Zillow May Miss on Home Values, But Let’s See How They Do on Home Trends
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
We’ve all had a good laugh (or a mild heart attack) looking at a home’s Zestimate on Zillow. Sometimes it’s spot-on, and other times… well, let’s just say it’s optimistic. But when it comes to identifying home design and lifestyle trends, Zillow’s research is often worth watching. Their latest report on the Top Home Trends for 2026 offers a revealing snapshot of what buyers are craving - and it’s fascinating to see how much of it aligns with what’s happening right here in Naples.
Let’s dig into what they’re predicting, and I’ll share how these national trends translate to the Southwest Florida market - because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that Naples always puts its own elegant twist on everything and we aren't afraid to ignore a few trends and hold onto a few nostalgic favorites.
Color Drenching: A Bold Splash of Personality
Across the country, homeowners are throwing caution - and neutral paint chips - to the wind. Zillow reports a surge in “color drenching,” where every surface of a room (walls, ceiling, trim, even furniture) is bathed in the same rich hue.
Why it matters: After years of gray and beige dominating the design scene, people want spaces that feel personal and emotional. Color makes a home memorable - and mood matters.
Naples perspective: While I don’t expect to see many all-navy or aubergine dining rooms in Port Royal anytime soon, I do see a shift toward soft coastal color layering. In Naples, homeowners often express personality through subtle tone-on-tone palettes - misty blues, pale aquas, sea glass greens, and sand-inspired neutrals. These colors reflect the light, water, and sky - the natural beauty that surrounds us. As I often tell clients: our palette here is inspired by nature, not a paint fan deck. Naples homeowners want calm, breezy interiors that feel timeless, not trendy.
Cozy Corners: Small Spaces with Big Appeal
Zillow also found a spike in demand for “reading nooks” and other cozy, defined spaces. After the work-from-home boom, open-concept layouts are giving way to areas that feel more purposeful and serene.
Why it matters: Buyers aren’t just looking for square footage; they want homes that offer balance - open when you need connection, intimate when you need calm.
Naples perspective: In Naples, where so much living happens outdoors, buyers love a sunny spot for morning coffee, a shaded lanai corner with a fan and chaise, or even a tucked-away alcove for reading and reflection. Cozy doesn’t have to mean small - it’s about ambiance and natural light. The best homes balance elegance with comfort, and Naples does that beautifully.
Protection from the Elements: Peace of Mind Is the New Luxury
Zillow’s data shows a notable uptick in listings highlighting protective features - flood mitigation, hurricane-rated windows, and fire-safe landscaping.
Why it matters: Buyers are thinking long-term. Resilient homes aren’t just about safety; they’re about investment security.
Naples perspective: This one’s a no-brainer for us. Elevation, impact-resistant glass, and hurricane shutters are part of everyday vocabulary here. But the shift is in how these features are presented. Instead of being hidden away in the fine print, they’re now celebrated as premium amenities - right alongside quartz countertops and Sub-Zero refrigerators. Smart sellers make sure these upgrades are photographed and featured, not just mentioned. As I tell my clients, protection is the new granite countertop.
Sustainability: From Trend to Expectation
Zillow reports a rise in “green” features - solar panels, EV charging stations, energy-efficient appliances, and even whole-home batteries.
Why it matters: Buyers increasingly see sustainability as both an environmental and financial advantage.
Naples perspective: While we may not see solar panels on every roof (our HOAs and architectural guidelines often keep aesthetics top-of-mind as well as them becoming an added element that can catch the heavy wind and reek havoc on the roof), I’m seeing more luxury buyers asking about “future-ready” homes - those prepped for EV charging, smart thermostats, efficient insulation, and eco-conscious landscaping. In Naples, sustainability blends seamlessly with sophistication. Think hidden solar integration, reclaimed wood accents, LED lighting, and water-wise native plants - green design, but make it beautiful.
Wellness at Home: The New Status Symbol
“Spa-inspired” bathrooms and wellness spaces are trending everywhere. Buyers want homes that feel like sanctuaries - places to decompress, not just dwell.
Why it matters: The home has become the retreat, and buyers are investing in features that nurture body and mind.
Naples perspective: This is where we shine. From outdoor showers and saltwater pools to yoga decks overlooking the water, Naples homes are practically designed for serenity. The most desirable homes strike that resort-living-meets-real-life balance. A steam shower, tranquil color palette, and organic textures can instantly elevate a home’s perceived value. As I often tell sellers, “If a buyer walks in and exhales, you’ve done your job right.”
Lifestyle Customization: Homes That Reflect the Owner
Nationally, Zillow found increased mentions of personalized features - think golf simulators, pickleball courts, craft studios, and wine rooms.
Why it matters: Buyers no longer want “model home” perfection. They want homes that reflect how they live.
Naples perspective: Could this be any more on brand for us? Naples is an active, social, lifestyle-driven community. A well-planned home gym, outdoor kitchen, or flexible hobby space isn’t just a bonus - it’s a selling feature. And yes, I’ve absolutely seen a rise in luxury buyers asking for space to store golf carts, paddleboards, and pickleball gear (guilty as charged - I love them all myself!).
Naples’ Signature Style: Light, Organic Coastal Living
Now, while these national trends are fun to follow, there’s one style that consistently reigns supreme here - and that’s the light, organic coastal look. If Naples had a design DNA, this would be it.
What it looks like:
Soft, sun-washed color palettes (white, sand, driftwood, and seafoam).
Natural textures like rattan, linen, and white oak.
Light-filled spaces that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Minimal clutter, maximum serenity.
It’s coastal - but elevated. You won’t find seashell lamps or anchor motifs here. It’s organic luxury: breezy, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.
Why it works:
It mirrors our landscape - the sunlight, Gulf breezes, and lush greenery.
It creates a sense of calm, even in large homes.
It appeals universally - to retirees, families, and seasonal residents alike.
It photographs beautifully (and trust me, buyers scroll through hundreds of photos).
When I stage or market homes, I always remind clients that Naples buyers respond to light, natural, and livable. Even subtle touches - woven textures, pale woods, or neutral upholstery - can transform a listing from “nice” to “Naples-perfect.” As design trends come and go, this style remains the gold standard because it’s not just a look — it’s a lifestyle. It captures exactly why people fall in love with living here.
My Take
Zillow’s home trend predictions may shift from year to year, but the core themes - personalization, wellness, sustainability, and character - aren’t going anywhere. What makes Naples special is how we interpret those ideas: we make them timeless. We balance trend with tranquility, and design with purpose. Our homes are as much about how they feel as how they look.
So while Zillow might miss the mark on your home’s dollar value from time to time, I’ll give them credit - they’re definitely on to something when it comes to the way people want to live.
The purpose of sharing this information is to highlight emerging trends in the real estate market and is not a paid endorsement or advertisement.
If you’d like to explore how these design and lifestyle trends could enhance your home’s appeal - or if you’re thinking about selling and want to position your home in tune with what today’s buyers love most - I’d love to help.
Renee Hahn
Ranked in the top 0.5% in the Nation
📍Naples, Florida
📞 (239) 287-2576
#️⃣ Instagram: @reneehahnluxurynaples
#️⃣ Facebook: LuxuryRealEstateinNaples
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