Cozy Vibes Are on the Rise for 2025, According to Zillow

Although 2024 seemed to fly by, a new year is just around the corner, bringing with it a wave of exciting home decor trends to explore. The most charming homes are those that express personal style rather than copycatting what's hot right now (only to look outdated very quickly). However, if you're looking to refresh your space, Zillow has just unveiled its 2025 Home Trends Report. According to the real estate platform, the upcoming year will focus on an inviting ambiance above all.

“A home is not just a checklist of practical features; it’s a feeling,” says Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “Homeowners and buyers today are looking to the past to create a sense of warmth, character, and comfort in even the most high-tech environments.”

Topping the list of home decor trends to watch is a cozy, lived-in vibe. “Buyers aren’t just embracing small space living for affordability and sustainability; they’re leaning into the coziness of a smaller home,” says Pendleton, who adds that listings mentioning “cozy” have increased by 35 percent since last year. “In today’s high-stress, uncertain world, people are looking for warmth and comfort at home.”

Of course, there's no one way to keep it cozy. Pendleton says that textured walls, layered lighting, and lots of candles are a great way to add a homey touch, but she also mentions that old-world charm is poised to make a comeback. In fact, she says that listings that mention “vintage” touches are up by nine percent, while home libraries are up 22 percent.

“Younger generations aren’t just nostalgic for Y2K fashion and Barbie, but for a simpler time in their lives when home was a place of comfort and safety,” Pendleton explains. “They may associate positive memories with their childhood home or with a grandparent’s home, and they want to recreate those feelings in their own space through more traditional design.”

Or, if your idea of home comfort leans toward the luxury of a five-star hotel, you'll be pleased to know that properties featuring spa-like “wet bathrooms” have seen a 19 percent increase.

“This waterproof shower-bathtub enclosure may be hard to recreate without a full-scale renovation, but anyone can incorporate spa-inspired touches to their bathroom,” she says. “You can add a rain showerhead, swap out colorful towels or paint in favor of calming shades of pale blue, green, or white, or add plants to create a zen-like space.”

Zillow predicts that homes are embracing a comforting walk down memory lane, but there are a few modern touches on the rise. Most notably, Zillow noticed a rise in listings with solar panels (18 percent), drought-resistant turf (14 percent), and electric vehicle chargers (22 percent). Plus, a whopping 86 percent of prospective home buyers are looking for a property with some type of climate resiliency—be it seismic retrofitting or water catchment systems. After all, a mix of old and new elements lay the foundation for a future dream home.