Constructed in 1920, the project in Westchester, N.Y., was beyond outdated, it was a constant headache for the clients. The 2,300-square-foot home was in need of renovation when it was first purchased by the clients, 14 years before any remodeling work actually began. Finally taking the leap of faith, the homeowner and architect Brian McFarland reached out to Sweeten. Serving as the architect for the project, McFarland sourced many of the elements of the projects himself. The kitchen is now a contemporary and clean oasis. McFarland noted the original tiles,…
Read MoreDay: April 22, 2026
Exterior renovations require balance for a lasting look
Home renovation designs require careful planning and execution to ensure that exterior designs will have a lasting, beautiful and sustainable impact on a client’s home. For example, leaving a brick exterior as it is, instead of painting over it, will allow the exterior to age gracefully and balance with nature. While painting over a project might have a fresher presentation, it can risk moisture being trapped beneath the brick. “Brick, on its own, ages gracefully and tolerates Mother Nature much better without paint on the surface,” said Tyler Hull, Founder…
Read MoreBathroom remodels shift to color and smart technology
When it comes to bathroom designs during a remodel, two things are most prominent. First, all white bathrooms are out; color is in. Second, smart technology is being embedded in bathrooms. According to data from Grand View Research, the market for smart technology, specifically smart showers, is expected to expand by 11.7% from 2023 to 2030. The idea behind this rising trend is that integrating digital technology into a shower’s plumbing systems can provide a client with a catered, spa-like experience, making it a modern bathroom upgrade that combines form…
Read MoreBathroom storage design ideas
Bathroom storage is one of the most requested features from a client when remodeling. Sweeten, one of the nation’s largest remodelers with over 2,000 renovations under its belt gives their insight on intelligent ways to increase storage in this area. Recessed wall cabinets are an easy and common solution where a cabinet may not fit physically or aesthetically. Behind doors or next to vanities these built in nooks are simple storage solutions. In a similar vein, linen closets always are a useful addition. These allow for more closed off storage, still…
Read MoreInterior designs taking the spotlight in renovations
Today, clients are looking for interior designs that are both considerable and personal. From reimagined living rooms to sunlit kitchens, the way Americans are thinking about their homes has shifted. Interior design is getting personal in 2026 and the results are striking in renovations. Cool tones and minimal designs dominated the conversation. However, warmth has staged a confident comeback; deep terracottas, aged brass, burnished wood and textiles. Interior designers are being asked to solve real problems beautifully with built-ins that disappear into walls and furniture with hidden storage that does…
Read MoreRemodel of the week: Historic Eichler
In Thousand Oaks, Calif., et sal interiors took on a whole home renovation of a historic Eichler. The project was last touched in 1964, nearly every system was in need of repair from a disintegrating kitchen to an overgrown landscape. However, between the cracks, the team at et sal interiors saw the original beauty of the home. The style of the home Eichler, comes from Joseph Eichler, the iconic mid-century modern developer in California between 1949 and 1966. The team at et sal interiors decided to preserve as much of…
Read MoreNHE grants boost residential construction visibility
The National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB’s philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the homebuilding industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities. This year, a record nine recipients were awarded funds to increase the visibility of careers in residential construction. Such recipients include Cal Poly University – San Luis Obispo, which will develop and enhance courses on safety culture in construction, integrated residential construction and trade entrepreneurship, as well as…
Read MoreNew data provides overview of March construction prices
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released on April 14, 2026, construction input prices increased 2.2% in March compared to the previous month. However, prices decreased in two of the three energy subcategories last month. Natural gas and unprocessed energy materials prices were down 51.7% and 7.7%, respectively. “Construction materials prices surged in March and are now up 4.8% year over year, the largest annual increase since January 2023,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This monthly increase…
Read MoreYoung adults’ interest in construction trades doubles
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released new survey research on the interest of construction trades for young adults. The study focuses on ages 18 to 25 and their perception and interest of working in construction trades. In 2016, NAHB conducted a similar survey. Since then, the interest has doubled from 3 to 6%. Importantly the study also found that more young adults are unsure of what field to build a career in. The figure has dropped from 74% in 2016 to 65% now. “The two most important benefits…
Read MoreHomeowners are remodeling instead of relocating
According to a recent survey from Redfin, more homeowners are choosing to renovate their homes rather than relocate. Around 43% of Americans renovated their home in the last year and another 33% plan to renovate in the next year. Approximately 65% of homeowners who recently renovated chose to upgrade their current home instead of moving. Of the homeowners who are planning to renovate in the next year, 71% say that they are remodeling instead of buying a new house. “Many Americans are choosing to stay put and make the home…
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