Incoming fall design trends

While the weather still feels like summer, fall is looming around the corner. With a new season come new design trends. According to new data, homeowners are renovating for longevity, not with resale in mind. Instead, warmth and personalization are the priority as homeowners upgrade their spaces into what will become their forever home. Homeowners are gravitating towards details and materials that evoke a sense of lived-in authenticity, including aged metals, artisan plaster, handcrafted tile, natural stone and unique vintage pieces. Fall is all about warmth and patterns, and design…

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Construction employment up 64,000 jobs nationwide

Data and analysis on construction employment indicate the sector remains stronger now than this time last year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment posted gains in June, with a majority of states gaining jobs. Of the regions, Texas reported the largest numerical increase at 5,200 jobs, but percentage-wise, New Mexico recorded a+3.2% jump. California faced the sharpest numerical decline of 4,100, while Montana fell 1.6%. “Year-over-year, construction employment increased by 64,000 jobs nationwide, a 0.8% gain compared to June 2025. Texas led all states with an increase of…

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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 Across multiple homes in the area, outdated kitchens with dark cabinetry and inefficient layouts have been transformed into bright, functional spaces designed for modern living.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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Supreme Court’s tariff ruling will offer construction relief

On Feb. 20, 2026, the Supreme Court threw out a large number of tariffs that were imposed on imports. This decision is expected to have numerous impacts, including some much-needed relief for building materials and inflation as a whole.  A decline in material prices, specifically specialty equipment, HVAC and electrical systems, as well as fixtures, can be an expected result after the ruling. However, tariffs on lumber, steel, copper products and lumber are still in place. Contractors can still expect an overall lessening of material prices.  Read More

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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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Solar panels boost home resale value

A recent study from EnergySage revealed that solar panels could also boost home resale values by tens of thousands of dollars. Homes with owned solar panels tend to sell for five to 10% more than homes without solar panels.  When applied to today’s average California home prices, solar panel installation could significantly increase a property’s overall worth. According to EnergySage, “For the average $790,000 California home, that’s an eye-popping $39,500 to $79,000 boost in resale value.”  Read More

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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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Five 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…

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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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