The era of minimalistic, sterile bathrooms is over and is being replaced with personality-driven and wellness-inspired designs. Increasing natural light…
Regardless of fluctuating kitchen design trends, interior designers agree on one thing: Homeowners want a kitchen that feels timeless. From natural materials to layered lighting, five design trends can give the kitchen that desired look.
When it comes to designing a timeless kitchen, Diana Farberov, the founder of Artemuse Design, refers to historic homes and their finishes for guidance. She lists marble, quartzite, polished nickel and unlacquered brass as timeless elements to integrate into a kitchen design for an unchanging feel.
Luxury interior designer Krista Watterworth Alterman said that a kitchen is defined by its layered lighting, a mix of recessed, flush mount and pendant fixtures. Hardwood floors, classic tile and hidden functionality are additional features that enhance a kitchen’s design.
Every builder has a story about a designer who made their job harder. The selections that showed up three weeks late. The specification that didn’t account for the framing already in the wall. The finish schedule that reads like a mood board instead of a set of construction documents. I’ve heard more than a few of these stories because I’ve spent my career trying not to be in them.
A skilled interior designer should make a builder’s life measurably easier, not more complicated. When the relationship works, the project runs more smoothly, the client stays calmer and the finished product reflects the kind of quality that earns referrals for everyone at the table. That kind of partnership only happens when the designer understands what their role actually demands on a construction project, not just what it demands on a Pinterest board.
Here’s what I believe builders should be able to expect from any designer they bring onto a project and what they shouldn’t have to compensate for when the design side falls short.
A designer’s job isn’t finished when the drawings look beautiful.
Selections should arrive fully resolved, with lead times confirmed, substrates specified and installation requirements documented. If a tile selection calls for a specific setting material or a particular joint width, that information needs to be in the spec before it becomes a field question. If a fixture requires non-standard rough-in dimensions or reinforced backing, the plumber and framer shouldn’t be the ones discovering it during installation.
This is where designers earn their fee or lose their credibility. The standard I hold myself to is straightforward: No detail should land on a superintendent’s desk as an open question if I had the opportunity to close it first. That means doing the research, calling the manufacturer and confirming the detail; not hoping it works out in the field.
Renderings and material boards communicate vision. They serve the client, but the people actually building the project need information they can act on, like dimensions, sequences, clearances and tolerances.
A designer who understands construction sequencing can coordinate selections around the project schedule rather than against it.
They know that a large-format porcelain slab has different structural and logistical requirements than standard tile. They understand that specifying a flush-mount detail in a ceiling means coordinating with the electrician, not just the finisher.
This isn’t about a designer trying to be a builder. It’s about respecting the build process enough to learn how design decisions actually land inside of it. We are communicating in terms that translate directly to execution.
The best designers are quick to defer to the structural engineer, the MEP consultant and the general contractor’s field experience. They bring those voices into the conversation early rather than designing around them. When I pursued my CAPS certification for aging-in-place design, it wasn’t to add letters after my name. It was because decisions around blocking, clearances and threshold transitions directly affect framing and rough-in and I needed to understand how those choices land in the field before I put them on paper. Even through ASID’s vast offering of resources, including the Impact of Design Briefs and Adaptive Living Guide, designers like me are able to stay up-to-date and informed on the necessary processes to keep projects moving smoothly. That mindset, learning the downstream impact of every design decision, applies to every specialty a designer touches.
If a builder is chasing selections, interpreting vague specifications or serving as a translator between the client’s expectations and the designer’s intent, something has broken down on the design side.
Builders shouldn’t have to manage the gaps in someone else’s scope. Their energy and expertise should be directed at building. When the designer is doing their job well, the builder barely notices the design process at all. They just see the right materials arriving at the right time, with clear instructions and no ambiguity attached.
The projects I’m proudest of aren’t the ones where the design stole the spotlight. They’re the ones where the builder and I operated as a single team. The ones where the handoffs were clean, the communication was direct and the client never had to wonder who was steering the ship. That’s the standard worth building toward. I believe it starts with designers raising the bar for what our side of the partnership delivers.
By Amber Clore Morales, ASID, CAPS. She is the principal designer and owner of A.Clore Interiors, a full-service interior design firm. She can be reached at amber@acloreinteriors.com
Camelot Homes’ building philosophy is rooted in the belief that luxury should be both beautifully designed and deeply livable. Easier said than done for most builders, but Camelot Homes delivers.
A 50 Year Legacy
Their story begins as a family-founded homebuilder over 50 years ago. While retaining its intentional focus on architecture, design and the luxury experience, Camelot Homes evolved to embrace the homebuyer of today. The definition of luxury is shifting with a rising demand for expressive architecture, indoor-outdoor living, advanced building technologies and a heightened focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The builder’s approach is predictive, not reactive.
Julie Hancock, Board Member at Camelot Homes describes the company’s building philosophy as simple: Building right and treating people right or don’t build at all. She describes a fine line between beauty and quality, both need to prevail. “We’ve always believed great homes come from the intersection of design, function and discipline,” said Julie Hancock.
The company culture plays a large role in the success of the builder. Last year Camelot introduced an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. “We’ve built a culture where people are expected to think for themselves, be a problem solver and to do the right thing,” said Hancock. “When people have ownership, they stop thinking like employees and start thinking like builders and operators: That changes everything.”
Bespoke Blueprints
Cammie Hancock Beckert grew up visiting job sites and walking model homes with her parents on weekends. To her, it simply felt like a way of life rather than a defined career path. Her passion for the business developed when she joined the family company and began working in sales.
Camelot Homes worked closely with architect Bob White on the White Horse community project. The elevated, custom-level design resonated with buyers and led to increased interest from clients wanting to build similar homes on their own lots. The combination of strategic planning, market demand and prior experience ultimately led to the creation of Cameron Custom, where Hancock Beckert leads as the Division President.
“Working across both Cameron Custom and Camelot Homes has given me a unique balance of perspectives, the creativity and flexibility of custom homes alongside the discipline and systems of a larger production builder,” said Hancock Beckert. “As Cameron Custom has evolved, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor team members in areas like preconstruction planning, client communication and navigating complex projects.”
Under Hancock Beckert’s leadership, one of Cameron Custom’s projects, Whisper Rock is a custom-edition of Camelot’s Gold Nugget award-winning Cheval floorplan features The home features four-bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a den and a separate casita. At 5,673 square-feet, the interiors are guided by expert design with thoughtful lighting placement, accents of gold hardware and modern Calacatta Viola marble in the kitchen, fireplace and primary bath. The project is grounded by Camelot’s seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living, bringing the warm aesthetic of the desert inside.
The Edge at Joy Ranch
An example of Camelot’s high-bar for community execution is the Edge at Joy Ranch. This site was chosen for its balance of privacy without isolation.
The architecture of the Edge at Joy Ranch leans towards a sculptural, postmodern-inspired massing. The home uses butterfly roofs and mono pitches to create dimension and textured exterior design in three complimentary colors to add contrast.
Underneath this is the decision to uphold luxury living with sustainability. In a desert environment, the optimized building orientation mitigates heat gain while maximizing daylighting. High-performance glazing and insulation improve comfort and energy use without sacrificing expansive views.
The exterior spaces function as true extensions of the interior rather than isolated amenities. While the deep overhangs and strategically placed apertures enhance airflow and passive cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The layout of the architecture and landscape design allows for ease of movement with entry points of large sliding doors in nearly every room.
Camelot plays on the give and take of expressive design, instilling art in the architecture while being a home to live and grow in.
Photo Credit: Camelot Homes
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
From color-drenched rooms to handcrafted textures and statement-making patterns, the tile design trends of today are bold and expressive. Gone are the days of contemporary, simplistic white tiles. Color and personalization are in, with designers treating tile like an art form.
“As we know, the ‘color washing’ trend is very big right now, and this does not exclude tile,” says Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design in Nashville. “When making a big splash with a dark and moody color, it is important to keep the color palette timeless and classic.”
Tile is taking center stage as a full-on design feature, with patterns, shapes and layouts feeling more like artwork than simple utility. Designers are also leaning into layering different materials, shapes and finishes within a single space to create depth and visual intrigue.
A new bill in the Arizona Senate, SB1431, would restrict municipal power governing planned communities and home design. This bill which garnered bipartisan support would eliminate municipal say in design elements like materials, colors, window styles, roof pitches or exterior ornamentation. The bill does not override essential building codes, fire codes or dark sky ordinances and is not applicable in historically significant areas, tribal lands and properties near military airports. If passed into law, builders and developers can expect a sped up permitting process. The bill prohibits state municipalities from delaying, denying or conditionally approving a building permit because of design requirements.
