Smart homes are rising in popularity - and for good reason. Integrated tech unlocks untold customization possibilities and quality of life improvements that make your home even better. To stay ahead of design trends, we’re going to cover all our favorite smart home must-haves for 2026—from simple upgrades to things you didn’t even know you needed.
Video doorbell technology has taken off in recent years. While there are a multitude of options available, we’re seeing a trend toward integrated technology in 2026. For video doorbells, this will look like more integrated technology, like wall-mounted touchscreen interfaces placed throughout the home to monitor and control video doorbells. We’re also seeing a move away from standalone video doorbells controlled by a smartphone into video doorbells that are plugged right into a whole home’s security system. This allows you to remotely control exterior lighting, smart locks, and security alarms based on doorbell activity.
While home assistants like Alexa and Siri have been around for a while, they continue to improve. With AI steadily rising in popularity, some of the home tech for 2026 will most certainly be centered around artificial intelligence. They will be better at AI home management: controlling your smart climate, lighting systems, sound systems, security system, and smart appliances based on your actual use.
In home design, we’re also seeing a shift in how home assistants are installed. Rather than a speaker plugged into the wall, we’re seeing more homeowners opt for installation options that allow you to speak to your home assistant wherever you are in the home, without obtrusive placement. Microphones and speakers are strategically hidden so that you can utilize your home assistant seamlessly.
The technology behind smart appliances continues to rapidly evolve. In 2026, this will mean a more cohesive kitchen with smart appliances that operate both independently and speak to each other.
The newest smart ovens use integrated wifi to support voice-controlled preheating, stats, food monitoring, and maintenance alerts. With convection, air fry, standard cooking, and clean modes, you’ll have everything at your fingertips.
Smart fridges now offer more than just interactive touch screen displays. We’re seeing pioneers like Samsung and LG utilize interior cameras and generative AI tools to proactively catalogue and track the items in your fridge.
Hidden induction cooktops create a futuristic cooking experience. Invisible cooktops like those from Infinity transform countertops into multiple-purpose surfaces for food prep and cooking.
Simply replacing your appliances with smart options won’t make your kitchen ready for 2026 and beyond. Pair smart tech with a full kitchen remodel: countertops, cupboards, and an optimized layout complete the picture-perfect luxe design.
Bathrooms are no longer just functional - they’re becoming immersive, high-tech spaces tailored to comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. In 2026, expect smart bathrooms to feature intuitive, integrated technology that transforms your daily routines.
Smart showers take center stage with customizable temperature, pressure settings, and voice-activated controls. Connected to your smart home hub, they can kick off your morning routine by starting the fan, warming your towel, and even syncing with your calendar - all before you step inside.
Smart toilets are quickly becoming a must-have upgrade. Today’s models offer heated seats, motion-sensing lids, and built-in bidet features that adapt to your body for a truly personalized, hygienic experience. With self-cleaning options, maintenance is easy.
Touchless faucets aren’t just about convenience - they keep your bathroom cleaner by reducing streaks and smudges. Built-in temperature control and water usage monitoring also make them an eco-friendly upgrade. Design-savvy homeowners may even opt for invisible faucet designs, where water flows through see-through tubes for a minimalist, sculptural effect.
And don’t forget a smart mirror. These futuristic fixtures offer defogging capabilities, built-in lighting, Bluetooth speakers, weather updates, and even access for your home assistant -all designed to streamline your morning routine.
For those thinking beyond just a tech swap, a full bathroom remodel will help showcase these innovations and elevate your entire bathroom.
For those who don’t want a full-on screen or panel in their space, many homeowners are opting for mounted tablets, panels, and controls that are conveniently hidden (or blatantly displayed), depending on your preferences. These devices are a quick way to interact with your smart home, check the status of things, and have convenient access to room functions.
If you want to have your builder create a space that hides your devices while keeping them in a functional place, just say the word. Contractors can easily create a beautiful design that blends modern tech with your home’s aesthetic. You can have the best of both worlds: a smart home with the latest technology, but designed to blend into a historic home design.
For fitness fanatics and homeowners hoping to get in shape, a huge trend is autonomous AI fitness mirrors, like those from AEKE. With real-time feedback on your exercises and form, options to stream workout videos from the mirror, workout ideas ingrained in your system, and immersive user experiences that adapt to your needs, it can be hard to live without these exercise mirrors once you’ve tried them out.
To round out your workout space, add soft, custom exercise flooring, larger mirrors to make spaces seem larger and let in natural light, smart home speakers, and built-in shelves for storing your workout equipment. Your exercise room will quickly become one of your favorite rooms once it’s equipped with everything you need.
Smart thermostats are another cool, trendy smart technology that is growing in popularity. Most recently, it’s being run by integrated apps on your phone, but coming technology will make it even easier to detect temperature changes and adapt to your preferences. Newer technology can also detect the best ways to increase efficiency in your home.
These smart home must-haves for 2026 can make a huge, positive impact in your space. If your goal is to make daily life easier and more luxurious, smart devices and remodeling updates go hand in hand. If you’re already planning on adding smart devices, it can make your space look even more incredible to go all out and fully match the aesthetic. Whether you plan to refresh your living room, kitchen, game room, bathroom, or anything else, this new smart tech will completely transform your space.
Curious to see how you can integrate smart tech into your home remodel? Our team at Titus Contracting makes it easy for Minnesota homeowners to combine the newest tech with their dream home designs. We offer a variety of renovations to match your ultimate home goals.
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References:
AI Home Management: Enhancing Luxury Smart Features – Olt Design
10 Big-Picture Home Remodeling Trends to Consider in 2025 – Houzz
The Future of Smart Home Technology – David Liberatore
Invisible Induction Cooktop – Infinity Surfaces
The Best Smart Fridges for Every Type of Household – Architectural Digest
Titus Contracting is a full-service remodeling company offering commercial and residential construction. We have an office in Burnsville, Minnesota and work throughout the Twin Cities.
