Market News • March 23, 2026

26: Why Mortgage Rates Are Rising Again

by Windermere Staff

This is the latest in a series of videos with Windermere Principal Economist Jeff Tucker, where he delivers the key economic numbers to follow to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.

The first news this week is that the Federal Reserve did not cut interest rates at their meeting on March 18. Moreover, at the press conference following their meeting, Jerome Powell said they would not resume cutting interest rates this year until they saw some progress on inflation coming down further. For some insight into WHY that happened, our first number to know this week is 3%: that is where the Fed’s preferred inflation index has been heading in recent months. The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index normally runs a little cooler than the more well-known CPI inflation rate, and so the recent data showing the PCE inflation rate climbing toward 3% is giving the Fed even more of a reason to stop cutting rates than the benign CPI data this winter might have suggested.

Our second number to know: about $100. That is the ballpark for what a barrel of oil is now costing on major world benchmarks, up more than 50% from prices under $60 just a few short months ago. The culprit, of course, is the war on Iran and the resulting cutoff of most oil normally shipped from the Persian Gulf. This is a volatile, unpredictable situation where the news may change at any time, but for now, the impact is clear: higher costs for almost everything in the economy, as the higher cost of energy ripples out through the economy. That is a major source of concern about inflation this year, which Jerome Powell cited ON TOP OF lingering tariff inflation, as a reason to wait and see before cutting rates any further.

So our third number to know: mortgage rates back closer to 6 and a quarter percent, or higher. At the end of February we hit a major milestone: 30-year mortgage rates dipped below 6% for the first time in 41 months. But all the bad news I just shared about persistent inflation, especially driven by the new oil crisis, has sent mortgage rates soaring back up by a quarter point or more. That will throw a damper on home buying demand this spring, on top of the negative effects from higher gas prices and lower consumer confidence.

Speaking of the housing market, we saw 928 thousand active listings at the end of February, barely below where inventory stood at this time 6 years ago on the eve of the pandemic, and about 8% more than last year.

That marks yet another month where inventory is up year-over-year, but at a decelerating rate, ever since last May. Putting it all together, that means buyers will have more options in this spring buying season than in any recent year, but they should not expect a glut. The spring selling season always sees fierce competition for competitively-priced listings in desirable locations, so buyers should be prepared to move decisively if they see their dream homes, while sellers should do whatever they can to make their homes stand out amid the tide of other listings.

Living • Market News • March 16, 2026

The Housing Market Works Best in the Open. Washington Just Proved It.

by OB Jacobi

When Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6091 into law today, banning the marketing of residential properties to exclusive groups of buyers or brokers, he sent a clear message: transparency matters.

This bill didn’t emerge from political theory or academic debate. It arose from a real tension in the real estate industry: whether openness and equal access to listing information remain core principles, or whether the market fragments into private networks that benefit only a select few.

For decades, residential real estate has functioned as one of the most open marketplaces in America—and the world. Unlike many countries that fiercely guard listing data and property information, buyers and sellers in the U.S. have largely operated in a system where inventory and information are broadly shared. That openness isn’t accidental; it’s the foundation of consumer trust and fair market value.

In recent years, certain large national brokerages have pushed to expand private listing networks, which are exclusive, invitation-only platforms that limit who can view or access homes for sale. These practices reduce exposure, restrict competition, and ultimately work against the very people the real estate industry is meant to serve.

Consumers have been clear: they expect transparency. Buyers want confidence they’re seeing the full range of homes available, and sellers want assurance their property is reaching the widest possible audience. When transparency erodes, so does trust in the system.

Washington State’s action was measured, purposeful, and bipartisan. Lawmakers on both sides recognized that the housing market functions best when information is broadly shared and access is equal. SB 6091 protects consumers without restricting legitimate off-market sales, allows homeowners to limit access to their property, and provides exemptions to safeguard occupants’ safety or health.

Few companies stand to lose more from this law than Windermere. With the largest market share in Washington, private listing networks could have worked to our advantage. We supported the legislation anyway, because protecting transparency matters more to us than protecting market position or company profits.

Washington’s leadership should not be seen as an exception. It should be a blueprint. By reaffirming the importance of an open marketplace, the state protected a system that has long served consumers well.

