Homebuyers' desires in 2026 will likely be influenced by sustainability, comfort, and health and wellness.
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Zillow analyzed millions of listings to identify the features that people are searching for most.
It identified seven design trends it predicts will be popular in 2026.
Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that are eco-friendly and feature vintage aesthetics.
Another year is on the way, and with it comes a fresh wave of home trends.
By analyzing hundreds of design styles and home features across millions of for-sale listings, Zillow has identified what homebuyers are most obsessed with right now.
"Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts," Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, said, explaining that a spike in certain features on Zillow listings can signal what's next in home design.
While some of 2025's hottest home trends will carry over into the new year — such as people wanting homes with solar panels or spa amenities like saunas and cold plunges — others, like kitchens with juice stations or marble sinks, are unlikely to remain as popular with buyers, according to Zillow.
Here are seven home trends to watch for in 2026, from pickleball courts to cozy reading nooks.
1. Say bye-bye to "millennial gray."
Today's homeowners prefer color over the beige and gray of the past.
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Millennial gray had a tight hold on interior design over the past few years, but its grip is loosening.
In 2026, more homebuyers will be interested in color. Zillow found that mentions of "color drenching" in home listings have increased by 149% year-over-year.
Color drenching isn't as intimidating as it sounds. It's when a single, typically vibrant hue — think fuchsia or red-orange — is the dominant color in a room, covering everything from the walls and floors to, yes, even the furniture.
2. People want homes that keep them safe during natural disasters
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From the Palisades wildfires to the Texas Hill Country floods, natural disasters are happening more frequently — and are becoming more dangerous.
It's top of mind for many homebuyers. Zillow data shows that listings mentioning flood protection have increased by 64%, while mentions of elevation in relation to flooding have risen by 26%.
Fire risk is also a concern. Listings referencing defensible-space landscaping are up 36%, and those mentioning fire-protection systems are up 28%, according to the company.
3. Buyers want eco-friendly homes that save them money
A home with solar panels on the roof.
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Eco-friendly homes do more than help the planet. They can also help homeowners save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by cutting energy use and, in turn, lowering utility bills.
Zillow found that words like "sustainable" and "green" are appearing 21% more frequently in listings than they did last year.
Mentions of zero-energy-ready homes — which are built to minimize energy — are up 70%. Listings mentioning whole-home batteries, which store solar energy and provide backup power, are up 40%, while references to electric-vehicle charging have increased by 25%.
4. People don't want to leave home for self-care
Saunas and cold plunges have become popular home-wellness amenities in recent years.
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In a culture built on convenience, we want everything within arm's reach — especially our self-care. It's a big reason more homes now incorporate health and wellness amenities.
Where basic at-home features like gyms and basketball courts were once considered sufficient for the average homeowner, today's buyers are seeking — and sometimes spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on — luxury upgrades such as saunas and cold plunges.
Wellness will remain a dominant trend in home design in 2026. Zillow found that mentions of wellness features in listings have increased by 33%, and spa-inspired elements are appearing 22% more frequently on the site.
5. Reading nooks get some love
Cozy reading nooks are in demand with buyers.
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You've probably also seen the increase in chic reading nooks all over social media right now. Big or small, they tend to be cozy and highly Instagrammable.
Zillow found that more buyers now want reading nooks at home, with mentions in listings up 48% compared with last year.
6. Buyers want homes with character
A 1970s-styled home.
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People don't want to live in generic, copy-and-paste homes. They want spaces with character that reflect their own personalities.
Zillow data shows that listings mentioning vintage accents, whimsical details, and artisan craftsmanship are up 17%, 15%, and 21%, respectively.
7. The "man cave" gets a makeover
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The "man cave" just isn't cool anymore.
Zillow reports that mentions of "man cave" in listings are down 10% from last year. Instead of traditional rec rooms, buyers are gravitating toward amenities that allow them to actively engage with their favorite sports, rather than just watching them.
According to the company's data, golf simulators are appearing in listings 25% more frequently, mentions of pickleball courts are also up 25%, and even batting cages are on the rise, with references increasing by 18%.
