See the next wave of interior design trends in action.
We know we’re biased, but there are few things we love more than finding home design marvels on Zillow (and we’re not alone). Sure, not every home can claim a moat or a ’50s style diner as an amenity, but we have noticed a number of features arguably just as cool (if not more practical) that have been rising in popularity.
Our research team analyzed more than 300 design styles and home feature keywords mentioned in for-sale listing descriptions, then identified which of them were showing up far more frequently compared to a year ago. Combined with expert analysis, Zillow picked six big trends we’re expecting you’ll see a lot more of in 2024, and we rounded up some of our favorite listings that show them off.
Read on to know what to look out for, and you’ll be a pro at spotting these trends next time you’re casually browsing for your dream home.
Brutalism
Not quite the stark monoliths of the 1950s, but most definitely stripped down to the raw form, brutalist interiors seem to be having a moment again. The share of for-sale listings on Zillow that mentioned Brutalist design more than quadrupled this year, bringing the style’s rough surfaces and utilitarian feel further into the foreground for prospective home buyers. Before you back away in favor of a cozy, velvety look, know that this modern version of Brutalism dials back the cold and gloomy characteristics of its heyday. In its place is a softer, more organic design style that mixes concrete with materials like wood, iron and brass, along with plants.
See it in action in this “Garden House” in Providence, RI, built in 1974, staged with minimalist, yet warm white tones. An indoor waterfall peppered with lush greenery takes the edge off an otherwise simple geometric stairway.
Sensory gardens
Sensory gardens are designed to engage the five senses and help you connect with nature, and they’re believed to have therapeutic benefits. Examples of things you might find in a sensory garden include plants that emit calming scents, like lavender, edible flowers, a trickling stream, and flowers with stimulating colors and soft textures. Homeowners and buyers are increasingly prioritizing functional and beautiful outdoor space as a way to connect with nature without needing to go too far. The proof is in the numbers: Listings on Zillow that mention sensory gardens or pathways are up 314% compared to last year.
Take this home in Venice, California, for example. Co-designed by rosarians (rose cultivators) known for transforming the Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, this peaceful-looking garden has more than 25 different varieties of roses, according to the listing. Also in the garden is an aromatic eucalyptus tree, along with lemon, lime and tangelos trees, that can all be enjoyed from a seat in the hot tub.
This home listing in Burlington, Wisconsin, claims a “peaceful 1.37 acre garden sanctuary” decades in the making as part of its appeal. According to the listing, the acreage includes fragrance and butterfly gardens, fruit trees, a spread of dogwoods in multiple colors and a path that guides people through all of the lush greenery.
Cold plunge pools
Step aside, hot tubs. Cold plunge pools are all the rage these days, and they come with benefits, allegedly reducing inflammation and improving circulation. The wellness feature has been sweeping social media in 2023, and apparently hasn’t gone unnoticed by listing agents looking to entice buyers. The share of listings on Zillow that feature an at-home cold plunge pool is up 130% compared to last year.
While cold plunge pools can be DIYed in your backyard for a few hundred dollars or less, we’ve gathered some more high-end examples for inspiration. This modern California home boasts a cold plunge tub as part of their spa gym, complete with a sauna and outdoor heated pool. The same pool features in a different listing, this time a waterfront property in Miami (below), where you’ll also have the option to dip in a heated pool and jacuzzi.
Pickleball courts
Pickleball was undoubtedly the unofficial sport of the year in 2023, so it’s no surprise that 2024 will be a year filled with pickleball hype too. With the rise in the sport’s popularity, potential homeowners are looking for pickleball courts as an amenity in neighborhoods or in home listings. In New York City alone, StreetEasy saw a 100% increase in the share of for-sale listings that highlight a home’s proximity to a public or private pickleball court. Across the country, pickleball mentions on Zillow are up 64% compared to last year.
This condo in New York City’s Upper West Side lists pickleball courts among its numerous outdoor amenities, including basketball and a park with picnic tables.
You don’t have to go far to play pickleball if you live in this home in Brentwood, Tennessee. While many listings that mention pickleball are referring to a nearby park or recreation center, this court is set up firmly in the driveway.
Murano glass chandeliers
Maximalism is making a comeback for some potential homebuyers who are looking to spice things up and add personality to their décor choices. That’s where Murano glass chandeliers — named as such because they’re handcrafted on the island of Murano, Italy — come in. The quirky and intricate fixtures, which date back to the 1700s, are now being featured 58% more often in listings on Zillow.
This Los Angeles, California, home — which has 12 beds and 17 baths, by the way — has a Murano glass chandelier in the private wine cellar.
This listing highlights a Murano glass chandelier in the dining room, complementing the wildly unique ceiling molding that is a design statement in and of itself.
Murals
Hand-painted murals are another big way homeowners are dialing up the personality in their maximalist homes. For-sale listings that mention murals are showing up 18% more often on Zillow, speaking to buyers eager to make a statement. Want to get the mural look in your home without needing to invest in more permanent and time-consuming paint? Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper instead (which can also be renter-friendly!).
Murals in the wild: The bathroom in this Huntsville, Alabama, home features a delicately hand-painted mural of acorn trees and birds. Alongside a golden mirror and brass detailing on the sink, the mural is unique and personalized for this home. If you peek into the mirror, you’ll see it even reaches the ceiling.
The hand-painted mural is a major focal point when you enter this home in Covington, Louisiana. The one-of-a-kind artwork is impossible to miss, as it wraps around the entry to the home and both beneath and alongside the entryway staircase.
Looking for more interior design inspiration? Check out these cozy retro trends making a comeback.