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Tri Pointe Homes Blends Wellness and Elegance
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond…
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LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design
Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond the surface-level functions.
“The home allowed us to explore whole-home wellness comprehensively through everything from architecture and landscape to natural light, circulation, air quality and smart-home integration,” said Linda Mamet, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Tri Pointe Homes. “We wanted to create a design-forward benchmark that shows how all of those elements can work together to support emotional, physical and social wellbeing.”
Pavilions at Holladay Hills, the first iteration of the LivingWell concept unveiled to the public in March 2026. Planning for the new offering began in 2024. Tri Pointe Homes looked closely at how to evolve for the next generation of wellness-focused residential design.
Building off of the company’s longstanding LivingSmart program, which focuses on responsible building practices, LivingWell expands to how a home feels and supports daily life.
Inside LivingWell
Pavilions at Holladay Hills is a limited collection of six estate homes, ranging from 6,811 to 9,800 square feet. It is located in one of Utah’s most desirable markets, offering connection to the Wasatch Mountain Range. The project was designed in collaboration with some of the industry’s finest: Bassenian Lagoni Architects, Bobby Berk and PKJ Design Group.
“LivingWell depended on collaboration because whole-home wellness cannot be delivered by any one discipline,” said Mamet.
At 7,772 finished square feet, the concept home is organized around a private interior courtyard, enhancing the contemporary English manor’s natural light, privacy, circulation and indoor-outdoor connection. The project includes six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a four-car garage and an attached carriage house.
The interiors, led by Berk, take on a Cotswolds Rustic style, characterized by his use of natural materials, layered textures and warm finishes.
Beyond the home’s aesthetic, it includes high-performance building systems like upgraded insulation, engineered ducting and duct sealing, high-efficiency HVAC, an HRV system, MERV 13 filtration and low-VOC materials.
“The value comes from treating everything as an integrated whole rather than viewing performance and wellbeing as separate priorities,” said Mamet.
Designed for Daily Life
“What stands out most to me are the features that truly support everyday routines and different stages of life,” said Mamet.
Mamet noted that the dedicated pet station and dog wash recognize that pets are an important part of many households. Similarly, multigenerational living is an important feature for many buyers. The carriage house provides that flexibility.
The home design is cohesive, with maroon tile and marble elements echoed in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen itself is a standout. Design-wise, the elegant range grounds the room, while the cabinetry, built-in appliances and hardware selection offer depth and warmth. The two oversized islands provide ample space for prep and entertainment. The layout also allows for seamless connection through the cooking, living and dining areas.
The primary bathroom feels like a tranquil escape. The dual sinks are separated by a charming soaking tub, complemented by the waterfall shower and dedicated vanity.
The initiative behind LivingWell is to curate a space not just stunning in model pictures, but one that has the ability to evolve. There are opportunities to transform spaces based on lifestyle, such as offices, an in-home gym, music rooms and more.
Even the finished basement uses light wells to bring daylight and planted views into the lower level.
The landscape design offers opportunity for further connection with an orchard, raised garden beds and edible and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Validating the Vision
The concept home was presented at the 80th Salt Lake Parade of Homes and received the Judges’ Choice Award for Best Interior. Mamet elaborated that the recognition was a validation of the thought and collaboration behind the project and a meaningful milestone to mark its public debut.
As for the future of LivingWell, the Tri Pointe team sees this venture as an opportunity to explore how wellness can be integrated more holistically.
“We view the LivingWell concept home as a benchmark rather than a one-off showcase,” said Mamet.
Future editions may not have the same features; the adaptability is key to how the LivingWell concept would influence Tri Pointe’s national portfolio over time.
“It’s an approach that can inform how future homes and communities are designed, while still responding to the character of any given market and the needs of different homebuyers,” said Mamet.
Cover Image is courtesy of Ikon Media for Tri Pointe Homes. All other images are courtesy of Kara Mercer.
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is featured in our October issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
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Premium buyers drive PulteGroup’s Q3 earnings
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched…
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According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched homebuyer affordability.
The builder is concentrating on the higher-margin move-up and active-adult buyer segments, helping cushion margins against entry-level affordability headwinds. PulteGroup President and CEO, Ryan Marshall, reflected that the company’s balance of price and pace of home sales is critical in the current environment.