“This is a commonsense reform that clearly respects local considerations about real public health and safety issues while establishing firm guidelines to ensure that subjective preferences don’t interfere with fundamental property rights,” said one supporter, Kileen Lindgren of Pacific Legal Foundation. “It protects against requirements that delay and increase costs of building or remodeling, and it respects the constitutional rights of homeowners to use their property peacefully and productively.
While some who are not in favor include the city of Mesa, Ariz. “The City of Mesa is concerned that SB1431 goes far beyond streamlining and would broadly preempt local standards that help communities maintain safety, functionality, and neighborhood quality,” said the city.
The role of kitchen islands has expanded; the once decorative feature now serves as a central space for cooking, dining, entertaining and daily activities. In turn, the need for safe and convenient electrical access has also risen. Recent revisions to the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically Section 210.52(C), change how receptacles can be installed in kitchen islands and peninsulas.
The updated code explains that receptacles located on the sides of islands or peninsulas can no longer be installed to meet the required countertop outlet provisions. The change was largely driven by safety concerns, regarding small children being able to reach the cord and risk injury from falling appliances.
To enhance the safety and maintain the clean aesthetics that clients expect in modern homes, builders, designers and electricians can consider alternative ways to provide power to kitchen islands. In many cases, this means incorporating electrical access directly into the countertop surface or using other compliant solutions that keep cords within the working area of the island.
As the housing market has shifted, our work has placed greater emphasis on efficiency, flexibility and long-term value. We’ve seen growing interest in right-sized homes, multigenerational living, adaptable spaces and low-maintenance materials. Design solutions now need to balance lifestyle appeal with cost awareness, durability and energy performance. As architects, our work starts with people.
We think of residential design as portrait work, shaping homes around the lives, habits and values of the people who will live there.
In Colorado, these pressures are often paired with a consistent desire for strong curb appeal and varied streetscapes. Our role has increasingly been to help builders and homeowners meet those expectations through thoughtful architecture that elevates livability and neighborhood character without unnecessary complexity. Positioned along the growing I-25 corridor, Baseline sits at the crossroads of expansion from both the Boulder and Denver metro areas. The broader development includes a nearby medical campus, a multimodal transportation hub and mixed-use commercial areas. The neighborhood follows a New Urbanism framework, emphasizing walkability, compact lots, shared green spaces and a strong architectural identity.
The project reinforced the value of treating circulation, outdoor access and flexibility as primary design drivers. Designing on a narrow lot required careful attention to proportion, circulation and daylight. The challenge was to create a home that feels generous rather than compressed while meeting market expectations and construction realities.
The exterior design emphasizes strong vertical proportions, layered massing and a range of modern elevations that create variety along the street. Balconies, material contrast and recessed entries add depth and warmth, allowing compact homes to feel distinctive and inviting while maintaining a cohesive neighborhood character.
The Baseline plan series organizes living across three levels, each with a clear purpose. The ground-level floor includes a sixteen foot sliding door that leads out onto a large covered patio, a three-car garage, a recreation room and a powder room. From there, you can option a wet bar, full bedroom and bathroom, or even transform the lower level into a 1-bedroom multi-generational suite complete with laundry and kitchenette. The second floor is all about entertaining. A generous kitchen, dining area and living space flow seamlessly to a covered balcony, creating indoor-outdoor connection. A unique feature in the Energetic plan, an enlarged stair landing creates a bright, usable alcove from what would otherwise be circulation space. The third floor is reserved for privacy, housing bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry in a layout that supports retreat while maintaining efficiency. Each home design incorporates patios and large decks on all floors to reinforce the importance of outdoor connection in vertical living.
The project received Silver Awards at both The Nationals and the BALA Awards and was also a finalist at the 2025 Denver MAME Awards for Architecture of a Model Home. These recognitions affirm that thoughtful residential architecture can thrive within builder-driven frameworks while resonating at both the regional and national level.
For our team, the awards represent more than individual design elements. They reflect strong collaboration, disciplined problem-solving and a shared commitment to elevating everyday housing through careful planning and execution. The Energetic Model shows that three-story living doesn’t have to feel stacked or constrained. With careful planning, outdoor access and attention to circulation, vertical homes can feel open, generous and connected.
While design trends come and go, vintage decor, affectionately known as “grandma decor,” is making a comeback in 2026. Skirted furniture, cafe curtains and storied antiques bring an unmistakably homey touch that only time-honored pieces can deliver.
Contemporary can step aside to welcome back pattern-on-pattern design. Knoxville designer Caroline Levenson said that this look is a callback to classic layering.
“We’re leaning into pattern on pattern, especially patterned drapery over patterned wallpaper and even matching the two when it makes sense,” said Levenson. Florals and chintz can be balanced with antiques and warm woods for that classic, retro feel.
Skirt upholstery in chairs and beds is essential to that vintage look, as is displaying china or other beautifully decorated appliances rather than storing them away in cabinets.
Loudermilk Homes is one of the leading custom luxury design and build firms across Georgia and North Carolina, a testament seen in their three custom homes located in the Saratay Falls community of Cashiers, N.C., Each of the three homes were designed to capture the rustic elements of the mountains in Cashiers, creating an aesthetic that is both rugged and lavish.
The builder was named a finalist for the Custom Home Builder of the Year award by the National Association of Home Builder’s Nationals in 2022, 2024 and 2025.
“We have a mantra, ‘Build it like it’s yours,’” said Sherwin Loudermilk, Founder and President of Loudermilk Homes. “We proactively look for ways to make the home more comfortable or functional. Everything we do is an effort to make the custom home design and construction easier and enjoyable.”
A Designer Showhouse
Loudermilk Homes’ custom project on Lot 5 in Saratay Falls was chosen for the 2025 Cashiers Designer Showhouse, a major city event by the Cashiers Historical Society that invited approximately a dozen top interior designs to each design a room according to their style, showcasing their unique talents and bringing an artistic element to the home.
“The home has a rich variety of design styles from room to room,” said Loudermilk. “We really enjoyed seeing so many different visions for design come together in a cohesive way.”
The project was designed with expansive windows throughout, offering a seamless portal between the home and woodsy outdoors. The dining room’s pointed ceiling, framework windows and sage green walls offer an openness to nature and a timeless design.
Rustic, wooden elements were embedded throughout the custom home, most notably in the Grand Room. Wooden beams overlook the room in cabinesque fashion, adding a rustic flare to the home. Full-height sliding glass pocket doors open from the great room to an expansive, covered balcony, allowing the clients to enjoy fresh air and mountain beautiful views.
The kitchen is accentuated with rich, dark wooden cabinetry, while the homeowners’ bathroom has giant, wooden doors to match. The doors open to a space that blends wellness within the design, its openness prioritizing comfort and efficiency.
Custom Charm in Cashiers
Saratay Falls is an ultra-private mountain community tucked into the hills of Cashiers. Surrounded by a 40-foot natural waterfall, old-growth native trees and hiking trails, Loudermilk came across what was originally the 25-acre plot of land and saw a vision for a luxury retreat. Since buying the land in 2020, he has divided the plots into several one-acre custom homesites.
Cashiers’ topography of rolling hills and steep changes offered both beauty and unique challenges. The lots’ natural grading included pockets of rock and hard, compacted dirt that the builder had to contend with when digging a basement or laying foundations. The builder also wanted to preserve as many trees and native plants as possible to incorporate naturistic design, going in with a scalpel during construction preparation.
The three custom homes have architectural style influenced by modern mountain aesthetics, with large banks of windows that frame views of the forest, oversized wood beams, metal roofs, oversized fireplaces, natural stone and other wooden materials. Each of the three homes has a European modern design influence, with clean lines and luxurious amenities such as spa-inspired bathrooms with article tile and a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances.
Lot 14 was one of Loudermilk Homes’ first custom projects in Saratay Falls and was designed by an in-house interior design team with custom millwork such as built-in cabinets in the dining room and panel molding on the wall to create unique visuals. The enormous grand fireplace creates a sense of grandeur upon entry, offering a glimpse to the mountains in the foreground from the kitchen and the living room.
The Builder’s Mission
Loudermilk Homes was founded in 2009 once Loudermilk saw the need and potential for a more rigorous, disciplined and transparent process for custom home design and construction.
With his own nine-step strategy that he calls the “Process to Perfection,” Loudermilk prioritizes client understanding through each step of the homebuilding process, from budget updates to a live 24/7 video feed of the project’s construction. Loudermilk Homes offers in-house architectural services and interior design services through the sister company, Loudermilk Designs, owned by Loudermilk’s wife, Roane Loudermilk.
