How we live in our homes has dramatically changed over the years. We spend more time in our kitchens and expect our appliances to handle multiple jobs. Through apps and devices, we also interface with them in new ways. However, moving into a new home with the latest connected appliances isn't feasible for many families, which is why more homeowners are upgrading their existing spaces.
In 2026, these design trends in new homes and remodels will continue to be driven by flexibility, wellness, seamless connectivity and refined aesthetics. Appliances are central to that shift, and cutting-edge refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers by Samsung and Dacor are incorporating these features into design and functionality.
Here are 10 residential design trends for 2026 and how Samsung and Dacor appliances put them into action.
1. Kitchens that combine utility with elegance
High performance and refined design are taking center stage in modern kitchens. Samsung's Bespoke AI kitchen appliances are a case in point. All complete their necessary tasks, but integrate SmartThings and AI to help them do it. The Bespoke Wall Oven supports more than 100 recognized dishes via SmartThings Cooking, and internal cameras let you monitor cooking remotely. This functionality comes with a similar focus on design, too. Samsung's Bespoke line and Dacor's luxury lines are often built around customizable panels and finishes, so appliances blend or contrast with cabinetry, as desired. Dacor's luxury lines level this up further with 3D lighting, illuminated knobs and graphite and silver stainless steel finishes. Those features are full display on the 48-Inch Dual-Fuel Steam Range and joined by a 7-inch glass touchscreen and brass Simmersear Burners.
2. Indoor-outdoor design integration
Homes in 2026 will increasingly blur the line between interior and exterior. Expansive sliding or folding walls, outdoor living rooms — with a continuity of materials — will dominate. Appliances that support this flow will be more modular and compact. In its Bespoke line, Samsung offers these refrigerator and dishwasher models that can fit into smaller, secondary living areas or annexes. Bespoke AI All-in-One Combo is a case in point, combining the washer and dryer in a single unit. The same goes for unheated areas as in the garage-ready Samsung Top Freezer. Those hoping to enjoy the big game with friends on the patio can look to Samsung The Terrace. This QLED television, available in 65-,75- and 85-inch models, is built for outdoors and stays vivid in any light conditions. It’s durable, too, with an IP56 rating for dust and water, and direct-sun and heat protection for up to six hours.
3. Hidden or integrated appliances
Appliances that blend into design are becoming more desirable. In 2026, flush‑mount, panel-ready and fully integrated appliances will be design staples. Dacor's 42-Inch Built-In French Door panel-ready refrigerator is a great example, emphasizing a seamless, modular aesthetic that blends into cabinetry and walls. Another is the 24-Inch Dishwasher, which comes in panel-ready, silver stainless and graphite stainless versions, as well as a sliding door hinge system that ensures a seamless fit with a kitchen’s design aesthetic. The design ethos of flat styles, simple lines and harmonious surfaces is central to Dacor's design philosophy.
4. AI as a true partner in home life
Intelligence in appliances is no longer experimental. It’s becoming an expectation. Here, again, Bespoke AI appliances by Samsung points the way, with All-in-One Combo washers and dryers, ovens and refrigerators that automatically adjust cycles, suggest recipes and monitor contents. The AI Home feature works across multiple Samsung devices, learning usage patterns and preferences. AI Energy Mode — via the SmartThings app — adjusts appliance operation and compressor behavior to reduce energy use, potentially saving up to 10% in refrigerators, washers and dryers.
5. Multigenerational and flexible floor plans
Homes now need to accommodate different life stages and household compositions. Flexible layouts allow for aging in place, including in guest suites and accessory dwelling units. The latest generation of appliances can help, too, with new kinds of features that shoulder some of the burden. For example, the Bespoke 4‑Door Flex Refrigerator with Family Hub+ employs AI Vision Inside to identify contents and update a grocery list. It also opens easily with a light touch of the door sensor, ideal for older people.
The compact and connected appliances also make it feasible to equip secondary kitchens and small apartments with full functionality. Dacor adds a layer of luxury to them, with appliances like the 24-inch Microwave-In-A-Drawer, Undercounter Wine Cellar and 30-Inch Induction Range Dacor ranges add further support with LCD panels that have pre-programmed settings and step-by-step recipes to serve all members of the household.
6. Wellness as design imperative
Homes will increasingly prioritize health living and appliances must support that, whether it’s about air quality, water purity or germ exposure. Anti-fingerprint coatings, antimicrobial surfaces and easy‑to-clean finishes are other selling points on products like the Extra-Large Capacity Smart Dial Front Load Washer. Precise cooling technology in Dacor refrigerators that creates three temperature zones keeps food fresher for longer, supporting nutrition and reducing waste.
Healthier cooking methods like full steam, sous vide and air fry are integrated into Bespoke AI ovens, too, like the Bespoke Double Wall Oven. The same goes for Dacor appliances like the 48-Inch Dual-Fuel Steam Range, with steam-roasting and steam-baking. Samsung's emphasis on sustainability, particularly the integration of SmartThings Energy, offers another wellness bonus — and to the planet, too.
7. Sustainability embedded into every choice
Environmental considerations, long life, repairability and energy efficiency are becoming standard expectations. Samsung supports this with AI Energy Mode, SmartThings-based energy monitoring and durable, long-lasting components, such as digital inverter compressors. In fact, Samsung strives to ensure all materials are sourced ethically and responsibly throughout its supply chains — and the Device eXperience (DX) division has set a net-zero carbon goal for 2030. That more than 70% of Samsung appliances are Energy Star-certified provides proof for the pudding.
8. Timeless technology, refined aesthetics
Design-forward homes need technology that feels elegant rather than intrusive. Samsung's Bespoke finishes are available in glass, steel, matte textures and bold color hues that let homeowners personalize their appliances to fit their aesthetic. This also turns ranges, refrigerators and washing machines into show pieces themselves. Luxury-level Dacor appliances, such the 48-Inch French Door Refrigerator also offer finishes and design-forward interfaces that blend style with performance.
9. Full-home connectivity, not just point solutions
Homes in 2026 will expect all appliances and systems — including HVAC, home entertainment, lighting and security — to interoperate. Samsung's SmartThings platform ties appliances into routines, energy management, whole‑home automation and centralized control. Samsung is enhancing this unified approach further by expanding One UI software to appliances. The addition of the new protocol, Matter, also allows users to control Matter-enabled devices with Samsung devices.
10. Personalization above all
Design is becoming deeply personal. The ability to tailor finishes, controls and behavior will be central. Samsung's Bespoke line enables custom panel choices, finish options and even user-specific smart profiles. In fact, customers can create virtual versions beforehand in the Bespoke Kitchen Design Studio and choose the one that best fits personal preferences. This customization and control are also available in Dacor's high-end appliances, many of which come panel-ready.
The next generation
The next generation of residential design is not just more intelligent, personal and integrated, it also reflects the identity of the home and its owners. As such, appliances are no longer machines that simply get the job done; they are central to the home experience. Samsung's Bespoke AI refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers and laundry machines illustrate, as well as Dacor's luxury designs, demonstrate how style, function and identity can coexist elegantly.
Explore Samsung's full lineup of Bespoke AI appliances and start building the kitchen of your future today. Level up the luxury with the Dacor line of kitchen appliances.