The ‘Sunday Home’ Trend: Designing for Comfort, Not Show

Whether you're a working professional, part of a busy family, or even an active retiree, redesigning and reimagining your house may seem daunting  

But in 2026, the 'Sunday Home' trend is one way to breathe new life into your space, and make it so you never want to leave.

It’s all about comfort and making your space feel like a weekend retreat—one that motivates you to truly relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“This trend is gaining popularity because it’s like walking into a warm hug,” explains Sherry Schmidt, president and designer at Form and Function in Bay City, MI.

What is the Sunday home trend and why is it so hot?

The Sunday home trend first started taking off early last year in Britain as homeowners are longing for a slower pace of life. 

Instead of productivity-focused or magazine-worthy aesthetic spaces, it’s all about peace and comfort. 

Philip Consalvo, principal of PJCArchitecture in New York City, has found the Sunday home trend is becoming more popular among his clients stateside—many of whom have demanding, high-stress careers. 

“Our goal is to shape spaces of refuge to support their wellness and comfort. We always make it a priority to gain a deep understanding of each client’s lifestyle in order to tailor a solution that supports their specific needs,” says Consalvo. 

His team recently renovated a home on East 9th Street in Manhattan. The homeowners, a local politician and law firm COO, turned to them to create a tailored sanctuary that would enable them to recoup from their fast-paced work life. 

“Our overarching design approach sought to inspire and uplift our clients, by creating a warm and relaxing home that would also nurture their individual passions,” explains Consalvo. 

How to jump on board

If you’re ready to implement the Sunday home trend, Consalvo recommends incorporating plenty of natural elements throughout your home—think wood flooring, greenery, and soft textures. 

He also suggests maximizing natural light as much as possible. In addition, your space should nurture the passions that bring you joy and renewal. 

For one of Consalvo’s clients, that meant creating a custom cabinet for one partner’s photography equipment and crafting a bespoke bar for the other’s interest in mixology. 

“Further showcasing their individual taste, the clients curated all furniture in the space themselves—including a glass “disco-ball” light fixture that casts playful shadows across the walls,” says Consalvo. 

While this one might be a larger investment, fostering a spa-worthy environment can do wonders as well. 

“For one client, we designed a spacious primary bathroom that evokes a Japanese-inspired aesthetic for a warm and calming atmosphere. A floor-to-ceiling shower nicely casts a soft moody glow that enhances the spa-like feel,” explains Consalvo.

Schmidt adds that you don’t have to do anything too drastic. 

“In my own home, I'm creating this atmosphere with just a few edits—a warmer paint color, adding a tape to my drapery for some added texture and color, some new wall sconces, a faux jute area rug, and of course new cozy pillows,” she says.

Whatever you do, remember the space is meant for living. It’s OK if it isn’t photo-shoot ready. In fact, that probably means you’ve done a great job.