There's a saying in real estate: "If I can smell it, I cannot sell it." "And that is 100% true," says Kimberly Schmidt, a real estate pro with Compass in San Diego.

"Nose blindness' is a very real thing," adds Kelly Dellinger, a real estate pro at Akers Ellis Real Estate in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. "Sellers are frequently so accustomed to the odors associated with their pets, smoking habits or simply old carpets, they ignore or downplay them when it comes to prepping their homes for showings." As a last resort, they'll rely on spraying chemical fragrances or overpowering plug-ins to try to hide unpleasant smells—which "only makes things worse," Dellinger says.

Indeed, as Greg Field, a real estate pro with HomeSmart in Phoenix, notes: A wall of scented candles or plug-ins to mask a pet smell "just smells like a lavender-scented litter box" in the end.

"Buyers today are hyper-sensitive to allergens," he says. "They want to smell nothing. If I walk in and my eyes start watering from fresh linen spray, I assume you are hiding a mold issue or deep-seated carpet stain."

Related: 25 Home Showing Offenses That Could Cost You Offers

Offensive Scents

Smell is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to creating first impressions.  

Here are some of the most common culprits of bad smells in a home:

• Trash/garbage smell
• Pet odors (e.g., cat litter boxes and pet accidents)
• Body/workout smell (e.g., sweaty clothes, gear or gym bags)
• Sports gear/hobby smells (e.g., fishing equipment, sports bags, etc.)
• Cooking-related smells (e.g., fish, decaying food in garbage disposal, strong cooking odors)
• Musty, moldy or damp smells (e.g., damp basements)
• Tobacco/smoke odor

"If the property smells like a strong odor of pets, dirty dishes or even bacon—sounds weird but I have been in the 'bacon' house"—buyers are going to head for the door, says Lyndsay Lamb, design specialist and owner, Lamb & Co. Real Estate in Snohomish, Wash. "Smell is one of the five senses," and buyers will consciously or subconsciously take notice once they step inside.

How to Fix It

Here's how experts advise handling lingering home odors:  

Eliminate the source of bad odors first.

• Deep clean carpets, rugs, upholstery, curtains and pet areas.
• Take out trash, scrub the kitchen, clean litter boxes and refresh bedding.  

Enhance the space with subtle or natural scents.

• Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Place a sprig of eucalyptus in a vase or fresh flowers.
• Light a lightly scented candle or brew fresh coffee shortly before a showing.  

Follow the golden rule to smell: Less is more.

• Avoid too many competing fragrances that can irritate guests or suggest you're masking odors.
• Use a single, understated scent—it'll help buyers focus on the home itself and not its smell.  

As 2026 brings in a wave of bright, fresh interiors, lighting continues to play a key role in how homes are styled. Joanna "Jo" Plant, chief creative officer from the lighting company Pooky, reveals some of the biggest lighting trends.

Photo courtesy: Pooky

1. Mismatched lighting

Home interiors have been leaning into individuality, with a growing focus on mixing materials and creating homes rich in depth and personality. "We're moving away from perfectly curated sets to mismatching pieces in favor of adding more character to the space," Plant says. To help the balance of lighting feel intentional and less accidental, she advises: Focus on keeping one element consistent throughout the room, such as the tone or material, to still give a complimented feel.

Photo courtesy: Pooky

2. Articulated lighting

"Articulated lighting is one of 2026's must-have functional statement pieces for the home," Plant says. "Allowing you to move light exactly where you need it, these adjustable lamps—whether they are floor or desk-mounted—provide flexibility and style appeal."

For example, reading lamps are being used to stage intimate spaces. But to get the perfect reading light, brightness is key: Aim for at least 450 lumens, she advises, adding that when shopping for a bulb, brightness is measured in lumens, not watts.

Photo courtesy: Pooky

3. Retro lighting

"We're seeing a resurgence of vintage-inspired pieces," Plant says. "Brass finishes, mid-century curves and nostalgic silhouettes refreshed in modern palettes bring familiarity and charm to the space while remaining warm and inviting." These retro styles offer exuberant self-expression, while also adding warmth, conviviality and a touch of fun, she says.

"Neutrals still have their place, but rather than adding bits of color to a neutral canvas, the focus is on building layers of vibrant colors and pattern, one on top of the other," Plant says.

Photo courtesy: Pooky

4. Wellness-driven lighting

Natural fibers are lighting up rooms in a bigger way. "If you're looking to mix different materials and patterns, natural fibers will be your best friend," Plant says. "They love contrast, so try a rattan shade with a smooth ceramic or brass lamp base to help your space feel layered and lived in."

Also, natural doesn't have to mean neutral. "Suitably boho lampshades are a key part of creating those relaxed, characterful interiors that feel 'collected', rather than pre-planned or styled to create calming, grounding environments," she says.

Photo courtesy: Pooky

The 2025 "Ugliest House of the Year" isn't so ugly anymore.

Out of 20 nominees nationwide, HomeVestors selected a 1954-built home in Boise, Idaho, as the latest winner in its 19th annual contest—an honor that celebrates the most dramatic house transformations.

For franchisees, earning the title means delivering the biggest turnaround: Taking a severely distressed property and neighborhood eyesore and turning it into a market-ready home. As part of the award, HomeVestors donates $20,000 to the winner's local Habitat for Humanity chapter to support affordable housing efforts.

This year's champions—Paul and Tanice Myers, a husband-and-wife franchise team in Boise, Idaho—don't scare easily.

When they purchased the 1,580-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath home in West Boise, they were facing a home that had been deemed "uninhabitable." The rooms were packed with trash. The kitchen was severely damaged. The paint was peeling. The laundry room was impassable. Holes were in the ceiling. The wood was rotting. Safety hazards were everywhere.

Where others saw a teardown, the Myers saw potential.

"It's not just repairing houses—it's about restoring pride, relieving stress for families and giving communities a fresh start," Tanice Myers says.

Restoring an 'Ugly' Home

Over six weeks, the Myers completed a full-scale overhaul. The renovation included a new roof, HVAC system, drywall, flooring, and a new kitchen and bathrooms. Electrical and plumbing systems were brought up to code, and the layout was improved to create a more flexible living and entertaining space.

Interior design upgrades included durable flooring, fresh interior paint, quartz countertops, brand-new cabinetry and vanities, updated lighting and modern hardware.

Outside, the nearly 9,000-square-foot lot received new landscaping, a fresh coat of exterior paint, and a newly poured driveway. The backyard was also transformed into a usable space for entertaining, gardening and relaxing.

"Paul and Tanice's HomeVestors journey is its own stunning tale of transformation," says Joshua Waltzer, CEO of HomeVestors. "They have turned that first franchise into a powerful team of eight improving neighborhoods and lives across six states—from buyers and sellers to their fellow franchisees and members of their own team. They support small businesses by working with them to complete renovations, giving houses, families and communities dignity."

According to Business Insider, the couple spent more than $100,000 in renovations when overhauling the Boise home. This past summer, the home was listed for around $624,000 and sold shortly after.

See the Transformation:

BEFORE

Photo courtesy: HomeVestors

AFTER

Photo courtesy: HomeVestors

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Photo courtesy: HomeVestors

BEFORE

Photo courtesy: HomeVestors

AFTER

Photo courtesy: HomeVestors

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Photo courtesy: HomeVestors

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For years, open floor plans have been the gold standard in residential real estate. Home buyers have long been drawn to the airy feel, openness and sunlight-filled spaces.

Yet, in recent years, with the rise of working from home, multigenerational households and a general greater emphasis on privacy, home buyers are beginning to reconsider knocking down the walls of their home. Priorities appear to be gradually shifting from spacious, open vibes to sustaining a lifestyle and routine where a little closed-offness may prove beneficial. Real estate agents who understand these shifts are using it to attract buyer attention to certain properties that may have been previously shunned.

The Open Concept Shift

An open floor plan typically entails removing the walls between common areas like the kitchen, dining room and living room to create a larger, more communal living space. It enhances flow and visibility, which helps people feel less confined while they're lounging at home.

Builders had fully embraced the open floor plan, as it increased perceived space and appealed to buyers who favored entertaining. However, as these floorplans became the status quo, the people living in them started to notice trade-offs. Noise travels easily, clutter looks more visible, and finding quiet or private areas can be challenging.

A 2023 survey conducted by Rocket Mortgage found that preferences are split: 51% of Americans prefer an open layout, and 49% prefer a more traditional, closed layout. Certainly, many buyers still appreciate open living, but don't dismiss the nearly half of Americans who also said they're feeling a pull toward homes with clearer boundaries. In fact, some homeowners are even spending money to add walls back into houses that had previously been taken down.

Photo credit: Esin Tellioglu / Getty Images

5 Reasons Open Floor Plans Are Getting Reimagined

Though open layouts still have their place in the market, there is an undeniable growing segment of homeowners who are looking for more defined spaces. Here's why.

1. Privacy matters more than before

As more companies in recent years have embraced remote work, privacy has become a top priority. Having a space with defined boundaries means being able to go into a separate room for work calls, use a designated workspace or just enjoy some well-deserved quiet time. When work and living worlds merge, homeowners may struggle to find balance.

2. Clutter feels more manageable

For better or worse, everything is visible at all times in an open layout. This means increased difficulty achieving a tidy appearance or simply escaping the clutter in another area. Dishes in a kitchen sink can be tough to ignore. Closed floor plans can offer greater comfort without the pressure of keeping spaces picture-perfect.

3. Homes can serve multiple functions

As great as it is to have a good-looking home, buyers today expect their properties to be functional, too. Dining rooms often double as offices, living rooms may host yoga sessions, and kitchens often act as gathering spaces. Closed floor plans make it more convenient to assign specific functions to rooms without constant setup or teardown.

4. Energy efficiency

Smaller, enclosed rooms are often easier to heat and cool than large open spaces. Buyers who are mindful of utility costs are increasingly viewing closed layouts as more practical and cost-effective.

5. Noise control is a real concern

Open floor plans allow for sound to travel more quickly. This is especially a concern in homes with children and pets. A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Psychology found that 55% of remote workers feel that their home's acoustic environment negatively impacts their work performance.

What Does This Shift Mean for the Real Estate Market?

While there is renewed interest in closed floor plans, that doesn't mean an entire reversal in design trends. But it could mean a change in how homes are marketed and evaluated.

Some buyers may consider layout more than square footage or finishes. As a result, homes with defined rooms and the ability to add more separation may stand out more than they have in previous years. For sellers who are vigilant with trend shifts, this could represent an opportunity for those who own a more traditional, closed-off home.

After all, layouts that were considered "dated" not long ago now may appeal to a new wave of buyers who are prioritizing functionality and privacy. Simple updates like adding doors, creating home-office nooks or emphasizing room versatility can make a world of difference in how competitive your property is.

Photo credit: Plan A Office / Getty Images

The Reemergence of the Closed Floor Plan?

Though the demand for open space still remains, demand for semi-open or closed layouts may encourage builders and renovators to offer more variety rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

For real estate professionals, they're finding the key will always be understanding buyer intent. Some buyers may prefer defined rooms, some buyers may want flexibility and others may prefer a mix of both. Recognizing this shift allows real estate agents to better match their clients with properties that more closely align with their open or close preferences.

Thinking about remodeling? Before you swing a hammer or swipe that credit card, you may want to hear what the pros are saying right now about what truly pays off. In this episode of Real Estate Today, find out the home upgrades that can deliver at resale—and the ones that may surprise you. From high-return exterior improvements to smart interior renovations, learn what buyers notice and what they may even pay more for—and where homeowners tend to overspend.

Photo credit: Cavan Images / Getty Images

10 Top Remodeling Projects to Prioritize

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the following home projects offer some of the highest estimated cost recovery at resale:

1. New steel front door: 100% (estimated return based on upfront cost)
2. Closet renovation: 83%
3. New fiberglass front door: 80%
4. New vinyl windows: 74%
5. New wood windows: 71%
6. Basement conversion to living area: 71%
7. Attic conversion to living area: 67%
8. Complete kitchen renovation: 60%
9. Minor kitchen upgrade: 60%
10. Bathroom addition: 56%

Designing a kitchen in 2026 is less about chasing trends and more about creating a space that truly works for how you live. Kitchen renovations are being driven by function, personalization and smarter storage—reflecting a shift toward kitchens that blend style with intention and isn't just centered on aesthetics, according to Houzz's 2026 Kitchen Trends Study, reflecting a survey of more than 1,700 homeowners about their latest kitchen renovation project.

"Kitchen renovations are increasingly shaped by broader housing market pressures," says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz's head of economic research. "With aging housing stock, a shortage of available homes and longer homeowner tenure, more homeowners are choosing to invest in improving the functionality of the kitchens they already have, rather than move. That's driving an emphasis on practical upgrades such as built-in storage and efficient layouts that help kitchens better support everyday living," she says.

Here are a few remodeling trends that emerged from Houzz's 2026 kitchen trends report.

1. Start With Storage—and Build From There

Built-in storage is becoming the foundation of kitchen design. More than three-quarters of renovating homeowners say they're adding specialty features, with pantry cabinets (47%), walk-in pantries (16%) and butler's pantries or prep kitchens (7%) leading the way. These spaces help keep clutter out of sight while helping to ease daily tasks.

Photo credit: PC Photography

More task-specific zones also are getting added, such as beverage stations, coffee bars, specific baking areas and even snack stations. These are turning kitchens from one-size-fits-all layouts to purpose-driven areas.

"When storage is thoughtfully designed, from customized drawers and pull-out shelves to walk-in pantries, it reduces clutter, improves efficiency and makes the kitchen easier to use every single day," Misty Callaway, designer of Callaway Homes, says in the Houzz report. "These features help homeowners get more out of their space."

2. Warm Materials Replace All-White Kitchens

When choosing finishes, more homeowners are moving toward warmth and natural texture. Wood cabinets now top the list, edging out white for the first time in years. Medium-toned woods lead this comeback trend, followed by lighter finishes. This signals a return to organic material preferences.

Photo credit: Wirestock / Getty Images

Timeless choices reign, with Shaker cabinets remaining the most popular choice, followed by flat-panel designs.

Another timeless choice emerging through the cabinet hardware leans toward practical and streamlined. Bar pulls dominate—over knobs—and most often are in brushed nickel, followed by black or brushed gold.

3. Countertops, Backsplashes and Contrast

White and off-white countertops remain popular, but contrast is playing a larger role—especially when it comes to the kitchen island. For the island, more homeowners are choosing a countertop color that differs fromthe kitchen's other countertops. Wood has become the most popular island countertop choice.

Photo credit: Chandler Photo / Getty Images

More homeowners also are contrasting their kitchen cabinets in following the two-tone trend—choosing one shade for the upper cabinets and one for the lower.

Tile also is the clear preference for backsplashes—most often in white or off-white. Slab backsplashes are gaining ground, especially in engineered quartz. Rectangular tiles remain the go-to shape, while more decorative tile styles stay niche.

4. Islands as Multifunctional Workhorses

Kitchen islands are getting bigger—and busier. About half of renovated islands exceed seven feet in length, with rectangular shapes far outpacing L-shaped island designs. More than half of homeowners also are integrating appliances—like dishwashers and microwaves—into their islands, turning them into central hubs for prep, cleanup and casual dining.

5. Appliances That Work Smarter

Upgraded appliances are less about flash and more about function. Homeowners are choosing refrigerators and ovens with features like adjustable temperature zones, water filter alerts, remote monitoring and precise controls—tools that aim to simplify their daily life and improve efficiency, according to the Houzz report.

Stainless steel remains the clear favorite for the appliance finish. Fewer than 6% of renovating homeowners opted for white, black or black stainless appliances.

Photo credit: Plan A Office / Getty Images

6. Designing for the Long Term

More than half of renovating homeowners are planning kitchens that can adapt to their future needs, as age-in-place features grow in demand. This has prompted a greater focus on features like pull-out cabinets, additional lighting, wide drawer pulls, rounded countertops and nonslip flooring, according to the Houzz survey. Also, customized storage solutions—like pull-out waste bins, spice drawers and revolving corner trays—are becoming more common.

Photo credit: Serghei Starus / Getty Images

Move over color drenching and wood drenching—tile is now taking over. The latest drench on the home design scene—"tile drenching"—is gaining traction as homeowners embrace floor-to-ceiling tile in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and even living rooms. Apartment Therapy's "The State of Home Design Survey for 2026," based on feedback from 140 interior designers, flags the look as one of the year's standout home design trends.

Tile drenching extends tile beyond the floor to the walls, either by using the same material throughout for a seamless style or by pairing contrasting tiles for a more dramatic look.

"I love the look of fully tiled bathrooms where the walls, floors and even the vanity backsplashes are wrapped in the same material," designer Laura Chappetto of Element Design Network told Apartment Therapy. "It feels bold, clean and super-high end when done properly. Bonus points for using a rich, luxurious color like oxblood or marigold."

Check out some examples below of tile drenching.

Photo credit: Tile Mountain / Village Rose Gold & Carrara Gold Matt Tiles

Photo credit: Hyperion Tiles / Cabana Porcelain Le Marais

Photo credit: Walls and Floors / Bond Street Gloss Blue Metro & Cinders Lux Star Azure Tiles

Photo credit: Ca' Pietra / Sculpture Grande Porcelain Carrara and Kinfolk Porcelain White

Photo credit: Direct Tile Warehouse / Harlem Green Stick Wall Tiles

Photo credit: Hyperion Tiles / Onyx Green in Polished and Matt Tiles

Wood cabinetry has officially edged out white as the most popular choice in kitchen renovations, according to Houzz's 2026 Kitchen Trends Study, which surveyed more than 1,700 homeowners about their latest kitchen remodeling project.

For the first time in recent years, wood has emerged as the top cabinet choice, selected by 29% of renovating homeowners, marking a six percentage point jump from last year. That rise pushed wood tones just ahead of white cabinets, which slipped to 28%, down five points from last year.

Among the most popular wood finishes for kitchen cabinets: Medium tones lead the way at 15%, followed by light wood (11%) and dark wood finishes (3%).

Photo credit: Wirestock / Getty Images

While white no longer holds the top spot, it remains firmly in the mix. Off-white cabinets accounted for 15% of renovations.

Fewer homeowners prefer more colorful cabinets but among those who do, green (6%) has now surpassed gray (5%). Blue, beige, black and greige continue to be niche options, each appearing in fewer than 5% of remodeled kitchens, according to Houzz.

Contrasting Cabinets Still Popular

Nearly one-quarter of homeowners opt for contrasting upper and lower cabinets, known as the tuxedo kitchen. In these designs, white remains the dominant choice for the upper cabinets (at 40%), followed by off-white (19%) and wood tones (17%), according to Houzz's remodeling survey.

