2026 U.S. Houzz Fall Design Trends Report

Houzz ResearchSeptember 2, 2026

Houzz Research

1. Warmth Is the New Baseline: The move away from stark white-and-gray interiors continues, as we saw in the 2026 U.S. Houzz Emerging Trends Report, but warmth is now less of a trend and more of a foundation for home design. Pros on Houzz say homeowners aren’t just swapping cool finishes for warm ones. They’re layering warm wood tones, earthy colors, multiple textures and natural materials to give rooms more depth and personality.

2. Collected, Layered Interiors Take Hold: The shift away from minimalism also continues to gain momentum, evolving from simple accent choices into rooms that feel thoughtfully assembled over time. Pros say homeowners are favoring character, history and personal storytelling over off-the-shelf perfection. If you’re mixing vintage pieces with new accents, ask an interior designer using Houzz Pro to map it all out in a Mood Board, so you can see the pairing before committing.

3. Character and Personality Matter More Than Perfection: Pros are seeing a deeper appreciation for materials and details that carry a sense of history. Handcrafted tile, artisan plaster, natural stone, aged metals, vintage pieces and original architectural elements all contribute to a lived-in look that prioritizes authenticity over too-precious surfaces. Meanwhile, homeowners are less interested in designing for resale or following a prescribed look and more interested in creating spaces that reflect their lifestyles. Pros describe clients asking for homes that feel deeply personal, whether it’s the layouts and materials they choose or the objects they display. That shift is also giving homeowners more confidence to make individual choices, including unusual tile patterns, expressive wallpaper, distinctive furnishings and colors they love.

4. Natural Materials Get More Expressive: The interest in natural materials is moving beyond simply choosing wood cabinetry or a stone countertop. Pros are seeing more appreciation for the variation, texture and imperfections that make natural materials feel authentic. Natural stone is showing up in unexpected applications, including sinks, furniture and lighting. Handmade and high-variation tile, honed and leathered stone, plaster and warm wood all contribute to a more tactile look. With the Houzz Pro Selections tool, designers can share curated product picks in one spot, so you can easily learn about, compare and approve each product and material being added to your space.

5. Pros Are Designing Homes to Evolve: Long-term livability is becoming a standard of good design rather than something homeowners address only when a need arises. The 2026 Houzz & Home found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners (61%) plan to stay in their homes for 11 years or more following a renovation and 44% describe their residence as a forever home. Pros report a rise in requests for features that make a home comfortable to navigate at any stage of life, but the mindset extends well beyond physical accessibility. ADUs and secondary suites are being designed to accommodate multigenerational living, extended guest stays, rental income and future family needs. Meanwhile, dedicated wellness amenities like saunas, cold plunges and meditation spaces offer new ways for a home to support evolving well-being routines.

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Methodology: Houzz interviewed nearly 50 home design professionals to bring you this collection of home design ideas that are trending in Fall 2026.

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