Zillow anticipates the 2026 housing market will prioritize personal wellness, sustainability, and design centered on comfort. Personalization and character will overshadow minimalism, as homeowners gravitate towards vivid hues and artisanal touches. Contemporary homes are increasingly harmonizing style, durability, and ecological consciousness.
As the calendar edges closer to the upcoming year, you might be contemplating the emerging home design trends that will dominate in 2026. Whether you’re planning to sell your residence next year or simply wish to refresh your living space, Zillow offers some insights. The real estate site has examined the keywords sellers use to market their homes, and the surge in specific terms reveals the latest design preferences.
“Listing descriptions are succinct, so every word holds significance,” Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends specialist, stated in a press statement. “When we observe a significant spike in certain features highlighted in Zillow listings, whether it’s spa-inspired bathrooms or bespoke artisanal craftsmanship, it’s a strong indication that these elements are currently captivating buyers and suggest what’s coming next in home design.”
Here are Zillow’s top predictions for home trends in 2026.
The trend of color immersion, which was a significant design element in 2023, is poised for a substantial resurgence in 2026. Zillow reports a 149% increase in the usage of the term ‘color-drenched’ in listings on their platform.
Color immersion is a straightforward DIY project; simply select one paint shade and apply it to an entire room, including trim and ceilings. It’s an effective way to amplify the visual impact of lighter, more subdued tones. Moreover, for those who favor maximalism, color immersion can make bold colors stand out even more prominently.
Spa-inspired bathrooms are increasingly sought after in popular listings, so expect to see your bathroom transformed into a tranquil sanctuary in 2026. As the spa trend broadens, Zillow is witnessing a growing demand for wellness features across the platform. In fact, listings mentioning wellness features have surged by 33%.
Wellness features may encompass a sauna, home gym, hot tub, or sunroom. The term can also apply to minor design enhancements like adaptive lighting or improved air quality. Self-care and personal well-being have become a paramount concern for many over the past few years, necessitating that homes offer features that support this focus.
Sustainable improvements are currently experiencing a surge on Zillow, and these features may expedite the sale of your home in the future. Zero-energy listings are up by 70%, along with whole-home batteries and electric vehicle charging, which are also trending terms on the platform.
Climate-dependent sustainable home upgrades can enhance your property’s value and may even reduce utility expenses. Solar panels can trim your energy bill, and high-efficiency appliances and faucets can conserve water.
Zillow has noted a substantial increase in terms such as flood protection, home elevation, fire protection systems, and defensive space landscaping. Homeowners globally are eager to safeguard their properties against natural disasters, and proactive preparation is the optimal approach.
Elements like flood barriers, elevated properties, and flood-resistant landscaping can safeguard your home in high-risk areas. Home defense systems, including external sprinklers and fire-resistant plants, can protect against wildfires. Prepare your home to mitigate the greatest risks in your area for the safety, value, and peace of mind of your property and yourself.
There has been a noticeable demand for home reading nooks over the past few years—it’s the ideal spot to savor a panoramic view from a large window or convert a spare storage closet into a cozy retreat. Zillow has observed a nearly 50% increase in home listings featuring reading nooks, driven by the desire for a snug, secluded space within the home.
A reading nook should be a sanctuary for relaxation, a place to unwind, and a private retreat. Some reading nooks are designed with window benches surrounded by shelves, creating an intimate nook from a modest space (curtains can also add extra privacy). Alternatively, a small attic or stairway storage closet can be converted into a cozy nook with blankets, plush cushions, and book-lined shelves.
Your home no longer needs to be a blank canvas to be move-in ready. Zillow is noticing a rise in listings that include terms like artisanal craftsmanship and vintage accents. For the real estate platform, the term ‘whimsy’ is also gaining traction across many listings.
Buyers are drawn to details such as custom cabinetry, handcrafted or painted touches, reclaimed wood, and distinctive architectural exteriors.
