DWELLING
The purpose of our design forecast is to serve as a useful tool tocreate engaging, unique, and longlasting spaces and brands. We research and vision how best to design for target markets, differentiate, and achieve longevity. We test and spotlight the latest products and places and report on national and global trends impacting our industry.
Our forecast was born from an honest intent to add value and be a committed custodian of bright ideas, innovative thinking, and sharing for a greater good.
Home as a sanctuary.
Across luxury rentals, branded residences, condominiums, and extended stay hospitality, the unit itself is the core experience. It is where value is created, where identity is expressed, and where the true return on design investment is felt. In multifamily development, nearly two-thirds of total construction cost is dedicated to the interiors of the residence. This is not incidental. It reflects a cultural truth: the spaces we live in must support how we recover, connect, and restore.
This forecast draws from the broader residential landscape to illuminate what is influencing taste, decision-making, and longterm desirability. These insights are aspirational and directional. They inform detail, materiality, atmosphere, and ways of elevating space without chasing the temporary.
When the external world accelerates, environments that ground us gain value. Stability, nature, and familiarity become strategic tools within design. Growth is not found in trend-chasing but in the careful selection of choices with endurance.
This is the lens through which we shape the future of living.
AUDIENCE
Looking toward the future, consumers are increasingly driven by a need for sanctuary, play, and self-expression. As burnout, overstimulation, and tech fatigue continue to shape daily life, people will retreat inward - seeking personalized, serene spaces that offer peace and clarity. Joy will become a strategy for wellbeing, with play reframed as a tool for connection, creativity, and healing. At the same time, a collective craving for stillness and simplicity will emerge, as individuals push back against the pressure of constant connectivity. Growing skepticism toward AI and digital media will fuel a desire for authenticity, individuality, and meaningful experiences - both online and at home.
RESTORATIVE LIVING the rise of
We are moving toward a slower, more intentional pace, where wellness is understood as a lived daily practice rather than a special occasion. Routines evolve into rituals that blend care and connection, influenced by cultural conversation and a rapidly growing global wellness economy which is projected to reach nearly US$9 trillion by 2028.
Design that prioritizes restoration and presence resonates. Spaces and products that invite lingering, create emotional grounding, and support holistic self care. The emphasis is on creating environments that give permission to pause, breathe, and feel.
For developers this signals a profound opportunity. Investing in design and amenities that support wellness aligns with the projected luxury market growth, offering a competitive advantage in attracting discerning residents and creating long term asset value.
luxuryconsumer
Mindful Luxurians Self Rewarders
The Mindful Luxurian values luxury that restores rather than impresses.
For them, indulgence is found in stillness, in the texture of time well spent, and in environments that honor balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty.
They seek brands and spaces that act as sanctuaries, places that slow the world down and speak to their deeper need for meaning, health, and harmony.
The Self-Rewarder seeks comfort and confidence in a world that feels uncertain. They view luxury as self-preservation, small intentional gestures that affirm their worth and provide a sense of stability.
To reach them, brands must lead with empathy.
They crave connection over spectacle; they reward brands that understand not just their taste but their tenderness.
MULTI dimensional Escapist
Restless with routine, the Multidimensional Escapist searches for experiences that lift them beyond the everyday. They crave portals, not just through technology, but through design, meditation, movement, and meaning. For them, escapism is not about avoidance; it is about expansion. They seek brands and spaces that let them explore different realms of self, where the physical and the emotional intertwine.
They wants to feel transported, but ultimately, they want to come home to themselves.
Change Maker
The Change Maker sees luxury through the lens of impact. They believe beauty should do good, that true sophistication comes from empathy, integrity, and conscious creation.
Their definition of success is collective, measured not in possessions but in purpose.
They are not just seeking wellness for themselves, but for the world they inhabit.
PERSONAL EXPRESSION
Personal expression drives how residents live. Providing display shelves, niches, and open or glass-front cabinetry invites individuality and storytelling through everyday life. From distinctive unit entries to personalized kitchen and bath moments, design should make space for self-expression - ensuring residents can physically show their identity within their homes.
FUTURE consumer
- WGSN, Future Consumer 2027: Emotions
STRATEGIC JOY
A purpose driven pursuit of optimism, Strategic Joy reframes play, curiosity, and childlike wonder as tools for self discovery and wellbeing, inspiring more mindful habits, inclusive design, and a renewed sense of emotional balance.
