What’s Afoot in 2026
By Barbara Ballinger, UNITS Magazine | National Apartment Association
From lobbies reimagined as living rooms to wellness spaces designed for quiet reflection, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of intentional, community-driven design in multifamily housing.
Meghann Van Dorn, Director of Interior Design and Associate at The Architectural Team, sees the shift clearly — lobbies are becoming true gathering spaces, and warmer tones like browns and greens are replacing the cool whites and grays that defined the last decade. NAA’s latest roundup covers the trends experts are watching this year, from AI-powered operations and infill agrihoods to the rise of “academized” student housing. Read on to see what’s afoot in 2026.
