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 Across multiple homes in the area, outdated kitchens with dark cabinetry and inefficient layouts have been transformed into bright, functional spaces designed for modern living.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…
Read MoreRenovation 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.…
Read MoreKitchen 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,…
Read MoreFive 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…
Read MoreFive upcoming trends in home design
The American Society of Interior Designers released its 2026 Trends Outlook Report, highlighting the following five trends predicting home design. According to the report, downsizing, co-living and co-housing, aging-in-place strategies and urban roommate models are gaining traction. This all corresponds to a preference for independent living meeting a desire for connection. The report also observes climate extremes, rapid technological change and global climate as scenarios implementing the need for resilience and adaptability. This is reflected in increased sales of generators, backup batteries, security systems, gun safes and wildfire-resistant homes. Other…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read More2026 Kitchen remodeling trends
Houzz announced its 2026 Kitchen Trends Study, surveying over 1,800 homeowners to discover emerging kitchen remodeling trends. According to the report, a majority of homeowners are changing their kitchen style in the renovation, with the transitional style still the top choice. In a shift from previous years, white cabinets are losing their spark as the most sought-after cabinet color. Wood tones have surpassed in popularity, with medium wood tones becoming the next trend, followed by light and dark tones. Neutral color palettes such as an off-white or soft cream are…
Read MoreDesigners weigh in on 2026 home design trends
Home design in 2026 is focusing more on wellness, from more natural, earthy tones to functional spaces suitable for a quiet escape. Design is moving away from the previous one-size-fits-all aesthetic and towards a look that is more adaptable with life. The biggest theme beginning to emerge is not about chasing looks, but about shaping spaces that support how a person actually lives, enhances wellbeing and connection, allows a homeowner to feel calm and meaningful, and balances neutrality with purposeful accents. Designers are starting to gravitate away from the flat,…
Read More5 home renovation trends that Interior Designers are ditching in 2026
As 2026 approaches, interior designers are urging homeowners to rethink certain once-popular renovation trends that are now falling out of favor. Experts Jennifer Cataldo, Tennille Burnup and Alyssa Anselmo say flat, builder-grade drywall is being replaced by textured, handcrafted wall finishes like limewash and Venetian plaster, which add warmth and dimension. Waterfall kitchen islands, long seen as a modern luxury statement, are also losing appeal in favor of more custom, inviting designs that mix materials, incorporate furniture-style bases and emphasize subtlety over flash. Light blonde oak is giving way to…
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