WITHERWILL
Amid burnout and overstimulation, Witherwill reflects a collective yearning to slow down, simplify, and reclaim autonomy, inspiring us to create spaces and experiences that honor rest and mindfulness
SUSPICIOUS OPTIMISM
Hopeful yet cautious, Suspicious Optimism captures a consumer mindset shaped by uncertainty, driving a desire for transparency, authenticity, and design that rebuilds trust while offering grounded optimism for the future.
MACRO
ARCHETYPES of SPACE
1 st space
A personal dwelling where rest, connection, and care converge. It is where we recharge, nurture our truest relationships and root ourselves in the quiet rhythms of home.
2 nd space
Places of work, learning, and structured interaction where we contribute, create, and engage with the world beyond our walls, grounding purpose in productivity and a shared rhythm.
space
Where we unwind, belong, and build culture in the everyday - cafes, courtyards, lounges, lobbies – all designed for flow, interaction, and shared experiences. Gathering grounds for casual connection, creative exchange, and communal energy.
4 th space
** emerging concept
Realms where the digital and physical converge, fluid hybrid environments designed for connection, expression, and creativity. Expanding access to identity, offering new ways to collaborate, socialize, and show up – wherever you are.
5 th space
Sanctuary for the soul, a place beyond utility, where transformation begins. Rooted in reflection and inner work, it invites stillness, clarity, and personal evaluation. Whether through creativity, or sacred silence, it holds space for restoration, meaning-making, and the quiet empowerment of becoming.
BLURRED LINES
The new way of living moves away from separation toward integration. Boundaries between personal and professional, work and rest, inside and out are softening. Built environments are becoming more fluid, spaces that flex with purpose, shifting with the rhythms of the day. Life now unfolds in layers, not lanes. And as these boundaries dissolve, people are rethinking not just where they live, but how they work; choosing professions that reflect their values, support their lifestyle, and feel more connected to who they are.
A built-in space within the home designed for focus and function. It supports work, wellness, and creative pursuits spaces for movement, making, and selfdirected flow.
space*
*CID is exploring a new spatial archetype
RED Light Therapy Panel
HOME + SANCTUARY
ORDER 1 COMFORT 2 3 HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Prioritize lighter, airier spaces over those that feel heavy or complex. Embrace simplicity and reduce visual clutter to create calm, open environments. Clean shelves, minimal decor, and balanced compositions reinforce a sense of ease and intentional design.
Create warm, grounding environments through soft, natural materials and tactile surfaces. Layer textures that establish a sense of cocooning comfort. Include blackout shades and refined lighting control to support rest and restore balance.
Design for cleaner living through UV filtration, water purification, and operable windows that bring in fresh air and natural light. These elements create healthier interiors that nurture both body and mind.
NEW TRADITION
As the pace of change accelerates, design finds steadiness in the familiar. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, familiar forms and timeless references offer a sense of comfort and belonging. Traditional design cues reimagined through a modern lens create spaces that feel grounding, enduring, and deeply human.
RETURN to NATURE
Material palettes should draw from the natural environment, using tone, texture, and form to create an authentic sense of place. Thoughtful materiality builds visual cohesion between indoors and out, creating spaces that feel rooted, calming, and in tune with their surroundings.
Palette development begins with understanding the local flora, fauna, and neighborhood character to create a cohesive and rooted sense of place.
As wellness design becomes more literal, visual and physical connections to the outdoors are increasingly essential. Balconies, operable windows, and expansive glazing extend the living experience into open air, reinforcing a daily relationship with light, movement, and microclimate. These details, however small, cultivate a tangible sense of freedom and wellbeing.
STONE LEGACY
Natural stone continues to anchor design with its inherent permanence and beauty. In an age of repetition and resale, a stone countertop becomes the one truly precious element in the home, a legacy piece that endures.
MICRO
URBAN MUDR OOM
Entry closets are being reimagined as compact “urban mudrooms.” By removing the door and adding a built-in bench with wall hooks, these small spaces transform into functional drop zones for daily life. It’s a simple design move that maximizes utility.