However, for the lower cabinets, darker finishes take the lead, notably with wood finishes at 37%, followed by blue (19%) and green (14%) rounding out the top choices. Meanwhile, black and gray lower cabinets were the least common choices, the Houzz survey finds.

Photo credit: CreativaStudio / Getty Images

Wood Makes a Statement on Islands

The cabinets aren't the only place wood is gaining traction in the kitchen. It's increasingly being used as a countertop on the kitchen island, according to Houzz's research. Renovators increasingly are choosing a contrasting countertop material for their island that's different from the main countertop. Wood countertops jumped 12 points over the past year to 39% to claim the top spot for islands; white followed in popularity at 19%.

Interest in butcher block or wood slab countertops has climbed in popularity for a contrasting island countertop, whereas engineered quartz remains the dominant choice for the kitchen's main countertops.

Photo credit: Chandler Photo / Getty Images

As we dive into a new year, we will see design trends that will give a home its own rhythm. Nature is welcomed "in," and you may just never want to leave. Consumers crave more down-to-earth comfort, authenticity and livability from their home. This year will embrace imperfection, and the desire for authenticity over luxury. Home design will continue to support the art of simply slowing down.

Here are three key design trends I have on my radar for the new year that will refresh, reimagine and reinvent a home.

Curves That Comfort

Scalloped, circular shapes and curves are strongly trending. This form is approachable, comforting and creates a sense of luxury without trying too hard. Rounded kitchen islands say "let's get social." Curved ottomans and couches in intimate gathering areas display sculptural sophistication and style. In my market in Atlanta, a popular trend has become arched doorways from the mudroom to the kitchen or the family room into the master bedroom. These curvy shapes are hugging spaces and creating welcoming interiors.

Photo credit: Edwin Tan / Getty Images

Nature-Mimicking Texture

Embrace the not-so-perfect as nature-based materials take center stage in kitchens and baths. These might include natural marble, polished metal or rustic and raw-like wood and stone. Natural elements deliver textures that set the mood for comfort and completeness, offering a distinctive look that creates more personalized, memorable spaces. In my market, this trend is also showing up in wallpaper that has a 3D-like texture and that also can act as a sound-dampening layer in, say, a golf simulator room.

Photo credit: Asbe / Getty Images

Soft Story-Telling Classics

Sustainability is top of mind, but it's coming from reaching into the past. Vintage pieces are "in," but it's by using them strategically that evokes a special feeling of home. Furniture that is reusable, remade or repurposed has a story. We're also finding this trend comes with unexpected classic patterns being reimagined.

Photo credit: Peter_visual / Getty Images

Overall, these three design trends reveal how consumers are wanting to live and what they value—and it's being reflected in home staging to help spaces resonate more with home buyers' preferences, too.

With the rise of this more relaxed style of living, it's no wonder natural materials, soft geometry and vintage elements with a story are the ultimate personalized statement pieces. The era of picture-perfect, photoshopped spaces are fading in favor of more distinct designs that can't be easily replicated. It's about creating a place that looks and feels more like a home—with a more authentic style that home buyers will appreciate as well.

Has "quiet luxury"—with its whisper-soft neutrals and ultra-minimal styling—officially run its course? According to Sherwin-Williams color marketing manager Emily Kantz, homeowners in the new year will crave spaces that feel personal, joyful and emotionally rich again. And that doesn't have to be at odds with real estate.

Kantz highlights the shift to three major color and style trends for 2026: Loud Luxury, Cozymaxxing and Tropical Escapism. Each offers a different take on style—whether it's embracing bold, statement-making colors for highly customized spaces, leaning into warm and welcoming comfort or creating a breezy, vacation-inspired vibe that brings cheerful energy into a room.

Here's how each trend is expected to shape home design in 2026.

1. Loud Luxury: Bold Personality

If quiet luxury was all about restraint, Loud Luxury is the opposite—playful and personality-driven, Kantz says. She describes it as perfect for those who love expressive color, along with meaningful objects and layered in patterns—not clutter, but curated character.

Kantz emphasizes saturated greens and jewel tones, such as jade, are popular colors with this style—and are expected to continue to be major color trends into 2027.

Loud Luxury can work in living rooms, powder rooms or anywhere you want to make a bigger style moment, she says.

Ways to channel Loud Luxury:

• Add color through cabinetry or an accent wall
• Use bold furniture fabrics or patterned pillows
• Highlight architectural details with deeper tones

Rojo Marron photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Tarragon photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

2. Cozymaxxing: Brings Warmth and Calm

Kantz describes Cozymaxxing as "extreme comfort"—a multisensory environment built on layers of texture, warmth and ease. "You want people to picture themselves snuggling by the fireplace or decompressing after a long day," she says. Colors with this style often include more neutrals, like creams, taupes and warm grays. She says this style often fits best in living rooms and bedrooms.

Ways to channel Cozymaxxing:

• Favor warm wood tones
• Layer in textures, such as through throws, pillows and plush rugs
• Design spaces for softness and emotional ease, like by creating a reading nook

Relic Bronze photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Studio Clay photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

3. Tropical Escapism: Brings Joy and Optimism

Tropical Escapism is the "feel good" style of 2026. This style channels vacation energy through resort-inspired items. It's not about theme décor, but about infusing lightness and joy through color pops, Kantz says. She says the color palettes could include guava pinks, sun-washed oranges, greens, breezy acquas and tropical wood tones. Kantz says the trend appears most as accents—like feature walls or accessories—but it can also be great for smaller spaces in the home, like the powder room.

Ways to incorporate Tropical Escapism:

• Add pops of color, like guava or coral, in accessories such as throw pillows
• Layer in lighter wood tones
• Introduce watery blues that blend in with existing grays and whites

Henna Shade photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Slow Green photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

So Which Trend Works Best for Real Estate?

Cozymaxxing, Kantz says. While Loud Luxury and Tropical Escapism spark joy and creativity, Cozymaxxing offers what home buyers are currently craving: Warmth, comfort and the ability to picture themselves living in the space. Here's why Cozymaxxing may win for selling:

• Warm neutrals can photograph beautifully: Soft creams, warm grays and natural wood tones make listing photos feel inviting and updated.
• It can work well with existing furniture that most people already own—especially those who still have homes heavy on gray color schemes.
• It feels modern without being risky: Cozymaxxing feels fresh and stylish, but it won't scare off buyers who prefer a neutral backdrop.
• It creates emotional connection: Reading nooks, layered textures and warm lighting help buyers feel security and comfort.

Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams

Smart home upgrades are among the most popular house projects for 2026, as homeowners prioritize features that add more convenience and connection to daily life.

"The smart home of 2026 is all about subtle sophistication that's highly livable and practical," Tamara Mattox-Kabat, a real estate pro with Redfin, said in a joint report from Thumbtack and Redfin revealing their 2026 home design predictions. "Demand is growing for tech-integrated design—hidden charging stations, concealed outlets, discreet lighting and TVs and speakers built into walls or wood paneling."

The latest smart home innovations signal a shift toward smart homes that are less about flashy gadgets and more about invisible intelligence—working quietly in the background to improve comfort, safety and everyday living.

Not surprisingly, AI is increasingly getting embedded into home technology—notably on display at CES 2026, the tech industry's annual mega event held Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas this year. During the conference, companies showed how artificial intelligence is moving beyond novelty to quietly powering safety, wellness, efficiency and everyday convenience throughout the home.

CES spotlighted dozens of smart home breakthroughs. Here are a few of the innovation honorees in smart home tech from this year's event.

Robot Butler

Photo courtesy: LG

The LG AI Home Robot was made to handle all the house chores. It connects to LG's ThinQ smart home platform to assist with everyday household tasks, from folding laundry to even organizing the refrigerator or loading the dishwasher. Equipped with sensors, cameras and voice recognition, the AI Home Robot navigates the home autonomously while learning daily routines. It's designed to be proactive and emotionally responsive, aiming to reduce household labor and improve quality of life.

Spy Eyes

Photo courtesy: CES 2026 / Smart Home Innovation Honorees

Samsung's EdgeAware AI Home reimagines home monitoring by unleashing an AI system that can analyze sounds and activity throughout the home. It pulls data from cameras, Samsung and third-party devices, like appliances and other connected devices. (It does not send private data to the cloud, easing concerns for those nervous about the extra eyes inside the house.) It can detect 12 distinct sounds, from breaking glass and running water to even prolonged coughing. It sends alerts, event summaries and even wellness insights. The system also recommends actions to take based on what it identifies, like initiating emergency response services if needed.

Shower Upgrade

Ceragem's AI Rejuvenation Shower System offers personalized skincare treatments in the shower using contactless sensors and embedded AI. A smart mirror analyzes skin condition in real time for hydration, oil levels and the skin's pigmentation. It then automatically adjusts water chemistry and dispenses tailored skincare ingredients to support skin barrier health, reduce irritation, and manage acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Making Perfect Scents

Deepscent AI brings artificial intelligence to improve the smell of your home. It creates custom scents that blend within seconds based on mood, music, visuals and environmental context. It's trained on more than 100,000 fragrance data points. The system blends aromas for different rooms and moments, whether social gatherings or creating a calming atmosphere. It integrates with smart home systems, so scent then becomes an adaptive layer of emotional and spatial personalization within the home.

Personal Stylist

Photo courtesy: CES 2026 / Smart Home Innovation Honorees

Eoneoms' HEYMIRROR is an AI-powered smart dressing mirror that delivers personalized outfit recommendations using real-time data like weather, calendar events and the occasion. The system automatically recognizes multiple users and learns style preferences over time.

Stopping the False Alarms

Photo courtesy: CES 2026 / Smart Home Innovation Honorees

The AI Smart Fire Detector from Hansunst uses machine learning and multi-sensor functionality to detect real fires from harmless flames or smoke caused by cooking or candles. It monitors whether a flame escalates into a true emergency to offer reliable alerts with fewer false alarms.

Robo-Pool Cleaner

Photo courtesy: CES 2026 / Smart Home Innovation Honorees

Removing the chore of maintaining a residential pool, the SPINO S1 Pro by Mammotion Technology Co. is touted as the first robotic pool cleaner with automated shore landing and self-charging. Using AI-powered mapping, debris detection and underwater communication, it can clean even complex pool layouts with minimal homeowner involvement. Battery-powered and zero-emission, the pool cleaning robot says it supports efficient, hands-free pool maintenance.

Fixtures With Detection

ALLIE by Arqaios embeds AI and sensors into everyday fixtures like light switches, outlets and ceiling vents. "Think of it as your house manager that privately and securely protects and manages your space," the ALLIE site says. It offers smart home automation, intrusion detection, energy optimization, and fall detection and alerts. Using mmWave radar and environmental sensors, the system can adjust lighting and airflow automatically and detect falls without the use of cameras or wearables. ALLIE also tracks energy use and supports AI-enabled emergency response.

Fire-Protected

Photo courtesy: CES 2026 / Smart Home Innovation Honorees

Sonic Fire Tech introduces a patented, waterless wildfire defense system that uses low-frequency acoustic waves to neutralize airborne embers before they ignite a home. Developed by a former NASA engineer, the technology targets the leading cause of wildfire risk to homes. It's engineered for rapid response and exterior coverage, offering a new approach to protection.

If you've ever scrolled through Instagram and suddenly felt inspired to reorganize your pantry or carve out a cozy reading nook, you're not alone—and today's homebuyers are feeling it, too. According to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate's 2026 Design Trends Moving Real Estate report, social media is reshaping what buyers expect and how agents stage homes. Ginger Wilcox, president and CEO of BHGRE, calls it the "Instagram effect"—driving a wave of stylized, photogenic spaces.

Consider this: Nearly half of buyers say social media influences what they want in a home at least somewhat, and one in five says it shapes their preferences a "great deal."

"The features that earn millions of saves online, like organized pantries, cozy nooks and handcrafted kitchens are now showing up on buyers' wish lists and influencing what they expect to see in person," the report says.

Here's how social media is influencing home staging today:

Curated pantries: Buyers want storage that not only functions well but looks good. Think clear containers, labeled bins and an overall sense of calm order. Agents are leaning into this by staging walk-in pantries as mini showpieces—even shelving can go viral. Fifty-eight percent of buyers say they want walk-in pantries with organized storage, according to BHGRE's research.

Photo credit: Kristen Prahl / Getty Images

Reading nooks: "These are areas that are styled where you can imagine yourself sitting there with a book," Wilcox says. A simple corner becomes aspirational with built-in seating, soft lighting, layered textiles and a comfy throw, she says. Buyers want places where they can imagine themselves unwinding.

Photo credit: ArchiViz / Getty Images

Coffee bars: Styled vignettes like coffee bars photograph well and can help buyers envision what their daily rituals would be like in a home.

Photo credit: Melissa Tracey

Mudrooms: This coveted space can showcase how even small areas can be functional and adaptable to household needs. More than a third of consumers said they loved styled spots like mudroom drop zones and coffee bars, the BHGRE survey finds.

Photo credit: PC Photography / Getty Images

Pet zones: Dedicated pet areas are also trending, giving buyers a space to care for their furry family members.

Photo credit: PC Photography / Getty Images

"All of these micro-moments showcase a lifestyle, personality and adaptability," Wilcox says.

Wilcox also highlights architectural details that translate beautifully to social media: Color-washed rooms and interior glass walls can create visual depth while providing flexible division in open floorplans.

Today, home staging isn't just about making a home feel bigger or cleaner—it's about creating small, camera-ready scenes that spark emotion and help buyers imagine life in the space. Social media has turned everyday features into must-have lifestyle moments—and smart staging—may make all the difference.

What's cooking in kitchen style was top-of-mind in 2025—no surprising, given how much the kitchen can make or break a home buyer's impression of a home. If the kitchen doesn't shine, the rest of the house often struggles to win them over. Besides kitchens, pools and staying ahead of the latest home trends were popular topics this year. Here's a recap of the most popular blog posts from the Styled, Staged & Sold blog for 2025.

Photo courtesy: National Kitchen & Bath Association / Design by Barb Weis

1. Kitchen Trends 2025: What's In, What's Out

From retro-inspired hues to mixed materials, kitchens designed today are a touch of nostalgia and personality. [Read this post]

Photo credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

2. Tuxedo Kitchen: A Stylish Twist for Cabinets

Add color to the kitchen without a full reno. [Read this post]

Photo courtesy: Anthony & Sylvan Pools

3. Buying a Home With a Pool? Here's What You Need to Know

Spot trouble early to avoid costly repairs. [Read this post]

Photo credit: Alex Shevarev / Getty Images

4. The Most Horrifying Home Design Trends: 2025 Edition

Styled, Staged & Sold's annual list of the worst home trends of the year—the design choices that can haunt real estate. [Read this post]

Photo credit: SI-F / Getty Images

5. Should You Embrace the 'Reverse Staging Method'?

Starting with the smallest details can make the biggest impressions. 

The design company Pantone recently revealed its 2026 Color of the Year: "Cloud Dancer"—a soft, clean white that is meant to offer a sense of calm, simplicity and a fresh start. While some design watchers have praised its sense of serenity, critics have argued it's an understated choice in a world still embracing bold, vibrant color trends—and others have taken their arguments further to say it's tone deaf to recent diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Pantone describes Cloud Dancer as "similar to a blank canvas," representing "our desire for a fresh start" and "a quieting of the mind that encourages creativity and reflection." The selection marks Pantone's first-ever white selection as a Color of the Year, continuing its recent move toward more soothing, low-impact tones that offer calmer, simpler color palettes. For 2025, Pantone selected Mocha Mousse—a warm brown hue—as its color of the year.

The Neutrals Are Gaining Ground

A softer color direction could be good news for real estate—a trend echoed by Sherwin Williams' "Universal Khaki" and C2's "Epernay" among its 2026 color picks. After several years of color-drenched interiors—from pinks and purples to deep blacks and moody hues—many home stagers and real estate agents may view a return of more neutral palettes as reliable crowd-pleasers. Shades of white on walls, kitchens and trim can create a "move-in ready" look that helps buyers imagine their own style in a space, without being distracted by bold colors splashed everywhere.

Photo credit: Vlajs / Getty Images

Pantone notes that Cloud Dancer can simplify spaces and create areas that feel relaxed and offer a sense of openness. The shade can add a spa-like calmness to bathrooms, a sense of spaciousness to kitchens and a clean backdrop for natural textures or statement décor, the paint firm says. Richer tones can then be layered in through accents, like pillows, artwork and accessories.

How It Fits Within Broader Paint Trends for 2026

Across the industry, more paint companies appear to be favoring warmer neutrals and earthy tones for 2026—colors that emphasize comfort and approachability. But plenty of bolder pops of color are also getting mixed in. Here's a look at the range of 2026 Color of the Year choices, so far, from the leading paint firms:

Benjamin Moore: Silhouette

Photo courtesy: Benjamin Moore

Glidden: Warm Mahogany

Photo courtesy: Glidden

Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home: Universal Khaki

Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams

C2 Paint: Epernay

Photo courtesy: C2

Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus

Photo courtesy: Valspar

Graham & Brown: Divine Damson

Photo courtesy: Graham & Brown

Behr: Hidden Gem

Photo courtesy Behr

Dutch Boy Paints: Melodious Ivory

Photo courtesy Dutch Boy Paints

Selling houses to baby boomers—a demographic that holds tremendous real estate wealth—can be challenging. Retirees seeking forever homes usually want to stretch their pensions in any way they can, and that means making a decision between staying put or seeking out a new location.

Older adults who do wish to transition out of their current houses and downsize may take their time to explore the market until they find the property that fits their lifestyle goals and is within their price range.

So, how do you convince these discerning home buyers to sign on the dotted line? Here are five practical staging tips to grab their interest.

1. Underscore Durable Materials

Baby boomers may gravitate toward house features that can age with them. They may want to spend their sunset years pursuing personal interests—and disruptive, time-consuming home improvement is not in their retirement plans.

Photo credit: YinYang / Getty Images

If you want your listing to stand out, make long-lasting, low-maintenance home features front and center. Metal roofing and fiber cement siding can last for decades with basic cleaning. Quartz countertops—made up almost entirely of by-products from other manufacturing processes—are heavy-duty, nonporous, resisting scratches, chips and stains. Porcelain tile, stone and luxury vinyl are hard-wearing flooring materials for high-traffic and high-moisture areas and are effortless to clean.

Only some homes have these features, but lacking any or all of them shouldn't stop you from making a solid case for durability. Focus on your listings' strengths to persuade older adults to put in offers.

2. Accentuate Energy and Water Efficiency

Retirees have limited disposable income, and homes that help them reduce their utility bills win their favor.

