Press release
Zillow's 2026 home trends: Color-drenched, whimsical and resilient
Dramatic color, reading nooks and future-ready features lead the way Bold design is back: Mentions of color drenching are up 149% in Zillow listings.
About this update from Zillow Group, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n Dramatic color, reading nooks and future-ready features lead the way\n \n \n \n Bold design is back: Mentions of color drenching are up 149% in Zillow listings. Artisan, vintage and whimsical styles are making waves.\n \n Disaster-ready homes: Flood and wildfire protection are being mentioned more often in listings, along with energy-efficient and eco-friendly features. \n \n Spaces that truly live: Cozy reading nooks, spa-like bathrooms and golf simulators are on the rise. \n \n \n SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What will our homes look like in 2026? Zillow's Home Trends Report predicts bold, color-drenched rooms, cozy reading nooks, and fun features like pickleball courts and golf simulators will define design in the new year. Drawing from millions of for-sale listings on Zillow®, this research reveals which features are appearing more often — and which trends are on their way out — offering a peek into how Americans want to live, relax and future-proof their homes.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \"Real estate agents have a front-row seat to what today's buyers want most, and that's reflected in the way they describe homes online,\" said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert. \"Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts. 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.\"\n \n Color-drenched drama\n \n One of the boldest trends of the new year is expected to be color drenching, where a single hue coats walls, ceilings, trim, floors and even furniture. Mentions of this design choice jumped 149% year over year, showing buyers' appetite for spaces that feel immersive, dramatic and cohesive. This trend echoes Zillow's latest paint color analysis, which finds neutral palettes are giving way to vibrant statement shades that transform entire rooms into mood-driven escapes.\n \n Cozy reading nooks\n \n More buyers are craving quiet corners for themselves, where they can put down the phone and recharge. Reading nooks are appearing 48% more often in Zillow listings. Whether tucked under a staircase, nestled beside a window or carved out of a larger room, these intimate spaces reflect the gro...