The 2025 Houzz Home Study reveals valuable insights into how homeowners across the United States approached renovation projects in 2024 and what they plan for 2025. Drawing on survey responses from more than 20,000 U.S. homeowners, the report highlights spending trends, project priorities, and the factors influencing decision-making in today’s home improvement market.

Hardwood floors in summer can behave very differently than they do in cooler months, especially in climates like Illinois, where hot, humid conditions are common. Chicagoland homeowners often notice their wood floors reacting in unexpected ways, such as cupping, warping, or squeaking.

Embossed in register flooring is one of the most realistic and fast-growing flooring innovations in 2025. This advanced manufacturing technique aligns the textured surface of the flooring with the printed grain pattern underneath, creating an authentic wood-like appearance and feel. Unlike older flooring options that had random or repeating textures, embossed in register (EIR) technology produces a product that mimics hardwood down to the knot, ridge, and grain.

Warm hardwood flooring tones are emerging as a top trend in home design for 2025, replacing the once-dominant cool grays with inviting, organic warmth. These rich tones—ranging from golden oak to deep walnut—bring a sense of comfort, timelessness, and visual interest that appeals to homeowners updating their spaces in a post-pandemic world.

Mixed flooring materials are redefining interior design in 2025, offering a dynamic and functional way to enhance the look and usability of modern spaces. This approach not only refreshes traditional layouts but also caters to evolving lifestyle needs, including home offices, open kitchens, and flexible living areas.

Brunette wood floors are redefining flooring trends in 2025, offering a timeless and sophisticated option for homes and businesses throughout the Chicagoland area. At Scharm Floor Covering in Des Plaines, Illinois, we have seen an increasing number of customers request dark hardwood flooring that delivers both warmth and modern appeal.

In 2025, waterproof flooring is redefining the flooring industry as homeowners and businesses alike prioritize durability and convenience. Waterproof floors have shifted from a niche perk to a must-have feature, driven by busy lifestyles, pets, and open floor plans. Industry experts note that "being 100 percent waterproof is an important buy-in for homeowners, second only to color preference." Families want “worry-proof” floors that can handle spills, kids, and pet accidents without damage. This surging demand has propelled resilient flooring – especially luxury vinyl – to record market share in recent years. Waterproof luxury vinyl tile/plank (LVT/LVP) now accounts for roughly one-third of all flooring sales by value as of 2023, a huge leap from barely 4% a decade ago.

As we approach 2025, flooring trends take a more thoughtful and nature-inspired turn. There is a growing emphasis on biophilic design, which focuses on creating stronger connections with the natural world within our living spaces. By incorporating organic materials like wood and stone, as well as natural patterns and textures, homeowners are finding ways to enhance well-being and bring tranquility indoors. This trend is deeply rooted in our innate affinity for nature, promoting more balanced and harmonious environments.