Why Colorful Reading Nooks and Pickleball Courts Are 2026's Home Trends

What Do Homeowners Really Want? The Trends of 2026

As we edge closer to 2026, it's clear that homeowners are on the lookout for style, comfort, and a splash of personality in their living spaces, according to Zillow's latest home trends report. This year, the focus is shifting from sterile minimalism to vibrant, inviting environments that reflect individual stories and passions.

Color-Drenched Spaces: A Splash of Personality

One of the standout trends highlighted in the Zillow report is the dramatic increase in "color-drenching," where bold hues envelop walls, ceilings, and even furniture. Mentions of this design choice have surged by 149 percent in listings—it's a clear signal that homeowners are craving environments that feel more immersive and personal. As Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, puts it, “It’s a way for people to tell a story with their spaces and infuse personality back into the home.”

Cozy Corners and Reading Nooks: Embracing Slow Living

The rise of reading nooks is another significant development, with interest in these intimate spaces climbing by 48 percent. Nooks offer homeowners a chance to slow down and unwind, encouraging mindfulness in a fast-paced world. Pendleton explains, “The rise in reading nooks reflects a broader desire for slower moments and mindful design that supports rest, hobbies, or analog activities.” This trend is not just about creating a practical space for leisure reading; it symbolizes the need for an emotional refuge—a cozy corner that nurtures introspection and relaxation.

Fun and Functional: Multi-Dimensional Spaces

Homeowners are increasingly investing in features that blend fun with function. Golf simulators and pickleball courts are on the rise, showing a shift towards spaces that cater not just to aesthetics but also to wellness and recreation. Zillow reports that homes with golf simulators can sell for 1.4 percent more, while those featuring batting cages can see an increase of 1.7 percent in selling price. “Homes are evolving into multi-dimensional spaces that blend work, wellness, play, and self-expression,” Pendleton says, emphasizing how homeowners today are willing to pay more for such engaging features.

Transforming Homes into Personalized Sanctuaries

Overall, 2026 is poised to bring a more personalized touch to home design. Homeowners are moving away from cookie-cutter styles and embracing unique accents, like artisan craftsmanship (21 percent increase in mentions), vintage details (up 17 percent), and whimsical decor (up 15 percent). These elements combine to create homes that are not just shelters but also reflections of personal identity and individual tastes.

As we enter 2026, the emphasis in home design moves from mere functionality to embracing the joyful and the unique. Homeowners are eager to turn their houses into creative canvases of self-expression, inviting color, creativity, and comfort back into their lives.

Take Your Home to the Next Level!

If you're looking to infuse your personal touch into your home decor, why not start by implementing some of these exciting trends now? The future is colorful and cozy—let's make sure your home is ready for it!