Loudermilk Homes continuously aims to build with technological advancements and sustainable design in mind. The company prides itself on going the extra mile when designing custom homes, seen with the three nature-inspired projects in Saratay Falls.
Photos courtesy of Loudermilk Homes.
By Taylor Moore. She is the Editorial Assistant at Builder Media and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
This story is featured in our March issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
If there’s one thing that’s become clear over the past year, it’s that buyers are getting a lot more intentional and right now they’re chasing value. They want quality materials, smarter layouts and spaces that work for the way they actually live. That shift is reshaping everything from kitchen configurations to which finishes vendors choose to stock. It’s also rippling through the construction world, where regional labor shortages, unpredictable costs and a push for smarter tech is changing how homes are getting built.
Another factor driving this shift is a growing focus on long-term resilience and future flexibility. Buyers aren’t just thinking about what a home looks like today, they’re thinking about how well it will perform five, ten or twenty years from now. Energy efficiency, low-maintenance materials and systems that improve indoor air quality are climbing the priority list.
This has pushed builders to rethink insulation methods, window performance, HVAC strategies and even small details like outlet placement or built-in storage. People want homes that feel intuitive and ready for whatever comes next.
Communities are evolving as well. The lifestyle outside the front door is becoming just as important as the floor plan inside. Walkability, pocket parks, bike storage, shared tool libraries and EV-charging access are increasingly viewed as value drivers. These small but high-impact amenities allow builders to elevate the experience without adding significant cost, which pairs well with the budget-conscious but quality-focused mindset of today’s buyer.
The buyer mindset is shifting to quality over quantity. Big, splashy renovations are on pause for a lot of people. While the large-scale discretionary projects involving a kitchen or bath gut have slowed, the appetite for smaller, meaningful upgrades hasn’t gone away. In this vein, we’re seeing a surge in demand for engineered materials that deliver a high-end look without the high-end price. Think quartz counters over rare natural stone, medium density fiberboard panels or veneered fronts instead of solid wood and factory-finished cabinets that offer precision and durability.
The emphasis is on smart design, not excess. In kitchens, multifunctionality is a must-have. Islands aren’t just for prep but also where kids do homework, guests hang out and everyone charges their devices. Open layouts are still popular, but with a twist, buyers want visual warmth and some soft separation between cooking and living spaces. This is pushing designers to play with mixed materials across wood tones, matte finishes and soft metals to create texture and depth.
Amenities are the new definition of luxury. Buyers and renters are looking for spaces that make daily life easier and more flexible and the key is adaptability. Think co-working corners, outdoor kitchens, pet wash stations and wellness areas that double as quiet rooms. Builders who can repurpose existing amenity areas into something more versatile, rather than build new ones from scratch, are winning on both design and cost efficiency.
That trend is extending into materials as well. Durable, easy-to-maintain finishes are in high demand, as are products that integrate technology such as smart lighting, connected thermostats and plug-and-play power hubs. Luxury now means spaces that feel modern, connected and built to last Of course, what buyers want is only half the story.
The other half is what builders can deliver and that depends heavily on where you’re building. Across the U.S., skilled labor is still tight and labor costs are up. That pressure is especially visible in high-demand markets. Costs are also uneven. Some regions have been hit by regulatory changes and supply-chain hangovers and we’re seeing unpredictable swings in materials and logistics that force builders to pad in bigger contingencies and source materials earlier in the cycle.
On the flip side, technology adoption is gaining real traction. Builders are leaning into modular fabrication, AI-based scheduling tools, drones for site tracking and anything that helps offset the labor gap and reduce rework.
The bottom line is the housing market is being shaped by a more discerning buyer and a more complex construction environment. Builders who can focus on value-driven design, lean construction methods and technology that streamlines delivery will be best positioned. The smartest projects will be the ones that balance creativity with pragmatism, delivering homes that feel elevated but also grounded in the way people actually live today.
Kitchen designs are evolving to balance more than just style; efficiency is becoming the top priority. There is no need to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality, according to three designers weighing in on the best kitchen designs to accomplish stylish efficiency.
Double island kitchens are great for large homes where space is abundant, according to Marnie Oursler, President and Owner of Marnie Custom Homes.
“Often, one island is used for food prep while the other is used for gathering,” said Oursler. “This helps the entertaining flow so that people aren’t crowded around the chef, and it’s also great for buffet-style serving.”
L-shaped kitchens, which are exactly what they sound like, prevent a kitchen from feeling cramped. Similarly, U-shaped kitchens can wrap around the client as they work in the space, while weaving an island into a larger U-shaped kitchen allows space for seating and additional surface space.
The 2025 Annual Builder Practices Survey (ABPS) from Home Innovation Research Labs revealed an accelerated turn toward architectural modernization in certain markets, though styles remain far from uniform nationwide. Regional history, culture and neighborhood context continue to shape exterior design decisions, even as national rankings signal change.
According to ABPS from Home Innovation Research Labs, published on Feb. 23, 2026, more than 1,200 U.S. builders reported detailed data on homes built in the past year, selecting from 19 architectural categories grouped into nine classifications for analysis.
Contemporary surpassed Farmhouse as the most popular new-home style nationwide, marking one of the most notable shifts in recent builder-reported architectural trends. While Contemporary and Modern homes are gaining momentum nationally, local history, climate and cultural heritage play a significant role in determining which new home styles by region remain dominant. These regional architectural trends influence not only home aesthetics but also material selection, façade treatments, roof profiles and exterior detailing across Southern, Western and Southwestern housing markets.
Interior designers craft living rooms to be designed to optimize flow, accented with balanced furniture for connection.
“Flow isn’t just walking space;it’s how you naturally move throughout the room,” said Ashley Grech, the principal designer and founder of Thirteen Oak.
Pushing all the furniture to the walls, for example, changes how the living room functions and feels on a human level. Living rooms are designed for conversation, yet when furniture is arranged far apart, conversation becomes awkward. This is a design trend to be left in the past.
Another issue that can disrupt flow is a living room that becomes a pathway to the rest of the home.
“There are two ways to address this path of travel issue,” Charbonneau says. “One, if it makes sense for both budget and functionality, adjust the entry so it doesn’t cut the space in half but rather creates a path behind furniture so people don’t need to walk through what might be a conversation.”
David Weekley Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder, a responsibility upheld through their people-first culture, thoughtful design and quality commitment. “At David Weekley Homes, we’ve built our reputation on quality, integrity and a genuine commitment to the people we serve,” said KC Middleton, Division President for David Weekley Homes in Jacksonville. They currently build in 19 markets and 12 states across the United States. These include Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Florida.
Florida Flare
Their project Coral Ridge at Seabrook Village, is located within the Nocatee master-planned community in Ponte Vedra, Fla. Nocatee is one of the most successful residential developments in the country. The site was selected because of its combination of large estate-style homesites with direct access to Nocatee’s lifestyle amenities, trails and green space.
While it was developed within the broader Nocatee master plan, which shaped site planning, infrastructure and architectural guidelines, David Weekley worked with Murray Engineering Inc., for this specific gated community. The homes in Coral Ridge at Seabrook are on 70- and 80-foot homesites. They have strong indoor-outdoor connections with lanais and courtyards. The various coastal and transitional elevations fit the regional vernacular, this includes distinct courtyards and water features. The overall exterior design of the homes emphasizes scale, differentiation, optionality, proportion and curb appeal rather than production-style repetition.
Living Larger
The model home and most popular plan, The Dawn, marries single-story and spacious living. The David Weekley team noticed that many clients that are moving to Florida desire single-story living without sacrificing space. For Coral Ridge, the team found the most challenging aspect to be balancing customization and design catalog options while retaining excellence in design expectations and build execution. To do this, the David Weekley Design Team developed the mix of floor plans by using their concept of LifeDesign. LifeDesign is David Weekley’s unique take on the architect’s form and function. This concept includes four components of sight lines, traffic patterns, room placement, windows and light. Homes range from approximately 3,700 to 4,700 square feet of living space yet with their LifeDesign elements working together the homes feel and live larger.
Inside the home, the kitchen with designer finishes, waterfall-edge quartz island and stacked glass cabinets create a superior cooking environment. This opens into the dining and family room which boasts plenty of windows for natural light and seamless connection for indoor-outdoor living. The open study lounge blends into the cabana with a full bath for flexible use. At the Dawn, the primary bathroom offers a spa-like freestanding tub and easy to access shower. With dual vanities, vaulted ceilings and superior title selection it curates a true luxury experience.