Spotlight the resource-efficient features of your listings. LED lights, ENERGY STAR-certified home appliances, windows and glazed doors, and WaterSense-labeled faucets, toilets, showerheads and irrigation systems indicate lower energy and water expenses.

Hire an energy auditor to evaluate a house's insulation, uncover its air leaks and address them accordingly. Considering that 89% of single-family homes in the United States are under-insulated, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association's 2024 study, a complete thermal enclosure system can make any house significantly more efficient and sustainable than most properties on the market.

3. Emphasize Aging-in-Place Features

Prudent older homeowners may be particular about accessibility features. Retirees looking to buy a house may desire to age in place. They anticipate their future needs and want a property that lets them live independently and comfortably while dealing with possible physical impairments, such as mobility challenges and vision loss.

Essential home features to improve accessibility and safety include wide doorways and hallways, grab bars, nonslip flooring and walk-in showers with chairs. If there's a no-step entry into the house, promote it in your listings. A ramp is optional, but it would be a definite draw for wheelchair users.

Photo credit: Onzeg / Getty Images

Multistory houses typically have stairways with handrails on both sides. To make stairs even more accessible, add contrast strips to the steps to enhance visibility.

Ideally, the flooring should be a single, continuous material to minimize or eliminate transitions and thresholds, which can pose tripping hazards. Cover concrete, stone or ceramic flooring with non-shag carpeting to lessen the impact of a fall. Swap knobs for handles and higher cabinets for lower ones with pull-down or pull-out shelves.

4. Demonstrate First-Floor Functionality

Older adults may favor main-floor living. The ground floor should have everything they need to support aging in place because using the stairs can cause discomfort, even if they are optimized for people with physical impairments.

The first-floor owner's suite is the single most desirable accessibility feature for retirees. This room makes the lives of older adults convenient and comfortable, as it renders any point of the house close.

When staging houses with no primary bedroom on the main floor, create cozy spots to make up for this deficiency. For example, putting a daybed with soft pillows next to a window gives the homeowner a place to rest and sleep properly without going upstairs.

Photo credit: Monkey Business Images / Getty Images

5. Highlight More Space

Downsizing boomers may love houses with fewer but bigger rooms. Many actively seek spare bedrooms to accommodate visiting guests — and possibly boomerang kids.

Americans are getting more accustomed to multigenerational living, with more baby boomer parents living under the same roof as their adult children.

Staging all available bedrooms as bedrooms is crucial to grab the interest of empty nesters looking for forever homes with enough private space for boomerang kids. As home prices soar, some retirees may be preparing for the likelihood that their priced-out adult children may return to stay with them for some time.

Ride the Silver Tsunami With Spot-On Home Staging

Easy upkeep, low utility costs, increased accessibility, a high-performance ground floor and ample space are the top priorities of downsizing baby boomers. Staging with these motivations in mind could help make your listings stand out.

As the holidays approach, there's plenty to appreciate in the way homes are evolving. Forget cookie-cutter designs—today's trends are all about warmth, individuality and functionality. Here are a few standout home trends worth giving thanks for:

1. More personality, less cookie-cutter

The all-white kitchen and all-gray interior had their moment, but homeowners are craving color and character. Think tuxedo kitchens—contrasting upper and lower cabinets—bold backsplashes, and interiors that feel one-of-a-kind. Spaces are getting a personal stamp with a custom, memorable look.

Photo credit: Raul Rodriguez / Getty Images

2. Natural touches

Biophilic design—bringing nature indoors—continues to rise in popularity. From natural stone and wood finishes to greenery that softens a room, homeowners are looking for calm, grounded interiors that feel connected to the outdoors.

Photo credit: Imaginima / Getty Images

3. Texture, texture, texture

It's no longer just about how a space looks, but also how it feels. Textured elements—like boucle fabrics, grasscloth, fluted wood and handcrafted details—are adding dimension and depth. These tactile surfaces bring warmth and encourage people to literally reach out and touch.

Photo credit: Tulcarion / Getty Images

4. The dirty kitchen

Open floor plans may be beautiful, but they don't leave much room to hide the mess. Enter the "dirty kitchen" or "back kitchen"—a hidden prep space or pantry often equipped with appliances and cooking surfaces. It's the perfect sanity-saver, allowing everyday chaos to stay out of sight while the main kitchen remains a spotless, sleek showpiece for the home.

Photo credit: Bryan Chavez / Getty Images

5. Accessibility with style

Designing for longevity is top of mind. Homeowners are embracing spaces that work for them now and later, blending function and style seamlessly. According to Houzz's 2025 Bathroom Trends Study, one in six renovated bathrooms now features a wet room—an open-concept design where the shower or tub flows into the rest of the room without bulky enclosures. These layouts not only maximize space and look modern, but they also make bathrooms more accessible for all ages and mobility levels. 

The report also shows more remodeling homeowners are increasingly prioritizing nonslip flooring, grab floors, built-in seating and adopting more low-fuss maintenance design elements, like large-format tiles.

Photo credit: Imaginima / Getty Images

The winter weather can create new roof problems and expose existing ones. Consider, nearly four in 10 U.S. homes are estimated to have roofs that are rated as "moderate" or in "poor" condition. As such, many properties may be at risk when colder weather and heavy snowfall arrives.

"Most homeowners don't realize their roof is vulnerable until it's too late," explains Jeff Berzolla, CEO of Instant Roofer, a platform that uses AI-powered roof calculators to provide roofing estimates nationwide. "The signs are often there months before the first snowfall, but people miss them because they don't know what to look for."

Berzolla says a typical $300 roof inspection and minor repairs could prevent $15,000 to $30,000 in emergency damage costs later on.

Berzolla shares the key warning signs that indicate a roof may be in trouble.

Photo credit: Onepony / Getty Images

1. Sagging or uneven roof surfaces

One of the most serious red flags is a roof that appears to sag or dip in certain areas. This indicates structural weakness that could lead to catastrophic failure under the load of snow. "When you see sagging, you're looking at compromised structural integrity," says Berzolla. "Snow can weigh 20 pounds per square foot when wet, and a weakened roof simply can't handle that kind of pressure."

What to do: Contact a structural engineer immediately. This isn't a DIY fix and requires professional assessment before winter arrives.

2. Missing, cracked or curling shingles

Damaged shingles create entry points for moisture, which can freeze and expand, causing further damage during winter months.

What to do: Replace missing shingles and repair cracked ones before the first snowfall. Even small gaps can lead to major problems when ice forms.

3. Ice dams forming along gutters

If you noticed ice dams last winter, your roof likely has insulation or ventilation issues that will worsen this year. "Ice dams form when warm air escapes through your roof, melting snow that then refreezes at the edges," Berzolla explains. "This creates a dam that forces water back up under your shingles."

What to do: Improve attic insulation and ventilation. Clean gutters thoroughly and consider installing heat cables as a temporary solution.

4. Interior leaks, damp patches or water stains

Any signs of water intrusion inside your home indicate your roof's protective barrier is already compromised.

What to do: Trace the source of leaks immediately. Water can travel far from the actual roof damage, so you may need professional help to locate the problem area.

5. Blocked or damaged roof vents

Proper airflow prevents ice buildup and helps maintain consistent roof temperature. Blocked vents create hot spots that lead to uneven snow melting.

What to do: Clear debris from vents and replace damaged vent covers. Ensure soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation from inside the attic.

6. Excessive icicles or gutter stress

While some icicles are normal, large formations indicate poor drainage and potential structural stress on your gutters and roof edge. "When gutters start pulling away from the house or you see oversized icicles, that's your roof telling you there's a drainage problem," Berzolla notes.

What to do: Clean gutters completely and check that downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Repair any loose gutter brackets.

7. Visible granule loss on asphalt shingles

Excessive granules in gutters or bare spots on shingles mean your roof's protective coating is wearing away, making it vulnerable to winter damage.

What to do: If granule loss is widespread, a roof replacement is likely needed. Isolated areas can be repaired with new shingles.

The holiday season is the perfect time to treat yourself—or someone you love—to items that bring more style to a home. From cozy textures to playful pops of color, find some ideas that reflect the latest design trends and can help refresh your living space.

For Backyard Fun

Outdoor entertainment areas continue to be on trend for homeowners and buyers. Thoughtful and inviting additions—from fire pits to games—can transform the backyard into the perfect gathering spot.

Start with a cozy fire feature you can enjoy all season long, like a trendy smokeless fire pit, such as the Breeo X Series 24 Corten Smokeless Fire Pit ($599.99).

Source: Ace Hardware

Bring the party to the next level with a pizza oven for backyard entertaining. The Gozney Arc XL's Liquid Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven ($1,000) can cook a 16-inch pizza in 60 seconds or less.

Source: Ace Hardware

Finally, add outdoor games to encourage social gatherings. Frontera focuses on style with its line of patio and lawn games like the Elakai River Croquet Set ($179), landscape scene-designed cornhole boards ($450) and even larger games like outdoor foosball or table tennis.

Source: Frontera

For the Kitchen

Freshen up the kitchen with small appliance add-ons and appliances in modern colors. GE Appliances—a NAR REALTOR Benefits® partner offering discounts for NAR members—offers options that go beyond traditional stainless steel. Consider a new finish for a modern twist: the Café Matte White, black slate, matte black or slate appliances.

Photo credit: GE Appliances

Small appliances also make a big impact, like the Café Automatic Espresso Machine or even an indoor grilling and smoker, such as the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker.

Photo credit: GE Appliances / CAFE Automatic Espresso Machine

Photo credit: GE Appliances / Smart Indoor Smoker

For Added Texture

Adding texture instantly brings depth and warmth to any room, whether through cozy throws, area rugs or stylish wallpaper. Interior designer Chelcie Eastman, co-host of Anything But Gray on the Magnolia Network, shares her love for Grasscloth Wallpaper from the Gray Benko Collection. "I'm a texture girl," Eastman says. "We have so many fun colors in grasscloth that we haven't really seen before." Made from natural fibers such as grasses, jute, seagrass or bamboo, grasscloth wallpaper is woven to create a textured, organic look.

Photo credit: GrayBenkohome.com

For Rounded, Sculptural Design

Furniture and lighting are moving away from harsh lines in favor of arches, rounded forms and sculptural shapes. Look for mirrors and frames with organic, flowing designs—that not only reflect light but also make a bold style statement. A great example is West Elm's fluted wood floor mirror ($499).

Source: West Elm

Arched furniture also can help "hug" a space, softening corners and adding visual interest. Consider pieces like Walmart's 71-inch, arched Pantry Storage Cabinet ($399.99).

For Decorative Storage

Baskets, boxes and trays aren't just functional—they also can decorate a space while keeping it organized. Give your kitchen pantry a quick makeover with baskets, glass jars and a label maker. For example, Wayfair.com offers a 6-piece glass storage jar set with airtight lids ($47.95).

Photo credit: Kristen Prahl / Getty Images

Storage ottomans are another way to combine style and function. Target's velvet tufted round ottoman with lift-off lid ($94.99) is a budget-friendly option that can serve as a chic accent while hiding items inside.

For Color & Pattern Pops

Brighten your countertops or living spaces with colorful accessories. Mix prints, solids and textures with throw pillows for a layered look, or add a pop of color in the kitchen, such as with a vibrant teakettle. The Le Creuset Demi Teakettle ($89) comes in a variety of colors—from reds and greens to blues—for elevating the stovetop.

Photo credit: Williams Sonoma

Patterns are another way to make a statement. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works beautifully as an accent wall behind a bed or even behind shelves on a bookshelf for a customized, high-end look. This version is fully removable, so you can easily switch it up whenever inspiration strikes.

Photo credit: Tempaper & Co.

For extra festive flair, Pottery Barn recently announced an exclusive home furnishings collaboration with 20th-century American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell, perfect for holiday-inspired color and pattern pops.

Photo credit: Pottery Barn

For Plant Life

Houseplants are an easy way to liven up any space. Small potted plants can brighten windowsills, while larger trees bring a bold statement and maybe even a fresh, natural aroma.

For windowsills, try smaller options like Ivolador Glass Double Test Tube Plant Terrariums ($12.99). Their minimalist design with natural wood base is perfect for smaller plants like Pothos, spider plants or English Ivy.

Or, go bigger with a fast-growing tree to accentuate a room's corner. For example, the Meyer Lemon Tree ($99.95) works indoors or outdoors (depending on your climate) and can even produce real lemons, offering cheerful pops of yellow with greenery.

Photo credit: Fast-Growing-Trees.com

When staging a home, you must ensure that everything is neat and organized so the home is presented in its best light before potential buyers arrive—even when you're pressed for time.

Fortunately, you can prepare your house for a viewing in 10 minutes or less. The 10-minute home staging method includes quick tasks worth prioritizing for maximum impact. Here's how it works in just minutes … Ready, set, go!

Photo credit: Alvarez / Getty Images

1. Clear tables and countertops

Counter space is considered negative space. Architect-turned-abstract artist Amrish Malvankar explains that negative space influences emotion—and so you can harness these psychological effects to boost a listed house's marketability. It's why Clint Collin, the owner of Houston Furniture Rentals, is big on clearing and wiping down kitchen and bathroom counters. Collin says that most homeowners pay closer attention to those rooms—so focus your efforts there to make every second count. He recommends having  disinfecting wipes handy to clean these areas quickly.

2. Let the light in

Neutral-colored curtains, drapes, blinds, shades and shutters lend character to otherwise bare and drab windows. However, they should take a backseat—and let the spotlight shine on the sun. Using abundant daylight can make the space appear larger, and it's an inexpensive, easy way to stage a house limited in square footage.

Dr. Marcia Layton Turner, the award-winning and bestselling co-author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Staging Your Home to Sell," says if she only had five to 10 minutes to prep a home, she'd prioritize opening all window treatments as wide as possible. Turner also would turn the lights on in the house to brighten up the areas that natural light couldn't reach.

3. Freshen up the air

Scents can affect people's emotional state. They can evoke personal memories, so filling the indoor air with a pleasant smell can lift the mood of visitors. Zeynep Mehmetoglu, co-founder of the family-owned residential housekeeping company Maid Bright, recommends using essential oil diffusers, candles or air fresheners to welcome visitors with a pleasant, sweet-smelling scent. This simple home staging idea also can help mask any offensive odors, like last night's tuna dinner.

4. Hide highly personal items

A properly staged house should be devoid of any trace of the current owner's relatives, likes, interests and beliefs, allowing buyers to imagine themselves living there. Hiding the seller's personal belongings out of sight is a must.

Kiel Wuellner, the senior creative director at Southern California's Vesta Home, suggests discreetly tucking away all highly personal items belonging to the current owner of the house, including family photos, refrigerator magnets and toiletries. Not seeing any reminders of the current homeowner maximizes the impact of the initial walk-through, as potential buyers can then more easily envision themselves living in the house.

5. Make the beds

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom. Its appearance sets the tone for the rest of the room. An organized bed makes the area look clean, inviting and well maintained.

This strategy is one of Stephanie Engel's favorite home staging hacks. Engel, the strategic interior design adviser at Real Estate Bees, likes to concentrate on the primary bedroom. Make the bed, topping it off with accent pillows and having it feel inviting.

6. Handle clutter systematically

Relentless decluttering is one of those simple staging ideas that works like a charm. Ensuring the house is mess-free is essential. However, it can be challenging to keep everything spotless and organized for constant home vistors.

Fortunately, tidying up doesn't have to be arduous. James Clear, the New York Times bestselling author of "Atomic Habits," suggests focusing on your organization system rather than your cleaning goals. Develop an efficient decluttering process you can apply to any room, and you'll see that this chore magically becomes easier. It could even mean having a go-to basket or under-bed tote to stash items away on the fly.

Bottom line: 10 minutes is enough time to accomplish a ton when you know what to do and how to do it. Keep these hacks in your back pocket whenever you need to stage a home in-between short viewing intervals.

Wet rooms and accessible design are growing in demand among bathroom remodelers, according to the 2025 Bathroom Trends Study, produced by the home remodeling site Houzz.

One in six renovated bathrooms now feature a wet room—an open-concept space where the shower or tub flows seamlessly into the rest of the room, without a bulky enclosure.

Photo credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

Homeowners are drawn to this layout for its versatility. It maximizes space, creates a sleek and modern look, and offers accessibility for all ages and mobility levels.

Bathroom design is increasingly being shaped by universal design principles. Forty-one percent of design and remodeling professionals report that homeowners are remodeling with aging household members in mind.

Some top accessibility features include:

• Low-curb or curbless showers
• Additional lighting
• Nonslip flooring
• Grab bars
• Built-in seating

Also, today's spacious wet rooms are prioritizing easy movement less-fuss maintenance, such as through large format tiles—12 x 24-inch rectangles—that make it easier to keep clean.

"Accessibility has become a defining priority in bathroom remodeling," says Marine Sargsyan, a Houzz staff economist. "Driven by demographic shifts and broader market trends, homeowners are increasingly working with professionals to integrate features that make their bathrooms safer, more adaptable and more supportive for all household members now and into the future."

Smart home technology can simplify daily life tasks and ease the move-in process for potential homeowners. When staging for house tours, capture buyers' attention by emphasizing how smart tech amenities can minimize daily stress.

After all, the smart home market is booming, projected to exceed $205 billion by 2026. As smart home tech continues to evolve rapidly, potential buyers are seeking out high-tech properties that incorporate innovative, personalized yet efficient features and designs.

Photo credit: Eoneren / Getty Images

Staging Tips to Highlight Smart Home Features

As agents prepare to advertise a new house, consider using these five tips to make your seller's high-tech home stand out:

1. Use signage and visual aids

Smart tech's sleek designs can sometimes make these elements challenging to notice. Consider placing small signs near the smart tech with its official name and a brief description. Additionally, interactive demonstrations are an effective way to engage potential purchasers. Try setting up a tablet so house seekers can test out the enhanced technologies, such as the lighting controls.

One of the most popular smart tech amenities is a thermostat. Unlike regular thermostats, smart thermostats work to better understand patterns, allowing for a more cost-effective energy plan. A visual aid will help house hunters become familiar with this helpful home improvement system—and make sure it doesn't get overlooked.

2. Integrate smart technologies into everyday scenarios

While visual aids can enhance the buyer experience, take this process one step further by sharing compelling stories of everyday situations. Set the scene to help home seekers envision what daily life in the house would be like. As you walk through the home, highlight key areas where innovative enhancements aren't always noticeable, such as the garage door.

Smart garage doors are forecasted to play a pivotal role among the estimated 103 million smart home total users by 2028. This technological innovation boosts curb appeal and offers convenient remote access for homeowners. For example, rushing out of the house might make homeowners forget to close the garage door, and smart tech offers a quick solution to double check.

