A recent study from EnergySage revealed that solar panels could also boost home resale values by tens of thousands of dollars. Homes with owned solar panels tend to sell for five to 10% more than homes without solar panels. When applied to today’s average California home prices, solar panel installation could significantly increase a property’s overall worth. According to EnergySage, “For the average $790,000 California home, that’s an eye-popping $39,500 to $79,000 boost in resale value.” Read More
Read MoreAuthor: Taylor Moore
Wood becomes top choice for kitchen cabinets
For the first time in recent years, wood has emerged as the top choice for kitchen cabinets, selected by 29% of renovating homeowners, marking a six percentage point jump from 2025. The previously popular sleek, minimalistic white tone in kitchens is being replaced with wood finishes for kitchen cabinets. Medium wood tones are becoming increasingly popular, followed by light wood then dark wood in 2026 kitchen remodeling trends. Wood is also taking over kitchen countertops in renovations. Renovators increasingly are choosing a contrasting countertop material for kitchen islands apart from…
Read MoreRenovation influx expected in 2026
A national survey conducted by a leading research company found that, out of 2,000 homeowners, one in five have renovation or home upgrade plans in 2026. The survey found that 43% of homeowners completed a renovation in 2025, while an additional 32% report plans to renovate in 2026. Nearly six in 10 respondents said they plan to update interior spaces, while 43% cited landscaping projects. “These findings reflect how strongly homeowners connect personal fulfillment with their living spaces,” said Chris Freeborg, VP and Chief Marketing, Communications & Product Development Officer.…
Read MoreRemodel of the week: Peter Zaitzeff and Robert Dean
A Harry Bates-designed home scheduled for the wrecking ball was renovated by SERHANT Sales Director Peter Zaitzeff and Architect Robert Dean into a stylish, mid-century modern home in the East Hamptons, N.Y. Zaitzeff and his wife, Annie Dean, bought the home in 2018 with the renovation vision in mind, prompting them to step into the home renovation industry. “It was a teardown basically,” said Zaitzeff. “But we said no, the bones of the house are amazing. We were in love with it because of the pedigree—it was Harry Bates.” Beginning…
Read MoreKitchen remodels shift towards longevity and efficiency
Kitchen remodels are drifting away from being aesthetically impressive for a moment and more towards being built for everyday work life in 2026. Homeowners researching Kitchen Remodeling are looking past dramatic finishes and focusing on layouts, materials and planning methods for daily efficiency. Kitchens are being designed with long-term use in mind, reflecting a growing understanding that a kitchen is not a showroom, but one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. The most noticeable shift in 2026 kitchen renovation design is the move away from decorative excess. Oversized islands,…
Read More2026 Construction Outlook
Construction activity is expected to stay strong heading into 2026, with data centers, manufacturing and infrastructure projects leading the way. Contractors are still dealing with high material costs, labor shortages and tariffs, but the new tax law may offer some relief to the construction industry. Economic conditions are showing signs of improvement, though many construction companies are still facing higher costs and tighter margins. For reference, prices are rising at about 3% per year, much lower than the spikes in 2022, but still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. In…
Read MoreFive renovation trends taking over 2026
Designers are already starting to pinpoint renovation design trends set to take over homes in 2026. Features like in-home gyms and saunas are on the rise, while cooler stones and tiles are being replaced with rich hues and seamless stone. Open concept layouts will be left behind in 2025 and will be replaced by more defined spaces. “As people spend more time at home, the appeal of more traditional floor plans with spaces that are separated for visual and sound privacy has become very evident,” said Peter Miles, architect and…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Vujovich Design Build
Vujovich Design Build remodeled a cramped and outdated kitchen inside a 1937 Minneapolis Home, preserving the historic charm while improving function and flow for everyday living. The interior design won first place in the Historic Renovation/Restoration (50 years or older) category for this project in the 2025 Midwest Design Awards and took thoughtful, creative measures to bring this kitchen into the present while still honoring its past. Walls were opened to improve flow and select windows were closed to reclaim wall space for cabinetry. A walk-in pantry was added, concealed…
Read MoreFive upcoming trends in home design
The American Society of Interior Designers released its 2026 Trends Outlook Report, highlighting the following five trends predicting home design. According to the report, downsizing, co-living and co-housing, aging-in-place strategies and urban roommate models are gaining traction. This all corresponds to a preference for independent living meeting a desire for connection. The report also observes climate extremes, rapid technological change and global climate as scenarios implementing the need for resilience and adaptability. This is reflected in increased sales of generators, backup batteries, security systems, gun safes and wildfire-resistant homes. Other…
Read MoreKitchen design is getting a makeover
The new year is bringing in a new set of trends for kitchen design. While homeowners’ taste in interior design is ever-changing, the desire for timeless functionality remains. From statement appliances to expressive details, this guide provides an in-depth look into 2026’s kitchen design trends. While hardwood flooring will forever be a kitchen staple, warm and textured stone might see the limelight in 2026. “Kitchens in 2026 are reclaiming the artistry of tile, from the soft whisper of tumbled limestone to the vibrant symphony of mixed-stone mosaics,” said designer Richard…
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