Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Hit List

Zillow just dropped a fresh batch of predictions for 2026, and let’s just say the beige era is over. From color drenched rooms to private reading nooks and personal golf simulators, next year’s homes are louder, smarter, & deeply personal. You can check out Zillow’s full story here, but here’s our fast take on what’s coming your way.

Quick Points

• Bold paint everywhere, even ceilings

• Cozy nooks back in style

• Green energy finally mainstream

• Homes built for resilience

• Fun & wellness take center stage

Color & Design Goes All In

The minimalist look? Done. Zillow’s data shows “color drenching,” coating walls, ceilings, trim, & furniture in one strong hue, jumped 149% in mentions. Big colors, moody rooms, and rich tones are taking over.

• Bold paint replaces off white

• Gray gives way to expressive hues

• Interiors go personality first

• Texture & depth drive the look

People want their homes to feel alive again. Expect deep greens, smoky plums, & layered blues wrapping entire rooms for that cocoon vibe, full immersion, zero restraint.

Also Read: The Post-Pandemic Casita & Guest House Trend Explained

2026 Home Trends Highlight Color, Wellness, And Personal Style

Reading Nooks Get Their Moment

Reading corners are back, but this time they’re tucked, hidden, & private. Mentions are up 48%, often showing up under stairs or behind secret doors. It’s less décor trend, more statement of intent: peace required.

• Under stair hideaways trending

• Soft lighting replaces overheads

• Built ins boost visual warmth

The link between bookshelves & self care is clear. In a world of constant buzz, these nooks offer quiet that feels almost rare.

greater phoenix city shot

Sustainability Becomes the Norm

“Green” is no longer a luxury word. It’s the new baseline. Zillow reports massive jumps in zero energy ready homes (up 70%), home batteries (up 40%), and EV setups (up 25%).

• Solar prepped builds everywhere

• Battery backups growing fast

• Energy use tracked in real time

• EV charging standard in garages

Eco conscious features aren’t add ons anymore, they’re part of the pitch. Buyers expect them, and sellers are keeping up.

Home Protection On The Rise

The new frontier of peace of mind isn’t alarm systems, it’s resilience. Flood protection mentions are up 64%, while fire safe landscaping & elevated builds also climbed sharply.

• Raised foundations trending

• Defensible space gaining ground

• Built in fire systems expanding

Buyers now want homes that stand their ground. From desert heat to storm zones, durability sells.

Also Read: Scottsdale Joins 2023 LEED For Cities Leadership Program

Decorative wrought-iron gate opening to a small courtyard with greenery, stone accents, and patio seating area.

Wellness Takes Over The Floorplan

Wellness isn’t a buzzword anymore, it’s a design goal. Mentions jumped 33%, with spa like baths & natural materials leading the charge. But some high maintenance luxury items are fading fast.

• “Spa inspired” bathrooms up 22%

• Juice stations trending down

• Marble sinks losing appeal

More homeowners want rooms that recharge them. Spaces now serve function & feeling, simple, soft, & human.

Personalization Rules The House

Forget cookie cutter layouts. 2026 will be all about self expression, with golf simulators, pickleball courts, & even batting cages climbing fast. Mentions of “man caves” fell, replaced by creative, whimsical design details.

• Craftsmanship mentions up 21%

• Vintage finishes up 17%

• Whimsy up 15%

• Home rec spaces expanding

Every home tells a story now. Zillow’s data says buyers crave personality over perfection, and the stats prove it.

Homes in 2026 will look less like showrooms & more like reflections. Color, comfort, care, & creativity all lead the charge. And as The Valley keeps shaping design trends, it’s clear that “home” means something personal again.

Also Read: Exploring Golf’s Influence On Scottsdale, Arizona Property Values