There was a time when calling a home “cozy” in a listing with more of a creative spin than a selling point, often said to make tight, small spaces sound more appealing than the reality. But that’s no longer the case. According to Zillow, the term “cozy” now appears in listings 35 percent more often than it did in 2023. 

The shift away from cavernous, open-concept spaces is a long time coming and many are now in favor of traditionally divided spaces, a trend further popularized during the pandemic when the need for separate, functional areas was heightened. Cozy is more than just about warmth and nostalgia, it’s a return to thoughtful, timeless design that fosters comfort and connection.  

Why “Cozy” Is The Most Asked-For Home Trend

Return of the Lived-In Kitchen

The desire for a cozy kitchen has always been a top priority for homeowners, says India Smith of Kitchen Solvers. “Even when ultra-modern designs dominated mood boards and ‘cozy’ seemed out of place, incorporating warm and inviting elements was essential to avoid a cold, sterile atmosphere.”

Today, homeowners are using “cozy” and “comfortable” to describe their dream kitchens as a way to reflect its place as “the heart of the home,” she says. “Ultimately, homeowners want this space to truly reflect love and togetherness. It’s not just a trend, it’s a way of life that enriches the moments we share.”

She suggests using natural woods, stone, plants, and other elements that evoke the flow and movement seen in the natural world, as well as making sure there is plenty of natural light filtering into your space for “a harmonious and inviting space,” she says. 

Rise of “Quiet Luxury”

In 2025, when buyers say they are looking for a home that feels cozy, they are really looking for quiet luxury. Think high-quality construction, rich textiles, and soft lighting. They want their home to be inviting and comfortable. “People want to walk into a home and envision their family and friends relaxing and entertaining in the spaces that are already there. They want to maintain a nice, clean aesthetic that can be lived in,” say Georgia-based realtors Drey Doty and Allison McLaurin.

If you are already a fan of the quiet luxury aesthetic, continue to lean into quality over quantity and amplify your home’s unique architectural features.

Craving Something That Feels Private

“As smaller footprints are more common and you often have multiple generations living in a home, privacy is more important than before,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG.

When it comes to the outdoors, homeowners are looking for aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate privacy from neighbors or their surroundings, plus curate relaxing escapes to enjoy with friends and family. A great way to achieve this is through decorative screen panels, pergolas, plantings, and other elements that add both structure and beauty. 

Joe Kauffman, Texas regional vice president for System Pavers, encourages homeowners to look for intimate hangout niches in their yards. “The beauty of remodeling your outdoor space is that you can get creative with your layout,” he says. “A fire pit in one area of your yard, a secluded sitting wall in another, or a pergola-shaded corner that feels like a private oasis—all your options for enhancing coziness are endless.”

Florida-based realtor Alexei Morgado also believes homeowners are prioritizing “a home that feels like a personal sanctuary, a place where every detail contributes to a sense of well-being and includes features like covered patios, jacuzzis, and terraces for relaxation.” he says.

Design Aspects of a “Cozy” Home

Nostalgic Built-Ins

For Stella Masterson of Charming Austin, “cozy” has recently taken on an incredibly positive connotation with homebuyers. A cozy home is both “welcoming and serene, a peaceful, thoughtfully designed retreat,” she says. 

So how does one achieve cozy? “Nostalgic touches, such as built-in bookshelves, window seats, and fireplaces, are a must. A home may have charming vintage-inspired details like bay windows, hardwood floors, arched doorways, or stained glass as well,” she says. All of these elements can contribute to the feeling of a “cozy home” and can be found in homes of any size. 

Soft Shaping

Avoid sharp-edged furniture. Nature favors curves. Natural materials are a given like wood, marble, and granite, but those with texture like woven baskets, leather chairs, and soft wool rugs should be included if you’re looking to up the cozy factor of your space. 

Likewise, Alecia Taylor of Cabinets Now, likes the idea of replacing “sharp edges with softer, more organic shapes” especially when it comes to the main spaces of the home. In the kitchen, “pill-shaped islands, for example, which have rounded edges, create a smoother, more relaxed look,” she says. 

Collected Layering

Austin interior designer Ali Burgoon thinks that a cozy space comes down to layering. Rich textiles, vintage and antique furnishings, and layered lighting “create a collected and inviting feel,” she says.“Homeowners are seeking spaces that feel personal and lived-in rather than too pared back. Think heirloom rugs, moody color palettes, and a mix of materials like wood, linen, and patinated metals.”

Mood Lighting

While good lighting blends seamlessly, bad lighting is instantly noticeable. Stick to 2000K bulbs for a natural glow. Maximize natural light from outside. “It’s easier on the eyes and makes you feel better,” Nashville realtor Dylan Calvo says. To make a room feel even cozier, a fireplace or candles bring ambiance,” he says.