PulteGroup reported 6,876 home closings, down 9% year-over-year, with an average selling price of $561,000, declining 1% year-over-year.
The company’s community count increased 7% year-over-year, totaling 1,077 active communities.
“With homebuying demand increasingly pressured by rising mortgage rates, widespread inflation and global unrest, we continue to benefit from our diversified operating platform and consistent strategies for delivering superior returns over the housing cycle,” said Marshall. “With more than 60% of our business now comprised of more profitable move-up and active-adult homebuyers, our strong gross margins were instrumental to driving third quarter earnings of $2.53 per share.”
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Dream Finders Homes seals $2.2 billion Beazer Homes deal
Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed…
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Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed on the $2.2 billion deal.
This marks the ninth acquisition for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Dream Finders since 2021. The company is now expected to be the sixth-largest homebuilder in the nation.
“Today, Beazer’s teams officially join ours, and the real work begins. We are closing this transaction in a challenging housing environment and we are clear-eyed about that,” said Patrick Zalupski, Founder, CEO, and Co-Chairman of Dream Finders.
It remains unclear if Dream Finders will continue the energy-efficient legacy left by Beazer. They have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Dream Finders affirmed that this deal will provide leverage in the current market; it also expanded its homebuilding presence into four new states.
“This combination is built to perform throughout the housing market cycle,” said Rick Beckwitt, Co-Chairman of Dream Finders. “We continue to expect over $100 million of annual run-rate cost synergies and double-digit percentage EPS accretion in year one, while expanding our financial services platform and preserving the asset-light model that underpins our returns.”
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Builder confidence cools to 29 in October
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) fell three points to 29 in October. This repeats the…
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National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) fell three points to 29 in October.
This repeats the three-point drop reported in September. Builder confidence sits at its lowest since 2012.
Buyer traffic also took a hit, despite 43% of builders cutting prices and 65% of builders offering sales incentives.
Regionally, the brightest spot is the Midwest, with permits up 2.9% and a HMI of 40. The Northeast and South both fell one point to 38 and 30. The West remains the slowest market, declining to 26.
“Housing remains squeezed by supply-side constraints and significant affordability challenges,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Mortgage rates have climbed well above 7% in recent weeks. Though builders are also contending with higher costs for construction loans, building materials and diesel, the administration’s efforts to advance regulatory reform are helping to ease some of the cost pressures they face.”
Reflecting these policy shifts, the U.S. Department of Commerce is cutting duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports, while efforts are underway to suspend tariffs on all building materials through the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act.
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Fusing Sophisticated Design with Architectural Craftsmanship
Nautilus Homes delivers custom excellence along Florida’s Gulf Coast As a child, Ryan Perrone would walk through job sites with his father…
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Nautilus Homes delivers custom excellence along Florida’s Gulf Coast
As a child, Ryan Perrone would walk through job sites with his father and study his surroundings: what made a room feel right, how these details worked and, the biggest question: What made a home truly feel like it belonged to the people who lived there?
“That early exposure taught me that building is never just about materials, schedules or plans,” said Perrone. “It is about pride, trust and a deep respect for the people who will call that place home.”
That mindset is now the backbone of the company’s building philosophy. Perrone founded Nautilus Homes in 2010 with a purpose to build architecturally significant, technically demanding residences that required careful detail from design to construction.
“When I think about why I started Nautilus Homes, I always come back to the same ideas: care and accountability,” said Perrone.
The company’s building philosophy is evident in Watersound, a 4,750-square-foot custom home in Sarasota, Fla. The project’s stunning architecture and unique design earned several awards from the National Association of Home Builders’ Nationals Awards and Best in American Living Awards (BALA): Nationals Silver Best Custom Home, Nationals Silver Best Interior Design, BALA Silver Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 5,001-6,000 and BALA Silver Best Kitchen in a Custom Home Priced over $2M.
“I’m proud of the recognition, but I’m even more proud of what had to happen to earn it; the decisions, the collaboration, the craftsmanship and the trust from the client,” said Perrone. “That’s the part that matters most. The awards are proof that the work stands up, but they’ll never be the reason we do it.”