3. Showcase security and convenience

Security systems are a popular and innovative smart tech choice. Installing smart speakers, locks, cameras and other devices can help owners monitor and secure a property. Set up a screen for potential buyers to view how these systems allow users to remotely monitor the property from a personal device.

With such a significant investment in a property—and the safety of a prospective owner's family at stake—highlighting the security systems may increase the house's reliability, and the buyer's confidence in it.

4. Provide simple user guides for buyers

Consider creating resources that detail the home's smart features and placing them on small tables near an innovative tech product or appliance. Prospective buyers can grab a pamphlet to review later.

Pamphlets allow you to highlight innovative features: For example, highlight the smart kitchen appliances, like smart refrigerators that alert residents if a door is left open by sending a notification straight to the connected phone.

5. Promote the energy efficiency

Be ready to explain the benefits and provide resources about the smart home tech, including details about its energy efficiency. For example, eco-conscious buyers may worry about the energy implications of ample smart technology in the home. However, most cutting-edge interiors prioritize being environmentally friendly. In fact, most smart technology—like lighting, thermostats, appliances, security and entertainment systems—can adapt to user habits to optimize energy usage.

Staging a home on the market to emphasize its smart technology will make it stand out to house hunters, benefiting both agents and sellers.

It's that time of year again when we dive into the most "frightening" home design trends of 2025—the ones that could spook potential buyers, clash with current tastes and even potentially hurt a home's resale value—that is, if you're not careful.

Throughout the year, designers, real estate professionals and consumer surveys have all weighed in, sharing their disdain for certain looks, layouts and décor choices that can feel outdated, overdone or completely impractical. From furniture faux pas to paint color missteps, we've gathered the worst of the worst in countdown fashion.

Find the trends that make designers cringe, buyers roll their eyes and homeowners question what they were ever thinking.

10. Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

Photo credit: Katherin Stanley / Getty Images

Once the "it" plant of Pinterest boards everywhere, the fiddle leaf fig is officially passé. Interior designers now call it the houseplant that locks your home into the late 2010s. Sure, it's bold and sculptural—but it's also earned a reputation for being fussy, difficult to keep alive and viewed as a cookie-cutter accessory. The New York Times first called out the "death of the fiddle leaf fig tree" in 2022, and others have since followed suit. Homeowners are seeking more variety in their houseplant choices. Looking for alternatives? Try snake plants, rubber trees or oxalis for less maintenance and more personality.

9. Red Brick Exteriors

Photo credit: Elenathewise / Getty Images

Red brick has slid down on curb appeal charts, with just 2% of designers calling it the most desirable in 2025, falling in at last place on the preference list. Off-white, natural wood and deep gray dominate buyer preferences nowadays, according to Fixr.com's "2025 design and trends color report."pdf Red brick still holds its charm in historic homes—but lately it has read more as dated, particularly as more homeowners favor lighter, versatile finishes that better match modern tastes.

8. Gray Flooring

Photo credit: Shevarev Alex / Getty Images

The gray flooring craze continues to cool. Surging in popularity from 2018 to the early 2020s, the look can now make spaces feel cold and washed out. Warm, natural wood tones are taking over, seeking to connect interiors more to nature. Still love your gray floors? Contrast them with bright, colorful accents to help balance things out—just don't expect them to be the star of your space any longer.

7. Mindless Maximalism

Photo credit: Helin Loik-Tomson / Getty Images

Maximalism has gone wild and cluttered "granny chic" versions are out. The anything-goes, pile-on-everything approach has left too many homes feeling chaotic. Lately, it's about embracing "maximalism with meaning"—bold colors with layered textures and eclectic finds that tell a story. After all, if buyers can't see past the zebra rugs and neon wallpaper, you likely are doing a home a disservice.

6. Smart Toilets

Photo credit: Maridav / Getty Images

Just when you thought home tech couldn't get any stranger, along comes a growing sector of smart toilets. Ambient lighting, app and voice control, music, health monitoring—do we really need our toilets doing all that? Smart home expert Brandon Doyle, a real estate pro with RE/MAX Results and co-host of The Technical Difficulties Podcast, calls the smart bidet "one of the most over-the-top devices. "Your standard bidet is interesting enough for Americans," he said on a recent episode of Real Estate Today, "but when you layer on sensors and automations, it gets kind of weird—it's a good conversation piece but it's definitely goofy." Like other flashy smart gadgets, these toilets may be more spectacle than practical upgrade—attention-grabbing, yes, but horrifyingly overengineered.

5. Lawn Paint

Photo credit: Patty_C / Getty Images

Yes, people really are spray-painting their lawns green! Lawn paint can disguise brown patches for a quick sale or backyard party, but it's a cosmetic fix that doesn't solve soil or watering issues. And used deceptively, it can cross an ethical line in real estate when you're using it to cover up serious lawn issues. Today's buyers value honesty and sustainability—not painted turf. A healthy lawn—or even drought-friendly landscaping—can beat a painted quick-fix.

4. Red Wall Paint

Photo credit: Irina88w / Getty Images

Red … again?! This time for the walls, not the exterior. More than half of real estate agents surveyed by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate called red walls an instant buyer deterrent. Red also popped up high on Fixr.com's 2025 survey of the most off-putting interior colors for home selling, which also included lime green, bold pink, purple, orange and mustard yellow. What colors should you use instead? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate's poll found that "new neutrals" reign—colors like soft greens, warm grays and nature-inspired tones. They note that buyers crave calm, move-in ready spaces, not bold personal statements they'll have to cover later. So, save those fiery hues for accents—not your entire dining room wall.

3. The Cookie-Cutter Kitchen

Photo credit: Timsa / Getty Images

All-white kitchens have had a solid run, but they've become predictable and a kitchen cliché. Today's homeowners want warmth and personality. Two-tone kitchens—mixing painted uppers with wood or darker lowers—or colorful kitchen islands add dimension and character without a full remodel. White is still classic, but combining it with natural or wood tones and nature-inspired hues can keep a kitchen feeling fresh, modern and far from cookie-cutter.

2. Floating Stairs

Photo credit: Suchada Tansirimas / Getty Images

They may look sleek and modern on Instagram, but floating stairs are high in cost and low in practicality. Without risers or sturdy supports, they can feel more like a safety hazard than a design win. Plus, they're not cheap, and that's money that could be better spent creating a dream kitchen. Buyers and homeowners likely will appreciate safer, more functional stair options.

1. Bubblegum Pink Home Horror

Photo credit: Asbe / Getty Images

What once felt playful on TikTok has officially turned terrifying in 2025. Homes drenched in hot pink—from walls to furniture—now part of the fading Barbiecore craze read as overwhelming and juvenile. A few pink accents are fine, but full-on candy-colored décor is chaotic and dated. Designers are retreating to earthier, grounded color palettes—soft greens, warm neutrals and natural textures—leaving Malibu Dreamhouse-style interiors and the bubblegum craze stuck firmly in the past … and back in the toy aisle where it all began.

Paint companies are dialing down bold choices for 2026, favoring beige-toned, creamy, and earth-inspired hues. Those choices will find a welcoming home in real estate.

Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams announced Universal Khaki as their joint 2026 Color of the Year. The earthy, mid-tone tan reflects a new era of "ultimate luxury," blending functionality with practicality, the companies note.

Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams

"Khaki is more than just a neutral—it's a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "With its warm, earthy undertones, Universal Khaki effortlessly complements a wide range of colors, creating a rich, inviting backdrop that can transform an entire design with quiet confidence."

Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams

The paint firms also unveiled a 2026 Color Collection of the Year, highlighting earthy combinations that promote warmth and simplicity through "clean lines, minimalist décor," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. Featured shades include neutral browns like Griffin, off-whites and stuccos such as Creamy and Neutral Ground, deeper tones like burgundy (Cordovan) and reddish terracotta (Reddened Earth), as well as blues and greens including Secret Garden, Still Water and Hazel.

Photo courtesy: HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Photo courtesy: HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Other paint brands are embracing similarly muted, elegant tones for the new year. C2 Paint selected Epernay, an earthy pale yellow, describing it as a "refined color, with subtle, balanced undertones" that bring "an air of understated elegance."

Photo courtesy: C2 Paint

Photo courtesy: C2 Paint

Dutch Boy Paints named Melodious Ivory, a creamy beige, as its 2026 Color of the Year. The paint firm calls it a "classic backdrop" to everything from exteriors to sun-drenched kitchens and cozy bedrooms for "comfort, quality and connection."

Photo courtesy: Dutch Boy Paints

Complementing the earthy vibes, wood tones are also making a statement. Minwax chose Special Walnut, an earthy, warm stain, as its 2026 Color of the Year. 

"With wood emerging as a key element in interior design—from furniture and flooring to cabinetry and architectural details—there's a renewed appreciation for finishes that enhance its natural character," says Lisbeth Parada, color and design lead at Minwax. Parada describes Special Walnut as a classic tone that feels "both familiar and fresh," perfect for restoring vintage pieces or complementing contemporary styles.

Photo courtesy: Minwax

With the steady rise in home prices over the past several years, more house hunters are showing willingness to accept trade-offs in order to purchase a home—a trend only growing, finds the latest wave of The America at Home Study.

The national survey of nearly 16,000 respondents across four waves since March 2020 found that in 2025 buyers were most willing to accept the following trade-offs:

• Smaller home: 40% (up from 21% in 2022)
• Smaller or no garage: 33% (up from 22%)
• Smaller room sizes: 25% (up from 16%)
• Rent-to-own model: 50% (up from 33%)
• Modular or manufactured home: 32% (up from 22%)

"The problem is that a lot of the housing stock isn't fitting what Americans increasingly say they're looking for," says Teri Slavik Tsuyuki, co-founder of America at Home and co-chair of the Global Wellness Institute's Wellness Communities & Real Estate Initiative.

Compared to 2022, home buyers appear increasingly more willing to accept a smaller home—40% in April 2025 compared to just 21% in October 2022. They're also much more willing to accept smaller garages—33% versus 22%—and smaller room sizes at 25% versus 16%.

The survey notes the majority—64%— are now made up of one- and two-person households, and these smaller households are finding they can make do with less space. Instead, they're prioritizing flexible, multi-use spaces that support wellness, the study finds.

Photo credit: Runna10 / Getty Images

Small and Wellness Is Craved

Home buyers appear to be prioritizing wellness-inspired qualities in a home over the home's size. The survey finds the most desired features they would be willing to pay for tend to support their health, create cost savings and lessen their environmental footprint.

The top features and upgrades respondents said they would prioritize include:

• Better equipped and more modern kitchen for cooking: 29%
• More efficient insulation, HVAC, lighting and appliances: 25%
• Whole house water filtration: 22%
• Whole house, always-on quality indoor air filtration: 22%
• Solar battery storage or back-up power generator: 18%

Meanwhile, community amenity priorities appear to be reflecting a longing for joy, health and connection, the study notes. The top five desired community features include:

• Access to nature for outdoor activities: 54%
• Walkability to coffee shops and casual eateries: 49%
• Trails: 48%
• Small neighborhood parks with seating and shade: 45%
• Large parks and open space with fields and green areas: 44%

"Today's consumers are trading space for experience and connection," says Belinda Sward, co-founder of the America at Home Study and founder of Strategic Solutions Alliance. "They're willing to trade home and yard size for parks, trails and everyday places where they feel known. That sense of everyday connection to nature and neighbors drives values, belonging and well-being while reinforcing their sense of safety—the primary way people define home."

The most memorable DIY projects are often the ones that go completely sideways. Josh McGrath, broker-owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central and the 2025 president of the West Virginia Association of REALTORS®, considers himself a "DIY Survivalist." He isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves to save a property from disrepair.

McGrath recalls a foreclosure purchase that he had bought sight unseen as a rental property. It turned into a literal biohazard cleanup. "I had to put myself in an entire Hazmat suit and clean out the house because of the filth that was left behind," he says. "The house had sat vacant for about three years so it was full of every kind of rodent you can imagine." The amount of trash in the home accumulated into "mountain-size" proportions. "I had to have the city come with an actual backhoe and scoop the trash into a trash truck because it wasn't even anything we could get into bags," McGrath recalls.

Despite the mess, McGrath has no regrets about buying the property. It actually turned out to be one of his favorite investment properties. "We found beautiful hardwood floors under the carpet that we were able to refinish," he says. "We took down a wall, opened up the kitchen and we restored it back to a 1930s craftsman with this wonderful covered front porch." He liked the house so much he didn't sell it but kept it as a rental. 

McGrath's story is a reminder that sometimes it takes getting dirty—even in a Hazmat suit—to turn a real estate disaster into a true triumph.

Photo credit: Jsnover / Getty Images

Here are some more of his confessions as a DIY remodeler who has a knack for saving homes that others may be quick to dismiss.
Longest weekend project you ever tackled: "Trying to retile four floors in a beach condo. I thought I could do it in a weekend, but it was 15 hours a day over several days."

Your go-to paint color: "Worldly Gray from Sherwin-Williams. It's a good neutral that blends well with both beige and gray."

The tool you can't live without: "My tape measure. As funny as it sounds, I have one in every car, in all of my bags, every office—because inevitably if I'm out and about and there's something on sale at Lowe's or Home Depot, I'm like: 'Oh, that'll work! I need to know how big it is … if it's the right size vanity or right size door.'"

The most overhyped DIY trend: "Wallpaper. Everybody is back into wallpaper. While I love it in certain spaces, if you don't put it up correctly, it's a disaster to deal with. You think you can just paint over it or you can take it down—and then you find that you messed up the wall. So, I caution people, be careful how much wallpaper you put in your house."

One remodeling project you'd never skip before selling: "I would not skip the idea of making sure your kitchens and bathrooms are as updated and refreshed as they can be. You can do little things to make a bathroom and a kitchen look good without having to completely redo them. But those are two rooms that everybody pays the most attention to whenever they are house shopping. So, if you're looking at selling—kitchens and bathrooms sell houses."

The one home upgrade that almost never pays back: "A pool. Don't put in a pool and think you're going to get your money back. You're not. It's going to create good marketability but only for somebody who wants a pool. But for people who don't want a pool, they're not paying for it."

Fastest, cheapest way to make a home look more expensive: "Fixtures—whether you upgrade the lighting fixtures or the hardware on the kitchen cabinetry. You can buy super cheap lighting that they call 'contractor grade' at most places, or you can find a step or two above at lighting warehouses. At certain times, you may even find a sale for really nice lighting at a really discounted price. Lighting will absolutely change the entire look and feel of a home. It's something you see as soon as you walk in the door—so it makes a strong first impression that buyers will notice."

Which is the biggest disaster: A paint spill or wrong measurements? "The paint spill—probably because of where it spills and what you're going to have to do to fix it. If you spill it on carpet, the carpet's done and you have to replace it all. You spill it on the floors, you have to pull up all that floor and redo it. If it's a wrong measurement, I can usually either make it fit by redoing the size of the hole, if it's a window or door. It may delay me, but it may not be as big of a disaster as spilling paint.

Ever call a pro to fix your fix? "Absolutely—especially if it's for plumbing. I can do about anything but for whatever reason, I'll fix the plumbing and maybe a week later, it's usually worse than it was when I tried to fix it the first time. I have learned if it's a plumbing issue—just call the plumber."

Worst DIY injury: "I would say I've hurt my pride more than anything else because I'll take on a project that I think I'm going to be able to knock out. And then when I can't, inevitably the contractor that I end up calling knows, my friends know and my family knows."

Decks are a selling point in real estate. But decks can take a pounding during an active summer. Since this tends to happen mostly beneath the boards, homeowners may overlook the warning signs until it's too late and becomes costly damage, says Dave Kile, owner and deck expert at Trex Protect.

"Summer fun can take a bigger toll on your deck than most homeowners realize," Kile says, adding that everything from melted ice to sugary spills and overloaded gatherings can accelerate rot and loosen fasteners. "Grease, spills and moisture don't just stain the surface—they seep down and attack the structure," he adds. "By the time you see signs of damage on top, the problems underneath may already be costly."

Deck repairs run, on average, between $750 to $2,500, according to HomeGuide, a portal for finding local service professionals.

Photo credit: Scott Martin / Getty Images

Kile shares five common types of deck damage, and how to spot them:

1. Dark stains between the deck boards

"Dark stains usually mean BBQ grease or liquid has seeped past the decking into the joists," Kile says. "Left untreated, it becomes a food source for mold and speeds up rot." However, the fix can be simple, he says.

What to do: Kile recommends applying a degreasing cleaner. Scrub between the boards with a stiff brush and then rinse thoroughly. For older decks, you may need to lift a board or two to clean hidden buildup.

2. Wobbly railings or loose boards

"That's usually just wear and tear from people leaning, sitting or moving around during gatherings," Kile says. "The fasteners get stressed. The good news is, it's an easy fix."

What to do: Inspect the joints, tighten the screws, swap out any rusty brackets and make sure you're using weather-resistant fasteners, Kile says. "That should restore the stability," he adds.

3. Soft spots underfoot when walking across the deck

Soft spots are a red flag and shouldn't be ignored, Kile says. "They usually mean water or grease has gotten into the joists or beams underneath," he says.

What to do: Get underneath and check the framing, Kile says. "If the wood is spongy, reinforce or replace it right away," he says. "Leaving it will only make the problem worse."

4. Scratches and gouges on the surface

Most of the time these are just cosmetic blemishes, but they are still worth fixing, Kile says. "Dropped items, or furniture being dragged, can strip off the protective finish, which then lets moisture seep in," Kile says.

What to do: A light sanding works for small marks, Kile says. For deeper ones, use a filler that matches your deck material and then reseal it so water can't get in.

5. Green or black patches along the joists

This is a telltale sign of mold or mildew—and it feeds on trapped moisture, Kile says. "It spreads fast, so tackle it straight away," he says. 

What to do: Kile recommends a scrub with a deck cleaner or diluted bleach solution. Then look at airflow and drainage. "Mold comes back if the deck can't dry out properly," he says.

When it comes to creating memorable properties, details matter more than grandeur. Sure, a home with trendy furniture and a flowing layout may catch someone's eye, but the small, thoughtful touches define quality and care.

What Is the Reverse Staging Method?

Staging a home matters: Consider, the National Association of REALTORS®' 2025 Home Staging Profile shows that 83% of real estate agents say that well-staged homes help buyers envision themselves living there.

Traditional staging focuses on the broad strokes, like thoughtful furniture placement that reflects daily living and color schemes that are timeless or on-trend. Items should complement the space and the overall room layouts—all while showing how people would naturally navigate the home.

