The meals you cook naturally shift with the seasons. As the weather warms up, slow-braised dishes and hearty stews give way to grilled cuts, while roasted veggies turn into fresh, crisp salads.
It only makes sense that your kitchen follows suit. A refresh doesn’t have to mean a full gut renovation—in fact, designers say that some of the most impactful changes come from just tweaking how the space looks, feels, and functions.
Read the four tips…
Therapeutic design principles, as discussed by designers and psychologists in the article, prioritize creating spaces that foster relaxation, safety and emotional well-being. Experts like Rachel Blindauer recommend focusing on soft textures, muted color palettes and the intentional use of asymmetry to avoid rigidity.
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Open shelving remains a popular kitchen design trend in 2026, despite predictions of it falling out of favor. The trend offers affordability and adaptability, making it a practical choice for a range of kitchen layouts. Read more…
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.
Read or listen to her article here…
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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