Home design isn’t just about floorplans and finishes anymore—it’s about creating experiences that resonate with today’s tech-savvy, wellness-focused, and sustainability-minded buyer. As the lines between lifestyle and living space continue to blur, the team at Builder’s Design has released INTrend Volume 5, their annual deep dive into what’s next in home design, technology, and consumer behavior.

This year’s report is packed with fresh insights across both multifamily and single-family housing. We’ve combed through it and pulled some standout themes we believe are essential for builders and marketers alike to understand and act on

1. Using Tech to Tame Tech Fatigue

It might sound ironic, but one of the biggest home tech trends is using more technology to relieve the burnout caused by our always-on digital lives. According to INTrend, many consumers between the ages of 18–40 are craving smarter, more ambient tools that feel intuitive, calming, and designed to blend into daily life.

One example? Smart lighting that mimics sunrise and sunset, responds to mood presets, or even creates dynamic ceiling effects like passing clouds. It’s all about transforming spaces into personalized sanctuaries. Whether buyers want an escape from screen time or the perfect ambiance for winding down, tech is quietly helping them get there.

2. Health, Wellness & Climate-Conscious Living

We’ve been talking about health and wellness for a while, but this year’s trends take it to the next level. From smart buildings that self-optimize energy efficiency to AI-powered plant boxes that monitor light, temperature, and soil to keep your herbs alive (yes, even for the black-thumbed among us), wellness and sustainability have officially gone high-tech.

Multifamily renters and single-family buyers alike are drawn to features that reconnect them with nature and support holistic wellbeing. AI-powered therapy booths, smart saunas that adjust to your biometric data, and balcony farms that make the most of compact spaces are no longer “wow” factors—they’re becoming expectations. As Gen Z enters the rental market and Millennials take over as most homebuyers, this tech-driven, wellness-forward lifestyle will only continue gaining.

3. AI in the Kitchen—and Beyond

Forget smart fridges that just tell you you’re out of milk. Today’s AI-enabled appliances are redefining what it means to cook at home. Imagine an oven that recognizes what you’ve placed inside and adjusts the cooking settings accordingly or one that syncs with your selected online recipe and prepares itself for the perfect bake.

The common thread? AI that works for the homeowner behind the scenes—streamlining daily routines, removing guesswork, and enhancing the experience of being at home. It’s not about flashy gadgets; it’s about making life smoother, easier, and more personalized.

4. Digital-First Expectations Start at the Search

The buyer journey doesn’t start with a visit—it starts with a click. With over 70% of buyers owning three or more smart devices and 100% beginning their search online, it’s critical that homebuilders create seamless digital experiences from the very first touchpoint.

That’s where tools like interactive floorplans, digital site maps, and 3D animations can truly shine. At Focus 360, we help builders elevate their digital presence with engaging, immersive visuals that bring future communities to life online—building buyer confidence long before a model home opens.

This trend extends into the purchase process, too. INTrend reports growing comfort with reserving and even buying homes online, with platforms like Indigo’s AI-powered Home Checkout, Flyhomes AI Enhanced Search, and Ownley’s Reserve Now making it easier than ever to move from browsing to buying in just a few clicks.

Trends come and go, but one thing’s certain: homebuilding is only getting smarter, more personalized, and more experience-driven. We loved reading through INTrend Volume 5 and can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking to stay informed and competitive in today’s market. Want the full scoop? You can grab your own copy here.

As always, we’re here to help bridge the gap between what homebuyers want and how you bring it to life—online and off. Let’s keep building smarter, together.