All David Weekley homes follow building science standards and principles to understand the physical behavior of the building as a system. Key performance features include advanced 2×6 wall framing, insulated exterior and interior walls with supporting R-19 insulation. Every project is third party tested to validate the energy efficiency This includes a duct blaster test to measure the air that leaks out of the duct system and a blower door test to measure the air leakage through walls and ceilings. Their investment in better building practices is a trademark of their homes.
Golden Year
In 2026, David Weekley Homes celebrates their 50th year in homebuilding. During these decades they were the first home builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building. David Weekley Homes reflected that while adapting to success, authenticity is a core value.
“Our success over the past 50 years is a reflection of the trust our Homeowners place in us and the dedication of our Team Members who bring our values to life every day. “ KC Middleton, Division President for David Weekley Homes in Jacksonville. “That consistency of doing the right thing and delivering homes we’re proud of continues to define who we are.”
For this milestone year David Weekley shared that they’re optimistic about innovations that enhance livability, efficiency for both customers and their team members and sustainability. This includes continued investment in energy-efficient building practices, home design that supports changing lifestyles and technology that improves the overall experience. David Weekley is especially encouraged by innovations that align with our purpose of creating homes and communities that support well-being today and in the future.
Photos courtesy of David Weekley
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is featured in the February issue of Builder and Developer, read the print version here.
According to NHAB, permit levels in the latest monthly index for December 2025 fell to their lowest level since 2020. As of December 2025, pool construction permits were 34.3% lower than the January 2020 reading, the baseline for this index. The index was down 25.5% from the month prior and down 34.7% from one year ago.
With seasonally adjusted estimates taken into account, pool construction permits continued to peak in 2021 but have steadily declined to lower levels. The current December reading is 23.4% lower than NAHB’s index base of January 2020, down 26.8% from a month ago and 37.3% lower than last year.
As we head into 2026, we can expect that luxury design trends will lean towards warmth, personal expression and a deeper connection to materials.
Jennifer Bien, Principal at DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors, said it best when she said that luxury residential design in 2026 is moving decisively beyond the era of “quiet luxury,” shifting instead toward spaces defined by intentionality, authenticity, and depth.
“Warmth is central to this evolution, expressed through richer color palettes, layered materials, and nuanced detailing. Custom millwork, artisanal detailing, and finely executed craftsmanship are taking on greater prominence throughout the home. Such craftmanship is more valued than ever nowadays by luxury residential clients, as demand for top-tier craftsmanship continues to outpace the availability of highly skilled trades,” said Bien.
Here are some key highlights that we can look forward to in 2026:
Warm minimalism: This trend evolves from stark minimalism to a softer, more inviting aesthetic. Expect creamy neutrals and organic silhouettes in finishes, furniture and more.
Colorful palettes: Color is making a comeback, particularly nuanced blues and earthy tones that add depth without being overwhelming. These colors are perfect for creating sophisticated spaces. Expect to see these mixed with soft whites and neutrals, including the Pantone Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer.
Tactile materials: There’s a strong focus on textures that invite touch, such as natural woods, stone, and rich fabrics. This trend emphasizes comfort and a sensory experience in living spaces.
Wellness-centric design: Homes are increasingly designed to support well-being, featuring layouts, products and principles that promote relaxation and health.
Curved forms: Expect to see more organic shapes in architecture, finishes, and furniture, which add a sense of movement and softness to exteriors and interiors.
La Cova (Courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes)
Nod to nature
When it comes to new design trends, expect to see more nods to nature. That was the inspiration when Tri Pointe Homes designed La Cova, an exclusive waterfront neighborhood at SouthShore Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. Ranging from approximately 2,800 to over 4,200 square feet, the homes feature six floorplans designed specifically for La Cova by Woodley Architectural Group. Each homesite is positioned to take full advantage of the natural surroundings and offer a distinctive living experience.
La Cova (Courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes)
“The design DNA of La Cova reflects the surrounding desert and lake environment,” said Klif Andrews, Division President of Tri Pointe Homes Las Vegas. “We worked with natural palettes, textures, and tones to create homes that feel like they truly belong here. When a home feels rooted in its setting, it helps the people who live there feel a sense of belonging and connectedness in their own lives.” Studies continually show that simply having a blue-space view from home, such as a lake or coastline, was linked to better sleep and improved mental well-being. Andrews believes that wellness is going to be a trend in 2026 and beyond. “La Cova dissolves the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces,” said Andrews. “Fresh air, blue and green spaces, and open skies have real, measurable benefits for your health. Encouraging a relationship with nature is essential for greater well-being.”
Restraint
Luxury kitchens in 2026 are dialing back high-contrast drama in favor of warmth, scale, and restraint, according to Ed Rogers, Executive Vice President of US Surfaces, the parent company of Vadara. “Designers are prioritizing continuity over spectacle, using expansive layouts, subtle veining and materials that bring a sense of calm to open spaces—kitchens that feel architectural without feeling overworked.”
(Courtesy of Vadara)
Staying on top of future trends is something Vadara heavily invests in. Executives say that their research and development indicates that there are some shifts in surfacing trends. “Stone-inspired looks remain essential, but cooler whites and bold contrasts are giving way to warmer interpretations influenced by Taj Mahal quartzite and Calacatta marble. These references translate into softer palettes and quieter movement that pair seamlessly with wood cabinetry, layered metals and muted finishes,” said Rogers.
He reminds us that some concepts are not trends at all, but should always be carried into designs, especially when it comes to texture and proportion. “Scale continues to define luxury, with super-sized slabs minimizing seams and tactile finishes like leathered textures adding depth without visual noise. Together, these elements point to a clear direction for 2026: kitchens rooted in warmth, proportion and materials chosen for lasting appeal rather than momentary impact. Designers still want the elegance of classic stone, but in a way that feels calmer and more livable.”
Form and function
When it comes to luxury kitchen and bathroom trends for 2026, they should be designed for use, not show. It’s all about wellness and there are plenty of product trends designers are expecting to see more of.
Wellness-centric spaces: Bathrooms are evolving into wellness suites with features like heated towel racks, steam showers, and deep soaking tubs, while kitchens are designed for comfort and functionality.
Sustainable luxury: Sustainability is now a standard expectation, with a focus on durable materials and craftsmanship that age beautifully.
Smart technology integration: Technology is becoming more discreet, with smart home features that blend seamlessly into the design, enhancing functionality without compromising aesthetics.
(Courtesy of Amba)
Luxury bathrooms in 2026 are increasingly defined by experience rather than excess. While premium materials and refined finishes remain essential, comfort and performance are playing a larger role in specification decisions. Builders and designers are prioritizing spaces that support daily routines quietly and efficiently.
Heated towel racks are one detail seeing wider adoption in high-end residential projects and this little touch of luxury can be added to laundry rooms, mud rooms, pools, spas and more. Beyond the appeal of a warm towel, they help manage moisture and contribute to a more orderly, spa-like environment—enhancing the bathroom without adding visual clutter.
(Courtesy of Amba)
Leading distributor Amba Products points to growing interest in streamlined, flexible designs. Harris Wattles, General Manager at Amba explains, “The minimalist profile, coupled with innovative technology, allows designers to implement towel warmers in multiple locations and configurations throughout the bathroom.”
Luxury is no longer defined by finishes alone, but by how a space feels to use. The next era of luxury is quieter, more intuitive, and rooted in comfort, said Wattles.
Other designers agree with this trend for 2026. “Health and physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing are also shaping design decisions. Daylight is being thoughtfully integrated into as many rooms as possible, while biophilic design is being incorporated into spaces wherever possible through natural materials, organic forms, and visual connections to nature,” said Bien.
Materials
Luxury design is embracing a variety of materials that emphasize warmth, sustainability, and tactile experiences. They represent the broader trends towards creating spaces that feel personal and connected to nature.
Here are some of the trending materials:
Natural woods: Rich, warm woods like walnut, oak, and cherry are making a strong comeback. These materials not only add depth and character but also create a cozy atmosphere.
Textiles: Expect to see a rise in the use of natural fibers such as linen, wool, and silk. These materials are favored for their comfort, durability, and ability to enhance indoor air quality.
Mineral and plant-based paints: These paints are becoming popular due to their aesthetic appeal and health benefits, allowing walls to breathe and contributing to a calmer indoor environment.
Aged metals: Materials like unlacquered brass and aged bronze are favored for their ability to develop a beautiful patina over time, adding character and authenticity to spaces.
Reclaimed and vintage pieces: Antique furniture and reclaimed materials are being used more prominently, reflecting a desire for sustainability and unique character in home design.
Organic fabrics: Textiles with natural patterns and textures, such as block prints and hand-loomed fabrics, are gaining traction, bringing a sense of history and craftsmanship to interiors.
