5 Big-Picture Design Trends Popular Right Now
Design and remodeling pros share the materials, colors and features they and homeowners are excited about
If you want to know where home design is headed, just follow the enthusiasm. We asked dozens of design and remodeling pros what gets them excited lately, and their responses reveal a snapshot of popular colors, materials and features on the rise. Here are five design trends you can expect to see more of in the coming months.
This Portland, Oregon, kitchen by JHL Design also shows a warm palette of off-whites and woods.
Kelsey Leigh Design used a warm and rich burgundy on the cabinets in this Oklahoma City butler’s pantry to create an inviting look and feel.
Designers Share Their Favorite Warm Neutral Paints
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2. Organic Modern Style
Pros are also excited about a rising interest in organic modern style, which happens to embody the aforementioned warm and welcoming colors. “We are seeing a growing preference for organic modern elements,” architect Harper Halprin of AAHA Studio says.
This style encompasses natural (organic) materials, colors and shapes used in a modern way. They include natural stone and wood, creamy off-white tones, natural upholstery such as linen and rounded shapes like arches and curves. This past summer, many search terms on Houzz associated with this style increased year over year, including “organic modern bedroom” (up 245%), “organic modern dining room” (146%) and “organic modern kitchen” (97%).
“Lately, clients are increasingly drawn to natural materials and earthy tones, seeking a connection to nature within their homes,” says Gloribell Lebron of G. Lebron Interiors. “Organic forms in kitchens are becoming more common than square, boxy styles. We are seeing an inclination toward using curved
islands and arches as interesting elements in the space.”
The emphasis on curves and arches can’t be overstated. We’re seeing arches everywhere. “Arches are having a big moment,” says Ruchi Agrawal Mohan of DesignbyRuchi. “I’ve done arched doorways, arched beds, arched niches and arched millwork. It adds some playfulness to the design.”
You’ll find many organic modern elements in this Cleveland kitchen by Payne & Tompkins Design-Renovations.
Pros are also excited about a rising interest in organic modern style, which happens to embody the aforementioned warm and welcoming colors. “We are seeing a growing preference for organic modern elements,” architect Harper Halprin of AAHA Studio says.
This style encompasses natural (organic) materials, colors and shapes used in a modern way. They include natural stone and wood, creamy off-white tones, natural upholstery such as linen and rounded shapes like arches and curves. This past summer, many search terms on Houzz associated with this style increased year over year, including “organic modern bedroom” (up 245%), “organic modern dining room” (146%) and “organic modern kitchen” (97%).
“Lately, clients are increasingly drawn to natural materials and earthy tones, seeking a connection to nature within their homes,” says Gloribell Lebron of G. Lebron Interiors. “Organic forms in kitchens are becoming more common than square, boxy styles. We are seeing an inclination toward using curved
islands and arches as interesting elements in the space.”
The emphasis on curves and arches can’t be overstated. We’re seeing arches everywhere. “Arches are having a big moment,” says Ruchi Agrawal Mohan of DesignbyRuchi. “I’ve done arched doorways, arched beds, arched niches and arched millwork. It adds some playfulness to the design.”
You’ll find many organic modern elements in this Cleveland kitchen by Payne & Tompkins Design-Renovations.
Keel Custom Homes integrated organic modern elements into this Richmond, Virginia, bathroom. A light wood vanity, creamy whites and wood-look shower tile create an organic look, while black details give the space a modern edge.
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3. Wood
Wood is a timeless material that never goes out of style. But, boy, is it experiencing a significant moment of popularity right now. It fits nicely with the two previously mentioned trends, helping to add warmth and contribute to an organic modern style.
White oak is among the most common woods being used right now. But walnut and maple are also trending. White Birch Design used an abundance of maple cabinetry in this warm and welcoming Minneapolis kitchen.
Wood is a timeless material that never goes out of style. But, boy, is it experiencing a significant moment of popularity right now. It fits nicely with the two previously mentioned trends, helping to add warmth and contribute to an organic modern style.
White oak is among the most common woods being used right now. But walnut and maple are also trending. White Birch Design used an abundance of maple cabinetry in this warm and welcoming Minneapolis kitchen.
A light wood vanity anchors this Vancouver, British Columbia, bathroom by First Impression Designs in warmth.
A wood feature wall and wood shelves and cabinets warm this Los Altos, California, living room by Form + Field. You’ll also notice warm reds used for the chair, shelf piping and stool.
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4. Layers of Color, Pattern and Texture
Some designers are getting requests from homeowners for a more-is-more approach that layers bold color, pattern and texture. “I feel like after COVID, a lot of people turned to maximalism as a way to infuse their homes with energy, joy and fun elements that reflect their individual tastes,” designer Alexa Cowley of Alexa Interiors says.
