Check out these 9 Houzz Home Design Trend Predictions for 2026

Flat-panel cabinets and vanities, wall-mounted bathroom faucets and open-air garden rooms are just some of Houzz’s predictions about home trends for 2026. With a community of more than 70 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts, and more than 3 million home construction and design professionals, Houzz has the unique ability to provide accurate insights into how people design their homes.

Mitchell Parker, Loves residential design expert, provides insight (and photos) into the residential design predictions for 2026.

Trend prediction #1 for home design: traditional details

Traditional style is making a comeback; However, Parker says it is not formal traditional style. “Today’s version feels warm, grounded and quietly elegant, led by English country and modern Tudor influences,” he explains. The 2025 US Houzz Kitchen Trends Report shows that among renovating homeowners, traditional style increased 5 points from the previous year, and Parker says this means a renewed appreciation for classic details, comfort and craftsmanship.

Built-in cabinets, plate racks, curved range hoods and rich woods are some of the ways to bring handcrafted charm into the kitchen. “Throughout the house, curves, arches and scalloped edges soften the spaces, while built-ins, wainscoting and detailed millwork add depth and character.”

Traditional colors support the timeless appeal, and Parker says they include earthy tones such as olive green, taupe and deep brown, along with stained wood and muted blue or burgundy tones. This track features several color-of-the-year selections, including Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Homes By Sherwin-Williams’ joint Color of the Year: Universal Khaki, as well as Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus and Glidden’s Rich Mahogany.

Home Design Trend Prediction #2: Wall-mounted bathroom faucets

According to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Report, faucets are the top feature being upgraded during bathroom projects, and Parker says homeowners are getting creative with where they place them. “Wall-mounted taps, which offer both a sleek, streamlined look and practical benefits, are becoming increasingly popular. Mounting the spout and handles above the sink keeps worktops clear, making cleaning easier,” he explains. And there’s another benefit to wall-mounting faucets: If you have a smaller sink, this frees up countertop space. Additionally, Parker notes that wall-mounted bathroom faucets work well with vanities, custom and double vanities, and offer the kind of flexibility you can’t get with deck-mounted faucets.

Home Design Trend Prediction #3: Chessboard everywhere

Checkerboard tiles are also becoming increasingly popular. “Search searches on Houzz for ‘checkerboard floor’ grew 38% in the first three quarters of the year, compared to the same period in 2024, and ‘checkerboard floor’ in particular more than doubled (103%),” says Parker. The classic black and white colors are popular, but he explains that designers are also using sage-and-cream palettes and richer shades such as emerald, oxblood and burgundy for depth and sophistication.

Now you may be thinking that checkerboard tiles are only for bathrooms, kitchens and entryways. However, Parker says it can also be used to give mudrooms and patios an elegant yet playful atmosphere. “High-quality materials such as honed marble and handcrafted terracotta elevate the look and age gracefully over time, creating a balance between timeless charm and modern flair.”

Trend forecast #4 for home design: flat panel cabinets and sinks

Shaker remains the popular style of cabinetry. However, Parker says that sleek and streamlined flat-panel (also known as slab-front) cabinets and vanities are gaining traction, even in traditional and transitional style rooms. “Smooth frameless doors and subtle edge profiles give cabinets a sophisticated, custom look that feels modern yet timeless – and they’re easy to wipe clean, too.” He notes that matte finishes, warm wood tones and minimalist hardware ensure the style is inviting and not stark.

Home Design Trend Prediction #5: Zoned built-in systems

Built-in wardrobes always add architectural detail, and multi-functional built-in walls can take living rooms to the next level, adding organization and style. “These wall units combine zoned areas for TVs, fireplaces, open and closed storage areas, sofas and even bars into one cohesive whole,” says Parker. And by maximizing wall space, they reduce the need for extra furniture, making rooms feel more open.

“Custom shelving allows homeowners to display their décor, while closed cabinets keep essentials neatly stored,” Parker explains. As for specific elements, he says stone accents, wood, painted finishes, glass and metal details add texture, warmth and visual interest.

Home Design Trend Prediction #6: Natural stone slabs with subtle drama

Natural stone countertops and backsplashes make a statement through quiet elegance rather than bold contrast, and homeowners are embracing this subtle drama. “Quartzite and marble slabs with soft, flowing veins in green, brown, red and gold add movement and warmth without overwhelming a space,” says Parker. The result is an understated drama that can elevate a room without demanding attention. “It feels organic and luxurious and pairs beautifully with wooden cabinets, earthy palettes and classic metals,” he explains.

Home Design Trend Prediction #7: Outdoor Garden Rooms

Another takeaway from Houzz: Homeowners are increasingly approaching their yards as a collection of garden rooms, and the layered landscape has a textured look that is inviting and provides diverse places to connect with nature, relax and entertain. “Homeowners are creating separate outdoor zones with defined purposes – instead of one open expanse, landscapes are divided into destinations: dining patio, fire lounge, play lawn and quiet reading nook surrounded by greenery,” says Parker.

To create this look, he explains that landscape architects on Houzz add low hedges, planters, paths and trellises 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 deliberate,” he says.

Home Design Trend Prediction #8: Warm yellow accents

Ochre, mustard and honey are some of the earthy yellow tones that bring warmth and depth to the interior. “Designers at Houzz prefer these muted, grounded tones over bright citrus hues — using them in textiles, upholstery and accents to add a cozy, sun-kissed glow,” says Parker. And when these warm yellows are paired with rusty, burgundy or rich browns, he explains that these shades feel subdued and comforting – ideal when you want to create a layered, inviting palette. “Whether through a velvet sofa, wall paint or curtains, warm yellow tones give spaces character and a sense of timeless optimism,” says Parker.

Home Design Trend Prediction #9: Art Deco Influences

In this latest home design trend forecast, bold geometry and luxurious materials are just some of the ways art deco is experiencing a resurgence and bringing timeless elegance to modern homes. “Think chevrons, sunbursts and stepped details combined with marble, lacquered surfaces and metal accents in brass, gold or chrome,” says Parker. This trend combines historic sophistication with contemporary sensibilities, creating modern and opulent spaces. “Jewel tones and rich earthy tones such as emerald, ocher and charcoal add depth, while mirror surfaces and glossy finishes enhance light and drama,” he says.