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Five design trends that will dominate 2025, according to Zillow 

Whole-home batteries, cozy living and home libraries are emerging trends, according to Zillow data.

Zillow
December 4, 2024
3 mins

Key points:

  • Real estate agents are uniquely attuned to what buyers want, and savvy agents should highlight sought-after features when marketing a home.
  • Affordability and sustainability are top of mind for buyers, with cozy living spaces, sustainable amenities and climate-resilient attributes being the most sought-after features.
  • Vintage design elements that add a nostalgic touch are a growing trend, as are luxurious wet rooms drawing inspiration from high-end spas.

While each client has unique taste when it comes to their dream home, Zillow's annual home trends predictions examined hundreds of listings, giving you data-driven insights into what matters most to home shoppers when considering different properties. We identified five emerging trends by looking at hundreds of home features and design styles mentioned in millions of for-sale listings in 2024, then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than they did a year ago.

Where did we land? With a blend of technology and old-world charm, home shoppers want inviting, sustainable, and resilient living spaces. The rising popularity of energy-efficient and climate-resilient home features reflects most homeowners' goal of living more sustainably and reducing expenses, including insurance costs. At the same time, a home is not just a checklist of practical features – it's a feeling. Homeowners and buyers today are looking to the past to create a sense of warmth, character and comfort, even in the most high-tech environments.

What does that look like in practice? Check out the list below. 

Key trends reshaping 2025 home design:

1. Electric features

Homebuyers are prioritizing environmentally friendly features, with a notable surge in mentions of whole-home batteries and solar panels on listings. Mentions of whole-home batteries have surged by 62% since last year, the fastest-growing feature in this year's analysis. Solar panels are appearing 18% more often in for-sale listings on Zillow, as are the terms "sustainable" and "green." 

Additionally, the rise of electric vehicle chargers and induction cooktops signifies a growing demand for environmentally conscious amenities. Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are appearing in 34% more for-sale listings on Zillow today than a year ago.

2. Cozy living spaces

The term "cozy" is no longer a negative real estate euphemism — it's a sought-after design trait. Embracing smaller, functional spaces, buyers are moving away from expansive layouts toward intimate, purposeful rooms that exude warmth and comfort. Listings mentioning "cozy" have increased by 35% compared to last year.

3. Nostalgic revival

In 2025, expect a resurgence of old-world charm, with vintage patterns, antique furnishings, and home libraries making a notable comeback. The Victorian-era scullery and nostalgic decor elements play a significant role in adding character and historical flair to modern homes.

Nostalgia is a growing trend, appearing in 14% more listings than in 2023, while "vintage" mentions are up by 9%. Additionally, bibliophilic decor and home libraries are on the rise, showing up 22% more frequently in listings on Zillow.

4. Climate resilience

In light of increasing climate-related challenges, homeowners are prioritizing features that offer protection and sustainability. Zillow research finds that 86% of recent home buyers say it's very important that a home have at least one climate-resilient feature. The share of for-sale listings on Zillow that mention flood barriers is up 22% compared to last year, seismic retrofitting is up 20%, and references to water catchment systems are up 19%.

5. Spa-inspired wet rooms

Luxurious wet rooms, inspired by high-end spas, are elevating bathroom design with a focus on relaxation and wellness. The integration of wellness features in homes underscores a growing emphasis on physical and mental well-being in residential design. Wet rooms are being featured 19% more often in listings on Zillow. 

Learn more about the emerging trends here


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