Homebuyers are embracing vibrant design and resilience in equal measure, according to Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report.
“Color drenching” — painting walls, ceilings, and trim in the same bold hue — has surged 149% in listing descriptions, signaling a dramatic shift away from neutral palettes. Buyers increasingly want personalized spaces featuring artisan craftsmanship and vintage accents.
But aesthetics aren’t the only priority. Flood protection mentions jumped 64%, while fire safety features like defensible landscaping rose 36%, reflecting growing concern about climate-related disasters.
Sustainability features are now mainstream selling points in listings. Zero-energy-ready homes increased by 70%, whole-home batteries by 40%, and EV charging stations by 25%.
Wellness also takes center stage, with reading nooks up 48% and spa-like bathrooms up 22% as homeowners create dedicated relaxation spaces. Active living amenities, such as golf simulators and pickleball courts, each rose by 25%, while traditional man caves declined by 10%.
Not everything is trending upward. Juice stations dropped 19%, and marble sinks fell 15%, suggesting buyers prefer practical features over aspirational luxuries.
Kerron Stokes, owner of REMAX Leaders, challenges Zillow’s luxury-focused trends, arguing that most buyers prioritize practical, affordable design choices over features like pickleball courts and golf simulators.
“Reading nooks and open entertainment areas are coming back as more people balance unplugging from office life again, while also opening their homes to friends and family for connection,” Stokes said.
He also said he sees the following trends:
- Warm, natural palettes: Beige and earth tones are returning, 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: Colorado buyers especially value multi-purpose outdoor spaces for entertaining, dining, and relaxing
Stokes emphasizes that while Zillow highlights aspirational features, real-world buyers focus on attainable upgrades that balance aesthetics with everyday functionality and budget considerations.
“Creating the perfect space to watch a game, relax with a glass of wine, or cook s’mores or enjoy a whiskey around the fire. The versatility of outdoor living still ranks high for remodels and for attracting high-value buyers.”
Don Carpenter, Oakwood Homes vice president of product development, agreed with Stokes that buyers want flexible, customizable spaces.
“Oakwood Homes understands that today’s buyers are looking for 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.”
Oakwood 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
Oakwood also incorporates functional amenities, including gourmet kitchens with soft-close cabinetry, eat-in islands, low-maintenance yards, oversized garages, spa-like bathrooms, spacious primary suites, and high ceilings.
Ryan Delp, Oakwood Homes Denver market president, said personalization is vital to new homebuyers.
“Today’s buyers want homes that align with how they live, which is why give our buyers options, like flex spaces and design upgrades, so they can tailor their new home.”
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.
