Thinking about starting a custom build or remodeling your existing home this year? Good news…with the right game plan (and team), it can be one of the most fulfilling journeys you take as a homeowner. Whether you’re drawing plans from scratch or reimagining current spaces. 2026 projects continue to blend creativity, big decisions, and practical problem-solving. With preparation, patience, and design guidance, you’ll get to skip some of the overwhelm and actually enjoy the journey.
Doing Your Homework Before You Hit “Go”
Starting with clarity makes all the difference.
- Get clear on what matters most to you: more storage? Better flow? A fresh vibe? Maybe pet-friendly finishes or kid-proof surfaces?
- Collect inspiration – photos, Pinterest boards, magazine pages, even screenshots from a friend’s home. The earlier you share visuals, the better our design team can tune in to your style and needs before costly changes.
- Be honest about lifestyle: Do you host often? Work from home? Have little ones or pets? Understanding how you actually live helps shape a home that works for you, not just a pretty layout.
- Set realistic expectations around time. Permits, sourcing materials, custom orders – these take time, and rushing almost always backfires.
Before our first consult, you might want to bring. A wish list (must-haves vs. nice-to-haves), inspiration images, notes on how you use your current space (what works/what doesn’t), and a rough idea of budget and timing.
How We Help Keep Things Smooth (and Fun)
Tackling a build or remodel doesn’t have to feel like chaos. That’s where a good design team (yes, that’s us) makes a huge difference. We will:
- Clarify what to expect – project phases, what we need from you and when, and the major decisions on the horizon.
- Coordinate with builders, contractors, and vendors – so nothing slips through the cracks and communication stays tight.
- Help source and select finishes and fixtures – from tile to lighting, we narrow down options so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
- Keep you in the loop – with clear timelines, updates, and a roadmap that helps you see exactly where things stand.
Our goal is to help you navigate the mess, enjoy the process, and ultimately love the home you end up with.
A few quick tips as you plan:
- Be upfront about your budget – so we can pinpoint where to splurge (and where to save).
- Expect decision fatigue. We’ll help streamline things so you’re not drowning in style choices.
- Build in wiggle-room – weather, shipping delays, permit slowdowns, or unexpected site issues can happen; a little flexibility goes a long way.
What’s to come in 2026 – for a little bit of inspiration:
As you plan your build or remodel, one more thing to keep on your radar: 2026’s interior-design vibe is all about personality, warmth, and flexibility. The days of stark minimalism are fading – homes now are trending toward “lived-in,” soulful spaces that feel real (not showroom perfect) and age gracefully.
With a thoughtful plan, a capable design team, and a bit of patience, a 2026 build or remodel can feel like the start of an exciting new chapter – not a never-ending headache.
- You’ll see natural materials at the heart of design this year. Think real wood (oak, walnut, reclaimed planks), stone with character (marble or quartzite slabs with soft veining), and textured finishes that evoke warmth and longevity.
- Curves and organic shapes are trending hard like arched doorways, rounded furniture, sculptural chairs and softened edges on island countertops or benches. These elements introduce flow and comfort, especially in open-concept spaces.
- If you love statement or artistic touches: 2026 is leaning into expressive details. Bold tile backsplashes, pattern-rich wallpapers, statement light fixtures, and a mix of metalwork, wood, and textiles to bring dimension and character. It’s about layering, not simplicity.
Ready to explore what’s possible for your home? Let’s chat!
Kindly,
Michelle
