It's not even summer yet, but we're already predicting bundle We've got you covered with upcoming season trends, including the hottest paint colors, gardening trends, and even home improvement projects. And of course, decorating. Luckily, the Houzz US Emerging Summer Trends Report for 2024 has all kinds of helpful information on what to expect in design this summer.
In this report, we've identified emerging trends in home design based on the latest search insights from our community of U.S. homeowners, design enthusiasts, and professionals. These search insights are based on Houzz's year-over-year growth from January to March 2024 compared to January to March 2023. If you're looking to freshen up a bit for summer, check out these trends to help inform your decorating decisions.
Organic Modern Style
Sarah Stewart and Sarah Strunk Photography, Designer: Kirby Home Designs, Stylist: Amanda Leighton, Builder: Massarossa Luxury Homes
Today's interpretation of modern design is much easier on the eye than the original definition of design. What was once simply smooth lines and limited to cool tones of black and white now features warm neutral colors like brown, taupe, and beige. Mix in natural elements like wood, real greenery, and stone, and you get what's now thought of as “organic modern style,” and at Houzz, we're seeing this style trending in every room of the home (and it looks like quiet luxury, after all).
Searches for “organic modern bedroom” on Houzz have nearly tripled, up 245% year over year, followed by dining rooms (up 146%), followed by kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms.
Dark and gloomy
Matty Gresham, Designer: Urbanology Designs
Darker, moodier rooms are also on the rise, which is expected given the popularity of colorful decor, where deep, saturated hues tend to work best: According to Houzz, searches for “moody living room” and “moody kitchen” have more than doubled compared to the same period in 2023.
Searches for “moody bedrooms” are up 85%, which makes sense, especially for those who want their space to feel cozy and intimate. Even “dark ceilings,” something people once shied away from for fear of making a room look “small,” are now trending, with searches for the phrase up 60%.
People are actually craving small (and cozy!) spaces, which is why dark browns and deep reds are now popular.
Reading Room
Nat Lehr for Rules | Janace Architects
The “Dark Academia” themed space will inspire many to start their summer reading list. According to Houzz, this is “an academic subculture dedicated to reading, writing, and learning.” It's been all the rage in fashion for a few years now, and now it's making its way into the world of interior design too.
According to Houzz, searches for “dark academia” have increased by 219%, with British-style
“Pitto” has grown 2.5 times. Fortunately, whole A space to relax with a good book. Search terms such as “library wall,” “reading corner,” and “book nook” also saw an increase.
Japanese influence
Dustin Halleck, Design: Devon Grace Interiors
Given the current popularity of organic modern style, it's no surprise that Japanese design, which incorporates many similarly sophisticated, modern and natural elements, is also gaining recognition.
“Japandi” design, a hybrid style that blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, saw a surge in popularity around 2020, but according to Houzz, it's back on the rise again, with searches for “Japandi living room” up 48%. Additionally, two Japanese design aesthetics often associated with the home as a sanctuary — “wabi-sabi” and “zen garden” — are also seeing increased searches on Houzz (up 44% and 22%, respectively).
Wellness
Cate Black Photography, Residential Design: Kelley Design Group, Construction: CKN Capital Group
Cold baths are all the rage (or should we say cold?) right now, perfect for summer. Proponents of this trend, which is basically just an ice bath, claim that it can help with inflammation and muscle soreness, but research into its efficacy is limited and inconclusive.
Either way, fitness enthusiasts are willing to invest in a hot tub, with searches for “cold plunge” up 74% on Houzz, while other wellness-themed searches are on the rise too: “indoor sauna,” “home spa,” and “backyard sauna” all saw an increase in the first quarter of this year compared to 2023.
Interestingly, skylights and large windows are also growing in popularity, with searches up 27% and 41% respectively. The theory is that letting in more natural light helps the body maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
Leisure Space
Photography by Laurie Kilgore, Designer: Stephanie Stroud Interiors
Summer is incomplete without a little relaxation, right? Relaxing in a space dedicated to leisure is a growing trend. According to Houzz, searches for “listening room” have more than doubled, while searches for “living room piano” are up 39%, “signaling a growing desire for dedicated areas to enjoy a high-quality music experience.”
Recreational spaces such as bowling alleys and game rooms are also extremely popular, perfect for summer. Outdoor leisure activities are also gaining in popularity, with searches for “bocce courts” increasing by 23%.
