The next big home-design features
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Get ready for more at-home wellness perks, nostalgic design nods and eco-friendly upgrades, according to industry pros.
Why it matters: These trends indicate what American homes may look like in 2026.
State of play: "Wellness features" are now being mentioned 33% more often in Zillow listings compared to a year ago, per the real estate site's 2026 Home Trends Report.
- Mentions of spa-inspired bathrooms are up 22%.
Meanwhile, "traditional" and Art Deco styles are back — part of a bigger retro revival, according to Houzz, a design and remodeling site.
- Think: Curves, arches and scalloped edges throughout the home, detailed woodwork, and earth tones reminiscent of the English countryside and modern Tudors.
- Plus, opulent marble and mirrored surfaces, metallic accents and jewel tones inspired by the 1920s and 1930s.
- Behr, Valspar and Sherwin-Williams already announced their picks for the next big paint colors, a mix that includes '70s sunbaked hues and calming blues and greens.
Sustainability is also in demand.
- Mentions jumped on Zillow for certain energy-efficient homes (+70%), whole-home batteries (+40%) and EV charging (+25%), suggesting buyers want "eco-conscious living options that save them money and reduce their environmental impact," per the report.
What we're watching: Buyer favorites like home offices, fully fenced yards and walk-out basements remain hot, according to Realtor.com's analysis of this year's top home trends.
- But formal dining rooms with built-ins, infinity pools and three-car garages may be on their way out, the researchers found.
