Houzz identifies 7 emerging trends in 2024 summer report

2024.06.04

The survey noted popularity of Japanese influence. Design above by Devon Grace Interiors, photography by Dustin Halleck

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Houzz has released its 2024 Emerging Summer Trends Report, surveying the popularity of searches for the latest design trends and noting a collective desire among homeowners to create calming, stylish and functional spaces.

Based on the most recent search data, trends highlighted in the report include a mix of organic modern design, Japanese influences, wellness features, reading rooms and bold, dark interiors, along with a notable increase in interest in leisure and kids’ spaces.

• Organic Modern Style — The rise of organic modern design blends sleek lines and neutral surfaces with natural elements. This style is becoming popular across various rooms, with searches for “organic modern bedroom” increasing nearly 3.5 times year-over-year and similar spikes for dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms,= and living rooms.

• Dark and Moody Décor — Dark and moody interiors are also gaining traction, with searches for “moody living room” and “moody kitchen” more than doubled since last year. This trend is seen as a counter to the previously dominant bright and airy themes, with homeowners opting for cozy, intimate or dramatic spaces using rich, dark colors.

• Reading Rooms — The “dark academia” aesthetic has expanded from fashion into home design, driving a 3x increase in searches for reading-related spaces in the first quarter of 2024. The British-style “snug” and other reading nooks are also on the rise, as homeowners seek to create dedicated areas for literary pursuits.

• Japanese Influence — Japanese design principles, emphasizing simplicity and harmony, are making a comeback. There’s a notable increase in searches for “Japandi living room,” combining Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, up by 48%. Other Japanese concepts like “wabi-sabi” and “zen garden” are also gaining popularity.

• Wellness Features — Wellness remains a priority, with growing searches for features like “cold plunge,” “indoor sauna” and “home spa.” Homeowners are also keen on bringing in more natural light through “large windows” and “skylights,” recognizing their benefits for well-being.

• Leisure Spaces — Leisure activities are influencing home design, with “listening room” searches doubling and a 39% increase for “living room pianos.” Outdoor and indoor recreational spaces, including “bocce court,” “bowling alley” and “game room,” are also trending.

• Kid Zones — Creating personalized spaces for children is increasingly important, with significant search increases for “race car bed,” “Jack-and-Jill bathroom,” “teen lounge” and “kids gaming bedroom.”

These emerging trends underscore a diverse range of homeowner interests, from serene and natural designs to bold and functional spaces, all aimed at enhancing the living experience.

Dark and Moody designs trended among homeowner searches last year