Summers create room to tackle renovation work before the busy fall season. Longer daylight hours make exterior work easier to complete and give you more time to test outdoor spaces before the season ends. Whether you are planning a small refresh or a whole-home upgrade, current search data can reveal what homeowners actually want. The 2023 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report lists interior and exterior updates based on search behavior from more than 65 million homeowners, design enthusiasts, and industry professionals. This article translates those findings into practical decisions for your own project. If you need to manage a build from another state, first check whether a remote custom home construction plan fits your schedule and budget. The trend data covers finished basements, rooftop lounges, accessible bathrooms, industrial kitchens, entertainment-focused layouts, room dividers, and ceiling treatments.
Give Finished Basements a Clear Purpose
Basements are no longer storage zones. Houzz users pushed searches for finished basement family rooms up 791% and recreation rooms up 524%. Movie theater rooms, game rooms, and home gyms also logged strong growth. The single largest jump in the report came from golf simulators, where searches rose 1,905% from the previous year. A functional lower level expands living area without changing the building footprint, so it is a high-return project for square footage and resale value. Egress windows, ceiling height, and moisture control determine what a basement can become. Basement remodels typically cost less per square foot than above-grade additions because the shell already exists.
Golf simulator demand has changed how owners allocate square footage. A basic simulator bay needs an 8.5-foot ceiling, dimmable lighting, a projector mount, and a clear hitting zone. Leave at least 10 feet from the tee to the screen and 4 feet of clearance on each side.
Layout steps for basement spaces
- Separate quiet uses from active areas. A gym and a theater need different noise and lighting conditions.
- Install a vapor barrier and waterproofing before framing interior walls.
- Plan ductwork, plumbing, and electrical rough-ins before enclosing walls.
- Use recessed fixtures to preserve ceiling clearance in rooms with low joists.
- Add an egress window in any bedroom to meet residential safety codes.
Lighting and acoustics
Lighting does more than fill a dark room. Before installing fixtures, review current home remodeling lighting design trends so you can layer ambient, task, and accent light for each basement zone. Acoustic panels on walls and soft floor coverings absorb sound from media rooms. For the golf simulator, mount a projector screen on a clear wall and leave 10 to 12 feet of ball-travel space behind the hitting mat.
Expand Living Space on Rooftops and Decks
Rooftop spaces are becoming prime real estate in redesigns. Searches for outdoor rooftop terrace jumped 1,555%, rooftop deck searches grew 90%, and rooftop patio searches increased 40%. These numbers reveal that flat roofs and upper-level decks are turning into entertainment zones. Before buying furniture, verify the structural load capacity and check local wind codes. A structural engineer can calculate the dead load and live load for planters, seating, and people. The summer ideas shared in current interior trend coverage emphasize shade and furniture as the first additions most owners install.
| Outdoor feature | Search increase |
|---|---|
| Rooftop terrace | 1,555% |
| Rooftop deck | 90% |
| Rooftop patio | 40% |
Rooftop preparation checklist
- Inspect the waterproof membrane and drainage system.
- Confirm railing height matches local building codes.
- Place heavy items over load-bearing walls or columns.
- Select outdoor-rated materials that can handle UV exposure.
- Add windbreaks such as glass panels or dense planters.
Use all-weather furniture with removable cushion covers. Built-in benches around the perimeter preserve the center for foot traffic and dining. For any rooftop bar, install a corrosion-resistant stainless line or a sink with an outdoor-rated faucet to avoid carrying water upstairs. Climbing plants on trellises reduce heat gain and create privacy in tight outdoor rooms. String lighting and low-voltage landscape lights extend evening use. A modular outdoor sofa system makes it easy to reconfigure the room for parties or quiet nights.
Deck construction for upper floors uses a similar load calculation, but wood and composite members are sized for fewer supporting points. For rooftop patios, you may need a pedestal paver system that protects the membrane while creating a level floor. If the roof drains are on the perimeter, keep a clear channel around the edges so water can move freely.
Design Bathrooms for Aging in Place
Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for decades are reshaping bathroom priorities. Universal design elements also appeal to families with young children and those recovering from injury. Searches for aging-in-place bathrooms and handicap-accessible bathrooms more than doubled last year. Practical features such as handheld shower heads rose 68%, ADA-compliant bathroom vanities rose 43%, and curbless showers rose 41%. These upgrades support retirement living while keeping the room functional for everyone.
