Not luxury anymore: What everyone wants in a 'perfect home' in 2026

Ask homeowners what their idea of a “perfect home” looks like in 2026 and a clear pattern emerges. The obsession with grandeur is fading. In its place is a quieter and more thoughtful pursuit of comfort, longevity and calm.

After years of fast living and sensory overload, people want homes that restore rather than impress.Design priorities have evolved accordingly. Materials are chosen for how they age, layouts for how they adapt and finishes for how they make everyday life feel. In an interview with the Times of India, Abhishek Somany, Managing Director and CEO of SOMANY Ceramics, explained, “People aren’t chasing grandeur, merely.

They’re chasing comfort. They want spaces that last, materials that behave well, and rooms that feel calm after long, noisy days.

The definition has shifted, and the market has moved with it.”Here’s how that shift is shaping interiors in 2026.

Surfaces that stay timeless

One of the strongest trends this year is going to be the move towards seamlessness. Homes are shedding visual noise in favour of smooth, uninterrupted surfaces that bring a sense of openness and ease.

“Large format slabs have become the go-to choice because they reduce grout lines, create fewer joints and offer better maintenance, making spaces look larger and rooms feel open,” Somany shared. He added that surfaces inspired by natural stone, soft fabric textures and matt or rustic matt finishes are dominating contemporary homes.

These finishes now extend beyond living rooms into kitchens, balconies and transitional spaces.

Rather than switching materials from room to room, homeowners are choosing one unifying surface that quietly anchors the entire home. Earthy neutrals and stone-look slabs are especially popular for their ability to stay relevant over time.

Bathrooms that feel calm, not clinical

Bathrooms have undergone a noticeable transformation. Once purely utilitarian, they are now being designed as spaces for pause and comfort.“Matte and textured bathroom ranges deliver a grounded visual language with fewer breaks and straightforward upkeep for family use and compact footprints,” Somany pointed out.

Safety, too, has been rethought. “Slip Shield anti-skid surfaces support safe wet-area movement during daily routines without compromising design.”Instead of bold contrasts or clinical whites, homeowners are opting for softer palettes and subtle texture. Mosaic accent walls are increasingly used to add depth and definition without overwhelming the space. The message is clear: bathrooms are no longer just functional zones, they are integral to the emotional experience of the home.

Bathware that works smoothly every day

Functionality has finally taken centre stage in bathroom design but without shouting for attention.“Customers today are experimenting with matte sanitaryware colours and embracing luxurious PVD finishes in faucets and fittings to bring a designer edge into everyday spaces,” Somany noted. Wall-hung closets with rimless bowls are being preferred for easier cleaning, while quieter flushing systems are becoming a key comfort feature.He also highlighted the growing adoption of smart solutions and said, “Thermostatic shower controls are becoming standard because they maintain consistent water temperature without manual adjustment. Intelligent toilet seats further elevate convenience through warm-water wash, temperature regulation and built-in safety features, even within compact layouts.”The result is bathrooms that function smoothly, intuitively and reliably, aligning with the expectations of modern living.

Homes built for changing routines

With homes doubling as workspaces, study zones and entertainment hubs, durability has become essential.“Vitrified and large-format tiles are preferred for study corners, media walls, work nooks and high-traffic passages due to their density, low porosity and easy maintenance,” Somany explained. He added that enhanced surface protection technologies are being used to improve stain resistance in areas that see constant use.Continuous slabs for kitchen counters and worktops are also gaining popularity, allowing visual cohesion even as spaces serve multiple purposes. The focus is on materials that adapt to evolving routines without losing their finish or functionality.

A style story that belongs to you

Perhaps the most defining shift in 2026 is how personal interior choices have become. Rather than following a single trend, homeowners are curating spaces that reflect their lifestyle and temperament.

“Collections today span earthy neutrals, subtle marble veining, crafted textures and select mosaics to achieve distinctive yet restrained expression,” said Somany. In compact kitchens and bathrooms, glossy wall tiles are often paired with soft-matte floors to amplify light while maintaining visual calm.Finishes are no longer chosen just for aesthetics but for how they feel underfoot or to the touch. “From Premium Polish to Engravo and Gritstone, finishes now offer tactile variety within a cohesive, long-life palette,” he added.

Bottom line: The new meaning of a ‘perfect’ home

What ties all these choices together is intention. As Somany put it, “Premium slabs for continuity, slip-safe and matt floors for peace of mind, glossy walls for brighter mornings, all supported by materials known for strength and longevity, along with smart and colourful bathware solutions now gaining preference.”In 2026, the perfect home is not about perfection at all. It is about ease. It is about spaces that welcome you at the end of the day, adapt to your life and feel quietly reassuring. Design has become less about statement-making and more about living well and that shift is redefining what modern homes truly mean.