Sculptural and curved forms: Materials that allow for organic shapes and flowing lines are becoming popular, emphasizing comfort and a connection to nature.
Carlisle (Courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes)
Paint, tile and wall treatments are ways to add texture and character to a space, according to Yolanda Landrum, Founder of Yolanda Landrum Interior Design, Inc., and interior designer for Tri Pointe Homes’ Carlisle Peak and Carlisle Ridge neighborhoods in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Some of the areas we focused on at the Carlisle neighborhoods are fun and bold paint treatments that add character in various common spaces. Three-dimensional wall treatments create a lot of drama as well as strong tile as accent walls.”
Carlisle (Courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes)
Clean and contemporary lines, minimal ornamentation, and open spaces are popular trends for 2026 according to experts. “Many clients are still interested in that farmhouse style so we can expect to see balanced proportions with careful use of materials like painted brick, metal roof accents, stone, and wood. These elements bring warmth and texture and create juxtaposition between modern and timeless design, while still providing that relaxing feeling of always being on vacation. High-end finishes, including quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and wide-plank hardwood floors, add character and durability,” said Paul Samartino, Associate AIA, CAAASH, Owner of Martini Samartino Design Group.
Color of the year
What about color, or lack thereof when it comes to luxury trends? When we asked about trends for 2026, Pantone’s new Color of the Year—Cloud Dancer—was a controversial topic at times. It’s basically white and designers were definitely divided on Pantone’s choice for 2026.
“I’m a bit conflicted about it. On one hand, I understand the appeal of choosing a quiet, relaxing shade in a moment when people are craving calm. On the other hand, a soft white as the “Color of the Year” feels unexpectedly restrained—almost too subtle for a title that usually celebrates cultural energy and creative expression,” said Kristen Flores, Owner, Kristen Marie Interiors
She added that Cloud Dancer is perfect for baseboards, crown molding, and cabinetry, especially when you want those lines to feel crisp yet approachable rather than stark. In art forward rooms, soft white walls create beautiful negative space, letting artwork and textiles become the focal point.
Nature’s best comes into play yet again. “It can also act as a unifying backdrop for mixed materials like natural wood, stone, and metals. There are a multitude of other ways to include white into kitchens and baths by using products offered in this color, especially since it’s often associated with cleanliness and minimalism. Products such as towel racks, faucets, hardware, light fixtures, counters, cabinets, mirrors, and fabrics,” added Flores.
(Courtesy of Amba)
Amba executives pointed out that many of the brand’s towel racks are already available in a wide range of finishes, including white—making Pantone’s Color of the Year a natural fit. For projects requiring a precise match, Amba’s RAL custom color program allows designers to specify virtually any hue.
Carol Fox is both an architect and interior designer with Stratos Form and she is also happy about the Pantone color of the year. As she points out, unlike previous colors of the year, Cloud Dancer can be applied to virtually any surface in a home.
“The contrast is where the action is. I am looking forward to exploiting the shaded warmth in Cloud Dancer and bringing in warmer contrasts, such as bronzey browns, deep plums, and natural lighter wood tones. Think Neolith ultracompact slab in ‘Iron Copper’, Sherwin Williams paint in ‘Plum Brown’ and White Ash wood panels. It can also work well in a monochromatic scheme. Using Cloud Dancer in a wall paint as well as highly textured or softly patterned finishes can create a calmer contrast. Examples are Dekton ‘Agra’ countertops, or Porcelanosa ‘Mosaico Nantes’ ceramic tile. The possibilities are endless.”
(Courtesy of Vadara)
What can we expect to see Cloud Dancer mixing with? Vadara, a leading manufacturer of artisan-crafted quartz, just announced the launch of five new quartz designs including colors that reflect the brand’s deep understanding of kitchen and bath design trends and its unmatched production agility. The color designs include Braewind, Canyon Choir, Medina, Pueblo and Sinterra.
“These new designs represent more than just colors — they represent the direction our industry is headed,” said Rogers. “Designers and homeowners alike are moving away from cool tones in favor of warmer, more welcoming palettes.”
Bien says that honed, brushed, and leathered stones; soft textiles; and warm color-temperature lighting contribute to interiors that feel inviting and grounded rather than overly polished or sterile.
By Christine Rombouts. She is the senior contributing editor at Builder and Developer.
Interior designers are stepping away from matching, sterile, black and white color palettes and gravitating to warmer, natural and timeless decor. That minimalist look that has been a staple in contemporary homes is giving way to personalized looks that surpass a seasonal trend, prioritizing lasting client satisfaction.
Interior designers are replacing impractical minimalism with artistic and functional storage, such as wicker storage baskets for kitchen items needed at a moment’s notice. Designers are reaching for pieces that feel worn and aged, with visible grain, subtle imperfections and character for that lived in look instead of sleek glass. Bathrooms are expected to get an entirely new look, drifting away from white and grey accents.
“Once the pinnacle of luxury, now feels cold and sterile,” said Interior Designer Jazmin Valdez Hamid. “While most of us aren’t replacing tiles or cabinetry, we can add warm touches and earth tones to soften cold bathrooms.”
Brass sets and decor are being replaced with organic and earthy details in the home. The perfectly matching decor sets were once viewed as uniformed and luxurious, but now feel outdated to designers, who are now expanding their color wheels and adding more textures.
Screen-free rooms are emerging as a design response to growing digital fatigue, with homeowners and designers carving out spaces intentionally free of smart technology and constant connectivity. Instead, these screen-free rooms prioritize activities like reading, playing music, board games and quiet conversation, offering a sense of retreat many say is missing from daily life.
From basement game rooms to sunrooms, music spaces, and wellness nooks, these areas often rely on physical media, simple materials, and flexible layouts instead of wiring and devices.
“People are waking up to the idea that screens are getting in the way of real life interactions and taking steps through design choices to create an alternative, places where people can be fully present,” said Catherine Price, author of “How to Break Up With Your Phone.”
Once a purely functional space, bathrooms have entered a period of transformation, evolving into personal sanctuaries. The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2026 Bath Trends Report, drawing on insights from nearly 700 industry professionals, shows how technology, wellness and thoughtful design are reshaping the bath into a space that nurtures daily rituals and inspires the way we live.
Technology shapes inspiration, function and wellness from the early stages of bath design through daily use. Technology holds a stronger influence now than ever before. Younger homeowners are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to visualize bathrooms that integrate smart features, sustainability and style. This shift is accelerating the adoption of intelligent fixtures and systems, including smart showers, lighting and energy solutions that allow for greater customization.
Wellness-focused technology is also becoming more common. Health-oriented features, stress reduction tools and innovations that support aging comfortably at home are moving into the mainstream, reinforcing the bath’s role as a restorative space rather than a purely utilitarian one.
Colors, materials and timeless design are still favored. Despite rapid innovation, aesthetics remain grounded, with early colors like neutrals, greens and blues positioned to dominate in 2026. Neutral colors remain prominent in the bathroom, with off-white favored by 58%, light brown and tan at 54% and white at 40%. Continuing momentum from 2025, shades of green are maintaining favorability in the space and brown-based greens are fast-emerging as a 2026 staple, gaining significant attention and traction. The report results favored sage by 64% and olive by 43%, while bolder greens such as teal, turquoise, emerald and juniper reported far less interest.
These color preferences extend beyond paint and wall finishes, increasingly shaping material and product choices throughout the bathroom. Hardware finishes, fixtures and surfacing are embracing softer, earthy tones that reinforce a broader design narrative centered on comfort, wellness and a connection to nature. Matte finishes, natural stone tilework and organic color palettes support the report’s prediction that Mediterranean and coastal-inspired interiors will play a growing role in shaping bathroom design, translating relaxed, outdoor-influenced living into more serene and restorative bath environments.
Transitional and timeless designs lead the way, with 70% of respondents identifying transitional or timeless design as the most popular style over the next three years, followed by organic and natural design at 65% and contemporary or minimal styles at 57%.
The primary bath grows in both size and purpose. Baths are getting bigger, with the overall bath footprint expanding to accommodate wellness-centered layouts, universal design features and storage that doesn’t quit. The report finds that 72% of respondents expect the bath footprint to increase, while 89% identify space allocation in the primary bath as a top priority.
More than half of respondents say a larger shower is more important than having a bathtub, a shift that lends itself to spa-inspired features such as steam, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, integrated seating and shelving to become central to the bath experience.
Hospitality is inspiring wellness. Residential bath design is increasingly influenced by hotel and resort experiences, as the report details that 77% of respondents expect designers to draw inspiration from hospitality environments, merging wellness, technology and sustainability into a cohesive design approach. Smart toilets are part of this evolution, with 51% predicting increased popularity, alongside growing interest in patterned and textured tile at 66%.
