Architect and designer Jenny O’Leary transformed a kitchen inside a late-1800s brownstone in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn, N.Y., into a modern, functional space while still preserving historical charm. The challenge was more than updating and preserving an old house, but designing a kitchen a couple could comfortably share on the daily. Another challenge was the fact that O’Leary’s clients had two opposing design styles. While one liked darker tones and strong lines, the other preferred softer elements. O’Leary aimed to renovate the kitchen to feel classic and calm for each…
Read MoreDay: February 25, 2026
LP Scores Two Finalist Spots in Best of IBS Awards
LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, announced today that LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Naturals Collection™ siding and LP BurnGuard™ FRT OSB panels have been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as a finalist for the Best of IBS™ Awards. Held annually at the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the world’s largest light construction event, the Best of IBS Awards honor the most innovative and impactful products in the residential construction industry. Finalists are selected based on innovation, functionality, design and appeal to builders and consumers. LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Naturals…
Read MoreNAHB Chairman responds to Supreme Court tariff ruling
On Feb. 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the President’s attempts to use emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was not within his right. “IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs,” written by the supporting justices in the opinion decision. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) throughout these tariff decisions advocated for the exception of building materials in these trade agreements. They cited affordability and supply chain concerns. The association estimated in 2024, an estimated 7% of all goods used in new residential…
Read MoreHomeowners choose remodeling over moving
Homeowners in Loudon County, Va., are choosing to renovate their homes instead of moving due to tight housing inventory and discouraging mortgage rates. Across multiple homes in the area, outdated kitchens with dark cabinetry and inefficient layouts have been transformed into bright, functional spaces designed for modern living. Rather than searching for a new home, homeowners are reinvesting in the spaces they already love, improving flow, storage and long-term comfort. “Many of the homes we work in have great bones,” said Justin Butler, owner of Klappenberger & Son in Loudoun…
Read MoreSupreme Court’s tariff ruling will offer construction relief
On Feb. 20, 2026, the Supreme Court threw out a large number of tariffs that were imposed on imports. This decision is expected to have numerous impacts, including some much-needed relief for building materials and inflation as a whole. A decline in material prices, specifically specialty equipment, HVAC and electrical systems, as well as fixtures, can be an expected result after the ruling. However, tariffs on lumber, steel, copper products and lumber are still in place. Contractors can still expect an overall lessening of material prices. Read More
Read MoreNARI announces their Remodel of the Year Awards
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) announced their Remodel of the Year Awards. These awards are distributed across 44 categories among 7 regions with 159 winners. NARI was formed in 1982 with the merge of the the National Remodelers Association and the National Home Improvement Council. The categories range from best residential kitchen, bath, basement, interiors, whole home and more. The winners for the entire house over $1,000,000 category were Alloway Construction & Restoration, Inc. (Region 1 Northeast), Alair Homes Arlington (Region 2 Southeast), Gordon James (Region 3…
Read MoreRemodeling activity is expected to be selective
U.S. homeowners are still investing in renovations, yet are more deliberate with their spending. This mirrors the same activity seen on the new home front, buyers will wait out until they find the right home, contractor or design team. “A downshift in remodeling growth, even as total spending reaches a high level, points to a slow-growth, normalization phase rather than a downturn in the housing market.” Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, said. Large projects will likely not be a priority for many homeowners with affordability concerns. While…
Read MoreDesigners recommend upgrades to elevate small kitchens
While a small kitchen can feel cluttered, designers recommend small upgrades throughout to elevate the space and boost functionality. Vertical storage space, readily accessible appliances and decorative cabinet inserts are just a few of the trends designers predict will take the spotlight in kitchen renovations in 2026. “In compact spaces, visual noise magnifies quickly,” says Kimberly Oxford of Kimberly Oxford Interiors. “Fully integrated, panel-ready appliances are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. They allow the cabinetry to carry the visual weight of the room and create…
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