Other states should take note: Washington didn’t reinvent real estate; it safeguarded one of its most important principles. And in doing so, it demonstrated that progress isn’t always about building something new. Sometimes it’s about protecting what already works.

OB Jacobi represents the second generation of leadership at Windermere Real Estate, founded by his father, John Jacobi, in Seattle in 1972, and now the largest regional real estate company in the Western United States, with more than 6,000 agents and 300 offices across nine states and Mexico.

Buying • March 16, 2026

How Long do Appliances and Household Fixtures Last?

by Windermere Staff

Every home is made up of dozens of moving parts, and none of them last forever. From appliances and flooring to roofing and siding, every component has a general life expectancy. Knowing how long these items typically last can help homeowners plan for repairs, budget for future updates, and make informed decisions when buying or selling a home.

We’re all familiar with the cliché: They just don’t build things like they used to. And while this may be true when it comes to brick siding or slate roofing, lifespans of other household components have increased in recent years. The following guide outlines the average life expectancy of common household components, based on data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) along with industry estimates.

Appliances:

Among all household components, appliances tend to have the shortest lifespan because they experience daily wear and tear. Advances in technology have improved efficiency, but modern appliances also include more electronic parts, which can lead to repairs or replacement sooner than older models. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of most appliances, but these averages provide a general guideline for planning ahead.

Signs It May Be Time to Replace an Appliance

Even if an appliance hasn’t reached the end of its expected lifespan, certain warning signs may mean replacement is the better option. Frequent repairs, rising energy bills, inconsistent performance, or unusual noises can all indicate that a system is wearing out.

Kitchen & Bath:

Kitchens and bathrooms see constant use, so fixtures and finishes in these spaces often wear out faster than other parts of the home. When choosing your countertops, sinks, and faucets, it helps to consider both style and durability. Some natural materials can last a lifetime, while others may need updating after a couple of decades depending on use and maintenance.

Flooring:

Flooring plays a major role in both the look and function of a home, but different materials have very different lifespans. High-traffic areas will naturally wear faster, while proper care and refinishing can extend the life of many surfaces. If you’re looking for longevity, wood floors are the way to go. Certain rooms in your home will be better suited for carpeting, but you can expect they’ll need replacing within a decade.

Siding & Roofing:

When choosing roofing and siding for your home, climate and maintenance level factor into the life expectancy of the material. However, brick siding and slate roofing are known to be dependable for decades.

Are extended warranties warranted?

Extended warranties, also known as service contracts or service agreements, are sold for all types of household items from appliances to electronics. They cover service calls and repairs for a specified time beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty.

You will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to you. For some, it brings a much-needed peace of mind when making such a large purchase. Also consider if the cost outweighs the value of the item. In some cases, it may be less expensive to replace a broken appliance than to pay for insurance or a warranty.

Staying informed about the lifespan of your home’s appliances and systems can make homeownership more manageable and help you plan ahead with confidence. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or making updates to your home, a Windermere agent can help you understand which improvements matter most in today’s market.

Market News • March 11, 2026

Local Look Western Washington Housing Update 3/11/26

by Windermere Economics

Hi. I’m Jeff Tucker, principal economist at Windermere Real Estate, and this is a Local Look at the February 2026 data from the Northwest MLS.

We are now on the cusp of the busy spring selling season, and the data so far in 2026 point to a market that’s relatively balanced for buyers … for this time of year.

Across the Northwest MLS, there were almost exactly the same number of closed home sales as in February 2025, or the prior February for that matter. And pending home sales ticked up by 3%.

On the supply side, the flow of new listings was up a whopping 18% from last February’s pace. Finally, the month ended with 28% more active listings than last February. That’s a major uptick in inventory, and even the pace of that growth has now accelerated.

More negotiating leverage for buyers translated into lower home prices in February: down 2 and a half percent from last year, or basically back to 2024’s level.

Now for a closer look at the four counties encompassing the greater Seattle area.

Closed sales dropped by 3% from last February around the region, which looked like a modest dip compared to January’s 9% decline. Once again Snohomish County had the biggest decline, followed by King County, while Kitsap and Pierce Counties’ sales volumes have held steady.

Median sale prices were mostly firm around the region, combing 2% in King, 4% in Kitsap, and 5% in Pierce County. Snohomish County, though, saw prices step back down to 2024 levels.