Lighting, customization and accessibility are priorities. Lighting quality remains essential, cited as a top consideration by 91% of respondents. While task lighting is largely considered necessary, mood lighting in showers, nighttime-specific lighting and natural light are increasingly prioritized. Integrated lighting in mirrors and vanities is also expected to grow, helping create curated, functional environments.
Customization drives storage and organization decisions, including configurable cabinetry, built-in electrical integration, charging stations and item-specific storage such as hot tool organizers. Accessibility continues to gain ground, with 32% of respondents agreeing that aging-in-place design is already mainstream, while 48% say it is on its way, with features such as curbless showers and benches now designed to enhance both safety and aesthetics.
Clients are looking for a bathroom designed for life. The 2026 Bath Trends Report signals a major shift in how bathrooms are designed, specified and delivered. Technology integration and wellness-driven features are expected by homeowners, prompting designers and manufacturers to prioritize durability, flexibility and long-term performance. The bath is evolving into a space defined not by short-term trends but by how people live over time, creating opportunities for innovation, collaboration and differentiation across the kitchen and bath industry.
By Tricia Zach is the Director of Research at the National Kitchen and Bath Association. She can be reached at tzach@nkba.org.
This feature also appears in the February issue of Builder and Developer, read the print version here.
This year marks a year of self-expression and individuality in interior design trends. Instead of following trends and going for a universal, trendy look, homeowners are interested in a more personalized design. The previously popular sterile and minimalist look is hitting the road, welcoming nostalgia, colors and textures as the latest interior design trends in 2026.
Expect warm and earthy hues to be on the rise. Nothing too bold, but just enough to be welcoming and evoke uplifting energy. Textures are replacing the sleek matte black hardware within homes. “Timeless” is the new buzzword in the home design industry, replacing the overused white oak design recently seen in almost every home. Personalization integrated with nostalgic elements is replacing the desire to be “on trend” in interior design.
“Today, clients want smaller, more intimate spaces filled with their current life’s treasures,” said Minneapolis-based architectural and interior designer Jim Kuiken of Jim Kuiken Design. “We are creating spaces that feel personal, calming, and built to last, reflecting a desire for homes that support real life rather than chase novelty.”
On Jan. 27, 2026, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) released its 2026 Trends Outlook report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the forces shaping the interior design profession amid rapid social, technological and economic change. Key insights from the report include the return of maximalism, economic conditions, urban transformation, global risk environment, cost pressure and volatility, as well as living arrangements and relationships.
“To best serve clients and communities, designers must understand how broader societal shifts are influencing the way people live, work, and connect,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “As the only professional association representing all sectors of interior design, ASID has a responsibility to deliver timely, comprehensive insights. The 2026 Trends Outlook goes beyond identifying trends—it translates them into practical, actionable guidance designers can apply to strengthen their businesses and amplify their impact.”
Traditionally, aspiring leaders in the construction industry learn by apprenticing with experienced team members and watching how they think, communicate and make decisions. Real world experience is still one of the best teachers. Successful managers must purposely supplement this experience with their own insights on professionalism, business development and emotional intelligence. It can take prohibitive amounts of time to provide this type of consistent, balanced guidance to new team members. In addition, new remote working arrangements and increasingly flexible and varied schedules result in fewer opportunities to naturally turn the issues into learning experiences.
How can we effectively empower the emerging professionals in our companies to excel as team leaders, independent workers and problem solvers? Systematic approaches to onboarding and leadership development can ensure a base level of training while adding a deeper level of meaning and understanding to the practical tasks new employees face each day.
Here are three ideas for anyone who’s interested in starting or expanding the onboarding or leadership development offerings at their company.
Spread out the Effort
The workload of this effort shouldn’t all fall on one person. Pull a team together and ask, “What specific ongoing training do our young team members require?” Follow this up with another crucial question, “Who within the organization already excels at the skills we want to nurture?” This pair of questions will identify individuals who can contribute by leading a training session or workshop focused on what they do well. This is a bite-sized request and keeps any single person from the daunting task of creating content for an entire program.
Need more help? Consider tapping your capable mid-level leaders to support training efforts.This small management task is an opportunity to develop their own leadership skills. Additionally, involving those who have just used your materials will lead to valuable insights.
Look for Resources Beyond Our Industry
Groups like toastmasters can help those who struggle with public speaking. A local Chamber of Commerce might offer business or management training programs. Podcasts, conferences, publications, mentorship programs, books and online training sessions are also options. You can expand the impact of these programs by scheduling short debrief-sessions where the participants discuss how to integrate lessons learned with a wider group.
Start with a Simple Work Plan
It’s common to address issues and weaknesses by creating a work plan for improvement. This same concept can help successful employees achieve greater success. A work plan is simply a path through actionable items and quantifiable goals paired with a schedule for achievement.
Creating a timeline or checklists of fundamental experiences can ensure new employees get exposure to a standard set of fundamental experiences, conversations and training. Lists of goals help mentors track progress and empower employees to take ownership of their ongoing learning experiences.
The plan/checklist can spell out a variety of things like having introductory conversations with company leads about each building system. It can help employees to understand the intent of standard documents, drawings, details or instructions. Furthermore it should be able to explain the processes within each phase of a job. Clear visuals like diagrammatic checklists and charts tied to project timelines can help new staff understand how each thing they learn fits into the larger framework of their job description. These documents function similarly to a scavenger hunt list or bingo card. They serve as an organized visual and allow multiple mentors to quickly assess and contribute to an aspiring leader’s onboarding experience. This gamification of the onboarding process can help keep everyone organized and engaged.
What’s Next?
Assembling a robust onboarding program is daunting but you can start small and grow the program. Let your company’s onboarding experience reflect your company’s strengths. If you and your team are good at one-on-one conversations, embrace that ability and set up dynamic discussions. If you prefer to write, create a smartly worded manual and supplement it with dynamic discussions about the items covered.
Once you have built a consistent framework, collected input from multiple managers and are gleaning improvements from each participant, your program will yield enduring benefits. This strategy can kickstart a network of insight-sharing within your firm, pulling hard-won institutional knowledge outside of the silos of standing teams so it can benefit the entire firm. Your team’s compounding input will yield solid, customized materials that speak directly at the level and need of future participants who will go on to become your organization’s future leaders.
By Matthew Szymanski, AIA. He was awarded with the 2025 AIA Young Architect award. He is the Design Lead at Armature Design + Build and Founding Architect, Arx Design Collaborative. He can be reached at matthew@arxdesignco.com.
This article also appears in the November issue of Builder and Developer, read the print version.
When people think of construction, they often picture dust, deadlines and decision fatigue. When design and construction teams collaborate early and often something extraordinary happens, projects transform from chaotic to choreographed. For over twenty years in this industry, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when designers and builders work as one unified team. It’s not just about making things look beautiful; it’s about building smarter, avoiding pitfalls and crafting homes that are both deeply personal and impeccably executed.
The Early Bird Gets the Smooth Build
The most common misconception I encounter? That design happens first, then the builder swoops in afterward to “make it happen.” In reality, the best projects are born from early collaboration. When designers and builders partner at the start, before a single wall is framed, we can problem-solve together instead of patching mistakes later.
Designers bring an eye for aesthetics and functionality and builders bring deep knowledge of structure, materials and logistics. When both perspectives are at the table early, we identify potential conflicts before they cost time or money. Maybe that stunning waterfall countertop needs hidden structural reinforcement or that lighting plan needs to adjust before drywall goes up. Those aren’t “uh-oh” moments when you plan together, they’re design victories.
Communication: The Ultimate Building Material
In my firm, we treat communication as our strongest material. Our process begins with a team meeting that includes not only the designer and client but also the general contractor, project manager and key trades. We discuss the scope, design intent and any potential challenges from day one. This meeting sets the tone for the entire project, it’s not “my design versus your construction plan,” it’s our shared vision.
Throughout the project, we use collaborative tools and clear documentation: detailed drawings, 3D renderings and finish schedules to ensure every trade is aligned. Electricians know exactly where decorative fixtures will go and tile installers understand the pattern flow from room to room. When everyone is in sync, the energy on-site shifts from stressful to seamless.
Design-Build: A Symphony, Not a Solo
One of the greatest joys in running a design-build operation is watching all the moving parts come together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. A remodel or new build isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about structure, function and emotion. Every trade plays a vital role, from the framing crew who shape the bones to the painter who adds the final brushstroke of warmth.
I often say that design is the “why,” and construction is the “how.” When you respect both equally, the results are extraordinary. Designers understand how a home should feel through the flow, light and emotion. Builders understand how to make that feeling real. When those two forces harmonize, the result is more than a house that looks good in photos, it’s a home that lives well.
