6 Home Trends Zillow Says Will Define 2026

As we creep closer to the new year, you might be wondering what home trends are going to hit the ground running in 2026. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home next year or just want to give your space some inspired upgrades, Zillow has ideas for you. The real estate platform has taken a closer look at the keywords sellers are using to list their homes—and the rise in certain terms is a great indicator of what home design choices are trending. 

“Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts,” says Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton in a press release. “When we see a sharp increase in certain features being mentioned in listings on Zillow, whether it’s spa-inspired bathrooms or bespoke artisan craftsmanship, it’s a clear signal that these details are capturing buyers’ attention right now and hint at what’s next in home design.”

Here are the top home trend predictions for 2026, according to Zillow.

1. Color Drenching

Color drenching was one of 2023’s biggest home design trends, and it’s about to get a massive revival in 2026. According to Zillow, the use of the term ‘color-drenched’ has gone up by 149% in home listings on the platform. 

Color drenching is easy to DIY; just take a single paint color and use it across an entire room (trim and ceilings included). It’s a great way to give lighter, softer colors more visual power. And if you’re into maximalism, color drenching can help your favorite bold colors pop in a major way.

2. Wellness Features

Spa bathrooms continue to be on the rise in popular home listings, so prepare to turn your bathroom into an oasis in 2026. But as the spa trend continues to expand, Zillow is seeing a bigger call for wellness features in general across the platform. In fact, listings that mentioned wellness features are up 33%.

Wellness features can include things like a sauna, home gym, hot tub, or sunroom. The term can even extend to smaller design details like adaptive lighting or home air quality upgrades. Self-care and personal wellbeing have become a major priority for many people within the past few years, so our homes must have features that support that focus, too.

3. Sustainable Swaps

Some sustainable upgrades are seeing a huge uptick on Zillow right now, and these features could help you sell your home faster in the future. Zero-energy home listings are up 70%, while whole-home batteries and electric vehicle charging are also trendy terms on Zillow.

Depending on your climate, there are so many sustainable home upgrades you can make that will improve the value of your home (and can even decrease your utility costs in the meantime, too). Solar panels can save you money on your energy bill, while high-efficiency appliances and faucets will help conserve water. 

4. Disaster-Proofing

Zillow has seen a major increase in terms like flood protection or home elevation, fire protection systems, and defensible space landscaping. Homeowners everywhere want to ensure their property is protected in the face of natural disasters, and preparing ahead of time is the best way to do so. 

Flood barriers, properties that are elevated to protect from floods, and flood-protected landscaping are a few elements that can help keep your home safe in high-risk areas. Home defense systems, like external sprinklers and fire-resistant plants can help protect homes from wildfires. Prepare your home for the highest risks associated with your area—both for the long-term safety and value of your home, and your own peace of mind. 

5. Cozy Reading Nooks

There’s been a clear demand for home reading nooks within the past couple of years—it’s the perfect way to soak in the view from a large window or even transform a spare storage closet. Zillow has seen home listings with reading nooks rise nearly 50%, driven by a desire to have a cozy retreat tucked away within the home.

A reading nook should be a place to rest, relax, and hide away for a bit. Some reading nooks utilize a window bench with surrounding shelves to create a nook out of thin air (you can even add curtains for some extra privacy). Another option is to turn a small attic or stairway storage closet into a nook with blankets, plush cushions, and book-lined shelves. 

6. Personal Accents

Your home doesn’t have to be a blank slate to be move-in ready anymore. Zillow is seeing a rise in listings that mention terms like artisan craftsmanship and vintage accents. For the real estate platform, the term ‘whimsy’ is also catching on across many home listings.

Details that buyers might appreciate include things like custom cabinetry or shelving, handmade or hand-painted touches, reclaimed wood, and unique exterior architecture.