Reverse staging—also called "microstaging"—flips this approach. It starts with the details homeowners often overlook early in the buying process but notice critically later. This includes hardware, textiles, lighting, scents and subtle décor before moving on to larger elements like furniture or paint.

Photo credit: Sl-F / Getty Images

The Core Principles of Reverse Staging

Here's the philosophy behind this high-impact staging method.

• Detail-oriented staging: This focuses on hardware, textiles, lighting and accessories—elements that buyers can see and also touch, feel and experience up close.
• Layered impact: Because multiple senses are engaged, each micro-impression accumulates like points for the buyer, reinforcing the property's sense of quality and integrity.
• Subconscious influence: Buyers may not linger on the hardware, but they notice when it is polished, turns smoothly and closes without creaking.
• Problem-solving focus: Limited budgets or outdated layouts are common challenges for sellers, but they don't have to reduce a home's appeal. Thoughtfully selected details draw attention away from flaws and enhance the overall presentation.

How to Microstage: 4 Tips

The smallest tweaks can close deals when done right.

1. Identify key touch points

The first step is identifying the areas buyers are most likely to interact with. This includes surfaces and features in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.

Inspect doorknobs, cabinet pulls, light switch plates and faucets. These often show signs of daily wear from previous owners. Polishing or replacing these elements can make a significant difference, particularly if they are scratched, damaged, rusted or creaky. And with more than a hundred million homeowners in the U.S. expected to embrace smart home technology by 2028, subtly highlighting any smart tech features in a home can also be a great signal to buyers.

Photo credit: Brizmaker / Getty Images

2. Curate a detail palette

When replacing hardware, make these details cohesive. Swap dull or tarnished fixtures for brushed nickel or matte black versions for a more modern look. Upgrade cabinet pulls and drawer handles with styles that complement the kitchen or bathroom palettes. Updated light fixtures give a room a contemporary feel.

3. Layer the details

Extend these thoughtful touches into season-appropriate textiles for a layered, multisensory effect. Add pillows, blankets and rugs that help buyers envision the comfort and warmth of the space once they move in. Use neutral tones as a base, accented with pops of color and current trends to guide the eye strategically.

Accessories should also feel intentional. If you have a target market in mind, incorporate objects that reflect their hobbies or interests, helping potential buyers feel a personal connection to the space and making it more memorable.

4. Amplify the senses

Every home carries distinct scents that are often overlooked. While these smells aren't necessarily unpleasant, they can strongly shape buyers' impressions of a property. Clean, subtle aromas and thoughtful lighting instantly make a home feel more welcoming.

You can also engage each sense to create a memorable home-viewing experience. A corner filled with natural light, accented by a tall leafy plant, a woven basket and a softly scented candle can make a room feel airy, warm and inviting.

Photo credit: Ellobo1 / Getty Images

Why Is Reverse Staging So Effective?

Microstaging is a fresh perspective that emphasizes the power of detail to transform a buyer's perception of a home. It is:

• High impact: Thoughtful details create a sense of luxury and sophistication. Well-designed landscaping can boost a home's value by showing off curb appeal, shows NAR's Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features. These micro-impressions, though subtle, accumulate to build a lasting sense of quality that can resonate with buyers.
• Cost-effective: Small details are often less expensive to upgrade than major renovations. For reference, professional staging averages for about $2,000, while a minor kitchen renovation can cost $12,500 or more.
• Subtle persuasion: Staging hardware and accessories for maximum impact works subconsciously, influencing buyers without being overt. Display furniture can be swapped, rooms rearranged or walls repainted, but flimsy features suggest neglect and future expenses.
• Problem-solving: Limited budgets or dated layouts don't have to diminish appeal. Carefully chosen updates can distract from flaws and make a room more presentable.

By focusing on details like hardware, textiles, lighting and sensory cues, sellers can compete on a budget while stagers showcase quality and diligent maintenance. Reverse staging shows that sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

When it comes to getting a home market-ready, paint beats almost any other home improvement upgrade. A new Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate poll found that three out of four real estate agents say repainting the interior can add the most value before a sale—sometimes boosting the listing's value by as much as 10%, or up to $20,000.

"Painting is the most cost-effective upgrade, and you can cover the most space with it," says real estate broker Josh McGrath, the owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central in South Charleston and West Virginia and the 2025 President of the West Virginia Association of REALTORS®. Paint and supplies tend to be cheaper than most other house projects, so if a homeowner had $1,000 to spend, McGrath would generally suggest putting it all toward paint. 

"Even if you just paint the walls the same color, you get that fresh look. The dents and dings are gone, and you get that clean paint smell," McGrath says. "That's the biggest impact you can make." 

Color Choice Matters 

Real estate agents understand the value of freshly painted homes. It's why painting the entire home or at least one interior room is the home remodeling project they most often recommend to homeowners before listing, according to the National Association of REALTORS®' 2025 Remodeling Impact Report.  

And, the BHGRE poll confirmed what many agents see every day: Color can make or break a first impression. The color of the walls can make buyers feel welcome or turn them off. The poll revealed that buyers often hold strong impressions of certain colors.  

For example, more than half of respondents said red is the number-one dealbreaker for them in homes they view.  

"Red has subliminal messaging," McGrath says. "Red means stop. Red means caution. It subconsciously drives your blood pressure up. It's great for a restaurant—but not for a house. A home should feel calm and inviting." 

Other bold hues like orange, neon hues, purples and saturated pinks were also ranked as home buyer turn-offs, according to the survey.  

Meanwhile, neutrals still dominate in real estate. Eighty-four percent of agents in the BHGRE survey said whites, grays and beiges remain top choices. McGrath points to an emerging favorite that bridges both cool and warm tones—his favorite Sherwin-Williams' Worldly Gray, which is mix of beige and gray. 

Photo credit: SSS_CreativaStudio / Getty Images

The BHGRE poll revealed the following favorite color combinations when staging a home before listing it:

• Beige and soft green (tied as the favorite staging palette)
• White and gray (tied as the favorite staging palette)
• Navy and white—which offers a contrast without turning off mainstream buyers
• Bold combos—such as black and gold or taupe and teal—but used sparingly and often reserved for luxury listings 

Photo credit: Oleksandr Shcherban / Getty Images

Half of homeowners say they repaint not to change out the color but simply to refresh their home, according to the BHGRE survey.  

"Think about buying a pre-owned car," McGrath says. "You expect it to be detailed—clean looking nice and smelling fresh. Buyers expect the same thing with a house. Fresh paint makes it feel like its new again."  

Photo credit: Tulcarion / Getty Images

Whether selling or not, he recommends repainting a home every three to five years, depending on how you live in the space. "Life leaves marks on the walls," he says. "A fresh coat of paint can bring it back."

Listen to a recent episode of Real Estate Today with Styled, Staged & Sold's Melissa Dittmann Tracey for tips on where to splurge, where to save, and how to make renovation work for you.

As home remodeling soars in popularity, more couples are finding themselves battling it out over paint colors and floor finishes. The number of choices in a home remodel can strain relationships, according to the newly released 2025 U.S. Houzz Remodeling & Relationship Survey. But it's not always just the stress of choosing finishes—sometimes the bigger debate is whether to renovate at all or sell instead.

Regardless, the stress can prove so great that 12% of couples in relationships of five years or less said they even considered separating or divorcing during a home renovation, the Houzz survey finds. 

"A home renovation is clearly one of the most demanding journeys a couple embarks on together, with numerous decisions, budget considerations and trade-offs along the way," says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. "The findings highlight how communication, compromise and visualization technologies help mitigate disagreements and support productive collaboration throughout the renovation process among couples and the pros they hire."

How Real Estate Agents Can Be an Ally

Given the friction, real estate agents may step in as mediators, guiding clients toward smoother remodeling decisions.

Real estate agents are finding that as home remodeling surges, they can be a hero in recommending reputable contractors, designers and remodelers as well as resources to help ease the process.

Agents can share data for comparable homes in the neighborhood to help homeowners gauge what features competing homes offer. They can also provide industry insights on which renovation trends deliver the highest ROI so clients can make more informed choices. Resources like The National Association of REALTORS®' 2025 Remodeling Impact Reportpdf reveal which home remodeling projects tend to pay back the most at resale. (Read more: Why Remodeling Homeowners Need a Real Estate Agent's Guidance)

Top Couple Complaints When Remodeling

The top sources of conflict during renovations, according to the Houzz study, are:

• Difficulty staying on budget (31%)
• Disagreements over products, materials and finishes (28%)
• Agreeing on the project's scope or design (20%)

Also, about a third of couples said selections for paint colors, furniture and flooring materials were common sticking points during a remodel, according to the survey.

Couples at different stages of relationships tend to fight over different things during a remodel, the Houzz study finds. For example, younger couples—those together less than 10 years—tend  to spat over furniture choices while couples of 21 to 30 years tended to have a high rate of flooring disagreements, and couples of 30 years or more most often disagreed over paint colors and flooring.

To get through these challenges, couples admitted to compromising as well as increasingly relying on tools to help them better visualize the finished result. Younger couples tended to be the most likely to compromise while longer-term couples were twice as likely to have one partner accept defeat and defer to the other, the Houzz survey finds.

Couples said the remodeling process would be easier if design and construction professionals were more transparent with pricing, communicated clearly and offered more accurate timelines, the survey finds.

That said, by the end of the remodeling project, most couples said they were satisfied, reporting their newly renovated home left them more comfortable, happier and less stressed. They just need to make it to the finish line.

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for the natural differences in how people's brains process information, think, learn and experience the world around them. It includes a wide range of neurological conditions such as autism, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome and various learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dyscalculia.

With nearly 20% of American adults identifying as neurodivergent, real estate professionals and home stagers should be considerate of how it feels for every client to experience the sights, sounds and navigation within a home.

By making thoughtful, strategic design decisions, you can minimize potential stress triggers for the neurodivergent population.

How to Stage an Inclusive Listing

Those who identify as neurodivergent tend to value the same fundamental elements as neurotypical buyers—calm, functional spaces that feel intuitive and safe. But you can make that theme more prominent with a few extra considerations in your home staging.

1. Use Calm, Muted Color Palettes

Color powerfully influences mood and perception. Research shows that bright, high-contrast hues or clashing patterns can overstimulate people with autism or sensory processing differences.

A good hue to choose? Studies consistently point to green as a calming color that connects people with nature, promoting tranquility and focus. Blues and muted earth tones also tend to be well-received and can help reduce visual agitation.

For home staging, consider accent walls in sage green, pale blue or warm taupe. Avoid overstimulating colors like bold reds, neon yellows or heavily patterned wallpaper. Instead, incorporate soft-toned wood furniture and textured textiles—like linen or cotton—to create a grounded, inviting atmosphere that feels peaceful yet balanced for every visitor.

2. Create Clear, Simple Room Layouts

There's a reason open-concept layouts continue to be in demand among homeowners. Cluttered or confusing layouts can be stressful for many buyers, particularly those who thrive on structure and clarity. People with neurodivergent traits may be more sensitive to busy environments. A straightforward layout keeps it more manageable.

As such, just like in traditional staging, keep rooms open and logical. Consider setting up specific zones for relaxing, working and eating that allow guests to create mental maps of the space, which is especially helpful for people with memory challenges like early dementia.

Avoid over-decorating. Instead, use rugs, lighting or subtle furniture placement to visually separate spaces without overwhelming the senses.

Photo credit: Sarmdy / Getty Images

3. Layer Lighting Thoughtfully

Lighting matters more than you might think, especially for neurodivergent clients. People with autism and other sensory sensitivities can be especially reactive to lighting. Harsh ceiling spotlights, cool fluorescent bulbs or flickering LEDs may feel overwhelming or physically uncomfortable. On the flip side, excessively dim rooms can trigger anxiety or disorientation for some.

Opt for layered lighting—instead of relying on a single, bright source. Combine ambient, task and accent lighting so potential buyers can experience the space comfortably. Use warm-toned LED bulbs, floor and table lamps, and dimmable switches wherever possible to offer flexible control over brightness.
Don't forget the power of natural light. Open the blinds during showings. Daylight supports well-being and can even trigger the release of serotonin, creating a more positive association with the property.

Photo credit: Tulcarion / Getty Images

4. Use Noise Control Features

Sound sensitivity is another common experience in the neurodivergent community. Common sounds that neurotypical people might ignore, like a humming refrigerator or echoes in a bare hallway, can be overstimulating to others. A house's quiet setting can be a significant selling point.

You don't need to go as far as soundproofing the home, but acoustic consideration makes a difference. Wool rugs are good at muffling noises. Cushions and wall art can absorb sound and also help soften the atmosphere. Stage rooms with potted plants near windows and in particularly noisy areas to help improve acoustics.

5. Design for Flexibility, Not Stereotypes

Neurodivergence is a spectrum, not a monolith. Your potential buyers' preferences may differ significantly. For example, someone with autism might prefer calm, low-stimulation environments, while a person with ADHD may thrive in spaces that offer subtle sensory engagement.

Rather than designing for a diagnosis, focus on universal comfort. The goal is to create an organized, welcoming and adaptable space that appeals to everyone, regardless of how their brains work. After all, feeling at ease in a home is a universal human desire.

When it comes to prepping a home to sell, Guest House seeks to revolutionize room staging by bringing together digital merchandising, personalization and speed. Guest House was selected as part of the National Association of REALTORS®' 2025 Second Century Ventures' REACH program, which recognizes tech startups that show promise in shaking up the real estate space.

"We want to simplify the staging process and make it as easy as ordering groceries online," says Alex Ryden, founder of Guest House. The platform allows real estate pros to cue up staging services and instantly receive quotes, schedules and mood boards. Agents and sellers know precisely how the home will be designed and when.

"We like to think that we're bringing an Amazon-like experience to the home staging market," including fast delivery of materials for setup in a matter of three or four days.

In addition to a staging package, agents and sellers can choose among add-on options like professional cleaning, photography and media, and moving services. "A few clicks of the button, and you can have your house staged just like that," Ryden says.

Photo courtesy: Guest House

The 'Red Shoes in the Window' Effect

Guest House focuses on merchandising the space—a concept borrowed from retail and interior design. "We have design standards ... and within those standards, we're always looking at ways to bring thoughtfulness into the design," Ryden says. "So maybe it's a really thoughtful piece of pottery or a thoughtful piece of furniture. We think of that as the 'red shoes in the window effect.'" It begs to be noticed.

Like traditional staging methods, Guest House's services engage all the senses throughout the home's preparation. Whether it's adding a special scent, music or carefully selected accessories, the subtle touches create an emotional connection for buyers so that they want to commit to the property.

Photo courtesy: Guest House

If clients like what they see, they not only can buy the home—but they can buy into the entire design too. Guest House merchandises the listing so buyers can purchase the actual furniture and accessories used in staging the property. "If they love the way the interior looks, they can work with one of our designers one-on-one, and our designers can recreate that look for them. Or they can work with us to create a totally new look based on where that home buyer is in life," he says.

Photo courtesy: Guest House

The Power of Staging

Regardless of how a property is staged, industry research confirms it's paying off for home sellers in today's marketplace. NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Staging report shows home staging can lead to:

• Increased offers: Thirty percent of real estate pros report that staging boosted home values by 1% to 10%. Broken down further, 20% of listing agents said offers increased by 1% to 5% compared to similar, un-staged homes while another 10% of agents reported a 6% to 10% jump in value, which they attributed to home staging.
• Speedier sales: About half of real estate pros surveyed say that staged homes tended to sell more quickly than their un-staged counterparts. Eighty-three percent of buyers' agents said staging made it easier for home shoppers to envision a property as their future home.
• High-priority spaces: The survey showed the most important spaces to stage (ranked in order) are the living room, primary bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and outdoor spaces. Meanwhile, agents placed less emphasis on staging guest bedrooms and children's rooms, according to the report.

Wallpaper is making a comeback. Once viewed as outdated and a hassle to remove, wallpaper nowadays comes in new materials and modern patterns that are winning over fans once again. The key? Don't overdo it. Moderation is key, especially when selling a home.

Does Wallpaper Help Sell a House—or Distract?

Certainly, some buyers may have negative impressions about wallpaper, especially if it is in multiple areas throughout the home or feels like it's in an outdated pattern. Those who've spent countless hours removing old wallpaper in the past may be unlikely to appreciate it, even in its new form.

However, wallpaper used on a single accent wall or in just one room, such as a guest bathroom, might be something buyers can overlook—and dare we say, even appreciate.

A survey conducted by Talker Research, commissioned by Realty ONE Group, found that nearly one-third of twenty-somethings love wallpaper in a home. Twenty-three percent favor nautical or beach-themed wallpaper prints, while another 21% favor wallpaper with a boho vibe.

Knowing which prints will stand the test of time—and which will have buyers asking for a decorating allowance—can mean the difference between selling a listing quickly and seeing it linger on the market for several months.

5 Wallpaper Trends to Consider

1. Textured Neutral

Textured walls are reminiscent of plaster walls of the early 1900s. Adding textured wallpaper in a soft taupe or eggshell can hint at the house's charm, particularly if the home has a vintage flair.

Rawpixel / Getty Images

2. Complementary Colors

Wallpaper choices should complement other elements in the space, like the furnishings. For example, blue stripes on an accent wall draw the eye and can mesh well with a luxurious gold sofa, offering the space an elegant appeal.

3. Small-Scale Patterns

The wrong wallpaper used in spaces like entryways, laundry rooms and half baths can feel cluttered. Smaller-scale patterns may be less off-putting. But carefully assess the print from a distance to ensure the pattern isn't too busy or that the print isn't so small that it gets lost from across the room.

4. Nature-Inspired Prints

Nature-themed décor has made a resurgence in recent years. The calming reassurance of a forest scene or flora and fauna prints may remind buyers of simpler pleasures. In an urban setting, nature-inspired elements can help people escape the hustle and bustle of city-living. Pair nature-inspired prints with live plants for an added natural touch.

Katarzyna Bialasiewicz / Getty Images

5. Deep, Rich Colors

Tapping into the emotional power of deep, rich colors like mahogany, red, orange and yellow can add excitement to a space. These hues work particularly well in the social areas of a home, like a kitchen or living room.

Interiors3D / Getty Images

Yes, You Can Overdo It with Wallpaper!

You might love the look of a beautiful wallpaper mural in a home's entryway, but buyers may have mixed reactions. Plaid prints and wallpapered ceilings are popular in 2025 design but may not translate well when selling a home.

Regardless, if someone loves a home, they'll buy it with wallpaper—or not. However, if their choice has come down to two houses, they may be more likely to forgo the home they view as needing extra renovations to get rid of something they despise.