A Distinctive Exterior
The home’s Florida vernacular style keeps it cool and dry in the state’s humid climate. Outside, the project is the epitome of a coastal home, with white exteriors, teal shutters and budding palm trees. The builder utilized the site, situating the guest house and pool loggia to frame the auto court, giving the corner lot a sense of enclosure while adding real architectural presence.
The front porch defines the entry, with a navy front door to contrast the brighter color palette.
All main living areas connect directly to the backyard, establishing it as the star of the show. The project’s floor plan wraps around an interior courtyard, making the pool feel like a retreat rather than a standard backyard feature.
An expansive folding glass door system dissolves the boundary between the living room and the back screened porch, featuring an outdoor kitchen and lounge area that looks out to the pool.
The most distinctive exterior feature is the tower, which not only gives the roofline a memorable silhouette, but also delivers 360-degree-views of Florida’s coastline and the surrounding neighborhood.
An Elegant Interior
The interior is an intricate blend of sophistication and craftsmanship. Vaulted ceilings and a precast, firebrick-lined fireplace are grounding elements in the living room.
The kitchen is designed for elegance and entertainment, with custom sage green cabinetry and a matching range, along with a parallel island with ample storage. The open layout connects the kitchen to the dining area, featuring a banquette-style dining table situated against large windows with views into the interior courtyard.
While the tower defines the exterior, the inside of it is just as prominent, serving as Watersound’s centerpiece. The grand three-story staircase leads to a yoga room situated at the top of the tower and is anchored by a grand piano at the base, which Nautilus Homes added to be a focal point rather than a circulation element.
Nautilus Homes was shaped around the belief that a custom builder needs to be a collaborator, a problem-solver and a steward of design wrapped in one. Before the sale of Watersound was complete, the homeowners described their unwavering vision for a residence that felt as though it had been in their family for generations. Nautilus Homes delivered, thanks in part to their company’s unique origins.
The Road to Large-Scale Projects
Watersound blends scale with elegant design directly inspired by Florida’s coast. In its early days, Nautilus Homes focused on what the company referred to as “jewel box homes.” These were projects where scale was secondary to craftsmanship, proportion and thoughtful execution. This created an opportunity to refine the builder’s approach and establish the level of care that would later translate to larger, complex homes, like Watersound.
“Today’s market asks much more of a custom builder,” said Joy Moore, Director of Marketing at Nautilus Homes. “The company has learned to adapt to changing market conditions without lowering its standards.”
Photos courtesy of Ryan Gamma and Nautilus Homes.
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
This story is featured in our October issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
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Why are U.S. homes getting smaller?
The average-sized household continues to shrink despite an increase in adults sharing a home, more so than in previous decades. This new trend is causing an increased demand for smaller homes, as U.S. homebuyers prioritize practicality.
There are multiple reasons for this paradox: The number of adult children living with their parents is rising; divorce rates have decreased, so more married couples are living together. Additionally, the number of children per household is lessening and the number of seniors is increasing, with many of them living alone.
According to John Burns Researching and Consulting, since 2010, the average household has shrunk from 2.54 to 2.42 people. As the average-sized household continues to shrink, the need for smaller homes in the U.S. market is rising.
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Builder confidence cools to 29 in October
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) fell three points to 29 in October.
This repeats the three-point drop reported in September. Builder confidence sits at its lowest since 2012.
Buyer traffic also took a hit, despite 43% of builders cutting prices and 65% of builders offering sales incentives.
Regionally, the brightest spot is the Midwest, with permits up 2.9% and a HMI of 40. The Northeast and South both fell one point to 38 and 30. The West remains the slowest market, declining to 26.
“Housing remains squeezed by supply-side constraints and significant affordability challenges,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Mortgage rates have climbed well above 7% in recent weeks. Though builders are also contending with higher costs for construction loans, building materials and diesel, the administration’s efforts to advance regulatory reform are helping to ease some of the cost pressures they face.”
Reflecting these policy shifts, the U.S. Department of Commerce is cutting duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports, while efforts are underway to suspend tariffs on all building materials through the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act.
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U.S. home sales see modest gains in September
According to Redfin’s Home Price Index, on a seasonally adjusted basis, U.S. home prices increased 0.25% month over month in September. Although home sale prices rose slightly from 0.21% the previous month, home sale growth is in line with the modest gains seen in the U.S. housing market.
