7 of the Hottest Home Trends of the Summer
The home remodeling site Houzz has released its 2026 U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report, revealing how homeowners are redefining not just how homes look, but how they feel—and even how they support health and wellbeing.
A clear shift is emerging: Softer forms, richer textures, wellness-driven inspiration and nostalgia. Get inspiration for your next home remodel.
1. Curvy shapes
- Scalloped tile
- Arched range hood
- Arched pantry door
- Rounded kitchen island
- Curved staircase
Designed by: Schloegel Design Remodel / Photographer: Matthew Anderson
2. Tactile Textures
- Sandstone
- Linen wallpaper
- Venetian plaster
- Seagrass wallpaper
- Travertine flooring
- Terracotta flooring
Designed by: Vision Interiors
Hot home design trends to watch:
- Rust colors
- Chocolate brown
- Mushroom color
- Olive green
- Sage
4. Nostalgic Spaces
- Mahjong room
- Bibliiotheque
- Card room
- Speakeasy
- Puzzle room
5. Wellness Retreats
Hot home design trends to watch:
- Wellness rooms
- Calming design
- Biophlic design
- Spa
- Home gym
6. Eco-friendly choices
- Solar energy
- Repurposed materials
- Low-voltage lighting
- Permeable patio
- Recycle glass countertop
7. Compact outdoor Areas
Hot home design trends to watch:
- Small front yard
- Small courtyards
- Small patio gardens
- Small backyards
Builder: New Leaf Custom Homes / Architect/Designer: The Design Shop / Photographer: Costa Christ
Podcaster / Blogger / Journalist
Melissa Dittmann Tracey is known as "the housing muse" and the creator and host of The Housing Muse Podcast. She is an award-winning journalist who has been covering the real estate and home design industry for more than 15 years. She was named by Fixr.com as one of the "Top 30 Home Improvement Journalists" in the nation for 2024. She is also the creator of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog (the No. 1 home staging blog in the country voted by Feedspot for the last five years and counting). You also can hear her weekly on the syndicated radio show and podcast, Real Estate Today, with her segment "Hot or Not?" in home design. She has contributed to dozens of publications over the years, including U.S. News & World Report, BobVila.com, Homes.com, HouseLogic.com, PEOPLE, Chicago Tribune, REALTOR, and more.
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