A curbless shower entry removes the step-over barrier. Install a linear drain with a slight slope toward the opening to keep water inside. Handheld shower heads with a slide bar move up and down for seated users. Wall-mounted benches fold down when not used. These fixtures are showing up in modern residential renovation projects because they add safety without sacrificing style.
Bathroom adaptation priorities
- Widen doorways to a minimum of 32 inches.
- Mount toilets at comfort height.
- Add blocking behind wall tile for future grab bars.
- Use lever handles instead of round knobs.
- Provide task lighting around the vanity mirror.
Lighting placement matters for aging eyes. Put a dimmable fixture over the shower area and install motion-sensing night lights near the floor. A heated floor reduces fall risk from slippery feet. Choose textured tile with a coefficient of friction rating of 0.6 or higher for wet areas. Grab bars are more stable when anchored into studs rather than mounted with adhesive. Compare quotes from licensed contractors and verify that the design meets state accessibility guidelines.
Build an Entertainer-Friendly Industrial Kitchen
Industrial-style kitchens continue to gain traction because they offer easy-to-clean surfaces, high-traffic durability, and a commercial look. Searches for kitchen track lighting and pull-down kitchen faucets tripled, while stainless steel countertops and brick kitchen walls doubled. Concrete countertops and copper kitchen backsplashes are also on the rise. The look pairs well with wooden beams and concrete floors in log homes, where a raw finish feels natural. At the same time, the Houzz 2023 Kitchen Trends Study found that 57% of homeowners use the kitchen for entertaining after a renovation.
This entertaining focus drives layouts that keep the cook connected to guests. Searches for open concept kitchen to family room rose 76%. Island cooktops and ranges let the host prepare meals while facing the dining area. Walk-in kitchen pantry searches jumped 2,636%, and scullery kitchen searches grew 38% as owners want hidden prep space for messy tasks. When you remove walls or add high-capacity ventilation, coordinate with someone who understands the building envelope design process to maintain air pressure and insulation continuity.
Kitchen systems to coordinate
- Range hoods need a make-up air damper when the ventilation capacity exceeds 400 CFM.
- Island cooktops require an overhanging countertop at least 12 inches for seating.
- Pot fillers mounted on the back wall reduce carrying water from the sink.
- Walk-in pantries perform best with open shelving for canned goods and pull-out drawers for appliances.
- A scullery kitchen needs a second sink, prep area, and dishwasher to keep the main kitchen clean.
Stainless steel countertops stand up to heat and staining but scratch under heavy pans. Concrete needs sealing and can crack in large spans. Copper backsplashes develop a patina over time, which fits the industrial look but may not suit every kitchen. Use samples before committing to a full slab.
Divide, Open, and Elevate with Ceiling Details
Open floor plans remain popular, but temporary separation is climbing. Searches for living room divider rose 445%, Shoji screen searches rose 60%, and partition wall searches rose 41%. These options create flexible privacy for work, play, and rest without losing the advantages of open space. Use a floor-to-ceiling slat wall to filter light or a glass partition that visually connects rooms while blocking sound.
The ceiling deserves equal attention. Many renovations stop at paint, leaving the fifth surface underused. Recessed can lights, exposed beams, acoustic panels, and tongue-and-groove planking can define zones in an open plan. In log homes, ceiling support beams can remain exposed, which saves material and adds a structural character that fits the building style. Ceiling color changes perceived height. A dark ceiling in a large room feels intimate; a white ceiling reflects light and makes a small room taller.
Ways to divide a room
- Ceiling-mounted curtain tracks are inexpensive and reversible.
- Tall bookcases create storage and separation at eye level.
- Shoji screens allow light through while blocking direct sightlines.
- Sliding barn doors save floor space compared to hinged doors.
- An open shelving unit works as a room divider and display surface.
For a broad look at upcoming shifts, compare these with the top residential design trends shaping new construction and remodels. Once your priorities are set, review the ten residential design trends for a practical checklist to keep renovation decisions consistent.