As traditional design finds its way back into the spotlight, cream and taupe cabinets are rising in popularity. These soft neutrals bring warmth and comfort to interiors, offering an alternative to the whites of the last decade. Timeless at their core, cream and taupe pair seamlessly with a wide range of finishes ensuring longevity while aligning with the desire for interiors that are warmer, more personal, and enduring.
CREAM+ TAUPE
We polled several of our cabinetry manufacturers to see what was most popular five years ago compared to today. The answer was consistent: shaker profiles in white. This combination continues to dominate as the most requested look, proving its place as both timeless and versatile. While design preferences evolve, white shaker cabinetry remains a safe, enduring choice that adapts seamlessly across styles and markets.
TIME TESTED
DARKER + RICHER WOODS
After years of light, airy kitchens, darker woods and richer tones are returning to the forefront of cabinetry design. These finishes bring warmth, depth, and a sense of sophistication back into the kitchen - creating spaces that feel more grounded and intimate. This shift reflects the broader move toward traditional influences and the desire for interiors that feel cocooning and layered.
TWO -TONED CABINETRY
Rather than relying on a single tone throughout, designers are mixing finishespairing warm wood grains with painted surfaces, or soft taupes with deep charcoals, to create kitchens that feel curated and furniture-like. This approach speaks to residents’ desire for warmth and individuality, while staying rooted in timeless, versatile palettes.
COLOR CONTRAST
Cabinetry contrast remains one of the most enduring strategies in kitchen design. By introducing variation through light and dark finishes, mixed materials, or subtle tonal shifts, contrast creates depth and visual hierarchy while establishing a timeless foundation. Because cabinetry is the core investment in a kitchen, this approach delivers sophistication and longevity, ensuring spaces feel both elevated and adaptable.
While contrast remains the most timeless strategy, there are moments when color is the right choice. The decision often depends on market positioning, target resident lifestyle, and the overall design narrative. In boutique or highly curated projects, cabinetry color becomes a tool to differentiate and add character, creating a more memorable experience. When incorporating color, longevity should be the guide. Universally appealing, nature-based hues, such as soft blues, muted greens, or grounded charcoals, offer personality without feeling overly trend-driven.
COLOR NATURAL
TEXTURED CABINETRY
Cabinetry is moving beyond flat planes toward finishes that add depth, movement, and visual intrigue - tactile layers that shift the kitchen from purely functional storage to a design feature. The push for textural depth aligns with a broader consumer desire for materials that feel crafted, and sensory.
DISPLAY CABI NET
Upper display cabinets create a timeless way to introduce personality into the kitchen while preserving counterspace. Allowing residents to showcase heirloom dishware, glassware, or curated objects without sacrificing the order of closed storage.
Display shelving introduces openness and flexibility into the kitchen, offering residents an easy way to layer personality into their space.
Whether floating wood shelves, slim metal brackets, or integrated ledges, these moments create room to showcase everyday items or curated collections in a way that feels approachable and lived-in.
OPEN SHELVES
Kitchen products are evolving into collectible, storied design objects.
FEATURE ISLAN DS
ISLAND CONTRAST
Layered surfaces are reshaping kitchen design, with the island emerging as a focal point. Surround countertops lean versatile and understated, while the island takes on a statement surface bold veining, rich tones, or a textural finish that anchors the room.
STATEMENT SU RFACES
caesarstone ocean sage
cosentino - sensa kaira
caesarstone arabetto
As homes become more inward and intentional, surfaces follow - shaped by personal rhythm, emotional tone, and a return to material honesty. Countertops evolve from neutral backdrops to expressive elements, offering saturated hues, dramatic veining, and layered movement that reflect individuality and elevate the everyday.
cosentino - sensa itara
vicostone roxana
caesarstone calacatta thyme
As design pulls cues from high-end residential, countertops emerge as statement pieces - sculptural, expressive, and central to the kitchen.
BOLD CO UNTERTOPS
sintered stone
Large-format sintered stone slabs are made by fusing natural raw materials, like minerals and clays, under extreme heat and pressure. This results in a lightweight, non-porous, durable surface that’s resistant to scratches, stains, bacteria, uv rays, and extreme temperatures.
