2026 Home Design that Stands the Test of Time with Nancy Brown
When it comes to designing a home you’ll love for years—not just for a season—timelessness matters. But “timeless” shouldn’t mean predictable. In fact, as Nancy Brown explains, the longest lasting homes are the ones that feel authentic, personal, and thoughtfully layered.
Nancy earned her degree in interior design and has worked in the industry ever since. With more than 20 years of experience, she leads the design team at Hanson Builders with poised confidence. While trends, materials, and technology continue to evolve, that constant change keeps her inspired year after year.
“Each project presents a fresh set of challenges, continually encouraging me to expand my skills, deepen my perspective, and evolve creatively,” Nancy said.
What Timeless Design Really Means
To Nancy, timeless design isn’t about avoiding trends; it’s about creating a foundation that feels personal. You can draw inspiration from the trends you enjoy, but you don’t have to be bound by them. Whatever feels right to you is what you’ll love for years to come.
Looking ahead, Nancy sees 2026 home design trends continuing to move toward warmth and grounded simplicity. Natural materials, layered textures, and organic forms are growing in popularity, along with earthy palettes made up of richer neutrals and subtle contrasts.
One of Nancy’s biggest recommendations is to treat trends as accents, not the foundation. She encourages homeowners to invest first in timeless, high-quality selections for the main fixed finish selection items:
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Countertops
These are the elements that are permanent and disruptive to change later, making them the smartest place to spend for long-term impact. Once the core features are decided, she suggests layering in trend-forward elements through:
- Paint
- Wallpaper
- Lighting
These are easier (and more fun) to update over time, allowing the home to evolve without requiring a full renovation.
Beautiful Design That Works for Real Life
One of the most exciting shifts Nancy has noticed in 2026 home design is how confident buyers are becoming in their preferences, especially after experiencing model homes in person. With Hanson model homes open across the Twin Cities, homeowners are able to walk through a wide range of styles, finishes, and layouts.
“We invest significant time and intention into each model, and it’s rewarding to see those spaces resonate so strongly with real families,” Nancy said.
When asked about her signature style, Nancy describes her design aesthetic as being anchored in clean lines, balanced proportions, and lasting materials. She also enjoys building depth through muted tones and thoughtfully layered textures. Especially in staging, she embraces the opportunity to make a home feel inviting, not overly styled. She loves incorporating subtle surprises: a quirky piece of art, a bold light fixture, or even a soft pop of color on the ceiling.
When asked about some of her favorite design choices, Nancy mentions polished nickel plumbing fixtures. This finish has an understated sophistication without feeling harsh or trendy. It also mixes beautifully with other metals like brass, bronze, or darker iron finishes.
And for a smaller detail with major impact? Cabinet hardware—specifically, getting the scale right.
“Hardware should never be the center of attention,” Nancy said. “It’s not meant to shout. But when the size is thoughtfully proportioned, it quietly elevates the entire cabinet.”
How Homeowners Can Avoid Design Regret
Nancy’s best advice for avoiding design regret is simple: gather photo inspiration before meeting with your designer. Images create a shared visual language and make it easier to communicate what you love, especially when it’s hard to put into words. She also encourages clients to identify the specific things they’re drawn to, like the warmth and mood of a room or a detail like tile or a range hood. The clearer you are, the better your designer can interpret your vision and guide you toward decisions you’ll love long after move-in day.
One question Nancy believes every homeowner should ask near the end of the selection process is: “Now that all the selections are made, does the home still feel cohesive as a whole?”
Great design isn’t just about individual choices; it’s about feeling harmonious. Taking time to review everything collectively is often what elevates a home from merely well-designed to seamlessly pulled together.
Looking Forward
What excites Nancy most about the future of design is the continued shift toward homes that feel personal and intentional. The industry is moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and toward spaces that support how people live by balancing beauty and function in a way that’s tailored to you. When it comes to inspiration, she finds it everywhere: nature, travel, everyday life, and, most importantly, her clients. Because at the end of the day, timeless homes aren’t the ones that follow every trend…
They’re the ones that feel like you.
Contact us today to discuss building your own timeless home. See Nancy’s work featured on the Spring 2026 Parade of Homes℠.
