Gen Z loves maximalist interior design – with lots of wallpaper, animal prints and stained glass

There’s a fine line between “vintage” and “outdated” when it comes to homes, a new study shows.

This is according to a poll of 2,000 American homeowners, equally divided by generation. Results found 83% agree that it is easy for a home to lose its original charm and become outdated.

Many appreciate original hardwood floors (56%) and ornate, old-fashioned woodwork (37%), but they draw the line at popcorn ceilings (8%), root cellars (8%) and phone booths (8%).

Even 39% of baby boomers can admit that carpeted homes weren’t the best choice, and 16% of millennials are ready to give up their namesake, “millennial grey,” while 17% of Gen Z listed it as a favorite trend.

Wallpaper (31%), stained glass windows (30%) and wood paneling (26%) are also more popular with Gen Z than any other generation.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Realty ONE Groupthe study sought to uncover key generational differences when it comes to the home buying and ownership journey.

“Farm-house chic” is waning in popularity with younger generations (28% for Gen Z and 34% for Baby Boomers), whereas “Mid-Century Modern” homes are on the way out for Gen X (25%) and Baby Boomers ( 16%).

Animal print is more than five times as popular with Gen Z as it is with Baby Boomers (16% vs 3%), and nautical and beach themes (23%) or boho style (21%) don’t seem to be going anywhere either anytime soon as both are still popular with the younger generation.

Overall, Americans prefer minimalism to maximalism (56% vs. 23%), although 38% of Gen Z embrace bold colors and eclectic combinations.

Having a yard or lawn (57%), a garage (54%), an outdoor space such as a deck or patio (53%), and ample parking (34%) are all outdoor features that passed the test of ​​and ranked high on the list of importance across the board.

Still, having a place to put a grill was more important to Generation X than any other generation (36%), while Baby Boomers say trees and shrubs are non-negotiable (42%), as well as a pool or hot tub to Generation Z. ( 32%).

When it comes to the community itself, most Americans prioritize safety (69%) and the friendliness of their neighbors (53%). Overall, access to shopping is associated with neighborhood friendliness for Gen Z (both 42%), whereas millennials look for quality schools (48%) over shopping opportunities.

“One of the most critical aspects of buying a home, especially in this market, is working with a real estate agent who will help you differentiate your ‘needs vs. wants’ and find the perfect compromise,” said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and founder of Realty ONE Group. “The same professional is a master negotiator, expert in current trends and understands the different buyer generations.”

When it comes to their current home ownership journey, 35% bought a house in a town or city they had never been to, and another 34% say it’s something they would be open to.

In fact, the process took an average of six months from the moment they decided to buy a home, to showing, making an offer and officially moving in.

To find their current home, 29% worked with a real estate agent from the start, while 21% searched online in a targeted area. Of those who worked with a realtor, most say they benefited from them guiding them through the process (57%) or finding listings that worked (51%).

Although 29% of respondents say there is nothing they would do differently about the home buying process, 23% would take the time to review all options, while 18% would be more realistic about budget and costs, and 16% would not compromise on certain things.

The survey also asked respondents for their most valuable advice when it comes to buying your first home. These nuggets of wisdom include, “take your time and don’t feel pressured to settle,” “focus on what you need and don’t allow distractions,” and “hire an inspector to look over the property before buying.”

At the end of the day, 67% of respondents believe that their current home is their “forever home”.

“A real estate agent will take care of the intricacies of buying or selling your home so you can focus on what’s most important,” Jewgieniew said. “Obviously price (50%) is one of the top three non-negotiables along with home size (41%) and location (39%) and your agent will help you find these to make it your perfect home.”

Study methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 homeowners split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers); the survey was commissioned by Realty One Group and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between November 15 and November 19, 2024.