This article was originally published on June 4, 2024 in Qualified Remodeler.
Homeowners are expressing a desire to bring “a sense of calm” into their home through organic modern design, Japanese influences, wellness features and reading rooms, even while some are seeking to make a bold statement with dark and moody interiors and others are expressing a growing interest in creating dedicated spaces for leisure activities that suit adults and children alike.
Those are among the key findings of a new report by Houzz, Inc., an online source for residential remodeling products and services, whose findings reflect insights from Houzz’s community of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home professionals, the company said.
According to Houzz, the top design trends for the summer of 2024 include:
Organic Modern Style: Organic modern design elements form a balanced mix of sleek lines and crisp white or neutral-colored surfaces, contrasted with natural forms and materials. “Homeowners may be looking for a soft place to land at the end of a long day,” said Houzz, adding that “organic modern” searches have also grown over the past year for kitchens and bathrooms.
Dark and Moody: Dark and moody decor is also gaining in popularity, with searches for “moody living room” and “moody kitchen” more than doubling compared to the same period in 2023, Houzz said. “This is likely a reaction to the bright whites and light grays that have dominated interiors in recent years,” said Houzz, noting a trend toward designers using dark and moody colors to help make spaces feel cozy and intimate, or bold and dramatic.
Reading Rooms: “Dark academia” went viral in recent years, said Houzz, describing a scholarly subculture dedicated to reading, writing, and learning. Searches for the British-style “snug” also grew noticeably, as homeowners may be looking to wall off a cozy area for reading or solitary relaxation, Houzz noted.
Japanese Influence: Japanese design, which embraces simplicity, natural elements, and harmonious living spaces, is experiencing a resurgence in kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces, Houzz reported. Searches for “Japandi living room,” a term which relates to a hybrid design style that merges Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, have risen 48 percent, according to Houzz. Japanese design aesthetics often associated with presenting the home as a sanctuary have also seen growth in searches, Houzz said.
Wellness: Wellness features continue to surface in searches on Houzz, with “cold plunge,” “indoor sauna,” “home spa” and “backyard sauna” all rising in the first quarter of 2024, compared with the same time last year. Homeowners are also asking design professionals to help bring in more natural light, Houzz reported.
Leisure Spaces: There’s growing interest in creating leisure spaces within the home, Houzz said. “Listening room” searches have more than doubled, and searches for “living room pianos” have increased by 39%, indicating a desire for dedicated areas to enjoy high-quality music experiences. Outdoor leisure activities are also gaining traction, with searches for “bocce court” up by 23 percent, and indoor recreational spaces are on the mind with searches for “bowling alley” and “game room” up 18 percent and 16 percent, respectively, Houzz said.
Kid Zones: Creating spaces for children to express their personality and feel ownership within the home is also growing in importance for homeowners, according to trending search data.
To access the full report, go to Houzz.com/research. QR