We’re all about a good upgrade that’ll make time hanging out at home more fun and relaxing. (Hello, fancy backyards!) But every homeowner (especially those who might be looking to sell in the not-so-distant future) is also thinking about what’s going to boost their home value and make it more attractive on the real estate market.
Fortunately, Zillow’s latest trend report just arrived—and their experts parsed through millions of real estate listings to see what people tout when they place their home on the market. And this may just be the perfect window into what we value right now in our homes. “Listing descriptions are short, so every word counts,” says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “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.”
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t put your money or your time into creating something buyers may (or may not) want—rather than what will bring you joy. (If you’re not a big bath person, no need to spring for that massive whirlpool tub for a spa bathroom!) But you may just find the perfect home design idea that’ll work for your space, your budget, and your enjoyment as we head into 2026.
1 – Color-Drenched Spaces
If you’re planning to keep things neutral in your home to impress a future buyer, think again. Color drenching is becoming a major selling point, with mentions of this design trend up 149% over last year. In fact, earlier this year, Zillow found that moody hues like olive green and dark blues were more in demand than the light and bright colors—and could even boost your home’s sale price.
2 – Cozy Reading Nooks
Reading nook shout-outs have appeared in 48% more listings than last year. (Because what reader doesn’t want a perfectly designed space to curl up with a good book?) And fortunately for the more budget-conscious among us, this is an easy add to make: All you need is a comfy chair and side table in an out-of-the-way corner and voila! You’ve got this beloved home trend covered.
3 – Sports Courts
If you have the space and the passion, creating a dedicated area for a playful hobby—like a pickleball court, a batting cage, or a golf simulator—will definitely make your home more fun (and more likely to sell).
Fun fact: While mentions of these cool features are up, a previous fan favorite—the man cave—is showing signs of age, as it’s appearing in 10% fewer listings.
4 – Home Protection Features
Is protecting your home ever not in vogue? But with natural disasters on the rise, home buyers now pay more attention to how a potential property might fare in the most common climate-related issues—and there are more mentions of protection and prevention features in listings. Mentions of flood protection features are up 64% in listings, and a home’s elevation is mentioned in 26% more listings. Wildfire protections like defensible space landscaping and fire protection systems are also seeing increasing buzz.
5 – Self-Care Sanctuaries
Everyone’s looking to find a little more R&R at home, and that’s evident in the types of features that are highlighted in Zillow listings. There’s been a 33% increase in mentions of wellness features (saunas, plunge pools, and yoga spaces are likely in the mix here), while spa-like bathrooms are up 22% in Zillow listings.
6 – Sustainability Features
People are seeking out more energy-saving and eco-friendly features in their homes—and that’s been reflected in how some houses are marketed. Mentions of electric vehicle charging stations are up 21%, whole-home batteries are up 40%, and zero-energy-ready homes have increased by 70%.
7 – Clever, Customized Details
We’ve all been spending a lot of time on DesignTok, and it shows. Cookie-cutter, builder-grade homes are out, and people are seeking out homes that have character. Phrases like artisan craftsmanship (up 21%), vintage accents (up 17%), and a touch of whimsy (up 15%) are popping up in listings—which is an indication that you should feel free to use your favorite funky tile or wallpaper to create your happy space.
Visit Real Simple for more inspiration.
Whether you’d like details on a home, are thinking about selling, or just have questions about the market, we’d love to hear from you! Start the conversation here.
