Buzz
Photo: Cate Black Photography; Residential Design: Kelley Design Group; Builder: CKN Capital GroupAlthough summer hasn't even officially arrived yet, we've already forecasted several trends for the upcoming season, from the most popular paint colors to gardening fads and even home renovation projects. And of course, we can't overlook decorating! Luckily, the 2024 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report is here, offering valuable insights on what we can expect in design this summer.
The report outlines the leading emerging home design trends, driven by search data from the Houzz community of U.S. homeowners, design enthusiasts, and professionals. These insights come from a comparison of year-over-year growth on Houzz from January to March 2024 against the same period in 2023. If you're in the mood for a summer refresh, explore these trends to guide your decorating choices.
1. Organic Modern Style
Photo: Sara Stewart with Sarah Strunk Photography; Designer: Kirby Home Designs; Stylist: Amanda Layton; Builder: MassaRossa Luxury HomesToday's take on modern design is much gentler on the eyes compared to its original form. What was once defined by sharp, sleek lines and a strict monochrome palette of white and black now embraces warm neutrals like browns, taupes, and beiges. Add in natural elements such as wood, real plants, and stone, and you get what’s known as ‘organic modern style,’ a trend Houzz has seen taking over every room in the house. (It bears a striking resemblance to quiet luxury, in fact!)
Houzz searches for 'organic modern bedroom' have nearly tripled, increasing by 245% year-over-year. Dining rooms are close behind with a 146% rise, followed by kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, in that order.
2. Dark and Moody
Matti Gresham; Designer: Urbanology DesignsDark and atmospheric rooms are gaining popularity—just as we anticipated with the rise of color drenching, which shines best with deep, intense shades. Houzz reports that searches for 'moody living room' and 'moody kitchen' have more than doubled compared to 2023.
Searches for 'moody bedroom' have surged by 85%, which is fitting as this space should feel warm and intimate. Even 'dark ceilings,' once avoided out of fear of making a room appear smaller, are now gaining popularity—searches for this phrase have increased by 60%.
People are now longing for cozy, smaller spaces, which is why deep browns and dark reds are trending in design.
3. Reading Rooms
Nat Rea for Ruhl | Jahnes ArchitectsPeople will be inspired to kick off their summer reading list in a space that embraces the 'dark academia' aesthetic. As Houzz defines it, 'dark academia' is a 'scholarly subculture focused on reading, writing, and learning.' Though it initially emerged in fashion a few years ago, it's now making its way into interior design.
Houzz reports that searches for 'dark academia' have surged by 219%, and the British-style 'snug' has increased by 2.5 times. Luckily, you don't need to dedicate an entire room to creating the perfect reading nook. Terms like 'library wall,' 'reading corner,' and 'book nooks' have also seen a rise in searches.
4. Japanese Influence
Dustin Halleck; Design: Devon Grace InteriorsWith the rising popularity of organic modern style, it's no surprise that Japanese design—known for its sleek, modern, and natural elements—is also gaining attention.
'Japandi' design, a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, saw a surge in popularity around 2020, and Houzz reports it's making a comeback. Searches for 'Japandi living room' have increased by 48%. Additionally, two Japanese-inspired design philosophies often associated with creating a sanctuary at home ('wabi-sabi' and 'zen garden') have also grown in search volume on Houzz (up 44% and 22%, respectively).
5. Wellness
Cate Black Photography; Residential design: Kelley Design Group; Builder: CKN Capital GroupJust in time for summer, cold plunge pools are all the rage (or perhaps we should say, 'cold') in design. Enthusiasts of this trend, which is essentially an ice bath, swear by its benefits for reducing inflammation and easing muscle soreness, although the limited studies on its effectiveness remain inconclusive.
Despite this, fitness enthusiasts are eager to invest in these tubs—searches for 'cold plunge' have risen by 74% on Houzz. Other wellness-related trends are also gaining momentum, with terms like 'indoor sauna,' 'home spa,' and 'backyard sauna' showing notable increases in search volume compared to 2023.
Interestingly, skylights and large windows are gaining popularity, with searches up by 27% and 41%, respectively. The idea is that by letting in more natural light, we might be helping our bodies maintain a healthy circadian rhythm!
6. Leisure Spaces
Laurie Kilgore Photography; Designer: Stephanie Stroud InteriorsSummer wouldn’t feel complete without a little lounging, right? Relaxing in spaces created specifically for leisure is a rising trend—Houzz reports that searches for 'listening room' have more than doubled, and 'living room pianos' have grown by 39%, reflecting a growing desire for dedicated areas to enjoy premium music experiences.
Recreational spaces like bowling alleys and game rooms are highly sought after, and just in time for summer, outdoor leisure activities are also becoming more popular. Searches for 'bocce court' have increased by 23%.
