Author: Karla Valdez

The Ultimate Mid-Century Modern Kitchen and Laundry Makeover

Karla Valdez

The Highland Park kitchen and laundry renovation by DorianBahr masterfully balances mid-century modern design with today’s innovations, creating a space that is both elegant and highly functional. Thoughtful details such as walnut veneer cabinetry, black pewter appliances and acorn-shaped pendants preserve the warmth and character of the 1950s while incorporating modern conveniences like LED lighting and a pop-up downdraft system. Every design decision was made to respect the home’s historic charm while ensuring the space met contemporary needs for efficiency and comfort. This project, known as The Lacey Project, has…

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Major Bathroom Renovation Trends

Karla Valdez

Bathroom renovations remain one of the most valuable investments for homeowners, both for boosting resale value and improving daily comfort. According to the 2025 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, the median spend on bathroom remodels in 2024 was $13,000, with major renovations averaging $22,000. Instead of complete overhauls, most homeowners focus on system upgrades like ventilation, heating and plumbing improvements, while nearly 40% expand their showers. Accent walls are also making a splash in bathrooms, with blue emerging as the most popular choice. Other trends highlight the growing demand for functionality…

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Exploring Modern Home Remodeling Trends

Karla Valdez

Home remodeling today goes beyond fixing damage or updating old styles, it has become a way for homeowners to enhance comfort, integrate technology and adopt eco-friendly practices that fit modern lifestyles. From coastal renovations in Highland Beach that require storm-resistant materials to Palo Alto’s demand for luxurious, spa-like bathrooms, remodeling trends reflect both regional needs and broader shifts in design preferences. Contractors like Top Remodeling are helping homeowners reimagine spaces with open floor plans, natural light and stylish finishes, while also blending creativity with functionality. Across the board, trends emphasize…

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Low Carbon Construction Materials Market Overview 2025

Karla Valdez

The global market for low-carbon construction materials reached about US$259.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$394.38 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.8%. This growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable building products, stricter environmental regulations and greater emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint of new construction. Key material types in this space include green concrete, mass timber, low-carbon bricks, recycled metals, green tiles and plastics (recycled or bio-based). The market is segmented by application (residential, commercial, industrial) and…

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How to combine Modern and Traditional elements in Interior Design

Karla Valdez

Blending modern and traditional design is about more than pairing old and new; it’s about striking harmony between clean simplicity and timeless warmth. Modern design emphasizes minimalism, function and sleek materials like glass and metal, while traditional style introduces ornate details, classic furniture and cozy colors. When thoughtfully combined, these elements create balanced spaces that feel both elegant and contemporary. Using cohesive color palettes, complementary textures and carefully selected furniture ensures that the two styles work together rather than compete. This fusion also allows homeowners to enjoy versatility and functionality…

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Coastal Bathroom Ideas to Transport you to the Beach

Karla Valdez

A modern coastal bathroom blends the calming essence of the shoreline with timeless design, creating a space that balances function, style and comfort. Central to this look are light and airy color palettes with ocean-inspired blues, sandy neutrals and natural wood tones, paired with durable finishes like marble, quartz and stone. The use of woven textures, brass hardware and abundant natural light further enhances the beach-house atmosphere, while spa-like features such as soaking tubs or walk-in showers bring everyday luxury into the home. Beyond aesthetics, modern coastal bathroom design focuses…

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The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025

Karla Valdez

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 report highlights mounting affordability pressures as high home prices, rising interest rates, insurance premiums and rents push home sales to a 30‑year low and burden a record number of households, particularly renters, with excessive housing costs. Despite a surge in multifamily development and inventory growth, supply remains misaligned with need, favoring higher-cost units while lower-rent stock continues to decline. Read More

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Home Depot acquires billions in the building supply business

Karla Valdez

Home Depot is acquiring specialty building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion in equity, as part of its ongoing strategy to expand in the professional building materials sector. This follows its $18 billion purchase of SRS Distribution last year, further strengthening its ability to serve residential and commercial contractors. The deal positions Home Depot to compete more aggressively by creating a massive supply network with over 1,200 locations and 8,000 delivery trucks. Read More

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Demand for new construction is quickly weakening

Karla Valdez

After years of resilience, homebuilders are now grappling with a sharp slowdown in the housing market as high prices, mortgage rates and economic uncertainty dampen buyer demand. New home sales fell 14% in May, and many builders, including Lennar and KB Home, are cutting prices and scaling back development plans amid rising unsold inventory. Despite increased supply from both new and existing homes, sales remain sluggish in most markets. According to Yahoo Finance, “Consumers grew increasingly apprehensive about the economy and rising geopolitical tensions, driving consumer confidence to a 13-year…

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