At Price Builders, we’ve always believed that a home should adapt to your life – not the other way around. Recently, our President, Alicia Powers, was featured in NewHomeSource to discuss the evolving trends in 55+ home design.
The conversation is shifting. For years, “aging in place” was synonymous with clinical-looking grab bars and utilitarian layouts. But as we move through 2026, the focus has evolved into what we call Vitality Design: creating safe, accessible spaces that don’t sacrifice style.
Design for Today, Not Just Tomorrow
As Alicia noted in the feature, “When you do accessibility features thoughtfully and incorporate them from the beginning, they feel fluid and natural.”
The goal isn’t just to prepare for the future; it’s to enhance how you live right now. Here are three key trends Alicia highlighted that are currently transforming our San Diego projects:
1. The Bathroom as a Personal Sanctuary
Gone are the days of the institutional walk-in tub. Today’s homeowners are looking for a spa-like retreat. Alicia emphasizes the rise of the “wet room” – an open-concept design that combines curbless showers and freestanding tubs.
- The Price Builders Touch: We’re incorporating steam showers and built-in benches that serve dual purposes: providing a place to relax and enjoy with a steamroom experience today, while ensuring safety and ease of use for years to come.
2. Kitchens Made for Connection
The kitchen remains the heart of the home, but the layout is changing. We’re moving away from tight “work triangles” toward linear layouts and multipurpose islands.
- The Price Builders Touch: Alicia recommends dimmable, multi-layered lighting. By layering task lighting with softer ambient options, the kitchen transitions seamlessly from a high-function prep space to a warm, social environment for entertaining friends and family.
3. Smart Storage & Universal Ease
True luxury is found in things that work effortlessly. Universal design innovations – like pull-out cabinetry and motorized shades – make a house more accessible without looking “specialized.”
Your Next Chapter Starts with Great Design
Whether you’re looking to remodel your current space or building something new, the philosophy remains the same: your home should support your independence and your lifestyle.
As Alicia shared with NewHomeSource, the goal isn’t just to stay in your home longer – it’s to live better every single day.
Want to see how we can bring these 2026 trends into your home?
