Interior designers offer tips to make small homes feel more spacious, including maximizing natural light with wall mirrors, using soft paint colors to reflect more light and choosing appropriately scaled furniture. They also recommend multifunctional furniture for added storage, utilizing vertical space for storage and shelving, and installing curtains close to the ceiling to create the illusion of height.
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The home remodeling boom continues, as homeowners leverage their equity to take on a range of house projects, large and small. But are they choosing the best projects to help boost their home’s resale value?
A National Association of REALTORS® report revealed the home upgrades and remodeling projects with the greatest cost recovery for sellers.
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While icicles dangling from a rooftop often symbolize the beauty of winter, experts say they really can indicate a potential seasonal hazard. They explain preventative measures and insurance consequences of ice dams.
Thousands of Western Washington residents evacuated their homes after the atmospheric river and ensuing flood event that started on December 8. As the recovery process begins, state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has guidance for both flood survivors and the insurance companies and adjusters handling their claims.
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Interior designer Daniel Kocu, with InterRent REIT, has identified several do-it-yourself trends for 2026, including painting shelves and ceilings to add visual interest, creating spa-like bathrooms and outdoor relaxation areas, and incorporating reading nooks. The trends reflect a shift toward minimalism and sustainability, with a focus on creating serene and uncluttered living spaces.
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Homeowners often regret certain renovations, according to interior designers and contractors. For example, marble countertops stain easily, so professionals frequently recommend more durable alternatives like sintered stone, which can mimic marble’s look while offering greater resistance to stains and daily wear. Meanwhile, open floor plans have people seeking more privacy, and designers are using solutions like hidden pocket doors and sleek glass partitions framed by steel.
In the latest issue of Magnolia Journal, Joanna Gaines shares her five must-have elements for a functional and welcoming entryway: hooks for organization, mirrors to brighten the space, surfaces for convenience, catchall dishes for small items and ample storage. Gaines emphasizes that these essentials can be adapted to any space, from large foyers to small apartment entries, for style and practicality.
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When it comes time to look for ways to renovate or spruce up your house, the kitchen is an important room to prioritize. It’s the heart of your home, and it’s a space that needs to be functional above all. Fortunately, there are plenty of stylish kitchen upgrades you can do on a budget.
Smart home locks offer enhanced security and convenience, but homeowners should consider several factors before installation. Options include keypad, biometric and Wi-Fi-enabled locks, each with unique features. Compatibility with existing home systems, security features such as encryption and two-factor authentication, and power sources are crucial considerations.
The home remodeling boom continues, as homeowners leverage their equity to take on a range of house projects, large and small. But are they choosing the best projects to help boost their home’s resale value?
A fancy kitchen upgrade or bathroom renovation may have a significant impact on potential buyers. But for projects that recoup most or all of their cost, owners should think smaller, according to the newly released 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Swapping out the front door for steel, for example, is likely to get the most bang for the buck.
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