In this kitchen remodel, Watermark Builders blended form and functionality, designing the space for a seamless combination of daily use and entertainment. The builder extended the L-shaped cabinetry to nearly triple the original storage space, while relocating the sink to center it beneath a larger window. Framed by elegant farmhouse pendant lights, the new layout enhances natural light and symmetry. Countertop-to-ceiling cabinets anchor the space visually while improving accessibility for the homeowners. A backsplash of glazed ceramic tile adds a hint of sparkle, contrasting beautifully with matte finishes throughout. Soft white…
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Guest bathroom renovations increase ahead of summer traveling
Every year, contractors see an increase in guest bathroom remodeling requests. The increase is not solely driven by design but by the pressure of clients having more people in their homes during family visits or vacations. For many homeowners, summer entertainment shifts how they experience their homes. Spaces that previously felt well-designed suddenly receive more attention once guests begin using them regularly. According to recent on summer home design and entertaining trends, homeowners are increasingly investing in comfort-focused upgrades that improve how guests experience the home during gatherings and seasonal…
Read MoreHome renovations prioritize longevity
Interior design is shifting away from current, popular trends and towards one main goal: longevity. Clients are seeking designs that will not have to be changed in the next ten years, prioritizing a look that feels like their forever home. Lily Walters, founder and principal designer of Elter Studios, said that she is noticing an increasing deviation from online trends; clients want their homes designed with how they actually live in mind and for longevity. “If your morning routine involves you doing yoga in a specific corner, I am designing…
Read More6 ways kitchen design trends will evolve
Kitchen design trends are always changing; designs that clients want in their kitchen renovations change from one year to the next. Experts predict that six changes will be more prominent in the next decade regarding kitchen renovations. Appliance garages are expected to take over kitchen design trends in the next decade. “[Appliances] have been increasingly moving toward being less visually dominant in kitchens and they will continue to do so,” said Gabriela Narvaez, general contractor and founder of Guild Properties. “The goal is for them to be fully convenient and not…
Read More5 steps for a sustainable remodel
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) highlighted five steps remodelers and designers can take to make their projects more sustainable. As sustainability becomes more of a standard rather than a trend, more clients are looking to give their homes a second life with an eco-friendly makeover. Consider products that use fewer raw materials and achieve the same result as traditional products, while having a lower environmental impact. Such products include lighter, thinner brick, engineered wood or engineered steel products and prefabricated roof or floor trusses. Also, installing an efficient…
Read MoreLast chance to vote for QXO’s Female Roofing Professional of the Year
QXO is recognizing hard working women in the roofing industry with its Female Roofing Professional of the Year Award. The company is known for its technology that supports every step of the supply chain for contractors, homebuilders, distributors and suppliers. Women throughout the industry are eligible for the award including roof installers, office managers, project managers, siding professionals, payroll professionals, digital marketers, owners, accounting professionals and more. Last year’s winner QXO Female Roofing Professional of the Year winner Rachel Narveson is the founder and CEO of Proficient Construction in Lake…
Read MoreTop summer renovation trends
Summer is just around the corner, meaning homeowners are thinking more and more about renovations. Warmer temperatures, longer days and drier conditions make summer one of the most practical times to tackle home improvement projects. The following trends are going to be at the top of clients’ renovation design list. Outdoor improvements are among the most popular projects right now. In a 2025 Fixr survey, 56% of home improvement experts said outdoor and backyard upgrades are a growing priority for homeowners. Adding a fire pit can make the backyard a…
Read MoreNew construction trends to watch this year
Five new construction trends are emerging in Twin Cities, Minn. By next spring, these are the trends homebuyers are going to be asking about for their renovations. Black metal mullion windows are showing up in starter homes, custom builds and remodels, bringing in natural light into homes and expanding the interior space. Tongue-and-groove white oak planking on tray and cathedral ceilings has been frequently paired with structural beams. The ceiling as fifth wall trend has graduated out of kitchens and is now showing up in primary bedrooms and screened porches.…
Read MoreU.S. Census Bureau April 2026 Residential Construction Report
On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau released its Monthly New Residential Construction report for April 2026. Regarding building permits, single-family authorizations in April were at a rate of 872,000, 2.6% below the revised March figure of 895,000. Across the U.S., privately-owned housing starts in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,465,000, 2.8% (±11%)* below the revised March estimate of 1,507,000, but 4.6% (±13.9%)* above the April 2025 rate of 1,400,000. Single-family housing starts in April were at a rate of 930,000, which is 9% below…
Read MoreNAHB urges Congress to advance housing supply reforms
On May 21, 2026, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio, testified before the House Small Business Committee on how small builders can help close the nation’s housing gap. “NAHB estimates the country is facing a structural shortage of about 1.2 million homes,” said Owens. “Small builders are doing all they can to increase housing supply, but they cannot overcome the shortage as long as rising costs and system delays continue to hold back progress.” In his testimony, he…
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