Real estate professionals may be finding they're having tough conversations with more clients about their wallpaper choices. But when selected carefully and strategically, wallpaper could be a home's asset and a valuable staging tool to make a space more memorable. There is a fine line of overdoing it—sellers should balance the trend by choosing wallpaper that makes you awe, not gasp.

© Joe Hendrickson / iStock /Getty Images Plus

The home remodeling boom continues, as homeowners leverage their equity to take on a range of house projects, large and small. But are they choosing the best projects to help boost their home's resale value?  

A fancy kitchen upgrade or bathroom renovation may have a significant impact on potential buyers. But for projects that recoup most or all of their cost, owners should think smaller, according to the newly released 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Swapping out the front door for steel, for example, is likely to get the most bang for the buck.

Prioritizing Home Remodeling Projects

Being able to help sellers prioritize home improvements and maximize their net on the sale is a key value real estate agents offer. For a range of home improvement projects, the Remodeling Impact Report compares estimated cost (estimates are from a NARI member survey) with real estate professionals' estimates of the likely dollar value at resale.

The report revealed the following home remodeling projects may offer the highest returns, based on their estimated cost recovery at resale:  

• New steel front door: 100% (estimated return based on upfront cost)
• Closet renovation: 83%
• New fiberglass front door: 80%
• New vinyl windows: 74%
• New wood windows: 71%
• Basement conversion to living area: 71%
• Attic conversion to living area: 67%
• Complete kitchen renovation: 60%
• Minor kitchen upgrade: 60%
• Bathroom addition: 56%
• New primary suite: 54%
• Bathroom renovation: 50%

A Balancing Act

Because owners often plan to stay in the home and enjoy the improvements for a few years before selling, the report also assigns a "joy score" to each project. The score is derived from a survey of homeowners conducted by NAR's consumer website HouseLogic.

"Homeowners undertake remodeling projects for numerous reasons, but what remains intriguing is the disparity between the joy experienced post-remodel and the actual cost recovery," says Jessica Lautz, NAR's deputy chief economist. "While homeowners take pride in seeing their personal tastes and design choices come to life, [real estate professionals who are] REALTORS® may recommend different strategies to enhance the property's resale value."

Americans spent an estimated $603 billion last year on remodeling their homes, according to the report. With the average home of the U.S. now older than 40 years old, home remodeling may be growing more important as homeowners try to ensure their home ages well—with its value, too.

Consumers surveyed for the report said their top motivations for undergoing a home remodel were:

• To upgrade the home's worn-out surface finishes and materials (27%)
• To improve energy efficiency (19%)
• A desire for a change (18%), or
• Because they plan to sell their home within the next two years (18%).

Because every home and every neighborhood are different, a presale project that's right for one home won't benefit another. But for those who do plan to sell within the next couple of years, the Remodeling Impact Report offers agents a starting point for a discussion.

How Real Estate Pros Are Helping

Forty-three percent of homeowners say home remodeling, repairs and maintenance stresses them out, according to Angi's State of Home Spending report.  

Real estate pros are finding themselves an important ally in helping to guide remodeling decisions to help ease some of that stress. Clients turn to them for reputable contractors, as well as for guidance in prioritizing remodeling decisions.

"A real estate professional absolutely can help clients with remodeling," says Angie Hicks, co-founder of the home services site Angi, formerly known as Angie's List. "I always like to say, 'You want to keep up with the Joneses, but you don't want to beat the Joneses.' If you have three bathrooms when everyone else has two, you won't be getting the return on that. In thinking of the resale on your house, a real estate agent is going to be a great person to talk to."

According to NAR's Remodeling Impact Report, the top agent-recommended projects were painting—either the entire home or at least one room—as well as installing a new roof, if necessary, to make a home more marketable.

Real estate professionals also reported that over the last two years they've noticed an uptick in the number of homeowners who've had an increased desire to tackle kitchen upgrades, install a new roof or complete a bathroom renovation, the Remodeling Impact Report finds. These can be key areas in a home for buyers, as well as among the most expensive house projects. Nearly half—or 46%—of home buyers say they're less willing to compromise on the condition of the home they purchase. As such, homeowners prioritizing such projects may help make their properties more move-in ready to home buyers and justify recent home price growth.

Homeowners who don't intend to sell soon may be motivated by recent home appreciation to undertake house projects. "The substantial housing equity that homeowners have built up over time enables them to invest in transforming their homes," Lautz says.

"This report demonstrates that demand for remodeling remains robust," as remodeling contractors continue to report an uptick in projects as well as larger scope projects over the last two years, says Jason Hensler, president of NARI. "Homeowners are discovering significant value and joy in these investments—from smaller upgrades, such as front doors and windows, to major renovations like kitchens and primary suites," he says.

©shapecharge / Getty Images

Architects, designers and wellness experts are curating wellness spaces for individual and group activities in large part because of demand for these kinds of features. Certain demographics such as Gen Zers and Millennials show extra interest, according to McKinsey's latest wellness report, which pegged the 2024 global market at $1.8 trillion. Real estate professionals will find more and more of their customers seek homes with wellness-specific features or examples of how to add wellness into their lives.

Here are ways to share with homeowners how wellness can become part of their residential surroundings and lives:

Use Natural Elements in the Home

To fashion the right backdrop and mood for a wellness space, more professionals incorporate the tenets of biophilic design, which connects users to nature through views and access to the outdoors and choices of natural materials. Designer Alena Capra, CMKBD, who works with Armina Stone, a large importer and fabricator of natural stone, suggests using natural stone to surface countertops, walls and floors. "Whether it's a stone accent wall, cladding on shower walls, countertops in a spa or primary bath or even counters in a home gym, the ability to bring in a bit of natural stone for that connection with nature is something we are seeing more of in residential and commercial interiors," she says. Among popular choices are marble, quartzite and even semi-precious stone in serene colors.

Another option is to paint walls and ceilings in a limewash, a breathable, natural material that allows moisture to evaporate and prevent mold and mildew growth, says real estate salesperson Delaney Fox of Keller Williams Luxury International SVSI in Ketchum, Idaho. Some also like to install a kill switch to pare exposure to magnetic electromagnetic fields (EMF), Fox says.

Make Relaxation Intentional

Morgante Wilson Architects sees more clients look to the built environment to improve their mental and physical well-being, whether it's installing spaces that maximize connectivity with others or locations with direct access to natural elements like water. "Many want a spa experience to help them decompress," says firm associate architectural designer Kevin Thayer. More people are installing wet rooms that include both a shower and tub to save space and make rinsing off after a bath easier. These spaces require less square footage than a traditional primary bathroom does, a trend also noted by Houzz.

The home gym is still popular, especially with the rise of online fitness classes post-pandemic. Thayer says homeowners want functionality and style, which his firm elevates through Scandinavian-style hardwood flooring rather than rubber matting.

For a bigger investment and new twist, some install cold plunge pools and saunas indoors or outdoors, Fox says. The therapeutic benefit is that getting into the cold water can reduce inflammation and it's said to be great for longevity, regeneration and clarity, she says.

Still another new option is what designer Sharon McCormick, Sharon McCormick Design, Allied AIA-CT, terms a "Zen Den," a room designed for Zen meditation or Nia—a combination of holistic modern dance, martial arts and mindfulness workout. "Mindfulness is a hot topic as the general public becomes more informed of the practice and its positive effect on mind, body and soul and to ease anxiety and anger," McCormick says.

Communal Wellness in Multifamily

Developers of condominium and apartment buildings are adding choices as wellness trends extend beyond pilates and yoga and more buildings hire wellness experts to launch experiences. Salesperson Claire O'Connor of O'Connor Estates sees more sauna and cold plunge pools in the luxury mix.

Curated Options

Related Group, a multifamily developer, incorporates more saunas but also newer features such as salt spa rooms to improve breathing and promote relaxation. The company's St. Regis Residences in Miami also includes a relaxation area and juice bar. At its Rivage Bal Harbour in Miami Beach, there are hammam spa amenities, which use hot steam to encourage a deep and invigorating cleanse.

At 200 Amsterdam in New York City, SJP Properties designed amenities to inspire creativity and relaxation. Residents can enjoy a soundproof rehearsal room, a children's playroom featuring a performance stage and costume area, luxurious rain showers and golf simulators with championship courses for an immersive experience.

Immersed in Nature

The wellness trend has moved outdoors where setting aside land for green parks and trails encourages healthfulness amid fresh air. The town of Tower at Trilith in Fayetteville, Ga., planned its sustainable environment with a large central park and 19 pocket parks so that homes face or are within one block of green space. There are also 15 miles of pedestrian pathways throughout the planned town, says Rob Parker, president. Many homes were also designed with a small footprint—down to 500 square feet for its micro models—for easy maintenance and the conservation of land for shared purposes.

Developer Lendlease took a similar step when it developed outdoor space at two downtown Chicago buildings, which nearby residents and workers can also use. As part of its Cirrus development, a 350-unit condominium tower on Lake Michigan, the firm designed Cascade Park, an adjacent public space with series of switchbacks that provide lakefront access, transforming what was once a 50-foot elevation change into a safe, accessible connection to the lakefront and its adjacent trail. Cirrus also features The Conservatory, a 900-square-foot biophilic space with raised garden beds, vegetation and seating nooks.

Another example, located in Chicago's South Loop, is The Reed at Southbank. The 440-unit residential tower features a central lawn, stone amphitheater and native plantings. Meandering walkways link to a new riverwalk with viewing platforms and seating, providing settings that support physical and mental well-being and community interaction.

Focus on Indoor Air Quality

More residential builders and homeowners are focused on HVAC systems and technologies that help curtail air leakage and perform more sustainably such as Aeroseal. More also build to higher green standards, through a leading sustainable certification program known as BREEAM. Health and well-being feature strongly in the certification, which addresses and rewards building features that improve indoor air quality such as ventilation systems designed to reduce pollutant exposure, use of low-emission materials and monitor systems that track and maintain healthy air levels.

It also addresses energy efficiency, which is linked to thermal comfort, and resilience which helps homeowners and residents prepare for natural disasters and ensures that a building continues to provide a healthy home.

As wellness continues to shape home design, both buyers and builders are prioritizing features that promote health, relaxation and sustainability. From natural materials to curated wellness spaces, these elements not only enhance daily living but also add long-term value. By integrating thoughtful design choices, homeowners can create environments that support well-being, efficiency, and a deeper connection to their surroundings.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Brown, ©Next New Homes Group

When designers and architects are asked about trends influencing them as the new year begins, fewer cite home offices as the primary focus. While homeowners still desire dedicated workspaces in the home, more are returning to outside offices full-time. Instead, new trends are emerging. Real estate agents can use this information to inform their clients, plan their business and keep the lines of communication open with clients who might not need to buy or sell, but are ready for a refresh for their home. 

Here are a dozen noteworthy ones:

1. TV-Less Living Rooms

Once the focal point of many living rooms—taking center stage from fireplaces—the TV is on its way out, says designer and architect TC Chou of Design Determination in New York City.

Why now: More people are watching movies on personal devices and prefer arranging living rooms for multiple conversations rather than positioning one seating group toward a TV. The new look is "loungey," with swivel chairs that pivot to face various groupings. For those who still want a TV, the emerging gaming room is an alternative. Others may opt for TV models with frames that change colors to blend with wall decor.

2. Authentic Homes With Character

Newer homes that promised low maintenance and ample amenities drove a boom in oversized modern farmhouses featuring white siding and black detailing. However, the enormous square footage often left little yard space, says Claire O'Connor of O'Connor Estates in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of TC Chou, ©Design Determination

Why now: In some markets, there's a renewed interest in smaller homes that reflect classic styles like mid-century modern and Spanish Mediterranean. Smaller footprints allow for more land, while individuality and original materials add character. Even in kitchens, buyers are blending original elements with new appliances and cabinets that suggest a timeless era. "This way, the house has more character and doesn't look mass produced," she says.

3. Exterior Transformations With Virtual Tools

Dzinly, a site specializing in virtual exterior renderings, offers an interactive platform for homeowners to envision changes to their home's facade with a few clicks. Human design craftsmanship and the power of artificial intelligence take exterior design to the next level.

Why now: Curb appeal is critical, but buyers may not like something about a home's exterior and need to visualize the possibilities. "Homeowners can toggle between paint colors, design options, and updated landscaping through MLS listings and open houses, turning mediocre listings into showstoppers," says Jackie Mosher, COO of Dzinly, outside Detroit.

©Dzinly

4. More Glazing for Health and Light

Nature is showing up in more homes, offering both visual appeal and health benefits.

Why now: Increased evidence pinpoints nature's positive effects, leading to larger, custom-designed windows, doors and skylights, according to Andersen Windows and Doors' 2025 report. Changes include: 

• "Multi-glide" doors can stack to create walls of light.
• Triple-pane glass meets energy-code requirements.
• Dark colors reduce heat absorption.
• Accessibility-friendly designs benefit those who use wheelchairs and walkers.

Architect Alexander Zilberman, AIA, of AZA Design in New York City is using more oversized windows and doors with triple panes and other coatings to cut energy costs. HIs firm works with AI to study site lines, views and light to provide the best views. 

5. Cozy English-Style Kitchens

The all-white, sleek kitchen may have some competition thanks to a rise in the popularity of the cozy, English-style kitchens, reports Houzz.

Why now: After years of stark minimalism, coziness appeals to homeowners. They're making it possible with: 

• Dark wood cabinetry
• Historic paint colors
• Natural countertops
• Ceiling beams and range alcoves

6. Designs for Easier Living

Convenience and low maintenance trends continue among homeowners and apartment dwellers.

Photo courtesy of The Beach Company, ©Peter Frank Edwards

Why now: People across all income levels want more time for other activities, says Alan McMahon, senior development manager of The Beach Company in Charleston, S.C. Trending are appliances and features that make tasks like cleaning and shopping easier. Examples include:

• High-end appliances with stainless fronts
• Low-maintenance backsplashes and countertops
• Cabinets that extend taller for fewer grocery trips
• Energy-efficient LED lighting

At the Jasper, a multifamily development by The Beach Company, enclosed parking garages with electric vehicle charging stations add even greater convenience.

7. Moving Beyond Major Metros

During COVID-19, homeowners largely stayed put—except those in dense urban areas. Now, smaller metro areas surrounding major cities are growing, according to a report produced by Chris Porter and Mikaela Arroyo of John Burns Research and Consulting, headquartered in Irvine, Calif.

Why now: Housing affordability is a key driver. To help lower prices, homes are getting smaller. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, data from the last several months shows a growing share of households have said they expect to move. One reason is the pent-up demand for move-up homes after years of high mortgage rates and slow home sales.

8. New Building Methods: Mass Timber and Prefab

Stick-built and prefabricated homes remain dominant, but mass timber construction in conjunction with prefab methods is making inroads for single- and multifamily buildings.

©Cruz Cos

Why now: Mass timber—using pine, spruce or Douglas fir—is more sustainable and visually appealing than steel. This method speeds on-site construction as the skeleton is built off-site using prefab engineering, key in areas prone to delays due to climate challenges. Architect Zilberman uses AI to streamline research on code requirements and building parameters.

9. Affordable + Market-Rate Housing Blends

Affordable housing remains a challenge, but combining market-rate and affordable units is becoming a viable solution.

Why now: Municipalities are more willing to offer tax credits and incentives for mixed projects. Cruz Companies has successfully implemented this model at Crestview in New Bedford, Mass., and Harvard Commons in Dorchester, Mass., says CEO John B. Cruz III. Combining unit types promotes diversity and equity while maintaining quality living features. It's also more likely to be approved.

10. Solar and Battery-Ready Homes

With climate change causing more and stronger natural disasters, homeowners are taking control of their energy needs through solar power and battery-backup systems so they don't have to rely on the power grid.

Photo courtesy of Meredith Kish, ©Andersen Windows and Doors

Why now: "Batteries are becoming extremely popular as families look to protect themselves from outages," says Ashley Yehuda, senior sales director at Sunrun, a clean energy company based in San Francisco. Sunrun reports that 60% of customers now pair solar with a battery, compared to 12% just a few years ago.

Incentives and rebates still exist in some states, and sleeker systems are available for lease or purchase. In California, solar photovoltaic systems are already mandated for new single-family and smaller multifamily homes.

11. Indoor Sports and Play Spaces

After prioritizing work-from-home setups, families are now focusing on recreation, and unwinding takes a larger role in home design.

Why now: Indoor golf simulators are gaining popularity and can double for soccer, baseball or dodgeball. These systems provide a shorter and more flexible alternative to a full round on the greens, appealing to both solo players and groups.

12. Design Packages for Simplicity

For some homeowners, choosing home finishes can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options. Some builders recognize this and now offer design packages to simplify the process, says Christopher Brown, president of custom home builder Next Crafted in Roseville, Calif.

Why now: Life is busier than ever, and this approach removes the angst that a homeowner might feel when having to make multiple decisions on a new home that's essentially a blank slate. With packages, buyers can select from pre-paired options featuring trends like: 

• Lighter wood tones such as white oak cabinets
• Natural stones
• Jewel-toned electric appliances

This approach removes decision fatigue while maintaining style and appeal.

By staying informed on these trends, homeowners can make thoughtful, future-ready decisions that align with their personal style and evolving needs. 
 

Looks matter when it comes to real estate—and taking the time to spruce up a home before the for-sale sign goes up could lead to a faster sale that nets a homeowner more money, according to the newly released 2025 Profile of Home Staging, a survey of about 1,200 real estate professionals conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Indeed, about 30% of real estate professionals reported that staging boosted home values by 1% to 10%, the survey finds. More specifically, nearly 20% of listing agents said offers increased by 1% to 5% compared to similar, un-staged homes, while another 10% of agents reported a 6% to 10% jump in offers, which they attributed to home staging.

On a $400,000 priced home, staging could potentially lead to a $4,000 to $40,000 boost in the sales price.

Speed of sale was another advantage agents attributed to home staging: About half of real estate pros surveyed said that staged homes tended to sell more quickly than their un-staged counterparts. Eighty-three percent of buyers' agents said staging made it easier for home shoppers to envision a property as their future home.

The impact of staging often begins before a buyer ever sets foot inside. "We know most home buyers start their search online, so first impressions are really important," says Chris Lim, executive vice president and chief growth officer at RE/MAX. "Buyers may forgo seeing a home if it doesn't show itself in a certain way online."

In fact, one in three buyer's agents reported that clients were more likely to schedule a showing after seeing a staged home online, the NAR report shows.

Photo credit: PC Photography / Getty Images

Most Important Spaces to Stage

The survey found that agents prioritize the following rooms in staging for prospective buyers:

• Living room
• Primary bedroom
• Kitchen
• Dining room
• Outdoor spaces

Meanwhile, agents placed less emphasis on staging guest bedrooms and children's rooms, according to the report.

