According to the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index, existing home sales rose 3.2% in May to a five-month high of 4.17 million. The spring selling season initially started slowly before gaining traction towards the end. Chicago continued to lead in existing home sales, followed by New York City and Cleveland. Meanwhile, pending home sales climbed 3.8% with a 4.8% year-over-year gain. Looking ahead, mortgage rates have hovered near 6.5% for six consecutive weeks, pushed higher by renewed inflation concerns and elevated energy prices. At the same time, listing prices…
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Emerging kitchen design trends
Kitchen design trends are constantly evolving. The following designs are expected to take over kitchen renovations, replacing previous looks and features that are now considered dated, according to interior designers. Industrial-style kitchens featuring endless swaths of stainless steel no longer hold the power they once did. Instead, kitchen design trends are shifting towards spaces that feel lived-in rather than spotless. “Country kitchens are less about chasing perfection and more about creating spaces that feel genuinely lived-in,” said Tanya Smith-Shiflett, interior designer at Unique Kitchens & Baths. Recessed lights will be…
Read MoreNAHB introduces first master remodeling professionals
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) introduced its initial cohort of Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) and Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP). NAHB introduced the CMBP and CMRP credentials in April 2026 to provide a national stamp of credibility for qualified professionals. This accreditation requires 50 hours of qualifying education in the past five years and a minimum of five years working in a leadership role at a residential building or remodeling firm. 62 professionals currently hold the credential. “Any builder who’s been in business a few years should think…
Read MoreBathroom upgrades prioritize comfort
Bathrooms may be among the smallest rooms in the house, but in 2026, they are the site of some of the year’s biggest design statements. Once treated purely as functional spaces, the bathroom has been reimagined as a place that fosters comfort and longevity. From tile selections to technology that quietly enhances everyday routines, the latest wave of bathroom trends prioritizes comfort as much as beautiful design. Rather than just a utilitarian background choice, tile will start to act more like artwork in bathrooms. According to Lauren Saab, interior designer…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: CGandS Design-Build
CGandS Design-Build knew this Austin, Texas, whole-home remodel would be a challenge since the project had already been renovated twice. The project did not start with a master plan, but rather with creating solutions to individual issues in the home. As the remodeler underwent construction, the entire renovation’s cohesive design fell into place. The original home had terracotta tile floors in most rooms, heavy mahogany trim and cabinetry and yellow painted walls. The original, dark design failed to take advantage of the outdoor skyline view. To bring more natural light…
Read MoreNARI appoints new CEO
On June 30, 2026, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) announced that Lisa Sallstrom, MS, CAE, PMP, CRP, is the association’s new CEO. Sallstrom takes the lead at NARI at an important time for the organization, amid a growing demand for remodeling services and a skilled workforce. “I am thrilled to join NARI at such an important moment for the remodeling industry,” said Sallstrom. “By building on the organization’s strong foundation and embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation, and workforce development, we can create even greater value for…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Plain View Design + Build
Plain View Design + Build preserved the 1970’s historic charm of the Clairmont Haus in this whole-home remodel. The original owner built and lived in the home for 40 years before it was sold. The new homeowners wanted to preserve the architectural mastery of the Bismarck, North Dakota, home. The unique angles of the star- shaped Clairmont Haus were maintained. The overall goal for Plain View Design + Build was to maintain the initial intention of the design, which is why no major structure changes were made. The only exception…
Read MoreThe rise of multi-functional home design
The way homeowners live is constantly evolving, bringing forth the latest renovation trend: multi-functional home design. Homeowners are looking for adaptability and often renovating with that mindset. Multi-functional home design is defined by intelligent zoning, clever storage and adaptable furniture that allows a single footprint to serve multiple aspects in daily life. With remote and hybrid work cementing itself as the new normal, the makeshift kitchen-table desk is no longer sufficient. A dedicated home office remodel is one of the most requested projects in the Quad Cities across Iowa and…
Read MoreMinnesota homeowners prioritize outdoor living
Across Minnesota, homeowners are transforming their backyards into true extensions of their homes with custom landscaping, pools, outdoor kitchens, covered porches and resort-style gathering spaces. In 2026, there has been a major shift toward outdoor projects that feel intentional, elevated and designed around how families actually want to live. For many Minnesota homeowners, outdoor kitchens have become one of the most valuable and frequently used features of the backyard. Popular outdoor kitchen features include built-in grills, pizza ovens, beverage refrigerators, bar seating and serving areas, weather-resistant cabinetry, integrated lighting and…
Read MoreJobs-to-permits ratio highlights housing gap
A new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders analyzed the jobs-to-permits ratio. The analysis used net new jobs created in 2024 and measured against housing permits issued in 2023 to gauge the typical time required for permitted units to move through the construction pipeline and reach the market. Using this framework, the analysis revealed that the U.S. economy added approximately 1.8 million net new jobs in 2024 relative to 2023, while total housing permits issued in 2023 reached 1.51 million units. This results in an overall jobs-to-permits ratio…
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