Elevated Coziness: Painted Brick Exteriors Rise in Popularity
According to Zillow's 2027 Home Trends report, painted brick exteriors are gaining traction as a key feature in real estate listings, reflecting a growing preference for 'elevated coziness.'


Zillow's 2027 Home Trends report, based on data from hundreds of real estate listings, highlights that 'elevated coziness' is a growing trend among homebuyers. This concept is being conveyed through various exterior features, with painted brick exteriors seeing a significant increase in mentions, up 27% compared to the previous year (source ID: 1). The report notes that while 'cozy' remains a common term in listings, a more polished look is gaining ground, and painted brick is one of the breakout trends associated with this shift. [1]
The trend of painted brick is not without its critics, as it remains a topic of debate in online communities. However, the report suggests that when done correctly, painted brick can offer an elevated look that turns heads. Many homeowners are opting for soft off-white to give their homes an English cottage feel, while others are choosing colors like charcoal, sage green, or limewash for a more personalized touch (source ID: 1). [1]
Zillow's report indicates that the use of the term 'elevated' in real estate listings has increased by over 70% compared to previous years. This shift in language reflects a broader movement toward more intentional and polished home designs. The report suggests that painted brick, along with other exterior features, is helping to convey this new standard of 'elevated coziness' in home listings (source ID: 1). [1]
Zillow's 2027 Home Trends report, based on data from hundreds of real estate listings, indicates that the concept of 'elevated coziness' is becoming increasingly popular among homebuyers. This trend is reflected in the growing use of the term 'elevated' in real estate listings, which has increased by over 70% compared to previous years (source ID: 1). The report highlights that this shift is particularly evident in the use of painted brick exteriors, which have seen a 27% year-over-year increase in mentions within listings. [1]
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The trend of painted brick is not without its critics, as it remains a topic of debate in online communities. However, the report suggests that when executed properly, painted brick can offer an 'elevated look' and often turns heads (source ID: 1). Many homeowners are opting for soft off-white or creamy white brick to achieve an English cottage feel, while others are experimenting with more dramatic colors like charcoal or sage green to reflect their personal style. [1]
Zillow’s report notes that the use of the term 'elevated' in real estate listings is gaining ground, indicating a shift toward more polished and intentional design choices. This trend is not limited to exterior brick; it also extends to other elements such as exterior trim, where warm taupe, deep brown, or muted green are being used to complement red brick and create a more cohesive look (source ID: 1). [1]
Zillow's 2027 Home Trends report, based on data from hundreds of real estate listings, highlights that 'elevated coziness' is a growing trend among homebuyers. The report indicates that the use of the term 'elevated' in real estate listings has increased by over 70% compared to previous years. This shift in language reflects a broader movement toward more polished and intentional design choices in homebuying decisions (Source ID: 1). [1]
The trend of painted brick is not without its critics, as it remains a topic of debate in online communities. However, the report notes that mentions of painted brick exteriors are up 27 percent year-over-year, indicating a growing acceptance of this design choice. Many homeowners opt for soft off-white or other muted tones to achieve an 'elevated' look that is both timeless and reflective of personal style (Source ID: 1). [1]
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According to the report, the term 'cozy' remains one of the most common catchphrases in real estate listings, but a more polished look is gaining ground. This is evident in the increasing use of the term 'elevated' to describe cozy spaces, which often include features such as painted brick exteriors. The report suggests that this trend is part of a larger shift toward intentional and aesthetically curated living environments (Source ID: 1). [1]
Sources
Prepared with AI assistance from the cited sources.
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