2026 Trends: The Return of Warmth & Texture in Utah Homes

December 2, 2025

For nearly a decade, the “cool gray” palette has marched across Northern Utah, from Ogden down to Salt Lake. We’ve seen gray walls, gray cabinets, and—most notably—gray floors. But as we move through 2026, the tide has officially turned.

At Buckway’s Flooring & Design, we’re seeing a major shift in our Riverdale showroom. The “Modern Farmhouse” look isn’t going away; it’s simply growing up. It’s getting cozier, richer, and a lot more inviting.

Here is why 2026 is the year we finally say goodbye to the “cool” and hello to the “warm.”

1. Honey, Chestnut, and Walnut: The New Color Palette

The clinical, icy tones of the past are being replaced by woods that look like they have a story to tell. We are seeing a massive surge in:

  • Honey Oaks: Light, airy, but with a golden glow that makes a room feel sunny even on a cloudy Utah winter day.

  • Rich Chestnuts: A perfect middle ground that brings a sense of tradition and “roots” to a new build.

  • Natural Walnuts: Deep, sophisticated, and incredibly high-end.

These colors don’t just look better; they feel more “organic.” They pull the natural beauty of the Wasatch Front right into your living room.

2. The Practical Magic of Matte and Low-Sheen

If you’ve lived in Utah for more than a week, you know our struggle: The Dust. Between the summer breezes and the winter furnace, a thin layer of fine dust is a fact of life.

In years past, high-gloss floors were the standard, but they acted like a spotlight for every footprint and dust mote. In 2026, matte and low-sheen finishes have taken over.

Why they are winning:

  • Camouflage: Low-sheen finishes diffuse light rather than reflecting it, meaning “Utah dust” and pet hair practically disappear between cleanings.

  • Authenticity: A matte finish makes Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate look much more like real, oil-rubbed hardwood.

  • Safety: They often provide a slightly better grip underfoot compared to slick, high-gloss surfaces.

3. Patterns are Back: Herringbone & Chevron

Homeowners are no longer satisfied with “basic” planks. We are seeing a huge rise in Herringbone and Chevron patterns within Luxury Vinyl and Laminate collections. These patterns add a sense of architectural interest and “movement” to a room, making even a small entryway feel like a grand foyer.

However, there is a catch: Patterns are unforgiving. If a herringbone floor is off by even a fraction of an inch at the start, the entire room will look crooked by the time you reach the other wall.

4. The “Buckway Advantage”: Precision Installation

This is where the expertise of our Lead Installation Manager, Dallas Buckway Jr., becomes your greatest asset. With over 35 years of experience, Dallas has seen (and installed) every trend that has come through Riverdale.

Intricate patterns like Chevron and Herringbone require a “Master’s Touch.” Dallas and our installation team ensure:

  • Perfect Alignment: Your patterns will be square with your walls, creating a seamless look.

  • Smart Layouts: We plan the “drops” so you don’t end up with awkward, tiny slivers of flooring at your baseboards.

  • Prompt Turnaround: Experience means we work efficiently without cutting corners.

Start Your 2026 Refresh Today

Ready to trade the gray for something a bit more soulful? Come visit our showroom. We can walk you through our newest 2026 samples and help you find the perfect warm tone to match your style.

Stop by our Riverdale showroom today to see these textures in person—let’s make your space beautiful!

Posted in blog and tagged ,