Looking ahead, pending sales climbed 1% across the region in February, buoyed by a big bounce back in Kitsap, and modest growth in Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Only King County saw a modest dip in pending home sales.

On the supply side, the 4-county greater Seattle area ended the month with 35% more active listings than last February, led by 47% growth in Snohomish County and 42% growth in King County. I think in those two core, higher-cost counties, buyers will see an unusually favorable spring buying season, thanks in part to a boost in listings from homeowners who de-listed last year and are now returning to the market.

Looking ahead to March and April, I think the big question is whether buyers feel emboldened by higher inventory and lower mortgage rates, or spooked by geopolitical turmoil and rising gas prices. As it stands, they will have more homes on the market to choose from than any spring in recent memory.

Design • March 2, 2026

What is American Country Interior Design? How to Create a Warm, Timeless Home

by KeeleyShaye Hill

American Country style captures something many homeowners are craving: warmth, authenticity, and a sense of home that feels both personal and timeless. Rooted in rural American heritage, this design aesthetic celebrates simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It’s cozy without feeling cluttered, nostalgic without feeling dated, and welcoming in a way that instantly puts guests at ease.

Inspired by pastoral landscapes and traditional materials, American Country interiors embrace comfort first. But while its origins may be rural, this style adapts beautifully to modern living, whether you’re in a farmhouse, a suburban home, or even a city condo.

Defining Features of American Country Interior Design

Inviting, Comfortable Spaces

At its heart, American Country design is about creating rooms that feel relaxed and lived in. These are spaces where oversized sofas invite long conversations, where a stone or brick fireplace becomes the gathering point, and where nothing feels too precious to use.

Wood or stone floors ground the space, often softened by natural fiber rugs. Furniture tends to be substantial and comfortable. Think leather armchairs, slipcovered sofas, or simple patterned fabrics like gingham, stripes, or muted florals. The overall effect is welcoming and unpretentious.

A Warm and Muted Color Palette

American Country interiors favor warm, inviting tones over stark contrasts. Beige and soft browns often serve as foundational colors for walls and upholstery. Cream-colored cabinetry or beadboard walls add lightness without feeling stark.

To round out the palette, muted greens and soft blues bring in subtle depth while maintaining the overall warmth. These colors feel connected to the natural landscape—fields, forests, and wide-open skies.

The key is restraint. Rather than bold statements, American Country style relies on layered neutrals and earthy tones that feel timeless and easy to live with.

Natural Materials and Craftsmanship

Traditional materials play a central role in American Country homes. Wooden furniture, whether it’s a large farmhouse dining table, Windsor chairs, or a well-worn rocking chair, reflects durability and simplicity.

Exposed ceiling beams, if your home has them, instantly elevate the look while honoring the style’s roots. Stone fireplaces, carved wood details, and hand-formed metal accents add depth and character.

Decorative elements are often functional as well as beautiful: pottery, woven baskets, mason jars, and wooden crates that double as shelving. These pieces feel collected over time rather than purchased all at once.

Textiles with History and Texture

Textiles are essential to achieving a true American Country feel. Handmade quilts layered across beds or draped over sofas add warmth and story. Patchwork pillows mix patterns in a way that feels intentional but not overly coordinated.

Natural fiber rugs, such as jute or sisal, bring texture underfoot while reinforcing the connection to organic materials. Floral and botanical prints, whether in wallpaper, framed artwork, or upholstery, introduce a gentle nod to the outdoors.

Antiques and Vintage Touches

American Country style thrives on pieces with history. A vintage dresser, a weathered wooden trunk used as a coffee table, or antique brass hardware can instantly add depth and authenticity.

Local antique shops and estate sales are often treasure troves for finding accessories that feel genuine. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s personality. A slightly worn finish or hand-crafted detail only enhances the charm.

Simple, Functional, Designed for Real Life

Above all, American Country design prioritizes practicality. Rooms are arranged for ease of movement and everyday use. Open shelving in the kitchen, for example, keeps essentials within reach while displaying beautiful dishware or preserved goods in glass jars. It’s a design philosophy that reminds us of how a home should support daily life.

If you’re drawn to interiors that feel warm, welcoming, and rooted in tradition, American Country might be the perfect place to start. For more design inspiration, tips, and trends, visit the design section of our blog.

