Houzz looks ahead to 2026 and reveals its top 10 trend predictions

With a community of over 70 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts and more than 3 million residential construction and design professionals, Houzz has unique insights into how people are designing their homes – here are the design platform's 2026 trend predictions.

1. Heritage Maximalism
Pattern, colour and nostalgia are taking centre stage, but with a refined, heritage-driven twist. “More is more” interiors are layered with historical motifs, paisley velvets and traditional shapes reimagined for modern homes. Designers on Houzz are mixing classic British heritage with a curated, contemporary sensibility, creating spaces that feel timeless.

2. Hidden Spaces and Seamless Design
From concealed pantries and linen cupboards to stylish coffee stations and home bars tucked neatly behind cabinetry, design is getting smarter and more discreet. Homeowners are craving clean lines and quiet luxury, with layouts that can flex between open and closed, for a sleek, clutter-free look. These innovations keep open-plan homes streamlined and functional while adding a touch of modern sophistication. When considering built-in or hidden features, it’s helpful to meet with a professional using Houzz Pro, who can lay out the options in a visual 3D Floor Plan to ensure that they integrate seamlessly with the rest of the space before construction begins.

3. Transparent Renovation Projects
In 2026, homeowners will look for more openness and clarity throughout their renovation journey. Houzz research shows that more than 41% of homeowners said a clearer timeline would have improved their project experience, and almost the same share wanted better communication from their pros (40%). Expect digital project dashboards complete with easy-to-follow schedules, visual progress updates and payment timelines to become a regular part of how construction and design firms keep homeowners informed.

4. Wooden Ceilings
Searches for wooden ceilings on Houzz are up a staggering 275% in the first three quarters of the year compared with the same period in 2024, signalling a growing appetite for warmth and architectural interest overhead. Designers on Houzz are embracing everything from slimline slats to wooden beams and textured cladding to add depth, character and a sense of craftsmanship to a room.

5. The New Art Deco
Art Deco is making a glamorous resurgence, bringing bold geometry, luxurious materials and timeless elegance into modern homes, with searches on Houzz for “Art Deco” interiors up 22% in the first three quarters of the year compared with the same period in 2024, and “Art Deco bathroom,” specifically, has more than doubled (144%). Think chevrons, curves and fluted details paired with marble, lacquered surfaces and metallic accents in brass, gold or chrome. Jewel tones, earthy hues or rich burgundy add depth, while mirrored surfaces and glossy finishes amplify light and drama. This trend blends historical sophistication with contemporary sensibilities, creating spaces that feel opulent and modern.

6. Soft Simplicity
Minimalism is taking on a softer edge. Designers on Houzz are creating serene, cocooning spaces using layered neutrals, natural materials and tactile finishes. Think linen drapes, plaster walls and boucle upholstery grounded by warm wood. We’re seeing more of these inviting, enveloping materials appearing in the most popular photos on Houzz, reflecting a growing desire for calm, restorative spaces.

7. Immersive Visualisation Becomes the New Blueprint
More homeowners are looking for ways to picture their finished spaces before demo begins. With over 1 in 8 saying they struggled to visualise the end result at the start of a project (13%), tools like 3D floor plans and AR walkthroughs are becoming essential for building confidence in design decisions. Platforms such as Houzz Pro, which allow pros to provide clients with realistic images, mood boards and curated product selections, make it easier for homeowners to explore possibilities and feel certain about their choices. Seeing the finished space digitally before demo day is quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.

8. The Return of Dark Wood
After years of pale oak and Scandi bleached finishes, rich walnut, mahogany and chocolate tones are back, with searches for “dark wood” surging 187% in the first three quarters of the year compared with the same period in 2024. These deeper wood tones bring a sense of depth and craftsmanship, often paired with warm metals or tactile stone for balance. When working with a designer who uses Houzz Pro, you can explore how they come together in a visual Mood Board before bringing them to life at home.

9. Lighting as Art
Lighting has become a focal point. From sculptural alabaster pendants to playful glass forms, statement lighting is transforming the rooms seen in the most popular photos on Houzz. Designers are embracing pieces that act as both functional illumination and standalone works of art, using texture and form to add drama, personality and atmosphere.

10. Outdoor Garden Zones
Homeowners are increasingly approaching their gardens as collections of distinct outdoor zones with defined purposes. Instead of one open expanse, landscapes are divided into destinations. Garden designers on Houzz are adding low hedges, trellises, planters and pathways to subtly define boundaries while maintaining flow and cohesion. This creates a sense of discovery even in compact gardens and makes outdoor spaces appear larger and more intentional. The result is a layered landscape that feels structured and inviting with multiple places to relax, entertain and connect with nature.