3 minutes readWe're less than two months away from the new year, and if you're thinking about upgrading your home for 2026, Zillow's Home Trends report is here to help. In a newly released study, the real estate website analyzed millions of for-sale listings to find out which trends are expected to skyrocket in the coming year. The findings? A wealth of insight into new design trends that are redefining the way Americans live and relax in their homes.
“Real estate agents know exactly what today’s buyers want most, and that’s reflected in the way they describe homes online,” said Amanda Pendleton, home trends expert at Zillow. “Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts. When we see a sharp increase in certain features mentioned in listings on Zillow, be it spa-style bathrooms or custom craftsmanship, it's a clear signal that these details are capturing buyers' attention right now and an indication of what's next in home design.”
Read on to discover the home trends that will dominate in 2026.
Dramatic paint cans
If bold pops of color are your thing, drenching in color is a trend you won't want to miss. This dramatic color treatment involves coating walls, trim, ceilings, floors and even matching furniture with a single shade. Zillow found that mentions of color saturation increased 149 percent year-over-year, and its latest color analysis found that vibrant color palettes are preferred over softer neutrals.
Cozy reading corners
Zillow users agree that there's nothing better than curling up with a good book. Reading nooks appeared in 48 percent more listings, be it an oversized armchair in an otherwise unused corner, a cozy bay window or a larger reading room with library-like shelves.
A focus on sustainability
Sustainability continues to be top of mind for many, with mention of zero-energy homes increasing by 70 percent, whole-home batteries increasing by 40 percent and electric vehicle charging increasing by 25 percent. Broader terms like “sustainable” or “green” appear 21 percent more often, indicating that shoppers are actively looking to increase their sustainability efforts.
Sports simulators
Winter is coming and outdoor sports are out of the question in many places in the next few months. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your tee time in the comfort of your warm and cozy living area. Mentions of golf simulators appear in 25 percent more Zillow listings. Meanwhile, the pickleball trend shows no signs of slowing down: Mentions of pickleball courts are up by a quarter.
Lots of personalization
Standard homes are becoming a thing of the past and buyers are looking for ways to make a home unique. Entries increasingly mention artisanal crafts, up 21 percent; vintage accents, up 17 percent; and a touch of whimsy, an increase of 15 percent. If you're looking to sell your home, you'll want to focus on distinctive features like a dedicated movie theater room, a unique basement remodel, or even a charming backyard shed.
Self-care at home
Say goodbye to expensive spa days and enjoy your own skin care rituals from the comfort of your own home. Mentions of wellness are up 33 percent, while searches for spa-inspired bathrooms (think rooms with steam showers or built-in saunas) have increased by nearly a quarter.
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