Selling • February 23, 2026

The Power of a 30-Second First Impression: Why Reels Are the New Curb Appeal

by Windermere Staff

In real estate, we all know how important first impressions are. For decades, curb appeal has been the gold standard for catching a buyer’s attention—but today, those first impressions are happening online, often in under 30 seconds. As more buyers scroll listings on their phones or stumble across homes on social media, video has become one of the most powerful tools in a listing agent’s toolkit.

Enter: Reels.

Reels have completely redefined how we make an impact online. With a single scroll-stopping clip, you can showcase the flow of a home, highlight its best features, and spark an emotional connection long before a showing is ever scheduled. Where we used to say, “Make them fall in love in the driveway,” now we’re saying, “Make them fall in love on their For You Page.”

Why Reels Matter in Real Estate

Short-form video is dominating the digital space, and real estate is no exception. According to recent reports, Instagram Reels receive 22% more engagement and twice the visibility of any other content type. That means more views, more saves, more shares, and more potential buyers seeing your listing.

Even more compelling? Most users decide whether to keep watching in the first 3 seconds. In a market where timing matters and attention is limited, that makes every second count.

With Reels, you’re not just marketing a home—you’re creating an experience, expanding your reach, and showing up exactly where today’s buyers are: on mobile, on social, and online.

The Language of Social Media, Decoded

If you’re new to the social media space, all the jargon can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to the terms that matter most:

Impressions: How many times your content was shown, even if the same person views it multiple times
Reach: The total number of unique people who saw your content
Interactions: The real engagement, including likes, comments, shares, and saves
Engagement rate: A measure of how much people are interacting with your posts
Social reading: The process of learning from performance to see what’s working, what’s not, and how to pivot

Understanding these numbers helps you make informed choices about what to post and when—turning social into a strategic tool, not just a to-do list.

How a Reel Can Boost a Listing

Reels help your listing show up where buyers already are: scrolling, saving, and planning their next move. Photos can showcase a home’s style, but video brings it to life. A reel allows buyers to experience the home’s layout, lighting, and feel—something static images can’t always convey. Think of reels as a guided tour that lives right on their screen.

When your reel helps someone imagine themselves living there, you create something powerful: connection. And that leads to more views, more clicks, more showings, and ultimately, more offers.

Tips for Creating Scroll-Stopping Reels

You don’t need to be a content creator to make an impact. Here’s a checklist for effective real estate reels:

Keep it short—ideally under 30 seconds
Use trending or high-quality audio (voiceovers or music)
Open with movement or your most impressive feature
Use on-screen text to highlight what viewers are seeing
End with a CTA (“Message me for a private tour”)

Pro tip: Reels with trending audio, natural lighting, and a clear opening shot perform best. Start strong and guide the viewer through the story of the home.

Reels = Results

We’ve already seen how reels are helping agents across the industry expand their reach. One well-timed reel can:

Double the impressions of a standard photo post
Attract new buyers who weren’t actively looking but got inspired
Drive traffic from Instagram and Facebook directly to a listing

The best part? Reels often reach people who don’t even follow your account—giving your listing even more visibility.

Social Is the New Curb Appeal

Today’s buyers are online. They’re discovering homes through hashtags, algorithms, and short-form video. That’s why investing in reels isn’t just smart—it’s strategic. Whether you’re showcasing a cozy condo, a luxury estate, or a hidden gem with a killer view, reels help you tell the story of the home in a way that resonates.

Ready to make your home stand out? Connect with a Windermere agent who understands how to market your home in today’s digital world.

Market News • More • February 18, 2026

Numbers to Know 2/18/26: The Latest Economic & Housing Update

by Windermere Economics

I’ll start with some bad news and some good news from the latest jobs report. The first number to know this week is the bad news: 181,000. That’s the total number of jobs added in the entire year of 2025, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which follow a standard annual revision updating their models to match more accurate but less timely data sources. These revisions drove home the conclusion that job growth basically stalled out in 2025, and was much worse than even the weak monthly payrolls reports were showing us. That total job growth compares to previous annual totals in the millions, although the trend of slowing growth has been clear for quite some time.