Designer Anastasia Harrison of AHD & Co. agrees. “Vibrant colors and intricate details are replacing the once-popular clean, minimalist design aesthetic,” she says. “The resurgence of layered colors and patterns in contemporary design projects is a delightful shift.”
This Chicago sunroom by Haywoodmade Interiors shows how the layered look is done, with green shiplap walls and a green beadboard ceiling, patterned furniture and rug, and woven window shades.
Some designers are getting requests from homeowners for a more-is-more approach that layers bold color, pattern and texture. “I feel like after COVID, a lot of people turned to maximalism as a way to infuse their homes with energy, joy and fun elements that reflect their individual tastes,” designer Alexa Cowley of Alexa Interiors says.
Designer Anastasia Harrison of AHD & Co. agrees. “Vibrant colors and intricate details are replacing the once-popular clean, minimalist design aesthetic,” she says. “The resurgence of layered colors and patterns in contemporary design projects is a delightful shift.”
This Chicago sunroom by Haywoodmade Interiors shows how the layered look is done, with green shiplap walls and a green beadboard ceiling, patterned furniture and rug, and woven window shades.
Nicole Forina Home stylishly layered color, pattern and texture in this Summit, New Jersey, bedroom.
Many designers are leaning on wallpaper to strengthen the layered look. “My clients keep asking me about wallpaper, saying they hear it’s back in, a trend,” designer Rebecca Pogonitz of GOGO Design Group says. “In my opinion, it never went out. Wallpaper has always been a wonderful way to add a dash of color, texture and pattern in ‘small’ ways, whether in a powder room or on an accent wall or ceiling. Right now I am papering three entire rooms in wallpaper.”
A vibrant yellow butterfly wallpaper energizes this San Diego bathroom by Savvy Interiors.
Find out how the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner and Mood Boards can help you share your designs with clients
A vibrant yellow butterfly wallpaper energizes this San Diego bathroom by Savvy Interiors.
Find out how the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner and Mood Boards can help you share your designs with clients
5. Personality and Character
In conversations with design and remodeling pros, we heard repeated references to homeowners requesting spaces with personality, character, unique designs and custom curations. Designer Ricardo Guisse of Studio Guisse says many of his clients are asking about how to add “character and individuality while maintaining a modern design.”
One-of-a-kind tile patterns and wallpaper designs, bold colors, artwork, custom cabinets and furnishings all help homeowners create styles that feel personal and special.
Carl Mattison Design used a colorful floral print wallpaper and a wood dresser to personalize the style in this Atlanta bathroom.
Architect: Anne Architecture; project photo: Daniel Stabler
In conversations with design and remodeling pros, we heard repeated references to homeowners requesting spaces with personality, character, unique designs and custom curations. Designer Ricardo Guisse of Studio Guisse says many of his clients are asking about how to add “character and individuality while maintaining a modern design.”
One-of-a-kind tile patterns and wallpaper designs, bold colors, artwork, custom cabinets and furnishings all help homeowners create styles that feel personal and special.
Carl Mattison Design used a colorful floral print wallpaper and a wood dresser to personalize the style in this Atlanta bathroom.
Architect: Anne Architecture; project photo: Daniel Stabler
Hard to imagine there’s a carbon copy anywhere in the world of this Los Angeles kitchen by Black Lacquer Design. Layers of patterned stone, wood elements, tile designs and custom details make it distinct.
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This Austin, Texas, home by Page Paul Architecture & Interiors features a cheerful color-blocked palette of soft green, pink, yellow and purple.
Your turn: What design trends are you most excited about right now? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Your turn: What design trends are you most excited about right now? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
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By far, the word we heard most from designers was “warmth.” Warm tones, warm woods, warm and welcoming spaces — homeowners are craving warmth. You see this manifest in a shift from cool whites and grays to warm off-whites, tans, beiges and creams. Earthy tones and organic colors are popular as well. “Lots of browns,” designer Lauren DeBello says.
These palettes help create inviting and cozy environments. “Currently, our color palettes are focused on warmer tones,” says architect Justin Bell of Ruggles Mabe Studio.
This Orange County, California, living room by Gonterman Custom Homes features many of the elements pros see trending now. They include a warm palette of creams, tans and browns; an organic modern style; arches and curves; and layers of pattern and texture.
You can help clients visualize their planned home with Houzz Pro Mood Boards and 3D Floor Plans. You can also share photos, files, estimates, proposals and more with clients using Houzz Pro.
Learn about Houzz Pro software