8 Home Design Trends Heating Up Interiors, Exteriors This Summer

From wellness retreats to nostalgic game rooms, these emerging trends are reshaping how homeowners live—and feel—at home.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey​

This summer’s hottest home design trends aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re about creating spaces that feel comforting, personal and restorative.

According to the 2026 U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report from Houzz, homeowners are embracing a new wave of design that is centered around softer shapes, rich textures, wellness-focused spaces and a touch of nostalgia. Homes are increasingly being designed not just to look beautiful, but to support lifestyle and wellbeing.

Here are eight trends turning up the heat in home design this season:

1. Curves continue to take over.

Trending now:

• Scalloped tile
• Arched range hood
• Arched pantry door
• Rounded kitchen island
• Curved staircase

Designed by: Schloegel Design Remodel / Photographer: Matthew Anderson

 

Soft, rounded silhouettes have been popular in furniture for several years, but now they’re making their way into permanent architectural features throughout the home. Online searches for “scalloped tile”—a decorative feature with a fan-like shape—have tripled over the past year, while interest in arched kitchen details—like arched range hoods and arched pantry doors—continue to climb. “These graceful forms bring a sense of movement, softness and visual comfort to interiors,” the Houzz report notes.

2. Texture you can feel.

Trending now:

• Sandstone
• Linen wallpaper
• Venetian plaster
• Seagrass wallpaper
• Travertine flooring
• Terracotta flooring

Designed by: Vision Interiors

 

Design is becoming more tactile, with homeowners prioritizing surfaces that invite touch as much as admiration. Searches for materials like sandstone, linen wallpaper and seagrass wallpaper have surged as homeowners seek layered, sensory-rich interiors.

As Houzz notes, touch is becoming just as important as sight when designing a home.

3. Warm, earthy colors return.

Trending now:

• Rust colors
• Chocolate brown
• Mushroom color
• Olive green
• Sage

Designed by: Northside Design Collective / Photographer: Jack Robert Photography

 

Cool grays and minimalist palettes are stepping aside for richer, grounded hues inspired by nature. Online searches for “rust colors” have jumped 178% over the last year, while “chocolate brown” is up 153%.

Meanwhile, softer neutrals like mushroom, taupe, cream and sage are gaining traction as homeowners lean into warmer-hued spaces.

4. Nostalgia is influencing home design.

Trending now:

• Mahjong room
• Bibliothèque
• Card room
• Speakeasy
• Puzzle room

Photo credit: Refined Interiors

 

Homeowners are carving out spaces designed for unplugged entertainment and old-school fun. Searches for dedicated “mahjong rooms” are soaring, while bibliothèque-inspired spaces—classic, old-world libraries—signal renewed interest in formal, immersive reading rooms.

The trend reflects growing demand for screen-free spaces built around social gathering and connection or entertainment. 

5. Wellness spaces become essential.

Trending now:

• Wellness rooms
• Calming design
• Biophlic design
• Spa
• Home gym

Photo credit: Studio 790

 

The idea of home as a sanctuary is becoming a design priority. Houzz reports searches for “wellness room” have climbed 164%, while calming interiors and spa-inspired spaces continue to surge in popularity. “Biophilic design”—bringing nature indoors through plants, natural light and organic materials—remains one of the strongest ongoing trends.

6. Sustainability shapes design choices.

Trending now:

• Solar energy
• Repurposed materials
• Low-voltage lighting
• Permeable patio
• Recycle glass countertop

Photo credit: RODWIN ARCHITECTURE + SKYCASTLE CONSTRUCTION

 

Eco-conscious design is moving beyond niche interest and becoming more of a mainstream priority. Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to make their spaces more environmentally responsible while also seeking ways to cut their long-term costs.

Houzz points to growing interest in solar energy, repurposed materials and outdoor sustainability features like permeable patios—which feature specialized, porous materials that allow rainwater to filter through them—as well as native landscaping, which require less maintenance and water.

7. Compact outdoor spaces emerge with big design.

Trending now:

• Small front yard
• Small courtyards
• Small patio gardens
• Small backyards

Builder: New Leaf Custom Homes /  Architect/Designer: The Design Shop / Photographer: Costa Christ

 

Not everyone has a sprawling backyard, but homeowners are proving even small outdoor spaces can still make a major impact. From cozy courtyard gardens to thoughtfully designed front yards and petite patios, homeowners are maximizing every square foot to create outdoor escapes for entertaining, gardening and relaxation.

8. Old-World garden style returns.

Trending now:

• French courtyards
• Italian courtyards
• Cottage patios
• English cottage patios
• Climbing garden landscapes

Photo credit: CLC Landscape Design

 

European-inspired outdoor spaces are becoming a source of design inspiration for homeowners looking to create a restful escape. Online searches for “French courtyards” have surged nearly sixfold, while “Italian courtyards” are up 4.5 times over the last year. This reflects growing interest in outdoor spaces inspired by cobblestoned plazas, sun-drenched terraces and old-world charm. Cottage-inspired designs are gaining momentum too, with searches for “cottage patios” and “English cottage patios” increasing as homeowners embrace lush gardens, climbing roses and romantic outdoor settings.

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