The second number to know this week was the good news in the latest jobs report: 4.3%. That’s the unemployment rate in January, which stepped down again, from a high in November of 4.5%, bringing it back down to summer 2025 levels. That’s one indication that the labor market MAY have begun to turn the corner this winter, with some modest improvement to start the year after several straight months of weakening. These are just preliminary numbers, but coupled with what we know will be strong economic tailwinds from the huge tax cuts in last year’s budget bill, the stage seems to be set for stronger economic growth this spring.

The third number to know right now: 1.84 percentage points. That was the average spread, or how much higher 30-year mortgage rates were than the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield in the first week of February. That means we are knocking at the door of a normal spread after almost four years of a really abnormally wide spread. This was a major culprit in the pain that homebuyers felt trying to get a mortgage. Last month I talked about the surprise announcement that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be buying mortgage-backed securities, and I think the proof is in the pudding that the news of that purchasing plan helped bring this spread down by that last 30 basis points just in the last month.

So where are mortgage rates now? Well, they’ve been hovering around 6 and an eighth all year, which is an improvement from this time in 2025 of at least half a point, maybe ¾ or a whole point, for most borrowers. I think the takeaway here is that we’ve now seen most of the improvement to mortgage rates that we were expecting from that spread closing, which is a little bittersweet – it’s great news that it happened, but now that potential avenue for rate improvement has run its course, which makes me less optimistic about prospects for further rate declines in the near term. It’ll depend instead on the overall interest rate and inflation environment cooling down, and those prospects look a lot dicier: the big increase in borrowing that the budget bill is kicking off this year will tend to push up Treasury yields, and the boost to economic growth should also keep inflation elevated. So my takeaway for anyone considering a mortgage is that rates have come down a lot, and there’s no point waiting on the sidelines in hopes of further declines, given what we can expect in the year ahead.

Turning to the housing market, we saw 913,000 active listings at the end of January, which is the most since January 2020, on the eve of the pandemic. In other words, nationally, inventory is finally nearly back to normal.

That 10% growth in inventory continues a consistent trend since last May, of active listings growing but at an ever slower pace. I think there’s good news for everyone in that fact: buyers will have more options to choose from this spring, and sellers don’t need to worry about competing against a glut of inventory, but they should be prepared to put their best foot forward when they list their home this spring, because it’s always worth it to stand out from the competition.

Buying • February 17, 2026

Small Town Revival: Why Everyone’s Moving Back to Main Street

by Windermere Staff

After decades of city living being the goal, a fresh trend is emerging. More and more people—especially young adults—are reimagining what “home” looks like, and that picture is starting to look a lot like small-town life. From coast to coast, smaller communities are seeing new life as individuals and families seek more space, deeper connections, and a quieter pace. This blog explores why so many are making the move and what it could mean for your next chapter.

A Big Shift Toward Smaller Places

It’s not just nostalgia or affordability driving people back to Main Street. Small towns offer a sense of balance that can be hard to find in big cities. Less time commuting means more time doing what you love. Smaller crowds make room for bigger conversations. And without the constant rush of city life, people are rediscovering how good it feels to slow down and stay awhile.

What’s Driving the Move?

Affordability and the Dream of Homeownership

Big city rent and home prices continue to climb, pricing out many first-time buyers. In smaller towns, buyers are finding more space, greater value, and a better chance of affording their first home. Whether it’s trading a one-bedroom apartment for a three-bedroom house or simply paying less for everyday essentials, the savings are adding up.

Remote work and Flexibility

With more jobs going remote (and staying that way), people are no longer tied to a specific metro area. This new freedom has allowed many to choose where they want to live based on lifestyle rather than commute.

Lifestyle and Access to Nature

Small towns often come with quieter streets, shorter commutes, and greater access to outdoor recreation. From scenic trails to lakefronts and beaches, natural amenities are high on the priority list for today’s buyers.

Community and Connection

In a time when many people feel disconnected, small towns offer something invaluable: a strong sense of community. You’re more likely to know your neighbors, shop at local businesses, and feel rooted in something bigger than yourself. For some, these towns also offer more chances to get involved, including local politics or town-wide initiatives that are often more accessible and welcoming to newcomers.

Entrepreneurship and New Opportunity

According to recent IRS data, small towns have seen a faster rise in new business formation than large cities post-2020. With less competition, lower startup costs, and supportive communities, many entrepreneurs are finding that perfect launchpad in small-town markets.

