Get ready. Zillow is unveiling its data-driven predictions for the features and design elements poised to transform homes and dominate social media in 2024. From the raw appeal of brutalist design to the delicate artistry of Murano glass chandeliers, these emerging home trends highlight new post-pandemic pastimes. And a nostalgia for the design of decades past.
To discern these trends, Zillow looked at nearly 300 home features and design styles mentioned in for-sale listing descriptions, then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than a year ago.
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“When certain keywords appear in a rising share of listings, it’s a signal that today’s home buyers may be gravitating toward those features,” said Amanda Pendleton. She’s a Zillow’s home trends expert. “Real estate agents are uniquely attuned to subtle changes in what buyers want, and they often get a first look at the latest and greatest features going into newly built homes. Savvy listing agents will highlight those trending, in-demand features when marketing a home for sale.”
The share of listings mentioning a particular trend is be growing. However, the absolute percentage of listings that mention these features remains very low. That’s why Zillow included expert analysis along with changes in listing keyword frequency to identify the six home trends poised to make waves in the new year.
Popular Home Trends for 2024
Here are some of the most common and unique home trends that you might be seeing more of next year:
Brutalism
Characterized by raw, exposed materials, this mid-20th-century design style is primed to continue its controversial comeback in 2024. Zillow has seen a 452% increase in the share of for-sale listings mentioning brutalist design.
Brutalist-inspired features, such as blackened steel casement windows, raw concrete floors and jagged patinated bronze light fixtures. Things that read as modern, functional and sustainable. Those who aren’t quite ready to embrace this stark style can bring in accessories such as wrought iron candleholders and tarnished brass trays to give their home a subtle edge.
Sensory gardens or pathways
Sensory gardens have been surging in popularity on Zillow, with homeowners and home buyers prioritizing functional and beautiful outdoor space as a way to reconnect with nature. Listings mentioning sensory gardens or pathways are up 314% compared to last year.
Sensory gardens are designed to engage all five senses and are believed to have therapeutic benefits. They incorporate a variety of plants, textures, colors, scents, sounds and edible elements, such as herbs or produce.
Cool plunge pools
Move over, hot tubs. Cold plunge pools are the hottest wellness trend of 2024, touted by influencers as a way to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. The share of listings on Zillow that feature an at-home cold plunge pool is up 130% compared to last year.
Once an invigorating amenity reserved for spas and luxury listings, DIY-friendly cold plunge tubs are making this wellness practice accessible to almost anyone looking for a quick endorphin boost and adrenaline rush.
Pickleball courts
Game on! This fast-paced paddle sport is becoming a sought-after amenity in backyards and neighborhoods. In New York City, Zillow is seeing a 100% increase in the share of for-sale listings highlighting a home’s proximity pickleball courts. Nationwide, pickleball mentions are up 64% on Zillow compared to last year.
“Pickleball courts have become a great selling feature because they appeal to athletes of all ages,” said Joy Kim Metalios, a Zillow Premier Agent partner in Fairfield County, Connecticut. “I’ve seen homeowners converting their driveways into courts by using portable nets. Players with ultra-luxury homes are painting new pickleball lines on their sport courts or tennis courts. Since pickleball is such a social sport, an at-home court has become the latest entertaining feature, like an outdoor kitchen or a pizza oven.”
Murano glass chandeliers
Classic Murano glass chandeliers are the ultimate bespoke light fixture. These handcrafted pieces of art from the island of Murano in Italy are reemerging as a designer favorite. Especially as a way to channel the glamor of decades past. These intricate, quirky and often colorful fixtures are now being featured 58% more often in listings on Zillow.
Murals
Homeowners and home buyers are saying goodbye to bland in favor of personality-packed homes. Eclectic, maximalist interiors are increasingly featuring statement-making murals that dial up the drama in a living room, dining room or bedroom. Murals are showing up 18% more often in for-sale homes on Zillow, and they’re more accessible than ever. Wallpaper murals are now readily available and depict all types of scenes, from large-scale landscapes to modern botanicals.