Home Checklist for Sellers, According to Agents

Absent of formally staging a property, real estate agents say they often advise their sellers to spruce up their home if they want to appeal to today's more discerning, HGTV-loving buyers. After all, 58% of real estate professionals report that buyers were disappointed when the homes they visited didn't live up to what they saw on TV.

As such, more than half of real estate agents said that they suggest these common home improvements to sellers before listing the property:

• Decluttering
• Full-home cleaning
• Enhancing curb appeal
• Taking professional photos
• Minor repairs
• Carpet cleaning
• Depersonalizing
• Paint touch-ups or repainting
• Landscaping
• Re-grouting tile
• Removing pets during showings

Put a light anywhere in the house—without an electrician or extra wires. Battery-operated and rechargeable lights are becoming a game-changer when looking for an affordable home staging solution that can brighten up spaces.

Cordless lights are making it possible to bring light anywhere. Consider, dark closets, dim entryways, bedside tables and bathroom mirrors. When getting a house ready for sale, agents and home stagers are turning to these portable options as a quick—even stylish—fix.

Picture sleek wall sconces, discreet puck lights or picture lights to highlight artwork. All are available in wire-free options, offering flexibility, function and style without the hassle.

Photo credit: Nalinratphi / Getty Images

And while such solutions can help enhancing a home's appeal to buyers, owners don't have to be planning a sale to go wireless. 

"Cordless and LED options are making it easier for homeowners to upgrade without a full electrical overhaul," says Alecia Taylor, a designer at CabinetNow.com. "We've had customers integrate rechargeable puck lights inside cabinets or glass-front uppers to highlight their dinnerware or collectibles—easy, functional, and beautiful."

Affordable, Rechargeable & Easy to Install

Battery-powered lights come in nearly every style—from brass wall sconces to LED color-changing puck lights. These can be affordable, too, with most options ranging from $20 to $80. The lights are typically rechargeable, with most staying lit for eight to 15 hours between charges.

Long-lasting battery-operated sconces attach easily to the wall. Most come with remote control options and can even be voice-activated with smart-home assistants like Alexa or Google Home. The brightness can be adjusted or dimmed, and many have color temperature controls, enabling owners or their agents to alternate between warmer and cooler tones.

With today's cordless lighting options, homeowners can bypass expensive rewiring and add light where and when they need it, whether to bring attention to a gallery wall, make a closet more functional or add ambiance and style to nooks and crannies around their home.

Outdoor lighting serves a variety of functions: style, ambiance, safety and, for home sellers, serious curb appeal.

Homeowners are increasingly elevating their exteriors with features such as dramatic uplighting to show off architectural features and soft downlighting that casts flower beds in an inviting glow.

"Lighting is one of the easiest ways to completely change the feel of a space, without breaking the bank," says Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, who also has a personal interest in renovating properties.

Whether owners are spotlighting a favorite tree, lighting up their walkway or stringing lights around a patio to transform their backyard into an after-dark oasis, outdoor lighting is no longer an afterthought—it's a standout feature.

Homeowners looking to make an outdoor statement, either for visitors or to attract buyers, have a growing number of options, from professional-grade smart systems to solar-powered DIY kits.

Layer on the Outdoor Lights

A well-lit home exterior doesn't just look good but can feel safe, welcoming and thoughtfully designed. "Integrated outdoor lighting is one of my favorite ways to transform a yard," Wilcox says.

Photo credit: Karamysh / Getty Images

Here are some ways to do it:

• Uplighting can showcase tall trees, unique landscaping or textured exteriors.
• Downlighting can mimic moonlight, adding a cozy, elegant vibe to gardens and seating areas.
• Accent lights can bring focus and add visual drama to flower beds, sculptures or water features. Wilcox says LED-lit address plaques can be the "jewelry of your front entry," eye-catching and functional.

Smart Lighting Solutions

Technology is adding even more functionality to outdoor lighting systems. Smart landscape lighting allows homeowners to control brightness, set schedules, adjust color temperature—or even completely change the color of the lights using an app or voice assistant.

Lighting updates may offer extra safety, too. For example, JascoPro has introduced landscape lights that function as normal uplights or downlights—but can be switched into an Emergency Flash mode. In case of a crisis, your outdoor lights can flash red, helping alert neighbors or guide emergency responders to your home. This kind of integration shows that landscape lighting is evolving not just as a design element—but as a functional one.

Affordable Alternatives: Solar Lighting

For a budget-friendly and DIY-friendly option, solar landscape lights are surging in popularity. They require no wiring or professional installation, and they can serve as a great low-cost option for illuminating paths or spotlighting trees in a landscape.

But keep in mind: Solar lights rely on sunlight to recharge. Place them in a well-lit area so they stay charged for longer periods during the evening hours.

Photo credit: Welcomia / Getty Images

Kitchens in 2025 are becoming about self-expression, combined with playful sophistication. As such, the colors and materials homeowners choose are becoming important—and they're moving beyond just white, according to the 2025 Kitchen Trends Report, produced by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. 

A Retro Revival

Design elements of the 1950s and 1970s are showing up in kitchens today. The report notes:

• 52% of design professionals say bright hues and earthy tones of the 1970s are making a comeback.
• 47% predict a resurgence in the muted, modern minimalism that was present in the 1950s, especially in cabinetry, hardware and colors.

Warm oranges, rich browns and even avocado greens are getting paired with clean lines and vintage-inspired fixtures. Designers say these throwback touches can add warmth and charm into modern kitchens—a mix of past and present. 

Photo Courtesy of NKBA / Design by Jessica Enman

Photo Courtesy of NKBA / Design by Lisa Frahm

Colorful Kitchens

Many homeowners are moving on from the all-white kitchen, as 2025 designs embrace bolder, more expressive styles. Color is leading the charge. Seventy-one percent of design respondents say their clients prefer colorful kitchens that reflect personality. Whether subtly or boldly, color is entering the kitchen, with pops of color being brought in through backsplashes, kitchen islands, wallpapers and even accent walls.

Photo Courtesy of NKBA / Design by Barb Weis

One of the favored colors: green. According to 76% of design and remodeling professionals, green will be the most popular color to incorporate in the kitchen this year. Blue (63%) and brown (56%) rounded out the top three, according to the NKBA report. 

Designers note that these shades reflect a shift away from once-dominant grays and whites toward nature-inspired palettes—whether that's a soft sage, moody forest green or deep navy.

Photo Courtesy of NKBA / Design by Yancy Dearinger Bonner

Mix-and-Match Everything

Contrast and creativity appear to be the new kitchen rules. For example, 67% of designers said they favored backsplashes that blend materials, textures or tile patterns for a unique statement. Eighty-four percent also noted that lighting fixtures are becoming a standout kitchen feature. Kitchen fixtures today often mix materials like brass, glass, wood and metal, or include woven textures. 

Photo Courtesy of NKBA / Design by Tracey Fogarty

What's Out for 2025 in Kitchen Design

The NKBA report calls out these fading styles:

• All-white and all-gray kitchens are giving way to more earthtone kitchen hues, like greens and browns.
• Overly minimalistic, impersonal designs are being swapped out for lived-in, layered spaces.
• Uniform finishes and match-everything designs are being pushed out for textured materials and bolder colors.

© justocker / iStock / Getty Images Plus

If they decide to sell their home, baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964 and estimated to number about 76 million—might not want to reinvest their equity in another property. Many favor renting, according to Freddie Mac. Among the reasons:

• Greater affordability and better control over monthly expenses through a lease instead of mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance
• Readily available services from on-site management, such as package delivery or plant watering, as seen in communities by Optima, Inc.
• More freedom to lock up and travel
• Greater opportunity to invest capital in non-real estate assets
• Flexibility to move if desired
• Preference to own only one property, typically a vacation or primary home
• Proximity to children and grandchildren  

"The younger generation's location may be based on the strongest job growth," says Chris Nebenzahl, vice president of rental research at John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

Some don't consider renting until it's suggested, says Jean-Marie Minton, SRES®, with Keller Williams Realty Evolution. "I do it as part of due diligence to discuss options so they make the smartest decision," she says. Her parents relocated in their mid-70s to a 55-and-up rental community and sold their longtime family home. Now 93, her mother still lives there, surrounded by others but remaining independent.

It's important to understand such preferences. Because of their accumulated possessions and desire to house family and friends, many don't want to follow the pattern of past generations and downsize when they transition homes. Some seek equal or more space, which various rental communities will offer.

Boomers also prefer different amenities than millennials and Gen Z. They may favor walking trails and dog parks over plunge pools and climbing walls. Earning the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation can give professionals an edge in meeting boomer needs. While rental supply has recently boomed, long-term undersupply could become a challenge, Nebenzahl adds.

Boomers span an 18-year age range, so no rental unit suits all preferences. Several prototypes offer both pros and cons.

Traditional Apartments with Amenities

This rental model typically features newer units in a multistory building with elevators and amenities. For a lower-cost option, the property may be comprised of older, low-rise, garden-style buildings.

Pros

• Location: New buildings are often walkable to restaurants, shops, transit, and sometimes universities. For example, RMK Management Corp.'s Central Station in downtown Evanston, Ill., is near public transit and Northwestern University. Safety features such as buzzers or concierges add appeal, says architect Anthony Vivirito, LEED AP, associate at The Architectural Team (TAT). Proximity to healthcare facilities is another plus, says Desen Lin, assistant professor of finance at Cal State Fullerton.
• Layout and Design: Many units are single-level and feature open floor plans with quality finishes, says Diana Pittro, executive vice president at RMK Management Corp.
• Amenities: Fitness studios, wellness programming, pools, dog parks and community spaces offer convenience. At Optima Verdana in Wilmette, Ill., the pool has retractable glass walls for year-round use. The Residences of Wilmette offer terraces with kitchens and fire pits. Anthem Everett in Everett, Mass., designed by TAT, includes community-focused retail and public space enhancements. Optima's in-house concierge provides services like grocery delivery and housekeeping.
• Move-in Ready: Having a turnkey unit saves time and renovation costs, says Kerry O'Brien, broker and owner of O'Brien Realty.

Cons

• Rent: High operational costs drive up rent. Some amenities may not appeal to boomers.
• Noise: Younger residents may make communal areas busier than boomers prefer.
• Square Footage: Many units are studios or one- to two-bedrooms, which may not suit boomers who want room for family. Older buildings may lack ADA-compliant features.

Build-to-Rent (BTR) Homes

Emerging after the Great Recession, this model appeals to those who want the feel of a single-family home without owning. Though originally popular with millennials and Gen Z, BTR homes also attract boomers.

Pros

• Space: These homes often have multiple bedrooms, yards and second stories, but no ownership costs.
• Camaraderie: Clubhouses and shared spaces foster community among residents of all ages.
• Appeal Across Ages: Developers like Capstone Communities, which began with student housing, found the model also works for boomers, says Executive Vice President John Acken.

Cons

• Location: Often in suburban areas, these communities may feel isolating. Capstone aims to incorporate walkability into its designs.
• Too Much Space: Large homes may not appeal to all boomers.
• Younger Neighbors: A youthful resident mix might not suit everyone.

Active Adult Living

Originally introduced by Del Webb in the 1960s with Sun City, Ariz., these age-restricted communities offer homes and extensive programming for retirees. Today, they serve a broader 55+ population, though the average age trends between 72 and 75, says Rockland Berg, AIA, principal at three architecture.

Pros

• Age-Appropriate Design: Communities like Everleigh Cape Cod near Hyannis, Mass., feature lounges, yoga studios, libraries and arts rooms. Accessibility helps residents age in place, says Vivirito.
• Programming: These communities offer pickleball, walking trails, health lectures and more. At Vita Luxury Apartments on Grant in Merrillville, Ind., RMK staff host speaker events and vaccine clinics. "Aging well is best when done with purpose," Berg says.

Cons

• Location: Often located in the "smile states," they may be far from family.
• Limited Age Diversity: Some may prefer a more age-diverse environment.
• No Health Care: Unlike continuing care retirement communities, active-adult communities don't offer advanced care, requiring additional planning if needs change. "It's often done in a crisis," Berg says.

Whatever option boomers choose, remind them it doesn't have to be permanent. Some may return to homeownership because renting is often a transitional phase, Pittro says. "Very seldom do these renters stay in excess of five to seven years," she says.

U.S. Capitol building

© tupungato - iStock/Getty Images Plus

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed sweeping tax reform legislation—packed with major real estate provisions championed by the National Association of REALTORS®—advancing the measure toward final approval. 

The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the One Big Beautiful Bill on May 22. It is expected to take up and approve the Senate-amended version in the coming days, sending the legislation to the president's desk for signature shortly thereafter. 

NAR successfully secured its top five priorities in the final package, alongside several other provisions that support homeownership and strengthen the real estate economy.

"We've worked for months to educate Congress through original NAR research, analysis and polling to demonstrate the value and broad support for the many real estate provisions in this bill," says NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. "Congressional leaders were receptive to our message. Our team had many conversations with lawmakers, and they thanked us for our public support and for providing the data they needed to support these provisions."

NAR remained at the negotiating table through the final hours. "We were invited to the White House on Friday—just days before the final vote—to continue advocating for our members and consumers as the Senate version took shape," McGahn says. "The administration and Congress respect the voice of our members and the roles they play as leaders in their communities. We are an army of advocates living and working in every ZIP code in America with a unique insight into the state of the economy." 

NAR's Top Five Real Estate Wins 

The bill includes NAR's five key priorities:

• A permanent extension of lower individual tax rates
• An enhanced and permanent qualified business income deduction (Section 199A)
• A temporary (five-year) quadrupling of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, beginning for 2025
• Protection for business SALT deductions and 1031 like-kind exchanges
• A permanent extension of the mortgage interest deduction

"These provisions form the backbone of the real estate economy—from supporting first-time and first-generation buyers to strengthening investment in housing supply and protecting existing homeowners," McGahn says. "Real estate makes up nearly one-fifth of the entire U.S. economy, and we made sure policymakers understood that homeownership is the essential component to building wealth and a strong, prosperous middle class."

Additional Wins for the Real Estate Economy

Several other provisions in the bill championed by NAR add to its positive impact on the real estate sector:

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): Key provisions from the LIHTC Improvement Act are included on a permanent basis to support affordable housing development.
• Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,200: Permanently raises the credit, with inflation indexing. This provision could ease housing affordability for families.
• Permanent Estate and Gift Tax Threshold Set at $15 Million (Inflation-Adjusted): Prevents a sharp drop in exemption levels and supports generational wealth transfer.
• No Increase to the Top Individual Tax Rate: The proposed 39.6% rate was removed from the bill.
• Restoration of Key Business Provisions:
  • Full expensing of research and development
  • Bonus depreciation
  • Fixes to the interest expense deduction limit
• Immediate Expensing for Certain Industrial Structures: Applies to facilities used in manufacturing, refining, agriculture and related industries.
• No Changes to Carried Interest Rules
• Strengthened Opportunity Zones: Renewed with revised incentives to promote targeted investment, including in rural areas. NAR polling found that 80% of voters support such tax incentives to drive economic development in underserved communities.

Podcast Spotlight: 'The Advocacy Scoop' Breaks It Down

McGahn and NAR Vice President of Advocacy Communications Patrick Newton break down key wins in the latest episode of The Advocacy Scoop podcast released on Friday and discuss how the latest version took shape as it went through the "Byrd Bath" process in the Senate.

They also discuss a newly included provision establishing "baby bonds"—a one-time $1,000 government investment for each child born after the bill's enactment.  

When maximized, these bonds could provide significant funds toward a first home once the child reaches adulthood.

"This has been a long-time dream of NAR," Newton says in the episode.

NAR Polling Helped Seal the Deal for Real Estate

In the final weeks of negotiations, original polling commissioned by NAR played a critical role in building support and momentum for real estate provisions in the bill.

The national survey, conducted in May, found overwhelming public backing for the real estate provisions in the legislation. Among the findings:  

• 92% support tax-free savings accounts for first-time home buyers
• 91% support preserving tax incentives like the mortgage interest deduction
• 86% support maintaining lower-income tax rates for individuals and married couples
• 83% support the 20% deduction for independent contractors and small businesses
• 61% support increasing SALT deduction limits or removing limits altogether

Notably, 86% of voters supported the bill's lower individual tax rates—one of NAR's core advocacy priorities.

"We commissioned this poll just before our legislative meetings in May. Thousands of our members were able to take these numbers straight to lawmakers on the Hill, and they were very grateful for our work," McGahn says. "It provided the research and data they needed to ensure homeownership was front and center in this bill. We also shared the findings widely through a public affairs campaign in Washington, making sure policymakers were operating with the best information possible. Our members, working together, packed a powerful message." 

Stop just relying on overhead fixtures. They're not very inviting. Instead, designers and home stagers are taking a more dynamic approach that blends different types of lighting to make rooms more functional and aesthetically balanced.

"Many homeowners are embracing layered lighting—incorporating a blend of recessed lighting, lamps, sconces and dimmable lighting to create ambiance and dimension," says Betty Brandolino, founder and creative director of Home Environments, a luxury interior design firm in Elmhurst, Ill.

Layered lighting can create depth, mood and purpose in a room. Instead of flooding a space with a single light source, it uses a mix of fixtures—each with its own role—to achieve a more versatile and customized feel.

Ambient Lighting: Setting the Foundation

Photo credit: Ucpage / Getty Images

This is your room's general lighting—the base layer that ensures the space is evenly lit.

Examples:

• Recessed ceiling lights
• Flush-mount or semi-flush fixtures
• Large pendant lights or chandeliers

Ambient lighting provides the overall light of the room but don't expect it to do the heavy lifting when it comes to brightening work areas or highlighting special features.

Task Lighting: Bringing Function with Focus

Photo credit: Pencho Chukov / Getty Images

Task lighting zeroes in on the places where you need extra light to see clearly and work effectively. This type of lighting can improve usability and comfort.

Examples:

• Desk lamps for your home office
• Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen
• Reading sconces beside the bed

Accent Lighting: Adding Drama and Detail

Photo credit: Alvarez / Getty Images

Accent lighting is what adds depth, highlights decor and draws attention to focal points in a room.

Examples:

• Picture lights above artwork
• LED strips under shelves or inside cabinets
• Wall sconces or directional spotlights

Think of accent lights as the finishing touch. They're not about brightness—they're about style.