Education and Family Life

Families are also being drawn to the more personal, community-based education options often found in small towns. Smaller class sizes and greater access to teachers can make a big difference for growing kids. With lower crime rates and more outdoor space, many parents feel they can offer their children a safer and more well-rounded upbringing.

The Other Side: What to Consider

While small-town life has its perks, it’s not without trade-offs. Here are a few things to consider before packing your bags:

Limited medical services: Access to specialists and immediate care may be limited.
Fewer job options: While remote work helps, certain industries may have fewer local opportunities.
Diversity and culture: Small towns may have less cultural diversity and fewer entertainment options.
Transportation: Public transportation is often sparse or nonexistent. Owning a car or other means of transportation may be necessary.

How Places Like Seabrook, WA Are Leading the Way

One standout example of this new wave of small-town living is Seabrook, Washington. Perched on the Washington coast, Seabrook was designed to blend timeless charm with walkability, coastal views, and a strong sense of place.

Founded in 2004, Seabrook has grown to include 600 homes, over 20 parks, 24 shops and restaurants, a grocery store, pools, trails, and more. It was designed to offer an urban-meets-coastal lifestyle, and today, it’s a thriving year-round community with schools, medical clinics, and a regenerative farm that supports local restaurants and residents.

Whether it’s a full-time move or a weekend escape, places like Seabrook are proving that small towns can offer everything people are looking for: modern convenience, community, and a deep sense of belonging.

Is Small-Town Living Right for You?

If you’ve been dreaming of a slower pace, a bigger yard, or just more breathing room, you’re not alone. Ask yourself:

Do you work remotely or have a flexible schedule?
Are you craving more nature and outdoor recreation?
Would you trade a bustling nightlife for stronger community ties?
Is homeownership feeling out of reach in your current city?

If you answered yes to most of these, a move to a small town might be worth exploring.

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or just rethinking what you want from your next move, small towns have never looked more appealing. Connect with a Windermere agent to learn more about growing communities, small-town living, and finding places that feel like home.

Living • More • February 9, 2026

Top Home Design Trends to Know in 2026

by Windermere Staff

Design trends have always reflected more than style. They reflect how people want to live. And as we move into 2026, home design continues to shift away from one-size-fits-all aesthetics and toward spaces that feel intentional, expressive, and more personal.

After several years shaped by minimalism, fast trends, and highly curated interiors, homeowners are now prioritizing warmth, character, and longevity, creating environments that support everyday life. That shift is reflected across design forecasts, color reports, and industry insights, where a few defining themes continue to show up. These are the top interior design trends shaping homes in 2026 and how they translate into real, livable spaces.

Lived-In, Layered Interiors

In recent years, many interiors have leaned towards polished, photo-ready spaces that always look perfect. In 2026, that approach continues to soften, and perfection takes a back seat to personality.

Layered, collected interiors are leading the way. Spaces that look as though they have come together over time feel warmer and more inviting. Mixing vintage with new pieces, displaying meaningful objects, and creating soft structure through books, art, textiles, and ceramics adds depth and story. A worn wood table, a reupholstered vintage chair, or a gallery wall that grows naturally gives a home character that can’t be replaced overnight.

Rich, Grounding Color Palettes

Color continues to shape how a home feels, and 2026 paint color trends lean into depth with a calming edge. Think nature-inspire tones like smoky blues, warm browns, muted reds, and softened neutrals that ground a room without feeling heavy.

Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, fits beautifully into this direction. It’s a smoky green-blue that feels rich yet refined, perfect for homeowners who want a space that’s serene yet still has presence. Similar color stories are appearing across other forecasts too, from patina-inspired blues, greens, and browns to warm khakis and layered whites.

Color Drenching and Moody Rooms

If you’re seeing more immersive, saturated rooms online, that’s no accident. Color drenching, which uses a single hue across walls, trims, and sometimes ceilings, continues to rise as one of the standout interior design trends in 2026. When done thoughtfully, it creates a cocoon-like effect that feels polished, intimate, and cohesive.

This is also part of a broader shift toward moodier spaces. Deeper greens, tobacco-inspired browns, warm blacks, and earth reds are showing up in dining rooms, powder baths, offices, and libraries. The key is balance—pairing saturated color with warm wood, soft lighting, and texture to keep the room inviting.

