Emerging design trends in the new-home market can signal what buyers are gravitating towards, and right now, there are a few that are sticking out across the housing market. Whether they've been seen in a new single-family community, townhomes, or a custom build, a recent blog post from the National Association of Realtors identifies a few design trends buyers are gravitating towards. These include: floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, black-framed windows, and white oak kitchen cabinetry, among several others.

Stained or rift-cut white oak wood on islands and pantries is being paired with painted perimeter cabinets in warm white, soft greige or deep matte. A handful of homes are pushing further into walnut and sapele, a slight warming up from pure oak. Tell your sellers that an all-white kitchen with gray quartz is not a deal-breaker, but it’s no longer the safe, neutral default it was in 2020. If they have any budget for a refresh, the island is the highest-leverage place to spend it.