Bold checkerboard patterns, Art Deco revivals and zoned built-ins are shaping how people will live and design in the year ahead.
Story Courtesy Houzz | January 2026
With a community of over 70 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts and more than 3 million residential construction and design professionals, Houzz has unique insights into how people are designing their homes.
- Traditional Details: Traditional style is back, but not in the formal way you might remember. Today’s version feels warm, grounded and quietly elegant, led by English country and modern Tudor influences. In kitchens, inset cabinetry, plate racks, arched range hoods and rich woods bring handcrafted charm.
According to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, traditional style rose 5 percentage points among renovating homeowners compared with the previous year, signaling a renewed appreciation for comfort, craftsmanship and classic detail. Throughout the home, curves, arches and scalloped edges soften spaces. Built-ins, paneling and detailed millwork add depth and character. Earthy tones like olive green, taupe and deep brown, along with stained woods and muted blues or burgundies, reinforce the timeless appeal.
- Flat-Panel Cabinets and Vanities: Sleek and streamlined, flat-panel (or slab-front) cabinets and vanities are gaining ground—even in traditional- and transitional-style rooms. Smooth, unframed doors and subtle edge profiles give cabinets a refined, custom look that feels modern yet timeless. They’re also easy to wipe clean. Warm wood tones, matte finishes and minimalist hardware keep the style inviting rather than stark. According to Houzz research, flat-panel cabinetry ranks as the second most popular style after Shaker, showing that simplicity never loses its appeal.
- Natural Stone Slabs With Subtle Drama: Homeowners on Houzz are embracing natural stone countertops and backsplashes that make a statement through quiet elegance rather than bold contrast. Quartzite and marble slabs with soft, sweeping veining in green, brown, red and gold add movement and warmth without overwhelming a space. This creates an understated drama that elevates a room without demanding attention. The result feels organic and luxurious, pairing beautifully with wood cabinetry, earthy palettes and classic metals.
- Checkerboard Everywhere: Checkerboard tile is making a stylish comeback. Searches on Houzz for “checkerboard floor” have grown 38% in the first three quarters of the year compared with the same period in 2024, and “bathroom checkerboard,” specifically, has more than doubled (103%). We’re seeing the classic black-and-white colors, but designers are also using sage-and-cream palettes and richer hues like emerald, oxblood and burgundy for depth and sophistication. And it’s not limited to kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. The pattern is showing up in mudrooms and even patios, bringing a playful yet elegant touch. High-quality materials like honed marble and handmade terra cotta elevate the look and age gracefully over time, striking a balance between timeless charm and modern flair. With the Houzz Pro Selections tool, designers can share curated flooring and backsplash picks in one place, so clients can easily picture how bold stone or tile will make your space shine.
- Wall-Mounted Bathroom Faucets: Faucets are the No. 1 feature upgraded during bathroom projects, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Report, and homeowners are getting creative with their placement. Wall-mounted faucets, which offer both a sleek, streamlined look and practical benefits, are rising in popularity. By mounting the spout and handles above the sink, countertops stay clear, making cleaning easier. Wall-mounted faucets also save valuable space in compact vanities, freeing up countertops for essentials. They work well with vessel, custom and double sinks, and offer flexibility where deck-mounted faucets can’t.
- Zoned Built-Ins: Multifunctional built-in walls are transforming living rooms into organized, stylish hubs in renovated homes on Houzz. These cabinetry walls combine zoned areas for TVs, fireplaces, open and closed storage, benches and even bars into a single, cohesive feature. By maximizing wall space, they reduce the need for extra furniture, making rooms feel more open. Custom shelving allows homeowners to display decor while closed cabinetry keeps essentials neatly tucked away. Wood, painted finishes, stone accents, glass and metal details add texture, warmth and visual interest. When considering built-in features, it’s helpful to meet with a professional using Houzz Pro, who can lay out the options in a visual 3D Floor Plan to ensure that they integrate seamlessly with the rest of the space before construction begins.
- Art Deco Influences: Art Deco is making a glamorous resurgence, bringing bold geometry, luxurious materials and timeless elegance into modern homes. Think chevrons, sunbursts and stepped details paired with marble, lacquered surfaces and metallic accents in brass, gold or chrome. Jewel tones and rich earthy hues such as emerald, ocher and charcoal add depth, while mirrored surfaces and glossy finishes amplify light and drama. This trend blends historical sophistication with contemporary sensibilities, creating spaces that feel opulent and modern.
- Warm Yellow Accents: Earthy yellows like ocher, mustard and honey are bringing warmth and depth into home design. Designers on Houzz are favoring these muted, grounded shades over bright citrus tones, using them in textiles, upholstery and accents to add a cozy, sun-washed glow. Paired with rust, burgundy or rich browns, these hues feel understated and comforting, perfect for creating an inviting, layered palette. Whether through a velvet sofa, wall paint or drapery, warm yellows infuse spaces with character and a sense of timeless optimism. This new take on yellow is less bold statement, and more effortless warmth. If you’re drawn to these sunny, nature-inspired yellows, you can work with a designer who uses Houzz Pro to explore how they come together in a visual Mood Board before bringing them to life at home.
- Outdoor Garden Rooms: Homeowners are increasingly approaching their yards as collections of garden rooms—distinct outdoor zones with defined purposes. Instead of one open expanse, landscapes are divided into destinations: dining patio, fire lounge, play lawn, quiet reading nook surrounded by greenery. Landscape architects on Houzz are adding low hedges, trellises, planters and pathways to subtly define boundaries while maintaining flow and cohesion. This creates a sense of discovery even in compact yards and makes outdoor spaces appear larger and more intentional. The result is a layered landscape that feels structured and inviting with multiple places to relax, entertain and connect with nature.
- Transparent Renovation Projects: In 2026, homeowners will look for more openness and clarity throughout their renovation journey. Houzz research shows that more than 40% of homeowners said a clearer timeline would have improved their project experience, and the same share wanted better communication from their pros. Expect digital project dashboards complete with easy-to-follow schedules, visual progress updates and payment timelines to become a regular part of how construction and design firms keep homeowners informed.
- Immersive Visualization Becomes the New Blueprint: More homeowners are looking for ways to picture their finished spaces before demo begins. With over 1 in 5 saying they struggled to visualize the end result at the start of a project (22%), tools like 3D floor plans and AR walkthroughs are becoming essential for building confidence in design decisions. Platforms such as Houzz Pro, which allows pros to provide clients with realistic images, mood boards and curated product selections, make it easier for homeowners to explore possibilities and feel certain about their choices. Seeing the finished space digitally before demo day is quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.
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