Solar power, Sandstone and scalloped tile are among the trendiest home features this summer, according to the Emerging Summer Trends Report from Houzz.
Looking at search key terms, the home design site compared first quarter user activity to year-ago levels to determine the emerging home trends for summer 2026. Here’s what they found.
Trending this summer: arches. (Photo credit: Matthew Anderson for Schloegel Design Remodel via Houzz)
Soft curves and gentle geometry
Among the most popular home features this summer are curves, arches and waves. Scalloped tile increased in popularity by 210%, while arched range hoods and arched pantry doors jumped 177% and 130%, respectively.
Also on the rise are round kitchen islands (up 123%), curved staircases (up 66%) and wave tile (up 38%).
Touchable textures
Today’s homeowners want a sensory experience in their homes, starting with luxurious textures. The most popular tactile feature this summer is sandstone, with searches increasing 257%.
Other touch-worthy textures include linen wallpaper (up 104%), venetian plaster (up 94%), seagrass wallpaper (up 94%), travertine flooring (up 94%), terra cotta flooring (up 55%), limewash paint (up 53%) and wainscoting (up 32%).
Trending this summer: earth tones. (Photo credit: Jack Robert Photography for Northside Design Collective via Houzz)
Warm earth tones
Houzz highlighted the increasing popularity of “rich, earthy hues” like rust (up 178%), chocolate brown (up 153%), mushroom (up 69%), olive green (up 57%), sage (up 55%), taupe (up 50%) and cream (up 44%).
Gathering spaces
No other feature on Houzz’ list increased in popularity as much as Mahjong rooms, which jumped in popularity by 1,986%.
Many other entertainment-related home features designed to foster camaraderie landed on the list, including card rooms (up 129%), speakeasies (up 75%), puzzle rooms (up 51%) board game rooms (up 45%), poker rooms (up 38%) and playrooms (up 38%).
Wellness
Dedicated wellness rooms are also among the most sought-after home feature this summer, increasing in popularity by 164%.
Other wellness-related search terms on the rise include “calming” (up 139%), biophilic design (up 112%), spa (up 68%), home gym (up 46%), sensory room (up 43%) and yoga room (up 20%).
Sustainability
Searches for solar energy soared 1,675%, emphasizing the importance of sustainability for modern homeowners.
Repurposed materials also saw a huge 199% jump in popularity, as well as low-voltage lighting (up 162%), permeable patios (up 137%), recycled glass countertops (up 84%), native landscaping (up 59%), sustainability (up 42%) and bamboo flooring (up 32%).
Trending this summer: small patio gardens (Photo credit: Costa Christ for Builder New Leaf Custom Homes & Architect/Designer The Design Shop via Houzz)
Optimized outdoor space
Tiny outdoor spaces aren’t going to stop homeowners (or renters) from enjoying the fresh air and sunshine this summer. Searches show that many were on the hunt for design inspiration for small front yards (up 79%), small courtyards (up 63%), small patio gardens (up 57%) and small backyards (up 43%).
European gardens
On the flip side, sprawling, romantic gardens are also a trending home feature. French courtyards increased in popularity by 481%, followed by Italian courtyards (up 352%), cottage patios (up 204%) and English cottage patios (up 131%).