Yelp’s 2026 Trend Forecast gives a look at what the massive store and services search site is seeing this coming year in its largest category, homes. Based on the team’s analysis of millions of user searches and reviews, it looks like it’s going to be a fun, creative cycle for our houses, condos and townhouses. And who couldn’t use some of that right now?
1. Fresh Personality
Homeowners are looking for new ways to reflect themselves in their décor and the gallery wall, Yelp reports, is at the forefront of this personal storytelling movement. “Leading the trend are framed film photo booth strips” with searches for photo booth near me rising 2,284%. Memory-evoking and thrifted treasures from flea markets and antique shops, like vintage china (up 96%) for plate walls and vintage posters (up 108%), are letting people tell their stories through retro purchases. These are often fun, affordable ways to enjoy the nostalgia of childhood and visits to grandma’s house.
2. Statement Stairs
Once just a basic way to get from one floor to another, stairs are becoming a new focal point for design fun, Yelp comments. “Staircases will be shedding their strictly utilitarian reputation and receiving more design attention in the year ahead.” Stair runner installation (up 402%), custom carpet installation (up 835%), and stair refinishing (up 26%), show homeowners embracing bold fabrics, wood refinishing projects, and playful touches like tiled risers and bold paint colors. “With dopamine decor still leading home styling trends, stairs are becoming another place for personal expression,” Yelp observes.
3. Vintage Bathrooms
Bathrooms need to be functional and safe, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun and stylish too. According to Yelp, this is being reflected in vintage style too. “Homeowners are adding charm to their bathroom decor, tracking down pedestal sinks, brass fixtures, colorful tile, and clawfoot tubs. With interest in bathroom remodeling contractors soaring (up 2,520%), this trend is about incorporating charm, style, and a little drama to one of the home’s most practical rooms.” This may also be a response to tariffs on new import products from Europe and Asia. The vintage dresser turned vanity, (bathroom vanity stores are up 530%), retro tiles from a restoration shop, or restoring a Cinderella tub rather than buying a premium new model can add charm at a lower cost. “Bathrooms are taking inspo from the past while incorporating modern comfort,” the Yelp team notes.
4. Wellness Rooms
They’re not just about treadmills and bench press stations, the site comments. “Wellness rooms are about creating a personal, practical haven, tailored to what helps you recharge — whether that’s a compact sauna installation (up 35%), cold plunge tub, a spot for yoga and Pilates, or a cozy corner for sound bath healing (up 77%).” They’re now addressing mental, as well as physical health. That doesn’t mean they’re abandoning traditional fitness equipment. Searches are strong for home gym installation (up 87%), used fitness equipment (up 38%), and gym equipment store (35%),” Yelp reports.
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5. Tempting Tile
You’d have to go extremely far back in history, before the Romans even, to find a society that did not decorate its homes with tile. Apparently, Yelp users are bullish on this versatile building material. “Searches for tile contractors have surged 351%, reflecting a wave of home projects that incorporate texture, color, and pattern to create standout spaces,” the report shows. “Yelp searches for everything from new outdoor tile installation (up 85%) to eye-catching wall tile installation (up 35%) demonstrate that users want to bring new life to their homes,” the team comments. Searches include artisanal Mexican Talavera tile (up 22%), and mosaic tile installation (up 21%), “proving that a personal touch never goes out of style,” the authors conclude.
2026 Survey Showcases Homeowner Personality, Other Wellness Trends
