Summer 2025’s top home design trends revealed by Houzz

The 2025 US Emerging Summer Trends Report from Houzz shows a clear shift in American interior design. Homeowners are stepping away from minimalism and uniformity in favor of spaces that reflect their personalities, histories, and values. This summer’s design movements embrace bold color, natural materials, and heritage-inspired décor. It marks not only a change in aesthetic but also a deeper change in lifestyle.

Across the country, interest in expressive design has surged. Searches for color drenching have increased by over 300 percent, while vintage items like bathroom vanities and china cabinets are enjoying a revival.

Immersive color schemes take center stage in every room

Color drenching has moved from a niche technique to a mainstream favorite. This approach involves using a single hue across walls, trim, ceilings, and furniture to create a unified, immersive effect. It enhances the emotional resonance of a room and gives homeowners a tool to define the atmosphere.

Searches for color drenching are up 325 percent. Neutrals are giving way to rich greens, deep reds, and marine blues. These colors are used to create moods, calm for bedrooms, energy for kitchens, and focus for home offices.

Designers note this technique is especially effective in small rooms, where uniformity can make the space feel more expansive. In larger spaces, texture variation helps keep the design intentional and layered.

The rise of wood-drenched interiors signals a return to tactility

Wood is taking on a larger role in home design, not just as an accent but as a core material. Homeowners are turning to it for its ability to bring warmth, character, and a sense of nature indoors.

Searches for “living rooms with light hardwood floors” have grown by 400 percent. Interest in “wood paneled offices” and “woven wood shades” has also risen significantly. Oak and ash remain popular choices, valued for their subtle grain and soft tones.

In minimalist homes, light woods add softness without clutter. In more traditional spaces, darker stains create elegance and contrast. The material itself serves as a bridge between simplicity and richness.

Vintage-inspired design makes a compelling return

Vintage furnishings are back in demand. They offer not only style but a sense of substance. In an era focused on sustainability and authenticity, vintage pieces bring history into the present.

Searches for “vintage bathroom vanities” have climbed over 300 percent, and “china cabinets and hutches” are seeing new attention. These items bring texture, narrative, and personality to spaces that might otherwise feel generic.

Designers are blending old and new, repainting or reupholstering vintage furniture to suit modern homes, or using them as unexpected focal points in contemporary layouts. This approach reinforces the idea that beauty can be found in reuse, not just reinvention.

Warm metal finishes add polish without pretense

Fixtures in brass, gold, and copper are replacing the colder look of chrome and steel. These warmer metals are adaptable and pair well with a wide range of color palettes and materials.

Search interest reflects this growing demand. Copper pendant lights are up 250 percent, gold vanity lights have increased by 60 percent, and brushed gold faucets by more than 40 percent. These metals are being used in kitchens, bathrooms, staircases, and living areas.

The appeal lies in their ability to bring visual interest without overwhelming a space. They elevate a design while maintaining balance and softness.

French country style is reimagined for contemporary homes

French country style is making a comeback, but with modern sensibilities. It combines rustic comfort with refined elements, creating spaces that feel both relaxed and elegant.

Searches for “French country chandeliers” have jumped nearly 300 percent. Interest in “floral wallpaper” and “French country bathrooms” has also seen steady growth. This style brings together antique furniture, soft pastels, and textured textiles in a way that feels intentional and grounded.

Modern interpretations may simplify patterns or pair traditional items with sleek fixtures. The goal is not replication, but reinvention using the charm of French countryside aesthetics to bring warmth and grace into today’s homes.

A reflection of shifting lifestyles and values

The trends shaping summer 2025 point to a deeper cultural shift. As remote work continues and homes become multi-use spaces, people want environments that feel human, not sterile. They seek emotional connections, not just visual consistency.

Whether through saturated colors, tactile surfaces, or vintage finds, this year’s design preferences reflect a desire for individuality. The focus is on creating places that are personal, expressive, and emotionally durable.

Sources:
Home Accents Today
Houzz 2025 US Emerging Summer Trends Report