Guiding Clients Through the Process
Building can feel like organized chaos. Without collaboration, it’s just chaos. I hear stories from homeowners who tried to manage projects without alignment between design and construction; resulting in blown budgets, delays and design compromises.
At A.Clore Interiors, our clients are never left navigating the chaos alone. We act as both creative directors and project translators. We interpret blueprints, coordinate trades and ensure every detail from cabinetry design to plumbing layout works in harmony.
Our clients often tell us how peaceful they feel knowing there’s one cohesive team guiding the process. They get to enjoy watching their dream take shape. The real magic of collaboration turns an overwhelming process into an enjoyable experience.
The Human Side of Construction
Behind every successful project is a team of passionate humans. I’ve worked with some incredible builders who value design as much as craftsmanship and tradespeople whose pride in their work rivals any artist’s. These relationships matter. When your plumber respects the design intent and your cabinetmaker understands the homeowner’s lifestyle, the outcome is more thoughtful, personal and lasting.
We’ve even found that collaboration breeds creativity. Builders bring practical innovations to the table and designers push for visual excellence. Together, we challenge and elevate one another.
Collaboration as the Future of Homebuilding
Homeowners are more design-savvy than ever, expecting both efficiency and artistry. The future belongs to teams that merge those worlds seamlessly.When designers and builders collaborate early, the result is a space that feels good, functions beautifully and tells a story that’s unique to the client.
So yes, collaboration might be a buzzword, but in this industry, it’s the heartbeat of success. When the designer’s vision meets the builder’s precision, that’s when the magic happens. And after twenty years in this business, I can tell you; that magic never gets old.
On a once-in-a-lifetime lot located on an oceanfront corner in South Bethany Beach sat a neglected and decaying cottage. Marnie Custom Homes gave the property a new life. Translating to “pure life” in Spanish, Pura Vida is an oasis to encourage a simpler lifestyle of ease and comfort.
Marnie’s Magic
Based in Bethany Beach, DE, Marnie Custom Homes was established in 2007. She specializes in building custom beach homes using sustainable and locally sourced materials. The design-build firm’s founder and president, Marnie Oursler, is the first female to have received the National Association of Home Builders’ Custom Home Builder of the Year Award. Totaling 150 custom homes built to date, Marnie Custom Homes builds an average of 12 custom homes per year. The Pura Vida being one of the 37 oceanfront projects the team has built. The design build firm caters to a high-earning market of homeowners looking to invest in the mid-Atlantic region. The design motivation behind the Pura Vida was to make a house that was beautiful, yet functional for a family with five kids and five dogs.
Sustainable New Beginnings
Development of the project spanned 2024. The demolition of the original house started in January and by December the fully-furnished custom home was complete. Practicing sustainable deconstruction is important to Marnie Custom Homes. For this project they partnered with the nonprofit organization Second Chance to carefully dismantle the run-down cottage. This process ensured valuable materials were salvaged and donated to affordable housing and other community projects for reuse.
Maximizing the Landscape
Marnie Custom Homes revitalized the property with the intention of creating the dream beach home that emphasises indoor and outdoor living. “Our primary design goal was to let the views lead the way,” said Celeste Henry, Marketing Director of Marnie Custom Homes. “It’s the kind of layout that invites the outside in and creates a seamless connection between the beach, ocean and sky.” Plans made by Aga Sokolow of Sokolow Architects helped accomplish a layout that takes full advantage of coastal living with 3,731 square feet of beachside luxury.
Tailored Design
The home features six bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathroom. Every square foot was creatively put to work. Space saving innovations like bunk bed stairs doubling as storage drawers, built-in dressers and hidden cabinetry opened up the home. The pool, ocean and sky are part of the daily backdrop with the utilization of wraparound walls of windows with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.
A quality custom home builder knows their clients lifestyle and implements elements to ease daily living. Pura Vida exhibits outdoor showers, a pizza oven, and dual screened-in porches with sky lights and ceiling heaters. Even one off the primary suite affectionately called “The Sleeping Porch.”Keeping in mind the five furry friends, the home includes built-in dog crates and a dog wash station. Shades of blue are a frequent motif across the interior including tasteful tile across the bathrooms reminiscent of the sky and ocean outside.
Safe without Sacrifice
Marnie Custom Homes’ expertise in working with oceanfront properties equips them with the knowledge to navigate the complex guidelines when attempting a project like the Pura Vida. Constructing this home required overcoming requirements set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, in addition to local town regulations.Utilizing steel framing to reinforce stability, the home was designed with weather-resistant materials with the capability of withstanding Category 3 hurricanes and 130 mph winds. Hurricane-rated windows and doors further complement the weatherized design, as well as tie-down systems that connect each floor with metal straps to maintain the integrity of the structure during extreme storms. The flood-resilient design is enhanced for proper drainage by elevated pilings and pressure-treated materials with permeable surfaces.
A weatherized design does not have to sacrifice energy-efficiency. The home’s craftsmanship includes NuCedar siding made from at least 20% pre-consumer recycled materials with no VOCs. Alongside Marvin modern windows built from recyclable aluminum that reduce heat transfer. Multiple zoned HVAC systems with Energy Star appliances allow optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption. The home represents the brilliant design sense that is necessary to find the perfect harmony between the homeowner’s wishes for a custom home and the builder’s vision for how to see it through. Personal and livable luxury is the standard when building with Marnie Custom Homes, and Pura Vida exceeds all expectations.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the $230 billion kitchen and bath industry representing nearly 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals, released its 2026 Kitchen Trends Report. The report provides a comprehensive look into current and upcoming trends in residential kitchens that will have the biggest impact in 2026.
The report highlights, over the next three years, kitchens will continue to transform into smarter, more personalized, and health-focused spaces that reflect the demands of modern living. Traditional elements like dining tables are being replaced with tailored storage solutions, ornate designs are giving way to minimalist aesthetics, and intuitive technology is elevating the kitchen’s functionality. Most of these trends are still in the early stages of adoption, offering designers a significant opportunity to innovate. Key areas of growth include smart tech integration, open-concept layouts, multifunctional products, generational customization, and wellness-driven design.
“The integration between the kitchen and the whole home is a really exciting opportunity for the kitchen and bath industry,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA KBIS. “The 2026 Trends Report further confirms this evolution, as homeowners desire connection and cohesive design between spaces for entertainment, functionality and wellness.” This report helps provide an inside look at what the market demands so that designers can be empowered to offer clients beautiful spaces tailored to their individual needs.
Colors & Materials: What’s In, What’s Out
Neutrals Continue to Dominate: A striking 96% of respondents still favor neutral tones in the kitchen, with greens (86%) and blues (78%) following closely. In contrast, bold shades like millennial pink (11%), bright orange (7%), and red (6%) have fallen out of favor.
Pops of Color, Strategically Placed: When bold colors are used, they’re most often found in backsplashes (60%), wallpaper (60%), kitchen islands (57%), and decorative accessories (55%).
Timeless Design Takes the Lead: Transitional and timeless styles top design preferences for the next three years, cited by 72% of respondents. Contemporary/modern (60%) and organic/natural (58%) styles also remain strong.
Minimalism Over Maximalism: Minimalist design continues to gain ground, with 60% favoring its clean aesthetic. Flat, slab cabinet doors (69%), panel-front appliances like refrigerators (72%) and dishwashers (85%), and solid slab backsplashes (75%) are all trending.
Natural Materials Are Key: With neutral and organic styles prevailing, natural materials are on the rise. Wood grain is now preferred over painted cabinetry, with white oak emerging as the top choice (51%). Quartzite is gaining popularity for countertops (62%) and backsplashes (61%). Wood flooring remains dominant, chosen by 94% of respondents.
Custom Kitchens for Evolving Lifestyles
Kitchen layouts are evolving to enhance everyday living. Popular features include beverage centers (85%), pet feeding zones (64%), and eat-in spaces (59%). Additionally, 94% say homeowners are integrating mudrooms and flex-office spaces. Storage is a major priority, with demand for floor-to-ceiling cabinets, walk-in and butler pantries, and custom-configured refrigerators (70%). Islands with added storage are also key.
Lighting the Way
Lighting plays a central role in kitchen design. Homeowners prioritize natural light (95%), overall lighting quality (93%), and task-specific lighting (92%). Statement lighting is trending, with under-cabinet (82%), interior cabinet (72%), and pendant lights (63%) among the top picks.
