Every year, the Best of Houzz 2026 awards celebrate the professionals whose work has captured the hearts of homeowners around the world. Powered by Houzz Pro, the programme shines a spotlight on standout design talent and exceptional customer service across the industry.
This year’s winning professionals delivered a wealth of innovative designs. Browsing photos from the Best of Houzz - Powered by Houzz Pro 2026 award winners offers plenty of inspiration for home features that will remain stylish and functional for years to come.
Here, we highlight 5 trends that stood out from the Best of Houzz Design winners.
1 - Bathrooms elevated by statement tiles and warm materials
Popular bathrooms highlight bold, design-led tiling, from glazed vertical formats and striped layouts to zellige textures in deep green or blue tones. This mirrors findings from the 2025 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, which identified vertically stacked tiles as the top tile pattern. Timber vanities, terrazzo floors and brushed brass fittings add warmth and balance to these statement surfaces.
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2 - Structured outdoor layouts softened by lush planting
Many Best of Houzz winners paired thoughtful spatial planning, such as paved paths, terraces and zoning, with lush, layered planting schemes. Curving walkways, hidden seating areas and natural materials like stone and timber help create outdoor spaces that feel calm, immersive and designed for everyday use rather than display alone.
3 - Built-in character takes centre stage
Many of this year’s winning living spaces are anchored by bespoke joinery and architectural focal points, including media walls, shelving units and fireplace surrounds. Designers on Houzz are using these integrated features to shape the room’s layout and focal points, creating living areas that feel balanced and intentional.
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4 - Multi-functional hubs for everyday life
Homeowners are prioritising kitchens that work hard functionally, but also feel sociable and beautifully considered. According to the Houzz UK 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, speciality built-in features are taking centre stage, and within the winning spaces, tall pantry units, appliance garages and beverage stations stand out while remaining seamlessly integrated.
5 - Calm retreats framed by architectural detail
In the winning bedrooms, the bed is positioned as the focal point through thoughtful architectural treatment. Panelled feature walls, upholstered or statement headboards and soft tonal backdrops work together to create a cocooning, sanctuary-like feel. Muted greens, chalky blues and warm neutrals dominate the palette, layered with textured bedding and pared-back furniture to support rest and relaxation without fuss.
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Professionals on Houzz who have earned a Best of Houzz award receive badges displayed on their profile, as shown here. Best of Houzz badges are given in three categories: Design, Service and Photography. When you see a Best of Houzz badge, that means the Houzz community has highly rated the professional, has saved photos from their Houzz portfolio or both.
About 2% of Houzz’s community of more than 3 million construction and design professionals win Best of Houzz awards each year.
