Houzz study shows 2026 renovation trends

Houzz published its 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study on April 22, outlining how U.S. homeowners renovated in 2025 and what they plan to do in 2026. Forbes followed on May 14 with a design-focused report that highlighted vacation-inspired interiors, patterned hardwood floors and warmer “toasty” color palettes. The Houzz study is based on a survey fielded from January through March 2026. Houzz said the report drew on responses from 20,358 users, including 10,176 renovating U.S. homeowners. ### Where did the renovation data come from? Houzz said the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study is its annual survey of residential remodeling, building and decorating activity. The company said the survey covered renovation projects completed in 2025 as well as homeowner plans for 2026. The methodology matters because Houzz tied the findings to a large sample. Houzz said the survey included 20,358 users overall and 10,176 renovating U.S. homeowners, with fieldwork conducted between January and March 2026. ### What did Houzz say about renovation spending? Houzz reported that renovation activity in 2025 held near recent levels, with 54% of U.S. homeowners undertaking renovation projects. The company said median renovation spending held at $20,000 in 2025. The top end of the market moved higher. Houzz said spending at the 90th percentile rose to $150,000 in 2025 from $140,000 in 2024. Plans for 2026 were more restrained. Houzz said 50% of homeowners planned renovation projects in 2026, down from 52% in 2025, while median planned renovation spending fell to $15,000 from $20,000. Houzz’s own summary said homeowners were taking a more measured approach to future projects as decorating and repair plans also softened. ### Which design ideas stood out in the May 14 coverage? Forbes reported on May 14 that Houzz’s findings also fed into a set of vacation-inspired design ideas. The article said homeowners were looking at interiors that echo destinations and leisure spaces, extending a broader at-home lifestyle trend. The Forbes report singled out patterned hardwood floors, including herringbone-style looks, and “toasty palettes” built around warmer neutrals and earth tones. Houzz’s 2026 editorial trend coverage separately pointed to rich materials, heritage-inspired details and spaces designed for comfort and longevity, which aligns with the warmer finishes and resort-style references highlighted in the Forbes piece. Houzz Pro also published an April 29 feature built around “Get Away Every Day — Right at Home.” Houzz said it worked with four interior design firms to create room concepts inspired by four vacation destinations, giving the design angle a more specific editorial framing beyond the survey tables. ### Are homeowners still renovating despite budget caution? Houzz said time and financial readiness remained the two main triggers for starting projects. The company said 40% of respondents cited finally having the time to renovate, unchanged from a year earlier, while 36% cited financial readiness, up slightly from 35%. That caution showed up more in forward plans than in completed 2025 work. Houzz said renovation activity remained firm, but the smaller share of homeowners planning projects in 2026 and the lower intended median budget pointed to tighter expectations for the year ahead. ### What should readers watch next? Houzz’s research page now hosts the full 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study and related trend stories, including renovation and design breakdowns published in April and May. The report provides the underlying spending, project and demographic data, while Houzz’s editorial and pro-facing posts show how those numbers are being translated into specific looks and product categories for 2026.