The New Homeowner Expectations for 2026

Homeowners in 2026 want more than a beautiful space—they want a smart one. They want homes that respond to their needs, simplify daily routines, and make life feel a little easier and more connected. For builders, designers, and architects, this shift isn’t something to prepare for “someday.” It’s already here.

Smart lighting is now one of the most requested features in new construction and renovations. And with technology becoming simpler, more reliable, and more universal—thanks to platforms like Matter—homeowners expect lighting that works for them, not just around them.
So, what exactly do homeowners want in 2026? And more importantly, what do you need to know to meet their expectations on every project?

1. Easy-to-Use Controls (Not Complicated Tech)

Homeowners want control—but they want it simple.

They expect to operate lighting using:

• A phone app
• Voice commands (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant)
• Wall switches
• Smart scenes

Think of it like giving them three ways to turn on a light, not replacing the old way altogether. Smart lighting isn’t about creating new habits—it’s about improving the ones they already have.

2. Lighting “Scenes” for Daily Life

Scenes are one of the biggest selling points of smart lighting. A scene is just a preset: a group of lights that adjust together.

Homeowners love scenes like:

• “Good Morning” – soft warm lights at 30–50%
• “Work Mode” – bright, focused lighting
• “Relax” – warm dim light in living spaces
• “Movie Night” – accent lighting only
• “Away” – lights turn on and off at intervals

Scenes make homes feel personalized and thoughtful—from the moment a homeowner moves in.

3. Tunable White Lighting for Comfort

Most people don’t know the term “tunable white.” But they have seen it and they want it.

They want:

• Cooler light during the day (helps with focus)
• Warmer light at night (helps with relaxation and sleep)

Human-centric lighting design is one of the fastest-growing trends in homebuilding. Smart lighting makes it easy. This is the quiet upgrade homeowners don’t always ask for by name—but love once they see it.

4. Energy Efficiency Without Effort 

Smart lighting often leads to lower energy bills, which homeowners appreciate—especially with rising utility costs.

Features they like:

• Auto-off when rooms are empty
• Schedules that adjust with the seasons
• LED efficiency
• Automation for outdoor lighting

This isn’t just “eco-friendly.” It’s practical.

5. Whole-Home Integration

Smart lighting is no longer a stand-alone feature. Homeowners expect it to work with:

• Smart thermostats
• Door locks
• Security systems
• Shades
• Music systems

Matter makes this easier than ever, and homeowners expect compatibility right out of the box.

6. Future-Proof Infrastructure

Homeowners want to know their home won’t be outdated in two years.

They’re looking for:

• Fixtures that can be updated through software
• Neutral wiring that’s compatible with smart dimmers
• Smart-friendly recessed lighting
• Dimmer-friendly LED fixtures

Think of it like the wiring for internet: once the infrastructure is there, the upgrades become much easier.

Step 1: Start With the Rooms That Deliver the Most Impact

Homeowners care most about:

• Kitchens
• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Outdoor spaces

These are the spaces where smart lighting dramatically improves the daily experience. If you focus on these, you’ll deliver big value without overwhelming the client.

Step 2: Combine Smart Controls With Great Lighting Design

Smart lighting can’t fix a poorly designed space. But great lighting design becomes even better when it’s smart.

Focus first on:

• Layered lighting
• Proper fixture placement
• Good color temperature choices
• Mood-based lighting plans

Then add:

• Smart switches
• Scenes
• Schedules
• Tunable white

This is where your professional expertise shines.

Step 3: Offer Smart Lighting Packages Like Builders Offer Appliance Packages

Homeowners love simple choices. You can create three tiers:

• Good: Smart dimmers + app control
• Better: Smart dimmers + app control + voice activation + lighting scenes
• Best: Full-home integration + tunable white + scheduling + automated routines

This helps homeowners understand what’s possible and choose confidently.

Step 4: Educate Homeowners in Simple Language

Most homeowners don’t care about the tech behind smart lighting. They care about how it feels and how it helps.

Speak their language:

• “This light will help you relax in the evening.”
• “This lighting scene makes movie nights better.”
• “This hallway light will turn on automatically if you walk through at night.”
• “You can control everything from a simple app or your voice.”

When clients understand the benefit, not the tech, they get excited.

Step 5: Choose Fixtures That Are Smart-Ready

Smart lighting doesn’t always require smart bulbs. In fact, many designers prefer:

• Standard LED fixtures
• Smart dimmers
• Smart switches
• Tunable recessed lighting
• App-integrated controls

This makes future updates easier and more flexible.