Building a custom home on the New Hampshire Seacoast is about more than choosing a floor plan. It is about creating a lifestyle that fits the ocean air, the weather, and the way your family wants to live. In 2025, we have seen clear home trends shaping new builds and remodels across Portsmouth, Rye, Hampton, and nearby towns. Looking ahead, 2026 design trends are beginning to emerge, bringing new materials, smarter layouts, and innovative ideas into coastal living.
If you are planning a new build or a major renovation, here is what is popular right now in New Hampshire home construction and what is coming next.
Light and Airy Interiors with Natural Warmth
Soft whites and gentle blues continue to lead coastal style in 2025, but homeowners are adding warmth with light oak floors, woven textures, and natural accents. This shift keeps spaces bright while avoiding a cold, sterile feel. Heading into 2026, we expect deeper coastal blues and soft greens to show up on cabinetry, built-ins, and accent walls, giving homes personality while keeping the breezy coastal look.
Color Spotlight: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is a rich yet soft brown that fits perfectly into coastal interiors. Homeowners are using it for kitchen islands, accent walls, and trim to create warmth while staying neutral. Paired with crisp white or muted blue, it adds depth without making rooms feel heavy and works beautifully with natural materials.
Bigger Windows and Better Views
Maximizing light and ocean views is still a priority. In 2025, many families chose large picture windows and multi-panel sliders to open living rooms and kitchens to the outdoors. For 2026, we expect even more expansive glass walls and corner windows as energy-efficient window technology makes dramatic views practical for New England’s climate.
Indoor-Outdoor Living That Works for Three Seasons
Outdoor living is here to stay. In 2025, we saw covered porches, screened patios, and cozy fire pits used well beyond summer. Looking toward 2026, outdoor kitchens, weather-protected dining areas, and heaters built into patios are growing popular as families look to enjoy the coast longer each year.
Practical, Stylish Mudrooms
Life on the Seacoast is beautiful but messy. Mudrooms in 2025 often feature custom cubbies, durable tile or stone floors, and benches to keep gear organized. In 2026, more homeowners are asking for built-in drying racks for beach towels, pet washing stations, and charging areas for outdoor equipment to keep the rest of the home clean and clutter free.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Exteriors
Coastal homes must handle salt, wind, and shifting weather. This year, fiber cement siding, composite decking, and metal roofing have been top picks for New Hampshire home construction. In 2026, we expect a rise in engineered wood siding and upgraded composite trim that combine timeless curb appeal with long lasting durability.
Smarter Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency remains a driving force behind new home planning. In 2025, better insulation, heat pumps, and high performance windows were common upgrades. Looking to 2026, there is growing interest in all electric HVAC systems, solar ready roofing, and whole home energy monitoring to manage costs and support sustainability goals.
Designing Your Coastal Home
Trends evolve, but good design lasts. Coastal New Hampshire homes must withstand salty air, cold winters, humid summers, and busy family life. By understanding current 2025 home trends, including on trend colors like Mocha Mousse, and anticipating 2026 design trends, you can create a space that feels fresh now and remains beautiful and practical for years.
If you are thinking about building or renovating a home on the New Hampshire coast, now is the time to start planning. Reach out to River Birch Builders to schedule a conversation about your vision. Our team will guide you through each step and help you build a home designed for your lifestyle, the local climate, and the future you are creating.