Neolith’s new silica-free line signals a turning point, setting the stage for safer surfaces.
arabesque
estatuario
PROFILES EDGE
Countertop profiles are becoming more expressive, exploring built-up thickness, stepped edges, and decorative silhouettes like ogee and bullnose. A subtle shift, but one that adds character, craftsmanship, and presence to the overall material story.
PROFILES EDGE
Gone are the days when crisp edges signaled modernity, today’s countertops lean into unique contours that elevate the everyday surface.
Made from salvaged wood waste collected through city maintenance, sawmills, and building sites, this surface aspires to become 100% waste-derived and ultimately wastenegative. With a non-toxic, formaldehyde-free binder, it delivers a low-impact, healthier alternative for interior surfaces.
TIMBER TE RAZZO
Formed from post-industrial recycled plastics and resin, this material reclaims what would otherwise become landfill waste. The terrazzo-like aesthetic reads bold and contemporary, while the wide color range keeps it adaptable across residential and commercial projects.
post -industrial SURFACE
MARBLE SALVAGE
Made from offcuts of marble, granite, and other natural stones set in resin, this surface reimagines traditional terrazzo with a bolder, more irregular aesthetic. Each slab diverts quarry waste from landfills, creating a high-impact look from low-impact sourcing. Durable, customizable, and suitable for residential or commercial applications, it blends luxury with responsibility.
Hardware is the finishing touch, the jewelry that gives a space its character. A subtle change in detail can refresh the space, offering a simple yet powerful lift.
HARDWARE
A mix of knobs and pulls offers a layered approach, creating hardware placement that reads considered and collected.
CURATED HARDWARE
source: room for tuesday
HARDWARE PLACEMENT
source: room for tuesday
source: room for tuesday
MIXED METALS
Mixing metals is less about rules and more about balance. Warm and cool finishes can work together when their placement feels intentional. Allow one to stand out as the lead while others support, creating tonal harmony that feels layered and refined.
U.S. MAKERS
Both Waterstone and Watermark maintain U.S.-based production, aligning with an industry movement toward smaller-scale, locally made manufacturing and greater material traceability. Domestic fabrication allows for improved quality oversight, faster innovation cycles, and reduced dependency on global supply fluctuations.
As multifamily design evolves, transparency and simplicity are becoming as valuable as aesthetics. TileBar’s tiered system organizes wall, floor, and backsplash tiles into clear pricing categories, making finish packages elevated yet easy to specify.
https://www.tilebar.com/
For high-volume unit design, specify materials and palettes that resonate across a wide audience.
TIMELESS INVESTMENTS
Reserve more decorative tiles for public spaces or private residences.
BACKSPLASH
low to mid tiered options range from $400 - $800
Workstation sinks maximize function within a compact footprint. With integrated ledges, the basin transforms into a multitasking hub for prep, rinse, and clean-up.
spec tap from same collection as primary kitchen faucet
WATER QUALITY
An increasing consciousness around water quality is reshaping expectations. Traditional reverse osmosis provides purity but depletes beneficial minerals. Systems like AlkaViva, pair RO filtration with remineralization and alkaline ionization to deliver balanced, mineral-rich hydration.
FEATURES BUILT -IN
butler’s pantry
pantry
coffee bar
pantry | cabinet
Luxury vinyl tile is moving beyond basics into more decorative territory. Parquet, chevron, and herringbone patterns bring a sense of tradition and refinement, while offering the ease of modern installation and maintenance. The result is a surface that feels elevated and expressive, yet practical for everyday living.
TRADITION
vero parma chevron
formation herringbone blanched carbon diamond panel milan
versailles dijon
undermount lighting track
white track light
surface mount
Lighting in units is trending toward minimalism and restraint with compact white track lighting, small mono-point directionals, and clean surface mounted cylinders, creating a streamlined modern look.
LIGHTING
Consider lighting angles when placing vanity sconces, side-mounted fixtures provide a more flattering, even illumination than a centered overhead light.
dec orative
LIGHTING
-lit
Integrated non-direct lighting provides a shadow-free glow and an ambient layer of illumination.
vanity
As self-care rituals expand, think layered skincare, grooming, hair treatments, and wellness tools (yes, we are talking mini beauty fridges), the bathroom is evolving into a hybrid of spa and vanity. This shift calls for smarter, more creative storage solutions that go beyond towels and toiletries, accommodating everything from serums and styling tools to wellness tech.
