The Hottest Home Renovation in 2026 Will Transport the Most Important Room in Your House to the 1920s

As the year comes to a close, Yelp has projected the hottest trends for 2026.

While matcha, mahjong nights, and heated workouts are on the list, so are a number of unexpected home design movements—most notably, old-school bathrooms.

According to Yelp’s 2026 Home Trend Forecast, vintage bathrooms, complete with pedestal sinks, brass fixtures, and colorful tiles are poised for a comeback.

Homeowners are clearly excited to add some charm to their bathrooms as Yelp searches for remodeling contractors have jumped 2,520%, and bathroom vanity stores are up 530%.

Before you go ahead and give your bathroom a nostalgic yet modern boost (or partake in any other design trend in 2026), consider how your updates may affect your ROI. 

Vintage bathrooms are back—and renovations are paying off

Homeowners are now drawn to spaces that offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and charm. And that’s exactly what they get with vintage bathrooms. 

Shandon Barrett, interior designer at Love vs. Design in Washington, UT, explains that about a decade ago, most people gravitated toward “bulletproof” designs with concrete, stainless steel, tile, and other harsh materials. Since the goal was durability—something that could withstand time, wear, and kids—personality was overlooked. 

“Going into 2026, the pendulum has swung in a beautiful way. Clients are craving warmth, soul, and history again. They want spaces that feel lived in, loved, and personal. Vintage bathrooms naturally bring a sense of story,” says Barrett. 

Every piece in an old-school bathroom, every claw-foot tub, and every brass fixture has something to tell. And at the end of the day, that’s what people want to come home to.

This old-school bathroom trend has also been evident in many Realtor.com® listings this past year, which have included zellige tile, two-tone cabinetry, and WaterSense fixtures that prove style and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand.

If you do decide to turn your bathroom into a vintage masterpiece, expect to recoup about 50% of its cost at resale. Of course, the key will be to find a buyer who appreciates it.

From wellness rooms to staircases—the other rising trends of 2026

Vintage bathrooms are just one of the many home design trends for 2026. Here’s a closer look at a few other movements Yelp predicts homeowners will embrace next year:

Wellness rooms

According to Yelp’s report, wellness rooms are on the rise and searches prove it. From sauna installations (up 35%) to sound bath healing spaces (up 77%), people are committed to creating an area to unwind and recharge. 

Realtor.com data shows that hot tubs and spas— common features in wellness rooms remain popular, with mentions in listings increasing 1.2% in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Marina V. Umali, interior designer and founder of Marina V Design Studio in Ridgewood, NJ, has noticed that her clients are seeking spaces that offer rejuvenation and calm after the demands of a fast-paced life. 

“Especially in the post-pandemic era, there’s a heightened awareness around fitness, mental health, and overall wellness. It’s become a priority for anyone striving for a longer and healthier lifestyle,” explains Umali.

Since many people prioritize wellness these days, a wellness room can also come in handy should you decide to list your home. According to the National Association of Realtors®, homes with wellness‑oriented designs are seeing resale values that are 10%  to 25% higher than those without them.

Statement staircases

Statement staircases are also hot, with more and more homeowners searching Yelp for stair runner installation (up 402%) and custom carpet installation (up 835%).

Realtor.com has found a growing interest in unique staircases as well, seeing an 15.8% increase in how often “floating stairs” were mentioned in active listings in 2025 compared to last year.

Even though the staircase is one of the most traveled, most visible architectural elements in a home, it’s historically one of the most ignored. Now, people see it as a design opportunity—a chance to bring character, craftsmanship, and personality into their space.

“Custom railings, updated treads, beautiful woodwork, and soft-glow lighting. These little details create moments of joy in a space we move through every day. Our homes are truly the backdrop of our lives, and people want even the transitional spaces to feel thoughtful and welcoming,” says Barrett.

Believe it or not, a full staircase reno can actually pay off big time. You may recoup anywhere from 40% to 70%, depending on materials and design you choose. 

Gallery walls 

In addition, gallery walls are back in style. The Yelp report found that searches for custom framing near me are up 329%, and specialized framing services have risen 63%. Homeowners are telling their personal stories with vintage china (up 96%) and posters (up 108%).

According to Barrett, this trend is expected when you consider that homes are getting larger, and more expansive walls can feel empty without the right touch. With gallery walls, homeowners can convey who they are and what’s important to them. 

“Family memories across different seasons of life, travel photos, small treasures picked up along the way. A gallery wall becomes a reflection of the homeowner’s heart,” explains Barrett. 

And if and when you sell your home, you may increase the offers by up to 15%, according to home stagers who recommend incorporating artwork, photographs, and paintings strategically.