We are lucky: the homes here in Westport are at the cutting edge of gorgeous design and creative construction. Which is why Westport Lifestyle asked top realtors in the area—the people who see dozens of Westport’s finest houses, day in and day out—for the most-sought-after trends from home buyers, as well as some features and design elements that are on their way out. You may find some inspiration for your next home renovation project—or your next house!
WHAT’S NEXT
Thoughtfully-Defined Living Spaces
“In my own home and with many of my clients, the goal now is supporting real life by allowing space for working, entertaining, and relaxing without everything happening in one shared area. Details such as millwork, layered lighting, and natural materials help spaces feel functional, comfortable, and thoughtfully finished rather than overly designed. As more of us spend time at home throughout the day, defined areas reduce visual and mental clutter and create an environment that feels calmer and more manageable.” -Erin Melson, Vice President, Luxury Division
Saunas
“Either in the primary, basement, or outside, many people are jumping on this. They come in a huge range, from $2,000-$100,000. Both infrared and dry seem to be the trending varieties: both offering health benefits and complementing a healthy lifestyle.” -Meredith Cohen, Realtor, Founding Member, SERHANT. Westport
Hidden Rooms
“Ultra‑luxury buyers love the thrill of a secret door — whether it’s behind a bookcase, a wine wall, or a pivoting panel. A speakeasy creates a sense of discovery and gives the home a signature moment that feels both intimate and indulgent.” - Barbara Bross, Alexander Chingas and Doug Bross, The Bross Chingas Bross Team at Coldwell Banker Realty
Convivial, Connected Homes
“Families are intentionally moving back to sitting down together for meals, whether that’s at a kitchen table or using the dining room nightly. I’m seeing a real desire to slow things down and create space for connection. Time feels fleeting, and parents are more aware than ever that these ordinary moments, sitting together, talking about the day, and being present, are the ones that become core memories. There’s a renewed appreciation for gathering intentionally, even on a Tuesday night.” -Cindy Raney, Founder and Global Luxury Property Specialist, Cindy Raney & Team
“The heart of our house is all about connection. Our kitchen opens into the dining and family room. Even if you’re not a great cook, like me, it’s where we spend most of our time. There is [always] someone in the kitchen, barstools filled, fireplace going, and a game on TV. And we love that the whole space opens seamlessly to the outdoors. In a world that can feel disconnected, buyers want homes that bring family and friends together. I’ve always said ‘people don’t buy a house, they buy a feeling,’ and connected spaces feel especially good right now.” -Michelle Genovesi, Principal, Luxury Properties, Michelle&Team at Willian Raveis RE
Rich, Warm Color
“Earthy palettes, including terracotta and warm neutrals, bring warmth, comfort and a connection to nature, countering the sterile feel of cool grays and stark white interiors. The spaces feel inviting and balanced.” -Jillian Klaff, Luxury Property Specialist, International President’s Premier, Coldwell Banker Realty
Wellness Spaces
“Buyers are increasingly prioritizing calm, intentional areas within the home dedicated to mental well-being, such as meditation rooms, yoga nooks, or quiet retreats designed for rest and restoration. These spaces do not need to be large or elaborate to be impactful; privacy, quiet, and thoughtful design matter far more than square footage. In fact, one client wanted a wellness retreat so badly but didn’t have an ideal dark, quiet room, so she cleared out a large walk-in closet and transformed it into her own personal sanctuary, proving that intention and creativity can elevate any home!” -Erica Acheychek, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, EA Homes
“Homes now include wellness zones (spa-like bathrooms, home gyms), cold plunges and saunas, yoga rooms, reading nooks, climate-resilience features, and outdoor living areas.” -Jen Kass, Licensed Realtor, Danna Rogers and Jen Kass Team, Higgins Group Bedford Square
WHAT’S NOT
Completely Open Floor Plans
“I’m seeing a shift away from completely open layouts and toward more intentional separation through features like pocket doors, glass partitions, and subtle architectural breaks.” -Erin Melson, Vice President, Luxury Division
