It’s often as we move from the end of the year to the beginning of the next that we start to hear about trends that will be sticking with us for another 12 months and those that will start to shift. The home improvement landscape for 2026 looks set to continue down a path focused on energy efficiency and sustainability, with a couple of new stylistic features added to the mix.
Energy efficiency
With fuel bills still fluctuating but without any huge decrease, and the cost of living still a concern, energy efficiency of homes is going to remain a top priority for home improvements in 2026. More homeowners are staying put due to general market uncertainty and higher interest rates, but this means they are more determined to make their existing homes look better and feel more comfortable.
Kömmerling’s range of PVC-U windows deliver on the energy efficiency front. The Kömmerling 70 Window range for example can achieve a 1.2 W/m2K U-value as standard and an impressive 0.88 W/m2K with triple glazing. The system has a five-chambered profile, a highly engineered frame and exceptional seal integrity that leads to energy efficiency that surpasses other 70mm systems on the market. Installers need to be able to offer this level of performance in 2026 as homeowners look to improve the efficiency of their home to reduce energy consumption and lower fuel bills.
Sustainability
According to Eco Magazine sustainability is going to shift from being simply a worthy concept, to a practical must-have for homeowners aiming to make more conscious decisions in 2026. This includes opting for recycled materials and styles that are built for longevity both aesthetically and structurally.
Once again, this puts Kömmerling installers ahead of the curve as the company already has a long history of playing a pioneering role in various sustainability related issues including closed-loop recycling for longevity.
As millions of old PVC-U windows are taken out to be replaced by more modern, thermally efficient alternatives around the globe, and as new windows are cut to size in factories everywhere, PVC-U waste is generated. Our closed loop recycling initiative recycles old PVC-U to be ground down into pellets and mixed with fresh material, to make new windows. This reduces our greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and through our genuine commitment to the circular economy, extends the life of PVC-U windows further.
Natural design
A recent article in Homes and Gardens Magazine talks about the trend towards biophilic design in 2026 which is a phrase we are hearing increasingly in architectural circles. Not a new concept, but the idea of biophilic design is that we use natural elements that we know make us feel better, in the design of our homes and gardens. The article in Homes and Gardens magazine suggests that it is a trend growing in popularity as homeowners care more about holistic, eco-friendly design and lifestyle choices.
This trend is a great opportunity for installers selling new windows and doors that make the most of natural light and frame the view of the outside. Sliding patio doors particularly are a fantastic way of opening up the inside of the home and combining indoor and outdoor space. But this trend can only be maximised if these expanses of glass are also energy efficient.
Kömmerling offers two PVC-U door systems that fit the bill, the PremiDoor and PremiLine systems. Both offer excellent energy efficiency and structural integrity, as well as superb security, despite the large expanses of glass. The lift and slide or sliding function on both door systems are so seamless and smooth that installers can fit and forget these products once installed.
Using trends to boost sales
Whether homeowners are using residential architects to help them design a larger renovation, or whether they are talking to local installers about a more straight forward window or door replacement, it’s useful for installers to be aware of up-and-coming trends and the products that directly address them.
Home improvements are always a larger investment that require more research, thought and reassurance on behalf of the homeowner, so any additional sales angles are useful to have. Kömmerling are ahead of the curve in all these trending areas, meaning our installers are in a strong position to make the most of these continuing opportunities in 2026.