Housing News

Wallpapered Kitchen Islands, Statement Ceilings: The 9 Hottest Home Décor Trends This Summer

What do a farmhouse, a beach home, and a suburban home have in common? If you ask today’s interior designers, quite a lot. 

A fresh wave of design trends is sweeping through the rooms of many homes this summer. This season’s styles blend natural textures, sun-washed palettes, and playful elements that are as trendy as they are livable. 

Homeowners hoping to give their home more of a facelift this summer may want to look into home equity loans to help fund the improvements. A home equity line of credit (HELOC), cash-out refinance, or second mortgage may help homeowners tap into the equity they built in their properties to pay for remodeling projects.

There are also ways that homeowners can refresh their living spaces on a budget this season with inexpensive touches and projects.

From slipcovered sofas that finally feel chic again to wallpapered kitchen islands (yes, really), here’s what’s making summer spaces feel fresh, personal—and a little more fun.

1. Sun-washed hues 

Summer home décor is experiencing a shift away from stark contrasts, such as black and white color-blocking. Instead, color trends are shifting toward layered neutrals that evoke natural materials—such as chalky stone, sun-faded wood, washed linen, and pale clay.

“While this palette feels relaxed in a Southern coastal home, it’s equally powerful in the Northeast where historic moldings and wide-plank floors soften under these warmer, desaturated hues,” said interior and product designer Rachel Blindauer. She’s based in St. Louis, Sarasota, Fla., and Nantucket, Mass.

The effect is soft, calming, and surprisingly versatile.

2. Slipcovered sofas aren’t just for rentals

For years, slipcovers were the domain of rental properties and family homes with messy toddlers.

But now? They’ve had a glow-up.

Slipcovers—especially in heavy linen or cotton-linen blends—are having a renaissance due to their nearly limitless choices at relatively bargain prices.

“It elevates with a tailored silhouette with crisp skirts,” said Blindauer.

As a bonus, you’ll save money by keeping the couch or chair you already own instead of buying new ones.

3. Wallpapered kitchen islands

One of the more unexpected twists this year is wallpaper on kitchen islands.

It’s a fun twist that feels both playful and polished, and it gives your kitchen a visual focal point without a full reno.

“If your cabinets are staying neutral, the island’s a great place to take a design risk,” said Arivd Lithander, creative director and co-founder of the Swedish wallpaper company Wild Palace.

“Try a Mediterranean tile motif, vintage botanicals, or bold geometric, especially in peel-and-stick formats that are easy to update,” said Lithander. “Bonus: you can protect it with a sheet of acrylic if you’ve got kids or barstools in constant rotation.”

The best part? It’s renter-friendly, too.

4. Fabrics that stand up to summer

The design world’s hardest-working fabrics that stand up to sun and moisture alike are no longer limited to porches or sunrooms. Now, they’re taking over main living spaces.

“Sunroom fabrics and outdoor rugs are moving indoors because homeowners want spaces that can handle sandy feet, wet towels, and messy summer days without stress,” said McAteer.

5. Indoor-outdoor crossover is everywhere

Designers are taking all those breezy patio vibes and pulling them inside.

“Concrete planters, rattan lanterns, vintage terra cotta pots, and linen café curtains are being used to blur the lines between patio and parlor,” said Blindauer.

Even in city apartments, the look can work in scaled-down versions.

A simple window ledge, styled with trailing ivy and a well-worn stool, can become an instant little escape.

6. The return of small, joyful things

Maximalists, rejoice! Tiny touches are making a big comeback.

Expect to see fringed edges on tablecloths, fruit-shaped vessels, and quirky handmade pottery styled casually among everyday items. Any object personal to you can also work.

“These small additions reflect a deeper craving for playfulness and imperfection,” said Blindauer. 

So, forget matchy-matchy. The new vibe is about unexpected pairings.

7. Patina is perfect

What’s old is new again this season.

“Finishes are getting less polished,” said Hayley McAteer, owner and interior designer at the Australian-based Cushee. “We’re leaving wood raw, linen wrinkled, and styling a little looser. The charm is in the imperfections. Clients also love unpolished finishes, but we’re pushing it further this year.”

Think plaster backsplashes instead of tile, unlacquered brass that naturally patinas, and matte floors that skip the glossy sheen.

“The goal is charm that looks like it’s been there for years—even if it hasn’t,” added McAteer.

8. Statement ceiling colors

If you’re not sure where to add drama in a world that prefers natural tones then look up.

“A trend I’m seeing is painting ceilings in bold hues, something that is a real statement and that will surprise and delight visitors,” said Courtney Cole, interior designer at the Australia-based TileCloud. “It’s trending in small homes as it creates a unique design moment that draws the eye upward and expands the space.”

It’s an unexpected but effective way to make even a small room feel bigger—and much more interesting.

9. Candy stripes are back

Candy stripes are bold, they’re nostalgic, and yes, they’re officially back.

Look for these bright, playful, and retro stripes on cushions and rugs or even on walls for the most fashion-forward homeowners!

“Stripes add a fun pop of color that’s perfect for freshening up your space for summer,” said TileCloud’s Cole.

If you want a home that feels curated but casual, these trends have you covered. And the best part: you don’t need a gut renovation to bring them in.