A new survey indicates that the concept of a forever home is shifting, influencing renovation project trends, with homeowners more focused than ever on functionality and lifestyle.
According to the newly released 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, renovation activity held steady in 2025, with 54% of U.S. homeowners taking on projects and median spend remaining at $20,000 year over year.
Beyond the volume of renovations, the survey shows a new mindset, as more Americans consider reshaping their homes around evolving needs instead of moving.
Nearly two-thirds of homeowners (61%) now plan to remain in their homes for 11 years or more, and 44% describe their residence as a “forever home.”
That long-term commitment is showing up in home design, driving more intentional upgrades, longer planning cycles, and a renewed focus on functional spaces that support everyday living.
Other highlights from Houzz’s report include generational shifts with renovation projects, a focus on outdoor space, and a growing preference for high-impact, surface-level product upgrades.
Designing for the Long Haul
Pent-up demand remains the top motivator for renovation, but life changes, from accessibility needs to remote work, are increasingly shaping project decisions.
Meanwhile, many homeowners are choosing to renovate over relocate. Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz, says, “We’re seeing a clear shift toward investing in forever homes rather than moving, with many adapting their spaces to meet changing needs.”
In response, home design is responding to these priorities, with flexible floor plans, future-ready layouts, and homes that can evolve with owners over time.
Projects are being more thoughtfully planned, with kitchen renovations now averaging more than nine months of planning before construction begins, and even smaller spaces like closets and home offices following extended planning cycles.
This indicates that homeowners are willing to invest not only money, but time, to ensure the details are right for long-term functionality, with smarter storage, adaptable rooms, and durable materials.
Gen Z’s Practical Take on Renovation
Baby boomers still account for the largest share of home renovators, but Gen X is gaining ground, as are millennials.
Gen Z, while still a small segment of renovators, is growing quickly and now accounts for 0.5% of projects, an increase over last year.
Gen Z’s cautious but intentional approach to renovations may indicate future trends in home design.
They favor functional spaces that provide the most lifestyle benefit, with 76% taking on interior room remodels. Kitchens are the most popular at 35%, followed by high-impact spaces like laundry rooms (33%) and closets (24%).
Compared to other generations, they renovate quickly after purchasing a home, with 63% updating immediately, suggesting younger buyers want personalization and functionality from day one.
For builders, this points to an opportunity: deliver more finished, optimized secondary spaces at move-in, reducing the need for early renovations and aligning with Gen Z’s preference for efficiency and organization.
Extending the Living Space Outdoors
While the study focuses heavily on interiors, the broader findings point to a continued emphasis on outdoor space.
As home sizes shrink, homeowners are blurring the indoor-outdoor boundaries to enhance livability and create functional, everyday extensions of the home. According to the survey, structures such as covered patios, decks, and verandas, along with systems like lighting, security, and irrigation, are popular.
The Power of Product-Level Updates
Homeowners continue to favor products that deliver decorative impact without a significant financial or material investment.
Paint (62%), lighting fixtures (48%), and faucets and shower heads (46%) remain the most commonly purchased renovation products.
Slight declines in major kitchen appliances and non-carpet flooring suggest homeowners may be prioritizing foundational improvements over large-ticket replacements.
For quick yet effective décor, homeowners are drawn to rugs and pillows, while artwork is gaining popularity for adding color, texture, and personalization.
