Housing News

Old Meets New: The Hottest 2025 Home Design Trends

The hottest home design trends in 2025 are blending the old and the new.

Zillow's latest prediction data reveals that homeowners are marrying cutting-edge technology with vintage vibes to create spaces that are both sustainable and cozy, according to Zillow’s 2025 home trends predictions.

If you're dreaming of a house that's equal parts gadget-savvy and old-school, you're in for a treat.

"In today's high-stress, uncertain world, people are looking for warmth and comfort at home, which helps explain why some more traditional or old-fashioned features are also trending," said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert.

Picture solar panels sharing the stage with a Victorian-inspired scullery or a whole home battery next to a home library.

If these trends have you itching to update your home, you may want to consider how you may be able to finance the projects. Options like refinancing your mortgage, cash-out refinances, or HELOCs (home equity lines of credit) may help you fund renovations.

Beyond aesthetics, these upgrades can enhance a home’s value and even make it more energy-efficient or resilient in the face of rising climate risks. Investing in your home now could pay dividends in comfort, sustainability, and lower future utility costs. 

Let's dive into the trends that are set to define homes next year.

1. Plugging into the future

Electric features are all the rage—and for good reasons. From whole-home batteries to EV chargers, the push for energy efficiency and sustainability is becoming a key priority for homeowners and buyers alike.

Whole-home batteries, which store excess solar energy for use during outages or cloudy days, have seen mentions surge by a whopping 62% year-over-year in Zillow’s for-sale listings.

The number of listings that include EV chargers are also up by 34%.

And if you're into cooking, induction cooktops are heating up the market (pun intended).

These electric upgrades aren't just eco-friendly, they could save homebuyers money. As energy costs and climate awareness rise, features like these are becoming more in demand by cost-conscious buyers.

2. Cozy is the new cool

Gone are the days of sprawling open-concept homes that echo like gymnasiums. In 2025, smaller rooms are making a big comeback.

Mentions of the word "cozy," which is real estate code for less square footage, climbed 35% in Zillow listings over the past year.

"Younger homeowners may be leaning into nostalgic design trying to recreate the feeling of their childhood home because it was a place of safety and comfort," said Pendleton.

This shift isn't just about aesthetics, it's practical, too. Smaller spaces are often more affordable and sustainable as they generally don’t cost as much to heat or cool.

3. Old World charm: Nostalgia meets function

If you've ever wanted to live in a page from a Jane Austen novel, now's your chance. Nostalgic design elements are making a major splash in 2025.

Think of floral patterns, chintz, antique furnishings, and even Victorian-inspired sculleries (which are second kitchens used to prepare and store food and kitchen items.) These features tap into a collective longing for comfort and familiarity.

Home libraries, complete with bookshelves overflowing with actual books (not just e-readers), are seeing a 22% increase in mentions in listings. Sculleries are being featured in more listings as well, up by 8%.

4. Climate resiliency: Safety meets savings

With natural disasters becoming an increasing threat, many buyers are looking for homes that can withstand the elements.

Zillow's research shows that more than 80% of prospective homebuyers are thinking about climate risks when choosing a home.

It's not just about staying safe—it's about saving money.

"While climate risks like extreme heat affect an area's livability, wildfire, flood, and wind risk are more likely to impact a homeowner's ability to insure their home and the cost of that insurance," said Pendleton.

"Amid today's housing affordability crisis, the added cost of insuring homes in high-risk areas can be a deal-breaker for buyers,” Pendleton added.

Flood barriers, seismic retrofitting, and water catchment systems are becoming hot commodities. These features don't just offer protection from natural disasters, they may also lower insurance costs.

"We anticipate demand for these features will continue to grow over time if climate disasters become more dangerous and more costly," said Pendleton.

5. Spa-inspired wellness

If your dream home includes a bathroom that feels more like a five-star spa, you're in luck.

Wet rooms, luxurious spaces where the shower and bathtub coexist in a waterproof oasis, are trending. They were mentioned 19% more often in listings.

From air purifiers to natural lighting, these elements may help homeowners feel their best in their space.