focused on quality over quantity.
For parks and manufacturers, the opportunity lies in creating homes that feel:
- Thoughtfully designed
- Easy to live in
- Emotionally engaging
- Built for the long term
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