Bathroom remodel trends highlight luxury and functionality

Homeowners in Paramus, N.J., are increasingly investing in high-end, detail-oriented Bathroom Remodel projects that emphasize both luxury and long-term functionality. Designers and experts at Bergen Bath Studio highlight how bathroom design preferences in Paramus are setting themselves apart in 2026. “Paramus homeowners typically look for a more customized and upscale finish in their bathroom renovations,” said Bob Clark, owner of Bergen Bath Studio. “There’s a strong focus on both design detail and long-term durability.” Another notable trend in Paramus is the growing demand for premium Bathtub Installation options. Clients are increasingly…

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Designers weigh in on renovating vintage homes

Experts shared how to design a new space with an older, vintage feel and the key to making new materials look older than they actually are. The common practice is restoration, not replacement, during vintage renovation design. During restoration, fellow designers insist on sticking to the original source material, as projects should feel like an extension rather than a complete redo. “Every house has a story, and I want to honor that before bringing in anything new,” said interior designer Leanne Ford. She recommended refinishing the floors instead of ripping…

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Designers indicate grout lines are dated

Grout lines are forecasted to decrease in popularity. A release from the National Kitchen and Bath Association reported 89% of homeowners want to minimize or remove grout lines in their homes. Interior designers agree, noting the absence of grout allows for less maintenance therefore less chemicals in the home. “Less grout means less maintenance, which feels right for how people live today,” said Julie Beuerlein, founder of JKB Home Design. Designers also recommend minimizing lines by using full slab porcelain or quartz or large format tiles. “People’s lives seem to…

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Bathroom remodel design prioritizes lasting functionality

Bathroom remodel designs are being selected with a different goal in mind: Performance. While beauty is still an end goal, prioritizing how the bathroom functions as clients move in it throughout the day has become the primary focus during a remodel. Homes are aging and clients are thinking longer term. A bathroom can no longer be treated as a short-term upgrade, but as a space that must support daily routines for years to come. Wider clearances around vanities and toilets, door swings that do not interrupt traffic flow, shower entries…

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Kitchen renovation designs to avoid

Designing a kitchen renovation can feel like a daunting task; trying to find a balance between a beautiful layout while still maintaining the functionality of one of the most frequently used rooms in a home. Interior designers assembled a list of mistakes to avoid while planning a kitchen renovation. Big kitchen islands seem like a good idea at the time, but they pose a risk of disrupting flow. “Some are so big you can’t reach the center of them to make use of the area or even clean it,” said…

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Cabinets take center stage in kitchen renovations

Kitchen cabinets set the tone for the entire room, making this selection important in the kitchen renovation process. The largest visual element in the majority of kitchens, the material, color and style a client chooses will shape the entire design, from countertops to lighting. Cabinet trends heading into 2026 are less about chasing a single look and more about creating a kitchen that feels personal, warm and built to last.  Wood-tone cabinets have overtaken white as the most popular choice in kitchen renovations. The emphasis is on celebrating the natural…

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Functionality becomes primary goal in kitchen remodeling

Kitchen renovation design is changing, most prominently in the end goal. Functionality is becoming the primary focus, rather than a design that is purely aesthetic. Clients are looking past dramatic finishes and focusing on layouts, materials and planning methods that support real life, seeking kitchens that hold up under daily cooking, entertaining and family routines without constant maintenance or regret. This shift reflects 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 design…

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Home remodel design trends to avoid

While plenty of designers turn to social media platforms like Pinterest to put together design inspiration for a client for home renovations, there are trends that fail to translate the same in real life.  “Pinterest is one of the best places to start when planning a home renovation,” said Nicole Rodriguez, Director of Cabinet Design with Revive Design and Renovation. “It helps homeowners visualize styles, discover finishes they love, and finally put language to ideas they’ve been carrying around for years. The challenge is that what photographs beautifully doesn’t always…

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Homeowners choose remodeling over moving

Homeowners in Loudon County, Va., are choosing to renovate their homes instead of moving due to tight housing inventory and discouraging mortgage rates. Across multiple homes in the area, outdated kitchens with dark cabinetry and inefficient layouts have been transformed into bright, functional spaces designed for modern living. Rather than searching for a new home, homeowners are reinvesting in the spaces they already love,  improving flow, storage and long-term comfort. “Many of the homes we work in have great bones,” said Justin Butler, owner of Klappenberger & Son in Loudoun…

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Designers recommend upgrades to elevate small kitchens

While a small kitchen can feel cluttered, designers recommend small upgrades throughout to elevate the space and boost functionality. Vertical storage space, readily accessible appliances and decorative cabinet inserts are just a few of the trends designers predict will take the spotlight in kitchen renovations in 2026.  “In compact spaces, visual noise magnifies quickly,” says Kimberly Oxford of Kimberly Oxford Interiors. “Fully integrated, panel-ready appliances are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. They allow the cabinetry to carry the visual weight of the room and create…

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