Shower niches and shelving are evolving into architectural details - streamlined recesses and ledges that function as storage while doubling as decorative elements. Their clean lines and integrated design maintain visual continuity, transforming utility into part of the overall composition.
shower
With product packaging now designed as artful display pieces, residents are creating spaces to showcase their beauty investments celebrating skincare as both ritual and décor.
STORAGE CREATIVE
BENCH BUILT
-IN
Beyond comfort and accessibility, a built-in bench introduces a sense of permanence and refinementanchoring the space as one for pause, ritual, and restoration.
TUB BATH
Wellness is reshaping the bathroom. The resurgence of the bathtub reflects a broader return to ritual, spaces that invite rest, reflection, and sensory calm. Once omitted for efficiency, the tub is reemerging as a design essential tied to self-care and emotional wellbeing.
ROOM WET
The freestanding tub is reemerging as both a sculptural statement and a link to tradition, driving renewed demand. Consider a wet room to accommodate, framing bathing as an act of wellness and self-care within an architectural envelope.
Handheld showers are shifting from optional to essential, an everyday convenience that supports family living, pet care, and accessibility. Expect to see them prioritized in primary bathrooms as functionality becomes as important as luxury.
SHOWER
ST EAM SHOWER
Wellness continues to redefine the home as a sanctuary. By 2033, the steam shower market is expected to double, with North America leading the charge. As people invest in spa-like rituals at home, they’re willing to spend more, and smart tech is making wellness easier to integrate than ever.
Steam is an important trend to watch as innovation makes these rituals more attainable at home.
PLAYFUL
Targeted to renters, these easy DIY kits make spaces feel like homeapproachable, fun, and personalized. An optional wellness filter removes chlorine to keep skin calm and hydrated, protects hair strength and shine, and reduces pore-clogging impurities. Looking ahead, the ability to personalize wellness at home will be a key value-driver for renters.
Chromatherapy brings colorchanging light into the shower, using calming and energizing tones to influence mood, support restoration, and enhance the wellness experience.
Toilets are becoming wellness tools: self-cleaning, bidets, heated seats, touchless ease, health-monitoring, guthealth AI, eco-flush, greywater loops, deodorizers, lighting, aromatherapy, and soundscapes - all pointing to a future where daily rituals support wellness. To futureproof, consider an outlet near the toilet
ELE VATED ESSENTIALS
Concealed cisterns create a modern, streamlined look that reduces visual clutter and feels cleaner and more sanitary.
GOOD SHEET
Environmentally conscious and non-toxic, PlantPaper is made from fast-renewing bamboo and wrapped in cheeky, design-forward packaging perfect for guest rooms or move-in gifts.
KOHLER X REMEDY PLACE
POWER spotlight ON
Plateless outlet design sits flush with the wall, creating a seamless architectural detail. Refined and unobtrusive, it transforms a standard utility into a considered element of the interior.
timeless
TEC H
The conversation around technology is moving toward thoughtful integration rather than trenddriven add-ons. Features with longevity like opting for universal outlets over fixed USB or USB-C integrations, recognizing that charging standards evolve faster than buildings and may not suit every resident, helping ensure flexibility and relevance over time.
Building-wide WiredScore certification delivers reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, while intuitive comforts such as automated shades and dimming enhance daily living without overwhelming it. By avoiding the race to adopt every new gadget, spaces remain adaptable, timeless, and trusted by residents.
CUSTOM (ish) CLOSET
Provide a simple, flexible closet system from a national vendor. Residents can easily add components or configure it to suit their needs, allowing personal expression and a sense of ownership without increasing operational cost or complexity.
ACCENT PAINT
Offering residents the ability to personalize their space prior to move-in fosters a sense of ownership and individuality. Through a curated palette of pre-approved accent colors, each thoughtfully selected to maintain turnover ease, this simple upgrade introduces flexibility and self-expression within a managed framework. Positioned as a premium add-on, it elevates the resident experience while preserving operational efficiency.
OPEN AI R
Fresh Air as an Amenity Integrate operable windows with screens to invite natural ventilation and connection to the outdoors.
CID Tip – Specify blackout shades with dark backings to maintain a uniform exterior appearance.
