Houzz raises $35M to inspire better homes and gardens

Home is where the heart — and the money — is.

Houzz, a platform for home remodeling and design, has raised $35 million. More than 12 million homeowners, home improvement professionals, and design enthusiasts come together on the site to find inspiration, tips, and resources and collaborate on projects.

Whether you are looking for wall decoration ideas for your rented apartment, overhauling your kitchen, or redoing the entire design scheme of your home in a contemporary style, Houzz has as large and searchable database of content. You can filter your search by type of room, design style, furniture, or by specific products. For those who aren’t sure what they are looking for, the site has “ideabooks” with themes like “Discover New Models for Tiny NYC Apartments,” “Monochromatic Garden Magic Done 7 Ways,” or “Finish Rooms the Elegant Way with Marquetry Furniture.”

The social component is a key part of Houzz. Home remodeling and design is an area in which people want to brag, solicit advice, and ask questions. On the discussion forum, people can post queries (with attached photos) and receive guidance. The discussions are also indexed so you can search through old threads before beginning a new one.

“Houzz is revolutionizing home renovation,” said Houzz CEO Adi Tatarko in a statement. “Our goal is to eliminate the barriers that exist between homeowners and good design and between talented home improvement professionals and their potential customers. This has been our vision from day one, and we are focused on continuing to make that happen by applying the best technology, product, and user experience know-how.”

Along with the funding, Houzz also announced the launch of Houzz Pro+, a local marketing program for remodeling and design professionals. Two years ago, Houzz had 10,000 professionals in its community. It now has more than 160,000 people around the country who use Houzz as a business and marketing tool — to manage their projects, promote their brand, and connect with potential and existing clients.

This is Houzz’s third round of investment. New Enterprise Associates and GGV Capital, with participation from Sequoia Capital which led the Series B in December 2011. Comcast Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Yammer found David Saks also participated. Houzz is based in Palo Alto, Calif. and has raised $48.6 million to date. It’ll use the money to help build its design and engineering teams.

Photo courtesy of Deborah Cerbone Associates, via Houzz.