Warm Woods and Character Grain

Wood is making a confident return in 2026, but not in a shiny, match-everything way. Interiors now favor deeper stains, visible grain, and pieces with real character. Reclaimed materials, vintage finds, and finishes that show variation all add warmth and depth.

This shows up in kitchens, furniture, and architectural details like beams, built-ins, and trim. If you’re bringing wood into your home, Minwax’s 2026 Stain Color of the Year, Special Walnut, fits the mood: a warm, versatile brown that enhances natural grain and works across styles from modern to traditional.

Paired with stone, linen, and even metal, wood brings warmth and timelessness—two qualities today’s buyers tend to notice immediately when they walk into a home.

Texture as the New Luxury

Another defining shift in home décor trends for 2026 is the return of texture, especially tactile, handcrafted, and visually soft elements. Textile wall hangings, tapestries, layered rugs, and subtle decorative trims like fringe and tassels are making an easy way to add depth without clutter. You don’t need to go maximal to make it work. A fabric panel hung like art, a woven wall piece, or even vintage textiles repurposed as décor can make a space feel warmer and more grounded. In a world that often feels overly digital, texture brings a human, lived-in quality that’s hard to fake.

Function Forward Design

Function continues to shape design decisions in 2026. Modular furniture, flexible layouts, and thoughtful storage solutions are becoming more prevalent as homes are expected to support multiple roles. Benches with hidden storage, ottomans that double as work surfaces, and adaptable seating arrangements allow spaces to shift easily between hosting, working, and relaxing.

Sustainability as the Standard

Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration. In 2026, it’s an expectation. It shows up in material choices, sourcing, and the lifespan of the pieces we bring into our homes. Homeowners are paying close attention to upgrades that support energy efficiency and long-term livability.

At the same time, thrifting and buying secondhand continue to grow across age groups, driven by both environmental awareness and the search for higher-quality materials. Vintage and antique furniture often offers better craftsmanship and longevity than mass-produced alternatives, while adding instant character to a space.

Whether you’re updating a room or thinking about your next move, these trends offer a thoughtful lens for creating a home that feels both current and enduring.

Connect with a Windermere agent today to talk about your next move and how to design a home that fits the way you live.

Market News • More • February 5, 2026

Local Look Western Washington Housing Update 2/4/26

by KeeleyShaye Hill

Hi. I’m Jeff Tucker, principal economist at Windermere Real Estate, and this is a Local Look at the January 2026 data from the Northwest MLS.

So far in 2026, the housing market is still in the grips of a winter slowdown.

Across the Northwest MLS, there were 7% fewer closed home sales than in January 2025. However, pending sales suggest the slowdown may have bottomed out, as they were down only 1% year-over-year.

On the supply side, the flow of new listings was up 3% from last January’s pace. Finally, the month ended with 22% more active listings than last January, continuing a trend of more options, and more negotiating leverage, for home buyers.

That stronger negotiating leverage translated into lower home prices in January: down 2 and a half percent from last year, and even 1% lower than in January 2024.

Now for a closer look at the four counties encompassing the greater Seattle area.

Closed sales dropped by 9% from last January around the region, but that decline was most stark in Snohomish County, where sales fell 24%, perhaps due to weaker demand for longer commutes in response to more return-to-office mandates.

Median sale prices saw modest declines in most of the region: 1% lower in King; 3% higher in Kitsap; 2% lower in Pierce, and 7% lower in Snohomish County, which gave up all of last year’s price gains and more.

Looking ahead, pending sales dipped by 3% across the region in January, led by a 13% decline in Snohomish County and a 5% drop in Pierce, while King and Kitsap showed some pending sales growth.

On the supply side, the 4-county greater Seattle area had 27% more active listings than at the end of January 2025. While that pace of inventory growth has decelerated, we can see now that in most of the region there’s now a solid 2 consecutive years of inventory growth, pushing conditions into a buyer’s market.

That’s the main takeaway from this first look at 2026 housing market data: buyers have finally wrestled some price concessions out of sellers, and they’ve got more listings to choose from than in any recent winter. Still, we are on the verge of the busiest season of the year for housing, and that will absolutely mean an uptick in both sales and prices in the months ahead.