IN -DUCT AIR PURIFIER
An in-duct system that releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide and ions into the air to reduce bacteria, viruses, mold, and odors. Installed within HVAC ducts, it uses UV light and a catalytic core to actively purify circulated air and surfaces
Offer residents the opportunity to enhance their living environment with in-unit air filtration systems. These wellness-driven upgrades can be easily installed, providing a seamless integration process. The added cost is rolled into monthly rent, allowing residents to personalize their home experience with improved air.
LIFE STYLE PERKS
As renters continue to seek connection, experience, and convenience, lifestyle-based incentives are emerging as a fresh expression of brand hospitality. Thoughtful, locally inspired perks such as tickets to a nearby performance venue or museum, or a complimentary massage from a neighborhood spa, offer residents an authentic sense of place while strengthening community, goodwill, and long-term loyalty.
METHODOLOGY
1. MARKET STUDIES
CID has or is actively working in every major urban market in the US across 40 states and 65 cities, including Canada. A cri tical part of our process on every single project is a deep market study where we analyze the competition and development pipeline and carefully craft a competitive differentiation strategy. We collect and adapt programmatic and operational concepts and report on them in our forecast. This travel and study is key to channeling the market’s pulse and leading ahead of the pack.
2. BEYOND DEMOGRAPHICS
We employ research from Esri Tapestry segmentation and PEW Research Center to go beyond the study of generational attributes, understanding psychographic and socioeconomic orientations of America’s changing population. We take the process one step further by identifying the key demographics that are shaping our markets and offering creative and tangible ways to design an d program to capture those specific demographics.
3. MARKET ANALYTICS
We study Axiomatic databases annually of completed new developments. We visit each community’s website and tally what amenities are advertised both in the home and community to report the most popular. We divide the research between urban and suburban markets. We also collect all extraordinary and unique amenities onto a “unique” checklist and note creative naming of amenities. We also follow key research reported by Kingsley & Associates and Costar, both leading real-estate industry analysts.
4. INDUSTRY PARTNERS
We share our research with industry partners and they reciprocally share with us. Large manufacturers invest a tremendous amount of R&D money to be on the forefront, and we watch closely. Some of our favorite professional organizations, such as t he Urban Land Institute, and powerful publications, such as Multi-family Executive, produce leading research that we sift through and fold into our forecast.
5. SOCIAL MEDIA
Researching popular hashtag search trends reveals many real-time relevancy indicators. We keep a close eye on hashtags in project-relevant locations and study what qualifies as a shareable moment.
6. EXHIBITIONS
Trade shows, festivals, conventions, talks, markets, boots on ground watching, listening, observing and covering hundreds of different shows.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
Global Wellness Institute
“The Global Wellness Economy Reaches a New Peak of 6.3 Trillion and Is Forecast to Hit 9 Trillion by 2028.”
Towards Packaging
“Display Packaging Market Sizing.”
GCI Magazine
“Packaging Trend Tracker, May 2024.”
McKinsey & Company
“Do US Consumers Care About Sustainable Packaging in 2025.”
Multifamily Executive
“Renters Need to Earn Over 80K to Afford Typical Apartment, Zillow Finds.”
Interior Design Magazine
“What’s Trending in Hospitality and Multifamily Finishes” Interior Design, May 2025.
Pinterest Predicts 2025
Lifestyle and Design Forecast, Pinterest Business.
WGSN
“Color and Material Forecast 2025–2026” WGSN CMF Futures, April 2025.
“Future Consumer 2027: Emotions.”
“Why Slow New Luxury Resonates.”
“Reimagining Future Luxury” by Diana Verde Nieto.
Material Bank | Annual Trend Reports.
Hospitality Design Magazine
“Boutique to Branded: Material Innovation in Guest Suites” Hospitality Design, March 2025.
McKinsey & Company
“Future of Wellness Trends.”
Cornell University
“AI- Assited Skincare”
MakeUp in New York
“US Beauty Trends 2025: Science Driven Longevity Ingredient Innovation and Holistic Wellness.”
Room for Tuesday
“Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide with Easy Examples.”
CID Team
Imagery sourced from Pinterest and used solely to illustrate creative intent and atmosphere.
CID DESIGN GROUP does not receive incentives or funding to promote any product, service, person, or place within our forecast. We research and share purely in the spirit of being committed custodians of bright thinking and sharing for a greater good.
