Once a Luxury Trend, This Kitchen Staple Is Being Replaced in 2026

"Zillow compiled data collected from property listings written by real estate agents nationwide to see what descriptors they're using to sell homes. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's trends expert, said via a press release: "When we see a sharp increase in certain features being mentioned in listings on Zillow, whether it's spa-inspired bathrooms or bespoke artisan craftsmanship, it's a clear signal that these details are capturing buyers' attention right now and hint at what's next in home design.""

"In spite of their former popularity, a detail that's not being advertised as in the past are marble sinks. The mention of marble sinks in house listings is down 15% from prior years, and Zillow believes this has to do with the fact that marble upkeep ends up being a lot of work. "Marble sinks are high-maintenance and prone to staining, making them less practical for busy households," Zillow's report asserts, noting that homebuyers are moving away from details that feel aspirational and toward design choices that are primarily functional."

"Compared with granite or quartz, marble is extremely porous, which is why it's so easy to stain. If you do have marble sinks or countertops in your home, you can try to remove or lessen stains using a few pantry items. But if you're considering marble in a future home or in a renovation, this Zillow trend forecast might steer you in a different direction.It's a luxury, but even in the most glam homes, marble can also be a hassle to keep looking its best. Check out the entire Zillow 2026 Home Trends Report to see what homebuyers are looking for when shopping for a home - spoiler alert: Cozy nooks and (marble-free) spa-inspired bathrooms are in!"

Zillow analyzed language from real estate listings nationwide to identify features capturing buyer interest and track emerging home design shifts. Mentions of marble sinks dropped 15% from prior years, with upkeep and staining cited as major drawbacks. Marble is highly porous compared with granite or quartz, making it prone to stains and less practical for busy households. Buyers are shifting away from aspirational materials toward functional, durable choices and toward marble-free spa-inspired bathrooms and cozy nooks. Homeowners with marble can attempt stain removal with pantry items, but long-term maintenance concerns remain.

Read at Apartment Therapy