🏡 2026 Home Trends: What Buyers Want, What’s Fading, and What Actually Adds Value

As we move into 2026, home design isn’t swinging wildly in a new direction — it’s maturing.

After years of hyper-minimal gray interiors, pandemic-driven home offices, and fast cosmetic flips, the housing market is settling into something more intentional. National data from Zillow, Houzz, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) suggests that homeowners and buyers alike are prioritizing warmth, personalization, and long-term livability over short-lived design statements.

Here’s what the research — and the market — are telling us about the year ahead.

🎨 Color Is Back — But It’s Strategic

After nearly a decade of white and gray dominance, immersive color is returning in a meaningful way.

According to Zillow’s most recent home trends reporting, mentions of “color drenching” — where walls, trim, and ceilings are painted in the same hue — have risen dramatically in listing descriptions. Buyers are responding to deeper tones that create atmosphere and character rather than blank-canvas neutrality.

Meanwhile, major paint manufacturers have forecast 2026 palettes centered on:

• Earthy greens and jade-blues (notably highlighted by Behr’s 2026 color outlook)

• Warm neutrals like Sherwin-Williams’ khaki-inspired tones

• Clay, terracotta, and muted ochres

  
  

These aren’t loud colors. They’re grounding colors.

And that distinction matters.

Homes that feel warm and cohesive photograph better and create stronger emotional connection — a factor that consistently influences buyer behavior.

🌳 Natural Materials Are Replacing Painted Perfection

Houzz’s 2026 design forecasts emphasize authenticity — especially in materials.

White shaker cabinets defined the 2015–2023 era. In 2026, we’re seeing a pivot toward:

• White oak cabinetry

• Walnut finishes

• Textured millwork

• Natural stone with subtle veining

  
  

Buyers are gravitating toward finishes that feel substantial and long-lasting rather than painted surfaces that can chip, yellow, or date quickly.

There’s a psychological shift happening here: durability feels safer. And in a market where affordability is top of mind, buyers are looking closely at quality.

🛠 Remodeling Momentum Continues

The National Association of Home Builders projects continued remodeling growth heading into 2026, with kitchen and bathroom renovations leading demand. The reason is partly financial.

Many homeowners remain “rate-locked” into historically low mortgages from prior years. Instead of moving, they’re investing in improving the homes they already own.

As a result, we’re seeing:

• Basement conversions

• Kitchen refreshes (not full luxury tear-outs, but strategic upgrades)

• Layout reconfigurations

• Aging-in-place modifications

  
  

The emphasis is not extravagance — it’s practicality.

Smarter spaces. Better function. More flexibility.

🧘 Wellness Is Becoming Embedded in Design

Zillow’s housing data shows increasing mentions of wellness-oriented features in listings — including spa-style bathrooms, cozy reading nooks, and dedicated fitness areas.

Buyers aren’t necessarily demanding luxury spas in every home.

But they are responding to:

• Soaking tubs

• Quiet retreat spaces

• Home gyms

• Small infrared saunas

• Thoughtful lighting design

  
  

The broader theme is restoration. Homes are being designed to feel calming, not clinical.

⚡ Efficiency Is No Longer a Bonus Feature

Energy-conscious upgrades are moving from “nice-to-have” to expected.

Zillow has reported rising listing mentions of EV chargers, energy-efficient systems, and climate-resilient features.

Nationally, buyers are showing stronger interest in:

• Heat pumps

• Induction cooktops

• Solar considerations

• Improved insulation and windows

  
  

In markets with real heating costs — like here in New England — operational efficiency impacts perceived value. Lower utility costs can directly affect monthly affordability, which in turn influences offers.

🏗 Layouts Are Getting Smarter — Not Just Bigger

The era of maximizing open space at all costs is softening.

Design commentary from Houzz and Zillow indicates a subtle but meaningful return to:

• Defined dining rooms

• Flexible offices

• Partial separations within open layouts

• Better storage integration

  
  

Open concept isn’t disappearing.

But buyers are rediscovering the comfort of boundaries.

Defined spaces create functionality — and functionality sells.

💰 What Continues to Deliver ROI

While trend cycles come and go, remodeling data consistently shows strong returns on:

• Garage door replacement

• Entry door upgrades

• Minor kitchen remodels

• Deck additions

• Manufactured stone veneer accents

  
  

High-end over-customization, on the other hand, often delivers diminishing returns — especially if it narrows buyer appeal.

The takeaway is simple: thoughtful improvements outperform flashy ones.

📉 What’s Losing Momentum

Several design elements are cooling off:

• Ultra-gray interiors

• Cold, hyper-modern aesthetics

• Gloss-heavy industrial looks

• Cosmetic “flip-style” updates lacking substance

  
  

Buyers are becoming more discerning. Surface-level finishes without deeper quality improvements are easier to spot — and harder to justify at today’s price points.

The Unifying Theme for 2026: Intentional Comfort

Across data sources — Zillow trend reporting, Houzz forecasts, and NAHB remodeling projections — the through-line is clear.

Homes in 2026 are becoming:

• Warmer

• More personalized

• More efficient

• More adaptable

It’s less about dramatic design swings and more about emotional resonance and long-term livability.

And that shift is healthy. Because trends fade.

But comfort, quality, and functionality continue to drive value.