Do you love to set trends rather than chase them? You can get ahead of the curve on the hottest new home design trends by checking out our predictions of which features and design elements will be trending in 2024.
We looked at nearly 300 home features and design styles mentioned in for-sale listing descriptions on Zillow and then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than they did a year ago. From post-pandemic pastimes to nostalgic designs from decades past, Zillow has identified the emerging trends of 2024:
1. Brutalism
The raw and exposed beauty of mid-20th-century design’s controversial brutalist aesthetic is set to make a daring comeback in 2024. Zillow has witnessed an astounding 452% surge in the number of for-sale listings mentioning brutalist design. Characterized by design elements such as blackened steel casement windows, raw concrete floors and striking patinated bronze light fixtures, this style exudes a modern, functional and sustainable appeal. For those seeking a gentler introduction, accessories like wrought iron candleholders and tarnished brass trays can add a subtle touch of edginess to any space.
2. Sensory gardens or pathways
Mentions of sensory gardens or pathways have skyrocketed by an impressive 314% in for-sale listings on Zillow. Offering a delightful way to connect with nature, these gardens are thoughtfully designed to engage all five senses. With a mix of plants, textures, colors, scents, sounds and even edible elements, sensory gardens are captivating the hearts of homeowners and home buyers.
3. Cold plunge pools
Say goodbye to hot tubs and make way for the hottest wellness trend of 2024: cold plunge pools. Embraced by influencers as a means to enhance circulation, reduce inflammation and boost endorphins, the presence of at-home cold plunge pools on listings has surged by 130% compared to last year. Once a luxurious amenity reserved for spas and high-end properties, cold plunge tubs are now more affordable and even a potential project for do-it-yourselfers, making this invigorating wellness practice accessible to almost anyone.
4. Pickleball courts
Game on! This fast-paced paddle sport is becoming a sought-after amenity in backyards and neighborhoods. In New York City, StreetEasy is seeing a 100% increase in the share of for-sale listings highlighting a home’s proximity to public or private pickleball courts. Nationwide, pickleball references 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,” says 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.”
5. Murano glass chandeliers
These colorful glass light fixtures, handcrafted on the Italian island of Murano, are now reemerging as a designer favorite. With a 58% increase in for-sale listings featuring these intricate, quirky and colorful pieces, now is the perfect time to embrace the allure of Murano glass chandeliers.
6. Murals
Homeowners and home buyers are saying goodbye to bland and hello to 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 are more accessible than ever, with wallpaper murals now widely available and depicting all types of scenes, from large-scale landscapes to modern botanicals.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for these three home trends that may be heading out of style:
OUT: Shou sugi ban
Shou sugi ban is a traditional Japanese wood preservation technique that involves charring the wood’s surface to create a blackened, weathered finish. This type of burnt-wood cladding became a mainstay of modern farmhouse design, creating a visually striking contrast against white shiplap siding.
But like shiplap, barn doors and other farmhouse fads, shou sugi ban planks may be heading out to pasture, too. There are 69% fewer for-sale listings featuring this design element on Zillow compared to last year.
OUT: The “cloffice”
The pandemic sparked many trends — some lasting (more athleisure, please!), and others short-lived (bye-bye, bread baking). The “cloffice” appears to be among the latter. This office space created out of a closet was a trend that grew out of necessity as remote workers living in tight quarters became desperate for a quiet place to take Zoom meetings. While some talented do-it-yourselfers were able to create beautiful, well-designed workspaces, others discovered that spending their workday in a closet was less than inspiring. Because of those underwhelming experiences, together with the return-to-office movement, the “cloffice” is now appearing in 54% fewer Zillow listings. Zoom rooms are also down, by 41%, and office sheds are highlighted 31% less frequently in listing descriptions.
OUT: Tuscan kitchen
Wanderlust and pop culture sensations (ahem, “The White Lotus”) sparked a wave of destination design during the pandemic. Spaces inspired by past or aspirational travels began trending as homeowners were hunkered down at home. Now that homeowners can set off on global adventures again, they may no longer be seeking Mediterranean villa vibes at home. Mentions of Tuscan kitchens are down 45% from a year ago, while all things Parisian are down 26%.