According to the report, home prices rose in 34 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros month over month in September, with home prices rising most in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, home prices rose 1.9% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Home prices fell in 16 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, with the biggest price declines happening in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Premium buyers drive PulteGroup’s Q3 earnings
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched homebuyer affordability.
The builder is concentrating on the higher-margin move-up and active-adult buyer segments, helping cushion margins against entry-level affordability headwinds. PulteGroup President and CEO, Ryan Marshall, reflected that the company’s balance of price and pace of home sales is critical in the current environment.
PulteGroup reported 6,876 home closings, down 9% year-over-year, with an average selling price of $561,000, declining 1% year-over-year.
The company’s community count increased 7% year-over-year, totaling 1,077 active communities.
“With homebuying demand increasingly pressured by rising mortgage rates, widespread inflation and global unrest, we continue to benefit from our diversified operating platform and consistent strategies for delivering superior returns over the housing cycle,” said Marshall. “With more than 60% of our business now comprised of more profitable move-up and active-adult homebuyers, our strong gross margins were instrumental to driving third quarter earnings of $2.53 per share.”
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Dream Finders Homes seals $2.2 billion Beazer Homes deal
Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed on the $2.2 billion deal.
This marks the ninth acquisition for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Dream Finders since 2021. The company is now expected to be the sixth-largest homebuilder in the nation.
“Today, Beazer’s teams officially join ours, and the real work begins. We are closing this transaction in a challenging housing environment and we are clear-eyed about that,” said Patrick Zalupski, Founder, CEO, and Co-Chairman of Dream Finders.
It remains unclear if Dream Finders will continue the energy-efficient legacy left by Beazer. They have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Dream Finders affirmed that this deal will provide leverage in the current market; it also expanded its homebuilding presence into four new states.
“This combination is built to perform throughout the housing market cycle,” said Rick Beckwitt, Co-Chairman of Dream Finders. “We continue to expect over $100 million of annual run-rate cost synergies and double-digit percentage EPS accretion in year one, while expanding our financial services platform and preserving the asset-light model that underpins our returns.”
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NAHB backs EPA and Army Corps rules proposal
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) requested that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers further clarify rules on tidal changes and droughts, supporting the supplemental Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal under the Clean Water Act.
NAHB is in favor of changes to the final rules to give builders and developers a more defined course of action during project planning, land assessment and permit requirements.
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Mortgage rates hold steady
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is holding steady, averaging 7.40%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained unchanged this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
As of Oct. 15, 2026, the FRM held steady at 7.40%, up from last year’s average of 6.27%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.71%, down from the previous week’s average of 6.73%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.52%.
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NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.
One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.
The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).
As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.
Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.
Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).
“For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”
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Hispanic homebuyers’ growing role in market
Hispanic homebuyers are playing a growing role in today’s housing market. According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, in 2025, Hispanic households reached 10.2 million, accounting for all net growth in U.S. homeownership.
According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS, Hispanic Americans are still the fastest-growing demographic of homebuyers in the nation. States such as Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico and Texas have high concentrations of Hispanic populations. The homeownership rate reflects that, demonstrating high rates among this demographic of buyers.
In terms of business, as Hispanic homeownership continues to grow, builders, architects, designers and other industry professionals who understand the questions these buyers are asking and focus on building connections will be better positioned.
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These 7 colors will define 2027 bedroom interiors
As 2027 draws closer, interior design trends are evolving, especially in color schemes. Homeowners are already gravitating towards interiors that evoke warmth and tranquility. Interior designers are expecting this trend to become extremely prominent in bedrooms, spaces where homeowners seek to refresh and unwind at the beginning and end of their day.
Creamy whites and beiges are continuing to remain dominant next year, according to Co-owner and Principal Designer at Tran + Thomas Design Studio Jill Tran.
“I feel we will forever be using creams as they remove the fear of committing to color, and for a lot of people, that speaks to their hearts,” said Tran.
Interiors, especially luxury ones, are going darker in 2027 with chocolate browns and blue-gray tones.
Earthy greens, beige and taupes, as well as clay, terracotta and muted reds inspire wellness and feel soothing; these are the feelings homeowners are expected to chase next year.
These rising trends in bedroom design are in line with our 2027 Colors of the Year forecast.
