Organic modernism is the new modern farmhouse,” states Zillow’s home trends expert Amanda Pendleton per a press release. “The contemporary look of homes today is characterized by natural stone, wood flooring and cabinetry, and textured walls. Buyers are seeking out and competing for homes with these raw but refined finishes, and that’s pushing up sale prices.

As opposed to the more cold and minimalist style associated with modern homes, organic modernism offers something new that takes advantage of wood and stone – natural materials – and combines it with a soft, muted palette and inviting textures that lend warmth and comfort to the modern aesthetic. It’s the perfect blend of modern and contemporary design with the inviting warmth and charm of the farmhouse-style.

What this can mean for homeowners whose homes incorporate the organic modern-style, according to Zillow, is that the final sales price can go up to 3.5% more than estimated – a welcome bonus!

Favored Features in the Kitchen

While quartz has long been a favorite and does increase home value by 2.6%, according to Zillow, home buyers are favoring natural countertops, such as soapstone, because it brings the feeling of nature into the heart of a home while adding 3.5% to your home value. More woodsy walnut cabinets are a big hit with buyers, as well as wood floors and wood beams in a kitchen and throughout other areas in a home.

Certain things favored by cooks and new buyers is the pot filler at the stove which is increasing home values by 2.2%. If you already have easy plumbing access, a pot filler is an easy upgrade to your existing kitchen. Even adding an undercounter or built-in ice machine to your kitchen can add 2% to your home’s value. Blending modern features and functions with earthy finishes and textures is key to organic modernism.

Interestingly, matte black with brushed gold hardware finishes continue to remain popular. This adds a touch of elegance that many new buyers are eager to have in their new home. As you look around your current home and consider its aesthetic, think about what certain color combinations and finishes can do to increase your home’s value and appeal.

Most Wanted: A Wet Room

When it comes to bathroom favorites, the spa-inspired master bath remains a big hit (improving your home’s value by 0.6%), but the bathroom that is increasing the selling price by 3.3% is the wet room.

A wet room typically features a walk-in shower area with a freestanding tub that sits within it. The entrance is either curbless, fully or partially glass-enclosed, or with a pony wall installed to provide separation as well as contain any splashing water. A wet room offers the luxury of a spa bathroom, yet everything is waterproof, allowing for a more updated and organic feel to the space.

Whether your bathrooms are large or small, an experienced contractor can do wonders with a wet room design to help open up a seemingly small or cramped bathroom to feel larger and more accessible. If you have a large bathroom, all the better for a wet room that is both luxurious and spacious! At Ed Neir Construction, we happily install wet rooms or spa-inspired bathrooms that work for every size home and budget.

Maximize Outdoor Space to Increase Home Value

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, why not consider maximizing your outdoor living space? A beautiful and sizable backyard is always of value to new home buyers, but according to Zillow,  things such as an outdoor kitchen or shower can definitely boost your selling price, even in homes with smaller yards. 

Outdoor kitchens increase home value by as much as 2.2%. This is because people consider this type of bonus a real luxury that enhances entertaining possibilities while also creating more opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends. 

An outdoor shower contributes up to 2.8% to the value of a home, and it helps to carry the organic modernism throughout your property. This is particularly true when you choose natural stone or an inviting tile that supports and compliments your organic yet modern outdoor living space.

Whichever outdoor bonus living space you may choose, from outdoor kitchens to cabanas, Ed Neir Construction can take your dream and make it an affordable, value-added reality.

What Else Increases Your Home’s Value?

Home sales listings typically use key words to help sell a given property. According to Zillow, listing that your home has been renovated increases its value by 2.7%. If your home has been remodeled, then it increases the value by 3.7%. For an example of a utility room remodeled in the organic modern style, please see above. For homeowners who have built an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their residential property, 2025 California estimates suggest a property value increase of 20% to 35% or more given an ADU provides a means to generate passive income or house a loved one.

While today’s home shoppers are eager to embrace a home that offers the highly popular organic modern aesthetic, keep in mind that buyers also continue to seek out bonus living space, modern conveniences, and never fail to appreciate a great floor plan and fresh upgrades. 

If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your home, or want to add an element to your living space to enhance its comfort and liveability, then contact your local expert and general contractor, Ed Neir Construction. For a free consultation and estimate, please call 707-999-5878 or text 408-368-7162.

Ed Neir, General Contractor
License #: 928715