These 5 Home Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026, According to Realtor.com

From biophilic design to energy-efficient features, some of the biggest home design trends of 2025 will carry over into 2026 as homeowners try to future-proof their spaces.

Based on a new analysis of millions of listings on Realtor.com, homeowners are rethinking how their spaces use power, water, and natural light, with efficiency, sustainability, and nature-inspired design on the rise. More opulent or space-consuming features, such as wine vaults and three-car garages, are losing ground.

The report draws on data from active for-sale listings on Realtor.com from 2024 and 2025 (comparing January through September 2024 to January through September 2025). It measures how frequently specific home features appeared in property descriptions to help identify emerging and declining trends. Here are the five fastest-rising trends in home design, according to the real estate marketplace's findings.

WaterSense Fixtures

According to the analysis, WaterSense Fixtures—which reduce water use by at least 20 percent—topped the list of hot home trends, with an almost 300 percent year-over-year increase in mentions within listing descriptions. Homes featuring this certification carried a median listing price of about $628,000, underscoring their appeal in mid- to upper-tier markets.

WaterSense-labeled products are backed by independent, third–party certification and meet the Environmental Protection Agency's specifications for water efficiency and performance.

"We’re seeing homeowners prioritize features that make their properties more efficient, resilient, and self-sustaining," Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement. "Buyers increasingly view eco-friendly upgrades as both a lifestyle choice and a smart financial investment—especially as energy costs and climate concerns become part of everyday decision-making."

Net-Zero Ready Homes

Similarly, Net-Zero Ready homes, which are designed to be extremely energy-efficient with features such as superior insulation, energy-efficient windows and appliances, and a roof prepped for solar panels, saw a 198 percent increase, according to Realtor.com.

Don't Miss

5 Kitchen Trends That Will Make a Splash in 2026, According to Interior Designers

8 Home Décor Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2026, According to Interior Designers

Biophilic Design

According to Realtor.com, the second fastest-growing feature in 2025 was biophilic design, which increased by 163 percent year-over-year. Expansive glass doors, interior courtyards, and living walls—architectural elements that dissolve boundaries between indoors and outdoors—popped up in many listings. The trend reflects a growing desire to bring natural light, plants, and organic materials into living spaces. The median list price for homes with these features was $859,000, per Realtor.com.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Technology also remains a key part of home evolution. Features like built-in coffee systems, smart lighting, and hardwired Ethernet ranked among the top 15 fastest-growing trends. Reliable connectivity and automation are now as big a selling point as square footage, Realtor.com found.

In particular, electric vehicle charging features jumped 175 percent, reflecting consumer interest in reducing utility costs and preparing for an all-electric future. "A decade ago, buyers might have asked about open floor plans or granite counters," Smith said. "Today, they’re looking for EV chargers, high-speed wiring, and homes that can adapt. The definition of what makes a home modern has completely evolved."

Coastal Modern

As for aesthetics, homeowners are looking for a coastal modern vibe. Think soft, sun-washed neutrals, low-maintenance landscaping, oversized windows, and more indoor-outdoor living spaces.