Houzz released the 2026 U.S. Houzz Emerging Summer Trends Report, which identifies design trends based on the latest search insights from the Houzz community of U.S. home professionals, homeowners and design enthusiasts. As summer approaches, homeowners are leaning into tactile, sensory-rich environments that feel personal and purposeful — blending nature-inspired textures, curved forms and warm color palettes with spaces designed for wellness, connection and play.
Curves & Soft Geometry
Rounded silhouettes and wave-like details, which have been popular in furniture, are now gaining momentum in architectural features and other areas as homeowners move away from rigid lines in favor of softer, more fluid forms.
Searches for “scalloped tile” surged more than 3 times, while “wave tile” also saw an uptick (up 38%). In the kitchen, searches for “arched range hood” and “arched pantry door” climbed 177% and 130%, respectively, while “rounded kitchen island” and “curved peninsulas and islands” saw increased search traffic (up 123% and 61%, respectively). Homeowners are also embracing sculptural elements like “curved staircase,” which saw a 66% increase in searches.
These graceful forms bring a sense of movement, softness and visual comfort to interiors.
Tactile Textures
Touch is becoming as important as sight in home design as homeowners seek out highly sensory experiences where traditionally flat surfaces become rich, touchable dimensions.
Searches for “sandstone” have skyrocketed 257%, while searches have doubled for “linen wallpaper” (up 104%) and “seagrass wallpaper” (up 94%), drawing homeowners toward walls that beg to be touched. The ancient art of “Venetian plaster” is also making a strong comeback, with searches up 94%, offering depth and luminosity that paint simply cannot replicate.
Underfoot, “terracotta flooring” (with searches up 55%) is bringing warmth and earthiness to kitchens, entryways and beyond. “Limewash interior paint” (with searches up 53%) is gaining ground for its beautifully imperfect, chalky finish that lends an old-world character to any room. Finally, architectural detailing is joining the movement too, with searches for “wainscoting” up 32% as homeowners embrace classic wall treatments that add texture, dimension and timeless character.
Warm, Earthy Colors
Rich, earthy hues are taking center stage this summer as homeowners embrace palettes that feel cozy, grounding and timeless. Searches for “rust colors” jumped 178%, while “chocolate brown” climbed 153%, signaling a growing appreciation for warm, saturated tones. Softer neutrals are also on the rise, including “mushroom color” (up 69%), “sage” (up 55%), “taupe” (up 50%) and “cream” (up 44%). Together, these colors create layered interiors that feel calming yet sophisticated, offering an inviting alternative to cooler minimalist palettes.
Nostalgic Spaces
Homeowners are increasingly designing rooms dedicated to analog entertainment, connection and old-fashioned fun. Searches for “Mahjong room” skyrocketed nearly 20 times, while searches also climbed for “card room” (up 129%), “board game room” (up 45%) and “poker room” (up 38%), pointing to a renewed love of tabletop gaming and convivial gathering.
Refined Interiors
On the literary side, “bibliothèque” searches have risen 191%, reflecting a desire for the grand, immersive library of a bygone era. Speakeasies are similarly having a moment, too, with searches up 75%.
For kids, searches for “playroom” are up 38%, rounding out the picture of a generation investing in spaces for slow, screen-free enjoyment. These rooms celebrate connection, creativity and a little nostalgia for simpler pleasures.
Wellness Retreats
The home as a sanctuary is no longer just a concept, it’s an active design priority. Searches for “wellness room” are up 164% and “calming” as a design keyword has surged 139%, underscoring the deep desire for environments that restore as much as they shelter.
“Biophilic design,” the practice of incorporating nature into the built environment, is up 112%, while “spa” searches are up 68% as homeowners invest in private retreat-worthy bathrooms and wet rooms, as confirmed by the 2025 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.
“Home gym” searches are up 46%, and interest in more specialized spaces like “sensory room” (up 43%) and “yoga room” (up 20%) show that wellness is being thought of holistically, from physical fitness to mental wellbeing.
Eco-Friendly Choices
Sustainable design is becoming a bigger priority for homeowners seeking beautiful spaces that also support long-term environmental goals. Searches for “solar energy” soared nearly 18 times, while “repurposed materials” almost tripled. Outdoor sustainability solutions are also gaining traction, with “permeable patio” searches up 137% and “native landscape” up 59%.
Indoors, homeowners are exploring environmentally conscious materials like “recycled glass countertop” (up 84%) and “bamboo flooring” (up 32%). Searches for “sustainable” rose 42%, while “passive house” increased 37%, reflecting growing interest in energy-efficient and environmentally responsible living.
Compact Outdoor Areas
As homeowners maximize every inch of outdoor living space, there’s increased interest in smaller-scale landscapes. Searches for “small front yards” rose 79%, while “small courtyards” climbed 63% and “small patio garden” increased 57%. Interest in “small backyard” also grew 43%, suggesting homeowners are looking for creative ways to transform compact outdoor areas into functional retreats for entertaining, gardening and relaxation.
Builder: New Leaf Custom Homes; Architect/Designer: The Design Shop; Photographer: Costa Christ
Landscaping pros on Houzz suggest that thoughtful layouts, layered plantings and multi-functional furnishings can help even the smallest outdoor spaces feel inviting and expansive.
European Garden Romanticism
European-inspired outdoor spaces are capturing the eye of U.S. homeowners in a big way this summer. Searches for “French courtyards” have soared nearly 6 times and “Italian courtyards” are up 4.5 times, evoking the romance of cobblestoned plazas and sun-drenched terraces.
Closer in spirit if not in geography, “cottage patios” are up 204% and “English cottage patios” up 131%, channeling the charm of rambling gardens, climbing roses and leisurely afternoons outdoors.
Together, these trends paint a picture of homeowners longing for outdoor spaces that feel storied, lush and transportive—a little European escape right at home.
Homeowners who are looking to begin renovating or decorating their home can get inspired and find home professionals for their projects on Houzz.
