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…

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Renovation 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.…

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NAHB predicts remodeling growth throughout 2026

At a panel hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the International Builders’ Show (IBS), industry experts discussed the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI). This quarterly survey administered by the NAHB to their members reported over 50 points for 24 consecutive quarters. Their data supports that confidence in the remodeling industry is stronger than their multi-family and single-family counterparts. They predict that residential remodeling activity is expected to increase 3% in 2026 with an additional 2% in 2027. “There are many factors contributing to the continued…

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Remodel 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…

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Kitchen 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,…

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Five 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…

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Remodel 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…

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Kitchen 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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The most popular remodeling projects in 2025

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveys professional remodelers every quarter. The answers are compiled to produce the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI). This survey provides insight into the current and future confidence of remodelers. Alongside this NAHB asks a special set of questions on their current topic of interest. In Q4 they surveyed the frequency of 22 remodeling projects on a scale of 1-5. In 2025, remodelers indicated that bathrooms were the most common project.  73% of remodelers surveyed rated it common to very common (4 or…

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A guide to 2026 remodeling trends

The 2026 home renovation market requires smart investing against a rise in energy costs and strict building codes, with remodeling trends focusing on efficiency over anything else. Energy efficiency in homes is no longer an upgrade, but a must-have feature in home designs, as homeowners are now seeking home improvements that pay for themselves in lower monthly bills. Home remodeling in 2026 is about creating value that lasts, and the upcoming remodeling trends reflect just that.  Smart home systems are becoming standard in remodels. Technology such as AI-powered thermostats and…

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