“Fully open floor plans that ignore real living needs are being rethought in favor of defined, multifunctional spaces (such as wellness areas).” -Jen Kass, Realtor, Danna Rogers and Jen Kass Team at the Higgins Group
All-Gray Everything
“After years of gray floors and white kitchens, buyers are clearly ready for a shift. As a realtor, I’m seeing more couples gravitate toward homes with warmth, character, and a sense of personality. Everyone loves that ‘new car smell’ of a new house—but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. The cold, overly neutral look is starting to fall flat. Buyers want charm, comfort, and spaces that feel inviting and interesting. And honestly? Nothing makes me happier. Homes with personality are more fun to show!” -Danna Rogers, Realtor, Danna Rogers and Jen Kass Team at the Higgins Group
Heavily-Themed Game Rooms
“Spaces modeled after casinos, sports bars, or arcades feel more gimmicky than glamorous. Today’s luxury buyers want environments that feel curated, not cartoonish.” -Barbara Bross, Alexander Chingas, and Doug Bross, The Bross Chingas Bross Team at Coldwell Banker Realty
Soaking Tubs
“Because, seriously, who has the time or energy to soak in a bathtub anymore!? However, they are still important for resale in luxury homes for ‘aspirational bathers.’” -Veronica Monahan, Global Luxury Real Estate Specialist and Advisor, Compass CT
Over-Saturated Wood Finishes
“White oak everywhere (floors, cabinets and furniture) is no longer a high-end signature. It feels dated and repetitive. Mixed wood tones are now used by designers and interior decorators.” -Jillian Klaff, Luxury Property Specialist, International President’s Premier, Coldwell Banker Realty
Overly Staged Show Homes
“Buyers are drawn to homes that feel real and lived-in, not spaces designed just for photos. Personal touches, meaningful art, and a sense of warmth resonate far more than perfectly styled rooms that feel impersonal. Staging still matters, but in 2026 it’s about authenticity and livability, not showroom perfection.” -Erica Acheychek, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, EA Homes
Eating Around the Island
“For years, the kitchen island functioned almost like a diner counter, quick meals, multitasking, and everyone coming and going. While islands are still incredibly useful, I’m noticing families moving away from using them as the primary place to eat. Many want meals to feel less rushed and less transactional, and more like a moment to pause and reconnect. The shift isn’t about the furniture, it’s about how people want to feel in their homes.” -Cindy Raney, Founder and Global Luxury Property Specialist, Cindy Raney & Team
Extensive Bars/Wine Cellars
“In the last decade, many luxury homes included tasting areas and refrigerated rooms that hold thousands of bottles. With alcohol consumption on the decline, these are featured less.” -Meredith Cohen, Realtor, Founding Member, SERHANT. Westport
Formal, Rarely-Used Rooms
“Formal spaces that rarely get used are fading. Buyers want flexible, inviting rooms that serve everyday life. Those traditional dining and living rooms are being reimagined into cozy lounges, reading nooks, or expanded kitchen areas….creating spaces that feel warm, lived in and welcoming.” -Michelle Genovesi, Principal, Luxury Properties, Michelle&Team at Willian Raveis RE
YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY
The oldest realtor phrase in the book is “location, location, location!” But a dream location for some may be a poor location for others, and vice versa. As Richard Higgins, the CEO of Higgins Group Private Brokerage, explains it: “There is something that I find both an ‘in’ and an ‘out’ with a real division between the two among home buyers. It is either living close to the town, train, and highway, or living ‘back country,’” he says. “When we moved to Fairfield 30 years ago, Greenfield Hill and its rural, spread-out, estate feeling was very popular. I noticed a change about 15 or so years ago. It gradually regained popularity with COVID, when the trend was to be as spread out as possible. This was coupled with working remotely. Things have balanced out, but most people have strong feelings about living in town or on two-plus acres. These two camps have opposite positions on what is in and what is out!”