Home sellers looking for a home upgrade that can have an aesthetic impact and be financially smart might start with the front door. Replacing a worn front door isn't just a cosmetic fix—it's one of the best remodeling projects for return on investment, according to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Agents who are REALTORS® estimate a new steel front door could offer a 100% cost recovery at resale, while a fiberglass front door could bring back around 80% of its cost. That makes it one of the rare updates that may pay for itself entirely when it comes time to sell. Of course, the cost recovery on any remodel or upgrade depends on an array of factors, including buyer expectations and the condition of comparable properties in the neighborhood.

Photo credit: Heidi Patricola / Getty Images

Why the Front Door Matters

When a home is on the market, the front door is one of the first things people notice. It's usually featured in online photos and sets the tone for the house, framing the entryway and playing a major role in curb appeal.

Real estate experts agree: A clean, updated and stylish front door can make a home feel more welcoming and well-maintained.

The Door Colors That Sell

According to a report from Fixr.com, which surveyed professionals in the window and door industry, wood-grain doors are tops. The pros say that wood-grain doors are the trendiest option partially because of the growing desire for biophilic design, combining the outdoors with the indoors. Also a trendy option: Black front doors. Pros surveyed by Fixr.com said a black door can complement a variety of siding and exterior colors in enhancing a home's curb appeal.

Steel vs. Fiberglass: Which One Should You Choose?

• Steel doors tend to be more affordable and secure, and they're often chosen for their clean, modern look. They're also what delivers the highest cost recovery, according to NAR's Remodeling Impact Report.
• Fiberglass doors, while slightly pricier, offer durability, energy efficiency and a more customizable appearance—often mimicking the look of real wood with less maintenance.

Either material can dramatically update the home's exterior and improve insulation, security and resale potential.

Homeowners with an eye toward a sale: If your front door is outdated, worn or just lacking character, a simple replacement could be one of the most effective and profitable upgrades you make this year.

Homeowners are mixing it up with bold lower cabinets and light uppers—a look that's being dubbed the "tuxedo kitchen." It's a move away from the all-white kitchen look with a color-blocking approach. Much like a classic tuxedo, lighter upper cabinets paired with darker or more colorful lower cabinets can offer a dramatic, eye-catching contrast to upgrading a kitchen.

It doesn't just have to be a white-black combo. This look typically features upper cabinets in a neutral, lighter shade—like white, cream, light gray or even natural wood—while the lower cabinets bring in bolder, deeper tones such as a navy blue, forest green, charcoal or black.

The light upper cabinets help reflect light and help to visually open up the space, making the kitchen feel larger. The darker lower cabinets ground the space and add a layer of depth and richness.

Popular Tuxedo Color Combos

Although white isn't a must, it's a frequent player in these pairings because many homeowners already have white cabinetry. For those owners, tuxedo kitchens allow the introduction of some color without a full kitchen overhaul. It's a more budget-friendly update since the owners have to change or repaint only the lower cabinets.

Here are some trending color pairings for tuxedo kitchens:

• White uppers + black lowers: Classic, clean, and high contrast
• White uppers + navy blue lowers: A coastal-cool twist with a modern vibe
• White uppers + forest green lowers: Earthy, rich and sophisticated
• Gray uppers + wood-tone lowers: A cozy, organic look with subtle contrast
• White uppers + soft gray lowers: A gentle way to ease into the trend without being too bold

Photo credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

What About the Kitchen Island?

In a tuxedo kitchen, the island often follows the color of the lower cabinets, which helps visually anchor the space and create a cohesive look. For homeowners who want to tip-toe into a color change in their kitchen, here's another trendy option to consider: Keep your upper and lower cabinets the same shade and let the island be your color pop.

Painting the island cabinets in shades like deep green, classic navy, or even rustic wood tone is a stylish way to experiment with contrast in the kitchen. It adds personality without overwhelming the room.

Photo credit: Raul Rodriguez / Getty Images

Why Homeowners Are Embracing It

The tuxedo kitchen trend is in response to the era of the all-white kitchen. For those who feel these monochrome spaces feel too cookie-cutter, a two-tone look infuses the kitchen with color, making it feel more layered and customized.

Plus, the "tuxedo kitchen" can easily adapt to different styles, whether you're going for modern farmhouse, Scandinavian minimalism or bold and eclectic.

Photo credit: Ismagilov / Getty Images

Homeowners are transforming their bathrooms into wellness retreats. They're favoring features like optional lighting, smart technology, natural colors and low-maintenance materials, according to the 2025 Bath Trends Report, produced by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

"The bathroom is evolving into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, as the demand for spa-inspired features continues to grow in response to the stresses of modern life," says Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of NKBA.

NKBA dubs it the "Re-Room"—a wellness retreat where homeowners can renew, re-center and reinvigorate.

Ninety percent of designers surveyed by NKBA believe the primary bath will increasingly be viewed as a "personal sanctuary" within the home; about 60% predict "relaxed/retreat-like" themes and spa-like environments to dominate. Surveyed designers and remodeling contract professionals say, over the next three years, "wellness-focused design" will largely be the focus in updating bathroom spaces. You can expect such features to resonate with home buyers, too.

Here are some ways wellness is being incorporated into the design:

1. Spa-Like Features

Homeowners want the luxury of hotels and resorts. Seventy-nine percent of designers and contract professionals surveyed by NKBA cite health and wellness as key drivers in bathroom design.

• Therapeutic showers: 72% say homeowners are using showers for rehabilitation with features such as steam, chromotherapy and aromatherapy.
• Soaking tubs: 70% see an increased demand for tubs that support physical recovery.

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Pynne Mitsch

2. Lighting It Up

Lights aren't just functional. They're a critical component of bathroom design, impacting overall health and mood. Among survey respondents, 55% agree that lighting aimed at supporting well-being is a top goal. Besides updating lighting fixtures, updates might include skylights, large windows and glass doors to maximize natural light.

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Alex Reyes

3. Bigger, Better Spaces

Homeowners are carving out more space where they can. For example, 53% of designers report removing bathtubs to accommodate larger showers. Forty-two percent are fielding more requests to knock down walls to open up the space. Dual features also are gaining traction, such as:

• Double vanities: 61%
• Large showers for two: 59%
• Dual shower heads: 67%

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Alex Reyes

4. Organic Materials, Softer Color Palettes

Bathroom design is being infused with nature. Look for wood grains and natural textures on floors and walls. Soft greens, rich browns and warm neutrals—reminiscent of the 1970s—are making a comeback. Still white remains dominant.

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Ekaterina Groznaya

NKBA designers surveyed say the top five colors to trend in bathroom spaces for 2025 are:

• White
• Green
• Blue
• Gray
• Brown

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Tile Center

5. Smartened Up Designs

Smart technology is also being incorporated in high-end homes—from smart toilets to programmable showers, motion-activated lighting and heated floors. Customization is also a key focus: 83% of designers surveyed by NKBA said their clients desired tailored solutions that soften the technology. For example, power outlets tucked away in drawers, are becoming a standard in bathrooms.

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Jennifer McGee

6. Simplifying the Maintenance

With greater wellness focus, homeowners also are looking for finishes that simplify their life. Survey respondents noted a desire for low-maintenance flooring, countertops, sinks and showers. This might include self-cleaning toilets and large format tiles with pencil-thin grout to ease cleaning chores.

Photo Courtesy of National Kitchen & Bath Association; Design by Robyn Jacobson 

Real estate pros are often likely to recommend a fresh coat of paint before selling a home, whether that's the entire home or at least just one interior room, according to the National Association of REALTORS®' 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. Paint is known as one of the most affordable house projects, and it can make a big difference in the look of a home.

Home staging and real estate professionals have long-favored neutral colors—whites, beiges and grays—to appeal to prospective home buyers. But Sherwin-Williams color forecasters Sue Wadden and Emily Kantz—who have a hand each year in deciding the paint firm's Colors of the Year—offer reasons why you might want to expand your color palette.

When preparing a home for sale, home stagers and real estate professionals often favor neutral colors. But that runs counter to the latest trends of bold color pops. Can you still use bold colors and sell a home?

EMILY KANTZ: Neutrals don't have to be boring. Use a layered approach, or what I consider layered, neutral maximalism. Focus on different textures and use those complex neutrals but in the mid-tone range.

Photo credit: Sherwin-Williams / Paint color: Bosc Pear

And don't brush off deeper colors. They can bring out the beauty in a wood tone that basic white can't. Don't be afraid to use color if you're selling your house. It can really emphasize an architecture feature, like playing up a stone fireplace or the natural elements around the home.

But will darker colors make a space feel smaller?

SUE WADDEN: The rules of the road have long been that lighter colors make a space feel more atmospheric and airy. You get that brightness and reflection of natural light coming in from the windows and the lighter colors can illuminate a space. But deeper colors also do things to awaken a room. Don't be afraid of taking on that deeper color, even in a smaller space because you get that richness and a little drama. It makes the space unique and can set the home apart from others in the real estate market.

Photo credit: Sherwin-Williams / Paint color: Clove

What color trends do you see breaking through the most lately?

SUE WADDEN: Whites and neutrals are always popular, but the ones to pay attention to lately are browns, like coffee brown colors. In our [2025 Color Capsule of the Year] collection, we have Grounded and a color called Clove, which are both really deep colors. These dark browns can work like a beautiful new neutral, balancing out any lightness with a richness in the space.

Photo credit: Sherwin-Williams / Paint color: Grounded

We've also seen blues and greens really start to take on this greater role as a neutral. We are seeing blues and greens in kitchen cabinets. We're also seeing it used in full rooms, like the living room, dining room, bedroom, bathrooms and spa spaces.

Photo credit: Sherwin-Williams / Paint color: Rain Cloud

Neutrals—like your whites—certainly will always be important to balance out color. But what's interesting is the rise of deep, deep tones—including blacks. Homeowners are wanting to bring these rich colors into their homes as accent colors.

What are some unexpected ways that homeowners are using color around the home—besides just for the walls?

SUE WADDEN: There are so many ways to play with color. Maybe you don't want to put a deep dramatic color on the walls, but you could paint your doors black, a charcoal or a deep color. It's unique—without the full commitment of painting an entire room.

You could paint the trim a different color from the wall color. Don't just fall back on white as your go-to trim color. Use a lighter wall color and contrast it with a darker trim, like charcoal. The look is amazing!

How does this darker color trend fit with the wellness design movement?

EMILY KANTZ: Typically, we see biophilic colors—like greens and blues—used in wellness design. We are seeing a shift toward deeper, darker colors. Darker colors can have restorative benefits, putting you in a state of relaxation. Think about it: If you have a headache, do you want to be surrounded by bright, white walls or something darker that can have a cocooning effect, letting you rest and melt your stress away? People are gravitating toward these deeper, darker colors for health and wellness.

Color drenching has become a hot trend, coating an entire room in a deeper color. But can you color drench with a deeper color while still making it timeless and not one day risk it feeling sooo 2025?

EMILY KANTZ: Certainly! Maybe you choose a merlot in your home office and use it for your wall, ceiling, trim and doors. Think about the sheen of the color because that plays a role. The sheen may be different for the trim as opposed to the ceiling. Different sheens can help add depth and interest when looking at the full room application [of one color].

Or, color drenching may mean embracing a single color for architectural detailing. You can have a color drench moment for a built-in or bookcase. Drenching can make elements pop off the shelf and offer an unexpected, all-over color moment.

More than half of homeowners say they believe a beautiful landscape and exterior can increase their home's resale value by at least $20,000. Sixteen percent say the increase can be more than $50,000, according to a 2023 survey by Thumbtack and Nextdoor.

Sprucing up the outdoor landscape can be a wise investment for people thinking of selling. In the National Association of REALTORS® 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, real estate professionals estimated that a yard upgrade was expected to recover 100% of the cost for sellers. The 2023 report focused on outdoor projects and defined a yard upgrade as adding a natural flagstone walkway, two stone planters, several flowering shrubs, a deciduous tree and mulch. (The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report focuses on indoor upgrades.)

Here are some ways to add some curb appeal.

1. Accentuate the front porch

Show off the front porch as a place to relax: Stage it with seating areas, such as Adirondack chairs, a porch swing or a bistro set. After all, potential home buyers rank the front porch as one of the top home features they want in their next home, according to a 2024 survey from the National Association of Home Builders.

Bring in more embellishments to highlight the front porch, like flowery hanging baskets and potted flowers in bursts of color beside the front door. 

Photo credit: Ucpage / Getty Images

2. Add a window box

Bring color to your exterior by adding boxes along the bottom edge of the home's outside windows. It can enhance a home's colors and architecture. However, not every window needs a flower box. Reserve it just for the large picture window or the windows on a second story, suggests Jackie Mosher, co-founder of Dzinly, a Royal Oak, Mich.-based company that helps homeowners and real estate professionals digitally design exteriors. To fill the flower boxes, consider seasonal floral arrangements combining three different types of flowers: greenery, a taller plant in the center and a colorful accent flower, Mosher says.

3. Bring in texture

River rocks or crushed gravel are lower maintenance alternatives to mulch. Consider using plants with soft, flowing foliage and boulders nestled within a landscape as an accent.

Photo credit: Solidago / Getty Images

4. Pay attention to the lighting

Add lighting along walkways to bring curb appeal, even when it's dark outside. Also, for both sides of a porch, consider on-trend boxed lanterns in a black or antique bronze, Mosher suggests. Or, try an oversized hanging pendant or chandelier above the front door to draw eyes in. 

Photo credit: Ucpage / Getty Images

Also, landscape lighting can make a difference, with spotlights pointed up at the house to highlight the home's architecture as well as up-lights on your favorite plants or trees. Solar-powered spotlight can bypass the need for installing extra wiring.

5. Don't forget to edit

Make sure the home's exterior isn't suffering from an overcrowded design, like too many plants or sculptures. Settle on a focal point, like the front porch. Ensure that shrubs and trees aren't blocking walkways or distracting from the home's appearance. "When it's time to sell your home, you don't want prospective home buyers to think they're entering an overgrown jungle that will cost thousands of dollars to control," says Jeremy Martin, CEO at Willow Gates Landscaping in Mohnton, Pa.

Home staging is an effective way to make a property irresistible to buyers, and the right colors can make all the difference. Rich, stylish interiors can create a sense of warmth, luxury and personality.

Consider, 81% of buyers' agents say home staging helps clients visualize a property as their future home. They're more likely to form an emotional connection when it feels warm and well-designed, leading to quicker offers and stronger competition. The trendy colors lately can be used to help make a home stand out—and that includes using deep color schemes.

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The Power of Rich Colors in Home Buying Psychology

Dark, moody hues—like navy, emerald, and charcoal—can add depth and sophistication, giving your listings a high-end look home shoppers crave. These tones can create a sense of comfort, making a home feel lived-in rather than cold and empty.

Leveraging color psychology, bright, warm colors—like reds, oranges and yellows—can bring energy and excitement, possibly making a home's social spaces lively and welcoming. On the other hand, cool, subdued tones—like blues, greens and purples—can promote relaxation, which might be a perfect match for bedrooms in creating restful retreats.

Using bold, yet balanced interior colors can help buyers form an emotional connection with the home—making sure they don't forget it. 

Why Home Staging Should Embrace This 'Rich Color' Trend

Deep, grounding shades can add sophistication and can give the space a polished, high-end look. For example, rich, moody tones—like those deep blues, emerald greens, and warm browns—add depth and character, making a home feel luxurious. Try these richer, deeper colors for key areas in the home, like the living room, primary bedroom, or dining space, to elevate a property's perceived value.

For example, Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year is all about warmth, comfort and grounded elegance. Mocha Mousse is a rich, cozy brown with subtle reddish undertones, designed to evoke a sense of stability and connection.

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How to Use Darker Colors in the Home's Interior

The key to using darker colors is to strike the right balance without overwhelming the space. Thoughtfully placed color accents can highlight a home's best features.

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Here are tips to help your clients use rich colors in a home:

• Make a statement with an accent wall: Use deep blues, emerald greens or warm browns to create a focal point in living rooms or bedrooms.
• Incorporate rich-toned furniture and decor: Velvet sofas, jewel-toned throw pillows and dark wood furniture can add elegance without requiring a full paint job.
• Layer textures with deep hues: Mix materials—like leather, silk or wool—in moody shades to create depth and warmth.
• Balance bold colors with neutrals: Pair deep colors with soft creams, warm beiges, or crisp whites to make spaces feel open and airy.
• Use metallic accents for contrast: Gold, brass or matte black fixtures against rich colors create a polished, high-end look.

How to Use Darker Colors in the Home's Exterior

A well-chosen exterior color scheme also can instantly boost a property's attractiveness. Deep colors can be used to highlight the home's trim work or architectural details, like unique entryways or rooflines.

For example, deep charcoal siding can be contrasted with crisp white trim or warm earthy tones with rich wood accents. Remember, a thoughtfully chosen exterior can set the stage for what's inside.

Popular exterior color trends lately are leaning toward warm neutrals, moody blues and deep greens—hues that feel timeless, yet modern. For maximum impact, focus on quick curb appeal upgrades like:

• Repainting the front door in a bold color like navy, black or deep red.
• Refreshing the trim and shutters for a clean, finished look.
• Using stylish landscaping accents, like potted plants or updated lighting fixtures.
   

Real estate professionals say they often recommend potential sellers prioritize these two house projects before they sell: Painting, whether it's the entire home or at least one interior room, and making sure the roof is up to par. Such projects can make a difference in marketing a home to potential buyers, according to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. About one-third of real estate pros also believe kitchen upgrades can make a big difference in upping a property's appeal.

Home remodeling continues to be a booming business, as homeowners flex the rapid increase they've seen in home equity and use it to spruce up their homes. Real estate pros are finding themselves an important ally in helping to guide remodeling decisions.

So, which house projects today offer the biggest bang for your buck? The Remodeling Impact Report compared the estimated cost of various home remodeling projects to real estate professionals' estimates of the likely dollar value each project could add to the home at resale.  

The household item topping the list, recovering every bit of its upfront expense at resale, is a new steel front door. Near the top of the list, a new fiberglass front door was found to return nearly 80% of the cost. Front doors are important for curb appeal, helping to set a home's first impression.

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Also, real estate professionals say owners are likely to see decent returns, though not full cost recovery, on storage solutions, window replacements, and improvements that add space without expanding the footprint of the house.

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In the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, here how the top 12 home remodeling projects ranked based on their estimated cost recovery at resale:  

1. New steel front door: 100%
2. Closet renovation: 83%
3. New fiberglass front door: 80%
4. New vinyl windows: 74%
5. New wood windows: 71%
6. Basement conversion to living area: 71%
7. Attic conversion to living area: 67%
8. Complete kitchen renovation: 60%
9. Minor kitchen upgrade: 60%
10. Bathroom addition: 56%
11. New primary suite: 54%
12. Bathroom renovation: 50%