Homeowners

What Will Be Hot in 2026? The 7 Bold and the Surprisingly Practical Home Trends

If 2025 was the year of the “quiet luxury” aesthetic, 2026 is shaping up to be anything but hush-hush. Instead, Americans are embracing boldness through saturated color, statement craftsmanship, and resilient, future-ready homes, according to Zillow’s just-released Home Trends Report.

The findings, pulled from millions of for-sale listings across the site, reveal which features real estate agents are highlighting to attract buyers. The seven insights below reflect how people want to live right now.

Learn how to use Zillow’s data as a design cheat sheet for your own home, even if you plan to sell in the near future.

1. 2026 home trend: Go all-in on color

Forget accent walls. Zillow found mentions of “color drenching” shot up 149% year-over-year. That’s where one statement hue covers walls, ceilings, trim, and even furniture.

This is a sign that homeowners are tired of neutral minimalism. Deep indigos, terra-cottas, and moody greens are stepping in for greige.

“After years of gray palettes, people want to feel something when they walk into their spaces,” said Chris Murphy, founder of Waterfront Homes, LLC, which serves Washington state. “They’re looking for color, texture, and emotion.”

If you’re nervous about living in a bright box, start by painting smaller spaces such as a powder room or entryway. Use matte finishes to soften intensity or gloss for drama.

2. 2026 home trend: Create a “reading nook” moment

While bold color dominates the headlines, coziness remains core. Zillow reports that listings mentioning reading nooks rose 48% as buyers are looking for more intimate spaces.

Luckily, reading nooks can be an easy upgrade. A built-in bench beneath a window, a small corner with a plush chair, or even a recessed shelf with lighting can signal comfort.

And if you’re selling, a staged reading nook looks great in listing photographs.

3. 2026 home trend: Invest in climate resilience

Lately, function seems to be the new luxury. Mentions of flood protection jumped 64%, while wildfire protection is up 40%. Terms like “zero-energy ready,” “home battery system,” and “EV charger” are appearing far more often in listings.

Translation: climate resilience is important for today’s buyers.

“Resilience and sustainability are now at the center of design decisions for many buyers, especially in places like Southern California,” said Robert Aumann, a luxury real estate agent and founding partner of Luxury SoCal Realty, based in San Deigo, Calif. “Fire-resistant materials, smart water systems, solar power, and native landscaping are now must-haves.”

Even small improvements, like installing back-up power or upgrading insulation, signal value.

And in markets prone to extreme weather, those upgrades can directly influence appraisals and insurance costs.

4. 2026 home trend: Make your bathroom a wellness retreat

Buyers are increasingly seeking out wellness retreats—in their homes. Spa-inspired bathroom mentions rose 22%, while the number of wellness features increased 33%. These reflect a deeper shift toward daily restoration at home.

To recreate the “ahhh” of a spa, focus on integrated lighting, natural materials, and streamlined storage.

If you’re renovating, consider heated floors or a steam shower. If not, smaller updates like plush towels, improved ventilation, or even plants can still achieve that calming, luxurious feel.

“When we see a sharp increase in features like spa-inspired bathrooms or bespoke craftsmanship, it’s a clear signal that these details are capturing buyers’ attention right now,” said Zillow’s home trends expert Amanda Pendleton is a statement.

5. 2026 home trend: Bring back play (without the man cave)

The man cave is fading, with mentions down 10%. But in its place comes a wave of activity-driven fun. Listings featuring golf simulators and pickleball courts each rose 25%, while batting cages climbed 18%.

These may sound like ultra-luxury amenities, and they certainly aren’t cheap. But it signals that homeowners are looking for active, multi-use spaces.

It might mean turning a basement corner into a mini gym, converting a garage bay into a workshop, or carving out an outdoor games zone. The goal is a home that invites movement and connection.

6. 2026 home trend: Choose craftsmanship over trends

The most interesting design shift of all is that personality is back. Zillow found mentions of artisan craftsmanship up 21%, vintage accents increase 17%, and whimsical style jump 15%.

“Whether it’s hand-crafted furniture, bespoke light fixtures, or unique, locally sourced materials, clients are seeking pieces that are both functional and full of personality,” said Kim Wibbs, a lighting designer at Residence Supply, based in Coral Gables, Fla.

If you’re furnishing or remodeling, mix in imperfect pieces: an antique dresser next to a modern mirror, or a ceramic lamp with character. A little patina gives a home depth.

7. 2026 home trend: Know what’s losing its luster

Not everything shiny stays that way. Mentions of juice stations are down 19%, while marble sinks dropped 15%. This is a nod to high-maintenance materials falling out of favor.

Instead, look for low-fuss luxury. Quartzite, porcelain, and composite surfaces offer beauty without the upkeep. They may also be more cost-effective.

And the once white-hot trend of open shelving or “display kitchens” is being replaced by closed storage.

How to use these insights if you’re buying or selling

For sellers, this may double as a marketing cheat sheet.

So, if your home includes any of the trending details like a spa bathroom, EV charger, or custom built-ins, make sure they’re front and center in your listing.

“Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts,” Pendleton said in a statement.

For buyers, the trends hint at what will continue to feel fresh versus dated.

A neutral gray kitchen? You may feel like you are living in 2018. A terracotta dining room with handmade sconces? That’s 2026 and beyond.