The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a bold yet retro design scape, according to home design website Houzz. In the latest edition of its annual "Emerging Summer Trends Report," Houzz's interior design experts found eight hot trends that are inspiring homeowners in their approach to feathering the nest — determined using search data from homeowners, home professionals, and design enthusiasts from January through March 2025.

These are Houzz's top trends of the summer:

Bold color schemes
The most noticeable difference between last summer's report and this year's is the complete flip on room color choices. Summer 2024 was all about moody spaces and dark decor, while this summer will focus on bold techniques using monochromatic or analogous color schemes.

One popular method is "color-drenching," meaning using a single color across all furniture, walls, trim, and even the ceiling. Searches for cool-toned color palettes have surged in popularity by 206 percent, while warm-toned schemes have also seen a boost in popularity (106 percent).

No matter which hues homeowners use, it's clear that they're increasingly supporting the idea of leaving the sterile white and "agreeable" gray walls behind.

"Wood-drenched" rooms
A modern take on '70s-era wood-paneled walls has also captured public interest, with searches for wood paneled offices up 43 percent since last year. "Wood-drenching" – similar to "color-drenching" – entails covering every wall in a room with natural wood panels all the up to the ceiling. Wood paneling can also pair well with light hardwood floors and white oak storage cabinets, Houzz says, while capitalizing on the "calming, grounding effect" that natural materials bring to a space.

Take the paint all the way to the ceiling, Houzz suggests.Photo by Mikey Schwartz, courtesy of Risher Martin

Vintage style elements
Many homeowners may already own vintage furniture that was once gifted by relatives or friends, and it's time to let those pieces shine by embracing their charm and originality, according to the report.

"There’s also growing interest in full-room styling with searches doubling for 'vintage living rooms' and 'vintage kitchens' (up nearly 2x)," the report says. "We are seeing designers on Houzz adding a comforting sense of nostalgia, perfect for creating inviting rooms that feel as storied as they are stylish."

Houzz added that hanging onto vintage furniture can also be a budget-friendly way to avoid tariff-related price fluctuations and supply chain challenges with new furniture.

Warm metal accents
In a move away from builder-grade chrome and brushed nickel finishes, warmer metal accents like copper and gold are entering the limelight through lights, bathroom faucets, and kitchen fixtures like sinks and range hoods. The report says these modern design details add sophistication and luxury to a space, while also creating a "glam-meets-industrial" look.

French country style
Described as timeless and romantic, French country design is making the rounds in Houzz's design forums. This style can be characterized by busy floral wallpapers, "cottagecore" aesthetics, and an airy and open atmosphere.

"The style’s mix of vintage elegance and relaxed comfort is also making its way into the heart of the home, with searches for 'modern French country kitchen' up 45 percent," the report says. "Altogether, this aesthetic offers a perfect approach to home refreshes that feel both tranquil and transportive."

French country spaces can look airy and light.Photo by MB Productions, courtesy of Alair Homes Charlotte

Beverage stations
Going out for drinks used to be a lively way to spend a night with friends, but now homeowners are moving toward hosting dinner parties and cocktail hours in their own homes using customizable beverage stations. These can be entirely what the hosts make it, whether its a bar cart decked out with bartending tools, a whiskey bar, or a dedicated beer or wine fridge for storing favorite beverages.

For non-drinkers, ideas for beverage stations include coffee bars and mini-fridges for other drinks.

"Summer and entertaining go hand-in-hand and homeowners are getting serious about elevating their hosting game," the report says. "These additions reflect a desire for easy, accessible and visually appealing drink setups, perfect for summer evenings with family and friends or quiet mornings on the patio."

Fun zones
Just like kid zones were a popular choice in last summer's report, dedicated "fun zones" like a game room have become more popular as a novel way to entertain at home. Homeowners are specifically interested in poker tables, putting greens, and Lego rooms dedicated to building elaborate sets. Modular game tables that include recessed centers are also a great choice for groups interested in playing "Dungeons and Dragons" or board games.

Low-water landscaping
Summers in Texas are notoriously hot, and a pristine lawn is much harder to maintain during brutal heat waves and droughts. Homeowners are finding unique ways to reinvigorate their yards using low-water landscaping ideas like succulent gardens, decomposed granite pathways, and Mediterranean gardens that prioritize drought-tolerant plants.

  

Photo by Todd Goodman / LA Light Photo, courtesy of Meridith Baer Home

Wood paneling is back and in a modern fashion.