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What the 2027 Colors of the Year say about the future of design
For years, interior design leaned into clean, cool grays and sterile whites that were easy to style, but often left homes feeling cold and detached. Rather than staging spaces for resale, the industry noticed that homeowners want to invest in colors that activate the senses, honor natural materials and age gracefully over time.
As we look toward 2027, the paint industry is making a collective statement: bring personality back to the home. This reflects a broader shift across design, with buyers wanting more tailored features to their everyday lives.
Dunn Edwards
Dunn-Edwards launched French Press Coffee, a chocolatey brown with a rich plum undertone. The dimensional shade offers an easy complement to natural materials and an ode to craftsmanship.
The color represents the pendulum swinging towards moody and unique design choices.
“Largely, it’s a reaction to the years when gray and white dominated. Those palettes were clean and easy to sell, but many people found them cold and impersonal to live with,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, Color Marketing Manager at Dunn-Edwards to Builder and Developer.
“Now buyers and homeowners want warmth, and the entire supply chain is responding, from cabinetry and flooring to countertops and fixtures. For builders, warm neutrals offer a practical advantage too: they complement the natural wood, stone and warm-metal finishes buyers are asking for, and they show and photograph with a welcoming, lived-in quality that starker palettes often lack.”
Hoferkamp noted that the shade’s timelessness drove the selection.
I forecast this shade to be a chameleon across design, with welcome applications to exteriors, cabinetry or color-drenching a laundry room or home office.
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Celery is a stark contrast to the organic warm neutrals across the industry. Selected by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team, the shade brings an energetic pop to interiors.
“Celery was chosen as the 2027 Color of the Year because it reflects today’s priorities: wellness, balance and connection,” says Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.
“Homeowners and designers are increasingly prioritizing wellness at home, seeking soothing environments that support mental health and overall well-being.”
I can see this shade used to draw playfulness into a sitting room, bathroom, or personalized spaces such as a home gym or children’s play area.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2027 is Webster Green HC-130: a marriage of the traditional and contemporary. It’s an instant, not overpowering character blending well with rich woods, brass and natural materials.
“For 2027, our focus centred on the green colour family. When we looked across the past, present and future of colour trends, variations on green consistently demonstrated remarkable staying power,” said Andrea Magno, Vice President of Brand, Colour and Integrated Marketing, at Benjamin Moore.
“Webster Green HC-130 reflects this timeless appeal by pairing reassuring stability with optimistic energy. Its composed nature feels both rooted and forward-looking, while enhancing spaces that feel distinctive, collected and continually new.”
This shade could be easily adapted in grounding spaces, like a home office, entryway or living room.
C2 Paint
C2 Paint named Pueblo its 2027 Color of the Year. It’s a warm, multifaceted hue of earth, rose and brown.
The shade serves as an anchor for the brand’s “Rural Renaissance” palette, evoking natural materials, craftsmanship, gardening, and cooking.
“For several years, the conversation around home and design has centered on calm, comfort and restoration,” said Philippa Radon, Interior Designer and C2 Paint Color Specialist.
“For 2027, we began asking a different question: What comes next? After a period of looking inward, we’re seeing a renewed desire to engage with the world around us—to create, gather, explore and reconnect with the experiences that make us feel alive.
The shade is noted to change with light, season and weather; the perfect use of it would be on cabinetry, utility rooms or closets.
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Upcoming kitchen designs for 2027
It’s official: kitchen designs are going warmer in 2027. From darker wooden cabinetry to warm natural elements, next year is expected to move further away from sterile gray tones and sleek, refined interiors. Homeowners want spaces that emphasize warmth, functionality and personalization.
Pantry and larder storage will remain a priority in 2027, but the inside will receive the same detail that the outside does. Storage does not have to mean clutter; efficient but aesthetic displays and shelves will take center stage in cabinetry next year. Designers and manufacturers are expecting more emphasis on storage that responds to the way clients cook, with smaller internal drawers sitting behind larger drawer fronts for a simple exterior.
Built-in seating has become more prominent in kitchens throughout 2026, but it is expected to become one of the most desirable features in 2027. Built-in seating at kitchen dining tables encourages socialization and makes the space feel less cluttered, since the seating is against a wall rather than in the center of a room.
