Summer Home Design Trends

Houzz just released new research identifying the top emerging home design trends. Whether you sell home products and décor or provide home remodeling, design, or construction services, it’s essential that you know what consumers want today. Houzz’s research is based on search activity from their community of homeowners, home design enthusiasts, and home professionals.

I grew up on Long Island in New York, where most houses had basements. I live in Orange County, California, where homes with basements are much rarer. I miss having a basement—they serve so many purposes. It seems many Americans share that sentiment. Houzz’s research shows that searches for turning a basement into a family room ( up 791%) or rec room (up 524%) are skyrocketing. But basement golf simulators are most in-demand—searches are up 1,905%!

From down below to up above. America’s homeowners are expanding their livable space, searching for information on building outdoor rooftop terraces (up 1,555%), rooftop decks (up 90%), and rooftop patios (up 40%).

Speaking of looking up, Houzz says the “fifth wall” or ceiling has been historically overlooked. But no more. Homeowners are searching for “high-gloss ceilings (up 816%),” tongue-and-groove ceilings (up 74%),” “painted ceilings (up 68%),” “wallpaper ceilings” (up 26%), and “black ceilings” (up 19%).

According to the 2023 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, homeowners increasingly renovate their homes “for the long run.” That’s reflected in the interest in bathroom improvements allowing homeowners to age-in-place (safely stay in their homes as they age). The recent Houzz research shows searches for “aging-in-place bathrooms” and “handicap-accessible bathrooms” each more than doubled compared to last year, up 141% and 137%, respectively. Consumers are also increasingly searching for “handheld shower heads,” “wet rooms,” “ADA-compliant bathroom vanities,” and “curbless showers.”

Fully embracing the spirit of the hot summer season, homeowners are searching for “small plunge pools” (up 375%) and “small pool houses” (up 210%). They’re also very interested in “small screened-in porch ideas” (up 522%) ?

The full report has a lot more about what’s hot in kitchens, interest in historical styles, and separating living spaces. You can download the full report to learn more.