Tech-Forward Kitchens
Smart technology is reshaping kitchen functionality. WiFi-enabled appliances, mobile app controls, wireless charging, and wellness-focused features are gaining traction. Popular innovations include steam cooking (66%), high-performance vent hoods (85%), outdoor connectivity (71%), smart storage (72%), and spacious, intelligent refrigerators (72%).
Generational Insights
Gen X (35%) and Boomers (32%) lead kitchen remodels and outspend other groups. Millennials without children seek entertaining spaces (35%), while Boomers want more accessible kitchens (31%). Style preferences vary:
Gen Z: Tech-savvy, connected features
Millennials with Kids: Multifunctional layouts
Millennials without Kids: High-end convenience
Gen X: Smart storage, clutter reduction
Boomers: Classic design and easy, healthy living
By Bill Darcy. Bill Darcy is the Global President & Chief Executive Officer of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. He can be reached at bdarcy@nkba.org.
This article appears in the November issue of Builder and Developer
Strategic planning for vertical living on narrow lots
In today’s housing market, the most valuable square footage is not always measured in size, but in how smartly it’s used. That’s especially true in new urban communities like Broomfield’s Baseline, with homes designed to fit a walkable, connected lifestyle. The neighborhood blends rowhomes, townhomes, apartments and single-family homes around parks and active streetscapes to create a modern community with a strong architectural identity.
A typical alley-loaded single-family site in this type of neighborhood is just 37 feet wide, with a 30-foot buildable footprint. These homes are often elevated, with the main living space on the second floor. That shift from a traditional layout calls for careful planning to help buyers embrace the lifestyle. Curb appeal, circulation and outdoor access all need to work together to create a strong first impression and a seamless living experience. These homes fall into the luxury buyer category, so there is no room for shortcuts, poor proportions, awkward entries or missed opportunities for natural lighting. These buyers expect thoughtful architecture and cohesive design that feels intentional from the street to the front door and all the way to the top floor when the lights go out.
Three-story homes on narrow lots have great potential for bold curb appeal and innovative interiors. From street facing decks and expressive massing to ADUs, flex rooms and library landings, every design move is a chance to create personality and stand apart. Builders can exceed buyers expectations with plan flexibility and lifestyle accommodations.
Ground-Level Potential
The ground level should not be treated as leftover or transitional space. It is the arrival point into the home. This floor can function as a rec room, guest suite or be configured as an accessory dwelling unit. With its own potential entry, it adds privacy and flexibility while making the most of the footprint.
Designed as an ADU, this level can be a part of addressing housing shortages while offering added value to buyers who want multigenerational living, income potential or dedicated guest space.
Outdoor Living in the Right Places
In a three story home, the second level often becomes the main living area. That makes outdoor access on this level critical for both livability and appeal. A front deck or recessed side deck brings in natural light, expands the usable space and connects the home to its surroundings. These outdoor elements also break up tall facades, articulate vertical massing and add rhythm to the street view.
Spaces that Flex with the Buyer
Buyers do not all live the same way, and homes should not assume they do. One buyer might want a formal dining room, while another may prefer a wine-tasting alcove or a workout space. A well-placed built-in desk with a window can create a comfortable and productive work from home spot without needing an entire room.
Even small touches like a dog wash station in the family foyer show buyers the builder is paying attention to how real people live. These features may seem niche, but they build trust and help buyers envision their lives in the home.
Stairs can be more than just a way to get from one floor to the next. While open risers or custom railings can make them beautiful, layout changes can give them real function. Enlarging the stair landing at the front corner creates a light-filled alcove with space for a chair, bookshelf or a quiet moment. It turns an ordinary transition into a meaningful feature, and does so with very little additional square footage.
Making Curb Appeal Count
Curb appeal should feel generous and inviting, it speaks to quality before a buyer even steps inside. That impression starts with well-proportioned massing, thoughtful window layouts and materials, colors, transitions and textures that feel intentional across the elevation.
Balconies, strong vertical articulation and material contrast help give the home presence. Mixing textures like fiber cement siding, wood or color accents and well placed masonry adds visual interest and warmth. Paired with good lighting, railings and trim details, the home tells a story of care and craftsmanship from the sidewalk in.
Smart Choices for Builders
To make the most of tight lots, builders need to plan early and offer variety. Provide options that speak to a range of buyer priorities, whether that means entertaining, wellness or pet care. Even circulation spaces can become standout moments with the right design moves.
Designing for narrow lots is not just about fitting in square footage. It is about sculpting a front elevation that brings people inside to spaces that feel generous, thoughtful and deeply personal. When done well, these homes can live larger than their footprint and connect buyers to the lifestyle they are looking for.
In a world where homes are built for speed and economy, bold architectural moments, both large and small, are often seen as unnecessary indulgences. Yet these elements are far from frivolous; they add value in ways that go beyond monetary returns. They can transform a code-compliant box into a home that makes a lasting impression. Far from being mere decoration, they set the tone, express style, often serve a functional purpose and are what set a home apart from its neighbors. They remind us that homes are more than commodities, they have intrinsic worth beyond price per square foot.
The first elements you see on a building are more than just its curb appeal; they help establish its tone and context. A dramatic wall of glass is confident and open. An entry recessed within a covered porch feels warm, traditional and reserved. A stone accent wall can project power and permanence. Scale, materiality, color and ornament are the architectural cues that shape the way a building is perceived at first glance, a preview that sets expectations for what is inside. This initial impression is what draws us in, past the facade, into the building’s personality.
That personality, or style, is expressed through deliberate design choices. Clean white volumes with floor-to-ceiling glass reference a Contemporary or Modern aesthetic, while textured stucco arches and red clay tile roofs evoke Spanish Revival style. Wood joinery and stained glass recall the detailed craftsmanship of the Arts & Crafts era; thick adobe walls and small punched fenestrations speak to Mission-era and Southwest traditions. Each design decision is shaped by place, history and cultural influences, giving the home historical context and a story.
An equally important part of that story is the relationship between public and private space. Architecture and landscape can work together to create varying degrees of privacy and separation, from open, welcoming thresholds that invite connection from the street to site walls that shield interiors from view. A low wall may define a boundary without blocking a vista; plantings can filter sightlines while softening hard edges. When designed intentionally fences and walls can be used to keep the unwanted out without looking uninviting; lighting can both accent and prevent dark corners at night. These calibrated boundaries shape how people interact with a home, balancing openness and privacy.
Unseen elements play an equally important role. A long-span beam enabling a glass wall, integrated tracks concealing window treatments, or hidden lighting systems that make surfaces glow, these technical decisions support the architecture without drawing attention to themselves. They make bold gestures possible, ensuring the space functions seamlessly while keeping the focus on the experience.
Nuance comes from the layering of tone, style, structure and space. A single gesture alone may fall flat, but layers of elements, textures, light and detail create depth and complexity. A tree filtering sunlight through a clerestory, a textured wall paired with antique iron sconces, light from a hidden coves breezeway shaded with climbing vines, combine to form a complete, considered experience. When every layer, from structure to finish, works together, the building feels intentional, whole and unforgettable.
What creates lasting character are these elevated moments: the late-day light filtered through the branches of a tree and clerestory, the seamless curve of a handrail providing support as you ascend a staircase, the rhythm of a stepping path slowing your pace, the view perfectly framed by a picture window in the primary bedroom. These details engage the senses as much as the mind. They are the reason a space stays with you long after you’ve left, and what draws you back again.
In a value-engineered marketplace, these touches are often the first to be cut. Yet when they remain, they elevate a building from merely functional to captivating and marketable because it is the feeling, not the floor plan, that people fall in love with. Architectural elements, whether daring or discreet, give a building its mood, its identity and its selling power. Remove them and the building may still sell. Keep them, and it resonates — commanding attention, and, yes, top dollar. In a world of generic options, character is the ultimate differentiator.
By Rachel Shillander, a Los Angeles, CA-based artist and architect, focused on domestic architecture and construction. She may be reached at rachel@rachelshillander.com.
This article appeared in our September issue of Builder and Developer
BUILDER.MEDIA TERMS OF VIEWING POLICY! This website, digital publication, and all of its contents are the copyright protected legal intellectual property of Builder Media. None of the protected content of this publication may be copied, shared, forwarded, reposted, reformatted or in any way utilized for any purpose without the written permission of the Publisher, under penalty of suit as provided by U.S and International laws governing copyright.
By Tucker Huey. He is Principal at Osmosis Architecture. He can be reached at 
By Tricia Zach is the Director of Research at the National Kitchen and Bath Association. She can be reached at 
By Matthew Szymanski, AIA. He was awarded with the 2025 AIA Young Architect award. He is the Design Lead at Armature Design + Build and Founding Architect, Arx Design Collaborative. He can be reached at 
Photo credit: 
