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There are tons of reasons to take on a home improvement project. Maybe you want to boost your curb appeal or perhaps finally take care of that horrific paint job the previous owner left behind. Or there’s a possibility you’re looking to improve your chances on the listing market. It’s tough to keep up with what buyers are looking for. Lucky for all of us curious folk, Realtor.com released its annual dig into the hottest home trends, breaking down the fast-rising home features from the past year.
The 30 Fastest-Rising Home Features
- WaterSense Fixtures
- Biophilic/Indoor-Outdoor
- Coastal Modern
- Net-Zero Ready
- EV Charging
- Outdoor Low-Voltage Lighting
- Home Gym
- City Skyline Views
- Aged Metal Accents
- Built-In Coffee System
- Smart Lighting Scenes
- Zellige Tile
- Hardwired Ethernet/Cat6
- Two-tone Cabinetry
- Pickleball Court
- 220V Shop Outlets
- Tadelakt/Lime Plaster
- Gas Range with Griddle
- Soundproofing/Acoustic Panels
- Cold Plunge
- Solar + Battery Backup
- Fully Fenced Yard
- ERV/HRV Ventilation
- Motorized Shades
- Home Office/Zoom Room
- Maximalist Interiors
- Folding Station/Drying Rack
- Pickleball/Sport Court
- Custom Built-Ins
- Backlit Onyx/Stone
There are a bunch of surprises on the list—for example, WaterSense Fixtures (which can reduce water use by at least 20 percent) are at the very top with a 289.6 percent year-over-year increase in listing mentions. Ahead, we’re spotlighting some of the ideas from this bunch that we’re excited to see more of in 2026.
Indoor-Outdoor
Biophilic and indoor-outdoor additions are up 163 percent year-over-year. More people are leaning into interiors that flow seamlessly into the landscape just outside. One charming way to do this is with a Dutch door—we love how the one in this kitchen offers a peek at the chickens roaming in the backyard. We’re also really into accordion windows that unlock extra bar seating outside (the Cali space pictured above is a great example).
Aged Metal Accents
Up nearly 80 percent, brass and other unlacquered finishes are finding places within the home. (The popularity of deVOL hardware suddenly makes even more sense!) If you’re looking for inspiration, run right to this Philly kitchen which balances historic charm and modern functionality.
Tadelakt/Lime Plaster
There are plenty of ways to drop some texture into a room, but tadelakt is having a moment in bathrooms thanks to its waterproofing qualities. For designer Lizzie Green, the material was one way to avoid having a big glass door in this small London bathroom.
Maximalist Interiors
People are leaning into bright paint colors, statement lighting, and funky furniture silhouettes. The report showed that “maximalist interiors” are up nearly 55 percent year-over-year, and this English country home is a masterclass is how to get the look. Some of our favorite moments: checkerboard kitchen floors, chartreuse library shelves, and a yellow bathtub.
Built-in Coffee Systems
Chances are, your coffee ritual isn’t going away anytime soon, judging by the 72 percent boost in interest. The best way to honor that is with a more permanent machine. Psst: Miele has a nice selection of built-in coffee makers.
Custom Built-Ins
It’s not just coffee systems that are getting the VIP treatment. Custom built-ins are on the rise (up nearly 52 percent). Exhibit A: This home in Philadelphia is packed with storage, from a radiator cover-turned-window bench to an entryway set-up that holds winter gear and vinyl.