Plain View Design + Build preserved the 1970’s historic charm of the Clairmont Haus in this whole-home remodel. The original owner built and lived in the home for 40 years before it was sold. The new homeowners wanted to preserve the architectural mastery of the Bismarck, North Dakota, home. The unique angles of the star- shaped Clairmont Haus were maintained. The overall goal for Plain View Design + Build was to maintain the initial intention of the design, which is why no major structure changes were made. The only exception…
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The rise of multi-functional home design
The way homeowners live is constantly evolving, bringing forth the latest renovation trend: multi-functional home design. Homeowners are looking for adaptability and often renovating with that mindset. Multi-functional home design is defined by intelligent zoning, clever storage and adaptable furniture that allows a single footprint to serve multiple aspects in daily life. With remote and hybrid work cementing itself as the new normal, the makeshift kitchen-table desk is no longer sufficient. A dedicated home office remodel is one of the most requested projects in the Quad Cities across Iowa and…
Read MoreMinnesota homeowners prioritize outdoor living
Across Minnesota, homeowners are transforming their backyards into true extensions of their homes with custom landscaping, pools, outdoor kitchens, covered porches and resort-style gathering spaces. In 2026, there has been a major shift toward outdoor projects that feel intentional, elevated and designed around how families actually want to live. For many Minnesota homeowners, outdoor kitchens have become one of the most valuable and frequently used features of the backyard. Popular outdoor kitchen features include built-in grills, pizza ovens, beverage refrigerators, bar seating and serving areas, weather-resistant cabinetry, integrated lighting and…
Read MoreJobs-to-permits ratio highlights housing gap
A new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders analyzed the jobs-to-permits ratio. The analysis used net new jobs created in 2024 and measured against housing permits issued in 2023 to gauge the typical time required for permitted units to move through the construction pipeline and reach the market. Using this framework, the analysis revealed that the U.S. economy added approximately 1.8 million net new jobs in 2024 relative to 2023, while total housing permits issued in 2023 reached 1.51 million units. This results in an overall jobs-to-permits ratio…
Read More21st Century ROAD to Housing Act reaches executive branch
After the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives on June 23, 2026, the bill reached the executive branch’s desk. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) applauded the passage and now urges the legislation to be signed. This once-in-a-generation housing package includes more than 50 sections addressing housing supply, financing, disaster recovery and other priorities. NAHB provided input to Congress on many parts of the bill, but five provisions are especially important to members: land-use and zoning, aging housing stock, multifamily financing,…
Read MoreConstruction activity softens
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’s spring Construction Survey, construction activity has softened in the first months of 2026. Higher material costs and ongoing economic uncertainty are the driving factors, with more than half of respondents, approximately 54%, reporting decreased activity in the industry overall. However, signs point to optimism for the remainder of 2026 within residential construction. Despite tough conditions for some, roughly four in 10 businesses reported hiring more construction workers and increasing hours for existing employees in advance of the busy season. In general, labor…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Feinmann
Feinmann’s renovation of this home in Lexington, Mass., transformed the outdated layout into a functional, bright retreat. Feinmann opened the kitchen by removing walls, introducing white oak flooring and accenting the coffered ceiling in blue. The pantry gained a wet bar and dishwasher, while the mudroom was upgraded to offer cabinets and seating. The installation of a vintage-inspired powder room added charm, while the guest bath became a private en-suite with modern fixtures. Cohesive upgrades throughout unify design and function, creating a timeless and inviting look. The project received the…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Phoenix Home Remodeling
Phoenix Home Remodeling gave a cluttered kitchen a second life, refreshing it with an expansive, open layout to enhance functionality for their clients and modernize the space. The main challenge of the project was meeting a tight deadline without compromising the clients’ daily lives. A new island was installed with black-painted storage cabinets, adding both style and functionality while complementing their existing perimeter cabinets. The new island features accessories such as rollout trays for easy access to stored items. The quartz countertops’ design was chosen for its durability and elegant,…
Read MorePersonality and functionality take center stage in kitchen design
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 MoreExisting 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,…
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