Kitchens are among the most popular rooms to renovate, since it is one of the most used spaces in a home. According to a study by Ruby Home realtors, 24% of homeowners did a kitchen renovation project in 2024. Personality and functionality are at the forefront of design trends. Tile pattern splicing layers patterns with plain ones to add depth and personality to kitchen backsplashes. This popular trend often embraces traditional English decor, making heavy use of florals and Delft motifs. “By interspersing decorative tiles with plains, you introduce rhythm,…
Read MoreCategory: Newsletter
Newsletters from/for Bytes Newsletters
Existing home sales expected to increase
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun reported that home sales are expected to be modestly better in the second half of 2026, while NAR’s current forecast calls for existing-home sales to rise 4% this year. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are projected to average 6.5% in 2026. Yun added that housing wealth accumulation will continue in 2026, with the typical homeowner gaining approximately $16,000 in wealth this year. Despite headwinds in the housing market, Yun said the U.S. economy will avoid a recession in 2026. Dr. Jessica Lautz,…
Read MoreABC’s construction backlog surges in May
On June 16, 2026, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 9.1 months in May 2026. This is according to ABC’s member survey conducted from May 20 to June 3. The reading is up 0.3 months from April and 0.7 months from May 2025. “Backlog rose to a nearly three-year high in May,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This increase largely reflects the massive data center investments taking place across the nation, as the 14% of ABC members under contract to work…
Read MoreResidential building material prices increase
Wholesale prices of materials used in residential construction increased in May 2026, a direct result of rising energy costs. Residential building material prices rose at their highest yearly rate since January 2023, as prices were up 4.4% from 2025 and up 0.7% over May. The price index for inputs to new residential construction rose 1.3% in May and was up 6.9% from last year. The price of goods used in new residential construction, including energy, was up 2.1% over the month and up 8.3% from last year, while the price…
Read MoreHomeowners are choosing to renovate instead of moving
Many homeowners are choosing to renovate instead of move due to elevated home prices, higher mortgage rates and moving costs. According to a recent Redfin survey, 43% of homeowners chose to renovate in the past year, while two-thirds of renovators did so as an alternative to buying. “Many Americans are choosing to stay put and make the home they already have work for them,” said Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economics research. “That could mean improving outdated spaces, adding space for a growing family or reconfiguring the existing space so…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alderwood Landscaping
Alderwood Landscaping completely modernized their clients’ outdoor living space in the Sammamish Backyard Renovation project. The backyard originally had an old, worn concrete surface around its existing pool, accompanied by tired plantings lining the exterior, which offered a dreary aesthetic. The team worked closely with the owners to create a design that expanded their outdoor living space, removing partially elevated decks that compartmentalized the space and left little room to entertain. The updated design created more usable space and improved circulation around the pool. The team added new paving around…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: UHS Remodeling
UHS Remodeling turned a dated master bathroom in a McKinney, Texas home into a spa retreat, while also matching the guest bathroom. An oversized corner garden tub took up most of the floor in the bathroom’s original design, accompanied by a cramped shower and dark, dated finishes. The original tub was replaced with a sculptural freestanding soaking tub plus a separate, large walk-in glass shower, making the room functional for both a long soak and a fast morning. The remodelers also added a dual vanity with built-in storage. In the…
Read MoreOutdoor kitchens inspire luxury living
Outdoor kitchens are among the top design trends in luxury renovations. Homeowners want these spaces designed with the same attention to detail as any interior room in a home. When undergoing a backyard upgrade, clients want dining, lounging and water elements incorporated within an outdoor kitchen, rather than dropped onto the patio as an accessory. The most popular design in outdoor kitchens has moved away from the standalone island and toward a kitchen drawn into a larger plan. Instead of one bar set apart from the living areas, the cooking zone,…
Read MoreTop kitchen and bathroom design trends
At the midpoint in 2026, homeowners have been approaching renovations differently from previous years. Design decisions are no longer focused solely on aesthetics, but rather on functionality, sustainability, technology and long-term value. Smarter living spaces, personalized layouts, natural materials and wellness-focused designs are among the most popular design trends in renovation projects this year. The kitchen continues to serve as the center of household activity, with homeowners wanting spaces that support cooking, entertaining, working and family interaction simultaneously. Smart kitchens are becoming the standard, while natural materials and concealed storage…
Read MoreSummer 2026 Renovation Trends
Every summer brings a new wave of design trends, but 2026 is already looking different. Homeowners are moving away from quick-fix updates and focusing on improvements that make their homes more comfortable, functional and enjoyable for years to come. Remodelers and designers are seeing an increase in clients seeking a blend between indoor and outdoor living, wanting spaces that equally support functionality and entertainment. Outdoor spaces remain one of the most requested home improvements. Instead of simple patios and decks, families are creating outdoor spaces that function like an extension…
Read More