Experts Predict That Every Renovation in 2026 Is Going to Include One of These Upgrades
When you think about renovating, you’re likely thinking of a specific room in your house that could use a full makeover. Maybe it’s something simple, like making your kitchen cabinetry more efficient with smart organization, or perhaps it’s overhauling a bathroom. What you may not have thought you needed is space for a cold plunge “tub” to recalibrate your body (because, yes, in-home wellness rooms are the new modern day escape) or a blast chiller in your kitchen to quickly freeze foods for batch cooking, after your latest Costco run. But trust me. You need these things.
It’s not just about cold infusions, either. Induction ranges—those brilliant magnetic cooktops that heat quickly and directly—have gotten a facelift too. They’ve evolved from from the traditional glass surface reminiscent of electric cooktops and are now offered in a matte glass that’s hard enough to be scratch resistant. That means you don’t have to fear your beloved cast-iron pan scratching the top—and, by the way, all your cast iron works brilliantly on induction. Even your outdoor kitchen is getting an update with an infusion of color that will make every one of your neighbors vie for an invitation to your next backyard party. I got a preview of these kitchen and bath upgrades at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this month, and most of them will be out later in 2025, which is a good thing. You have time now to start thinking that next reno project and saving those dollars for the latest and greatest.
A Colorful, Convenient Outdoor Grill
When a colorful appliance brand like True Residential, which is known for its indoor and outdoor refrigerators, partners with an epic outdoor cooking brand like Caliber, you can bet things are about to sizzle. This new partnership will have you dreaming of warm weather and many an outdoor gathering. Their Rockwell built-in grill is designed for socializing, since it can fit seamlessly into outdoor kitchen islands (which are becoming the norm) or counters. It has a retractable “disappearing” lid that’s counterbalanced for smooth opening and closing (I tried it!). That’s a major advantage over most high-end grills, whose lids tend to be very heavy and, once they’re open, block everything behind them. What makes this even more magical for designers and homeowners alike is that the full Caliber line is available in all 84 of True Residential’s colors, meaning I am officially matching my outdoor kitchen to my favorite peony, affirming it will always be spring in my backyard.
The Ultimate At-Home Cold Plunge
Make room for one of these, indoors or out. It may seem like the thing you never knew you wanted, but I promise this is your deep dive into home wellness. Kohler’s latest innovation, developed in collaboration with the wellness social club Remedy Place, is this ice bath. Created minus ice but with the necessary temperature in mind, it improves your mood and mental resilience while soothing post-workout muscle tension (there’s a reason elite athletes sit in traditional ice baths!). It’s been designed with ergonomic support in mind so that you can “relax” as the six-minute timer counts down. A built-in light is a glowing reminder to breathe in and out to regulate your body while you’re submerged from the neck down. The system can be installed indoors or out, so wherever your best Zen moments happen, this is the next major add-on in your wellness journey. It’s set to debut in the middle of this year.
A Better Induction Range
Looks can be deceiving. At first glance, you might think this induction range is like all the others, but the newest innovation in cooktop performance is the anti-scratch, easy to clean matte finish. Those of us who’ve already adopted (and therefore fallen in love) with induction cooking know this is a game changer. For those of you who are late to the party, this new, more durable cooktop means your range won’t ever get the “patina” (to put it generously) that comes from using metal pots and pans on a glass. And here’s another plus: The direct, precision cooking of induction is created through magnets, which can sometimes cause a little humming sound. This new model from Dacor has noise-canceling technology that eliminates it. (You’ll love it the same way you love your Beats headphones on an airplane.) These ranges are available in 30- and 36-inch sizes, both of which also come equipped with air sous vide and air frying functionality, so you can ditch those countertop versions. The 30-inch model is now available for pre-order.
A Space-Saving Workstation Sink
You’ve definitely seen workstation sinks all over TikTok and Instagram, but what you may not know is that while homeowners love them, kitchen designers often have to carve out a new cabinet just to hold all the extras that come with them. Blanco paid attention, and its latest iteration maximizes sink space while reducing those storage pain points. Its new accessories work seamlessly with the Inteos sink, which is available in four sizes and two finishes. The standard accessories include a cutting board, large colander, and accessory holder; you can also add a dish rack and that much needed undercounter organizer bag, among six optional accessories. If you go for everything, you’ll definitely want this roll-out, which can properly store and keep handy all of your prepping parts without driving your designer (or you) mad. If you keep it simple and just go for the three standard accessories, the design is seamless. Blanco smartly made them all collapsible so they easily slide onto and stack into one side of the sink, tucked neatly out of your way when not in use. The Inteos system and all the new accessories are available now.
A Life-Changing Blast Chiller
Every single kitchen in America needs this system immediately. New to the U.S. market, the Smeg Vitality system is a three-part unit (the elements can be sold separately but are best together) with a blast chiller, vacuum sealer, and steam oven. For anyone who bulk buys meat, loves to buy fresh fruit at the market, or enjoys cooking sous vide (a method of cooking in a bag to hold in all nutrients and flavors), the vacuum sealer is a must. The blast chiller is the perfect accompaniment. It can quickly freeze everything, so your fresh market finds can be frozen for smoothies down the line. Even better, if you’re not shopping in bulk but enjoy easy entertaining, the flash freezer can quickly chill bottles of champagne for an impromptu gathering or get your Deep Eddy vodka ready for that perfect martini. What’s even more spectacular about this product that while you might imagine it can only freeze, it also has hot functions for proofing bread, properly defrosting (no more microwave or countertop defrosts), and slow-cooking. The steam oven even offers multi-step smart cooking to guide you through recipes. This system deserves space in your kitchen and is coming in late 2025.
A Custom Shower System
If you’re knocking down bathroom walls, go all in on the latest and greatest in shower personalization. Brizo’s latest digital thermostatic shower system is a fancy-tech, screen-forward way of regulating the shower head’s temperature flow and your overall wellness experience. Its SensoriPlus shower system can manage up to six ports to give you the ultimate at-home immersive experience that’s preset to your liking and turns on with a tap on the screen (or via voice or app).
The system also gives you the ability to add in chromatherapy and audiotherapy, along with Brizo’s Mystix Steam, which is a guaranteed relaxation maker. Your chances of ever needing to pay for a spa day will decrease dramatically. Look for it this summer.
There’s a lot more coming your way this year, from the fanciest new faucets to tile inspired by designer fabric. Don’t consider changing a thing until you’ve checked back in with us.
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I am the Market Director for House Beautiful. At any given point I’m searching for my next foodie and design-related travel adventure, drinking a nice pour of bourbon or a perfectly poured martini, or searching for my dream home in Mexico/North Carolina. My personal design style: lots of pattern, color and art on every surface.
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