Exclusive Feature
-
Tri Pointe Homes Blends Wellness and Elegance
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond…
by
-
NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.
One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.
The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).
As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.
Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.
Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).
“For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”
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Hispanic homebuyers’ growing role in market
Hispanic homebuyers are playing a growing role in today’s housing market. According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, in 2025, Hispanic households reached 10.2 million, accounting for all net growth in U.S. homeownership.
According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS, Hispanic Americans are still the fastest-growing demographic of homebuyers in the nation. States such as Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico and Texas have high concentrations of Hispanic populations. The homeownership rate reflects that, demonstrating high rates among this demographic of buyers.
In terms of business, as Hispanic homeownership continues to grow, builders, architects, designers and other industry professionals who understand the questions these buyers are asking and focus on building connections will be better positioned.
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AIA supports new congressional legislation
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced its support of three congressional bills that would prioritize disaster mitigation, resilience and recovery.
The three bills include the Ounce of Prevention Act (H.R. 9557), the Community Disaster Protection Act (H.R. 10686) and the Rebuild & Save Act (H.R. 1375).
The Ounce of Prevention Act would distribute grants to strengthen resilience upgrades before disaster strikes. The Community Disaster Protection Act aims to expand risk protection through a FEMA pilot grant program. The Rebuild & Save Act would increase access and thresholds to disaster loans for small businesses.
The AIA emphasized the importance of these bipartisan resilient design efforts to the field of architecture.
“Resilience starts long before a disaster occurs. Architects see firsthand how decisions about where and how we design, build, renovate, and rebuild can protect lives, reduce losses, and strengthen communities,” said Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2026 AIA National President. “AIA is proud to support policies that move our country from reacting to disasters toward proactively reducing risk and creating safer, more resilient communities.”
Latest Issue
Oct. 2026
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This issue of Builder and Developer features the Award Winning Architecture and Design.
Exclusive Feature
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The Architecture of Quiet
Designing Inner Peace for calm on a difficult hillside site The hills of Tustin do not compromise. They rise in dry, sun-baked…
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Housing market could stabilize within 5 years
According to Redfin, housing costs could stabilize within the next five years if mortgage rates fall to 6% and home price growth remains steady. On the other end, the housing economy could stabilize at a slightly longer rate, six years, if mortgage rates remain the same, at about 7.5%, and home price growth flattens.
“Many house hunters feel stuck between two bad options: Stretch themselves to buy at today’s rates or wait for lower rates only to see prices climb further out of reach,” said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. “But prospective buyers shouldn’t get hung up on timing the market. These hypothetical scenarios should give would-be buyers and sellers some hope that the market can normalize with only modest changes in rates or prices.”
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Brookfield Residential delivers wildfire-resilient homes in Altadena
In late September 2026, Brookfield Residential welcomed the first homeowners back to La Viña following the early 2025 Eaton Fire, which destroyed 52 homes in the community.
By partnering with municipal officials to deploy pre-approved design catalogs, the developer delivered quick turnaround times, with the residents moving in only six months after groundbreaking. All units were completed on or under budget while achieving Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) enhanced wildfire-resilience certification.
“After witnessing their many different tragedies, it’s been exceptionally heartwarming to help these families return home,” said Brookfield Residential President and Chief Executive Officer Adrian Foley. “It’s also been instructive for homebuilders such as Brookfield Residential to collaborate on efficient and resilient methods of rebuilding in response to disasters.”
Foley is also a cofounder of the Builders Alliance, a non-profit that brings together homebuilders for fire rebuild efforts. Brookfield Residential has projects in development in Altadena and under pre-development agreements in the Palisades.
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Tri Pointe Homes acquires 85.6 acres for new Austin community
Tri Pointe Homes, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, announced the acquisition of 85.6 acres in Northwest Austin, Texas.
The company says that it intends to deliver an estimated 410 homesites in the community, Pearson Ranch.
Plans for the community include a mix of 40-, 45-, and 50-foot single-family homes and two elevations of attached row townhomes across multiple phases.
“We value the opportunity to develop this large portion of Pearson Ranch and bring much-needed housing to the region across a variety of price points,” said Bryan Havel, Division President of Tri Pointe Homes Austin. “With Williamson County’s proximity to major employers and convenient location, it’s no surprise that it is growing by approximately 25,000 residents per year and is among the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. We’ve put a lot of thought into how to best design and plan this desirable infill location for the benefit of those who will live here. We look forward to watching Pearson Ranch grow into a diverse, amenity-rich, mixed-use community.”
