Zillow reveals 2026 homebuyer design trends

Homebuyers Embrace Vibrant Design and Resilience

According to Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report, homebuyers are increasingly drawn to vibrant design choices that prioritize resilience and functionality.

The trend of “color drenching,” which involves painting walls, ceilings, and trim in bold hues, has seen a 149% surge in listing descriptions. This shift away from neutral palettes reflects a desire for personalized spaces with artisan craftsmanship and vintage accents.

Not only are aesthetics important, but there is also a growing focus on practical features. Flood protection mentions have increased by 64%, while fire safety features like defensible landscaping have risen by 36%, showcasing concerns about climate-related disasters.

Sustainability features are now mainstream selling points, with zero-energy-ready homes up by 70%, whole-home batteries by 40%, and EV charging stations by 25%.

Wellness and Personalization Take Center Stage

Homeowners are prioritizing wellness and relaxation, with reading nooks up by 48% and spa-like bathrooms up by 22%. Active living amenities, such as golf simulators and pickleball courts, have also seen a 25% increase, while traditional man caves have declined by 10%.

While some trends are on the decline, such as juice stations dropping by 19% and marble sinks falling by 15%, practical features are preferred over aspirational luxuries by buyers.

Kerron Stokes, owner of REMAX Leaders, challenges Zillow’s luxury-focused trends, emphasizing that buyers prioritize practical, affordable design choices over extravagant features.

Stokes highlights the following emerging trends:

• Warm, Natural Palettes: Beige and earth tones are making a comeback, moving away from stark neutrals.
• Organic Materials: Stone, wood, and raw metals add texture and warmth to minimalist spaces.
• Flexible Living: Reading nooks and open entertainment areas support both unplugging and hosting.
• Outdoor Versatility: Multi-purpose outdoor spaces are valued for entertaining, dining, and relaxing.

Stokes emphasizes that real-world buyers focus on attainable upgrades that balance aesthetics with everyday functionality and budget considerations.

Don Carpenter, Oakwood Homes vice president of product development, agrees with Stokes that buyers seek flexible, customizable spaces.

“Oakwood Homes understands that today’s buyers want homes that can flex to meet how their family lives. That’s why we design many of our floorplans to include customizable spaces, allowing homeowners to incorporate their desired style and functionality,” Carpenter said.

Adaptable Spaces and Functional Amenities

Oakwood Homes focuses on three types of adaptable areas:

• Flex Space: Convert existing rooms into reading nooks, wellness corners, or activity areas.
• Smart Space: Customize upper-level square footage for home offices, hobby hubs, or playrooms.
• Bonus Room: Transform traditional rooms into man caves, in-law suites, or craft spaces.

Functional amenities offered by Oakwood Homes include gourmet kitchens, low-maintenance yards, spa-like bathrooms, and high ceilings, catering to the needs of modern homebuyers.

Ryan Delp, Oakwood Homes Denver market president, emphasized the importance of personalization for new homebuyers.

“Today’s buyers want homes that align with how they live, which is why we give our buyers options, like flex spaces and design upgrades, so they can tailor their new home,” Delp said.

The news and editorial staffs of JS had no role in this post’s preparation.