Tri Pointe Homes also noted that the acquisition supports the Austin division’s continued growth.
Land development for the community is likely to start in early 2027, with sales expected to begin in 2028.
Photo courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes
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Treasury yields jump, mortgage rates follow
Following the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates, the 10-year Treasury yield averaged 4.94%.
“Yields climbed as bond markets priced in a Federal Reserve rate hike ahead of the September FOMC meeting, while weak demand at Treasury auctions added further upward pressure,” said Catherine Koh, Economist at the National Association of Home Builders. “Broader concerns over elevated oil prices and geopolitical tensions, the U.S. fiscal deficit, and strong competition for capital from AI and hyperscaler investment also contributed to the rise in long-term yields.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate continued to jump and averaged 6.86% in September before climbing to 7% before the month ended. Compared to a year ago, this is higher by 51 bps.
For mortgage rates to be consistently elevated to the 7% threshold, the gains in affordability are effectively weakened. This continues to put pressure on the entry-level market and on builders to offer incentives like rate-buydowns.
However, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has still not recorded a level past the most recent peak of 7.62% in October 2023.
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Private residential construction spending rises in August
According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $882.3 billion in August 2026. This is up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from the previous year.
All residential sectors saw an increase, but remodeling posted the largest monthly gain at 2.5%. Spending on single-family and multifamily construction increased by 0.2% in August, but decreased 3.5% and 0.6% from 2025, respectively.
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Economic growth increases in 44 states in Q2
According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 44 states and the District of Columbia in the second quarter of 2026. GDP growth ranged from a 4.0% annualized increase in New York to a 2.3% decline in West Virginia, pointing to continued regional differences in economic performance. Most states recorded positive economic growth despite ongoing pressures from elevated prices and interest rates.
For the housing market, differences in state-level economic activity have important implications for housing demand: Stronger local economies generally support household income and employment, while weaker economic conditions can weigh on housing activity.
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The latest Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index: Home prices up 1.9%
The latest S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index reported that national U.S. home prices increased by 1.9% year-over-year in July 2026, up from 1.6% in June.
However, monthly price momentum remained subdued, with national prices edging up just 0.1% from June.
Regionally, Midwestern and Northeastern markets remained strong, with cities such as Chicago and New York posting gains of 6.9% and 5.8%. Southern and Western cities like Seattle and Las Vegas declined.
Homebuilders that can offer incentives such as mortgage-rate buydowns or closing-cost credits hold an advantage over traditional home sellers in the current market.
“July’s data indicates that price growth is gaining momentum, albeit unevenly,” said Thomas Malone, principal economist at Cotality. “National appreciation reached 1.9%, outperforming June in most major metros. While prices rose just 0.1% over the month, seller concessions are opening up opportunities for buyers. This may be short-lived, however, with higher mortgage rates continuing to create a moving target for buyers, extending the uphill battle into fall.”
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Consumer confidence softens in September
Consumer confidence decreased in September 2026, according to the Consumer Confidence Index. The index is a survey measuring how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their financial situation, consisting of two components: how consumers feel about their present situation and their expected situation. This index fell from 89.4 to 81.9 in September, the lowest level since April 2014.
The Conference Board also reported the share of respondents planning to buy a home within six months. Those planning to buy a home rose slightly to 5.4% in September. Of the 5.4%, the shares planning to buy a newly constructed home and an existing home decreased to 0.4% and 2.4%, respectively. The remaining 2.6% were planning to buy a home but were undecided between new or existing homes.
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HUD and USDA agreement to streamline housing standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to streamline housing standards, including environmental review, environmental impact, environmental regulations and physical inspections. The MOU aims to advance housing development and increase supply.
“The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) applauds HUD and USDA for streamlining environmental reviews and inspections, reducing regulatory barriers and advancing housing development,” said NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “This action is an important step in implementing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and building momentum toward reforms that reduce costs and increase housing supply. NAR helped shape the legislation and will continue working with federal agencies and regulators to advance policies that break down barriers to housing and homeownership.”
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