So you finally found that perfect Manhattan apartment, in a great neighborhood etc..., Unfortunately NO CLOSETS. Here is the lifesaver solution many New Yorkers adore: A customized wardrobe

So you finally found that perfect Manhattan apartment, in a great neighborhood etc..., Unfortunately NO CLOSETS. Here is the lifesaver solution many New Yorkers adore: A customized wardrobe

Over the course of 20 years, the owners of Imparfait and KitchenLab, Rebekah and Nick, have renovated twice, updated, saved and remodeled the barn, connected the barn to the house via a breezeway and screened in porch and put on an addition onto their beloved Michigan farmhouse. You could say they had vision, because the place was a complete mess when they bought it, complete aluminum siding, shag carpet, faux wood paneling, and sheet vinyl flooring - it was definitely a fixer-upper. At first they were weekend warriors, going back and forth between Chicago and Michigan for many years, even after their daughter, Hannah, was born in 2012 they still split their time between Wicker Park and Michigan, but when Covid hit they de-camped permanently and never looked back. Surrounded by grape vines on 4 sides and 10 miles from Lake Michigan, this little slice of heaven has been their sanctuary and home to 20 years of memories, family gatherings, holidays and friends visiting from near and far. Every tree, bush and flower you see they put in the ground…besides the mature Maples in back, the Red Bud in front and the ones they build the screened in porch around (dubious decision). The first renovation included opening up the kitchen to the dining room, adding French doors to the back yard, new siding, roof, windows, refinishing the floors and remodeling the bathrooms - both of which were on the 1st floor. The most recent remodel included an 8ft, 2 story addition giving them a master suite on the 2nd floor and a mirror image one below for their parents, turning one 1st floor bathroom into a walk-in pantry (life saving), converting the other 1st floor bath to a powder room with laundry (equally life-saving), and adding 2 full baths upstairs and a full bath downstairs. Their design studio is 15 minutes away in Lakeside Michigan which was completed just before the house remodel.

Hill Country Modern Farmhouse perfectly situated on a beautiful lot in the Hidden Springs development in Fredericksburg, TX.
Large cottage white one-story stone exterior home idea in Austin with a metal roof

Todd Wright
Small eclectic pink tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom photo in Other with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, granite countertops and gray walls

Example of a mid-sized classic kitchen pantry design in San Diego with open cabinets and white cabinets

Example of a huge transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and multicolored floor enclosed kitchen design in Louisville with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and white countertops

This Coastal Inspired Farmhouse with bay views puts a casual and sophisticated twist on beach living. Interior Design by Blackband Design and Home Build by Arbor Real Estate.

The exterior of the 2026 St. Jude Dream Home in Colorado Springs sets the tone for the warm, modern design found throughout the home. Built by Empire Homes, this thoughtfully designed residence blends clean architectural lines with welcoming curb appeal, creating a timeless look that feels both contemporary and approachable. Situated in a growing Colorado Springs community, the home features inviting outdoor living spaces, a spacious patio for relaxing and entertaining, and a thoughtfully planned layout that maximizes both function and comfort. Large windows fill the interior with natural light while enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor living. With four bedrooms, a finished basement, flexible loft space, and over 2,600 square feet of beautifully designed living space, this home showcases the perfect balance of modern style, everyday livability, and family-friendly functionality. As part of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, every detail reflects a commitment to creating a home that inspires while supporting the life-saving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In 2026, DIY home design and renovation will become easier than ever. Free mobile apps like Houzz, Homestyler, and Planner 5D will put professional tools in everyone’s pocket, letting users visualize layouts, test colors, and estimate costs before buying materials. Experts predict that over 50% of homeowners will use apps to plan upgrades. It will save money and reduce costly mistakes. Even now, about 54% prefer mobile tools. Why Mobile Apps are Changing Home Renovation DIY renovation has changed a lot in recent years. Homeowners don’t have to rely on sketches or guesswork anymore. Thanks to AR, AI, and 3D renderings, apps can show exactly how furniture and cabinets will fit. By 2026, many of these tools will be free - and packed with features that rival expensive software. With just a smartphone, anyone can try out layouts, test colors, and even create detailed floor plans. The Tech Behind Modern Design Apps Most renovation apps now leverage AI to generate design suggestions. They are based on your space and preferences. Upload a photo of your room. The algorithms will check the sizes, lighting, and features. Then, they’ll suggest furniture layouts or color schemes. Some apps use your phone’s camera and sensor. They make accurate measurements, so you won’t need tape measures or notepads. Top Free Apps Transforming DIY Projects Houzz continues to lead the pack with its massive photo library and ability to connect users with local contractors. The platform now gives AI design suggestions. It looks at your style preferences across millions of professional spaces. For anyone serious about planning their next project, exploring comprehensive resources helps narrow down what works. It’s just like in iGaming, where review platforms like Slotzilla help gamblers to find casinos with user-friendly tools, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots that will work for them. Planner 5D shines with realistic 3D renderings and a huge furniture catalog, letting you switch between 2D plans and 3D walkthroughs - even in VR. Room Planner helps you design practical layouts. You can easily arrange furniture and check dimensions. It offers real-time 3D views and features items from real brands. Apps for Specific Renovation Tasks Not every project needs full 3D renderings - sometimes you just want to try paint colors or test tile patterns. ColorSnap by Sherwin-Williams uses AR to show colors on your actual walls and even matches shades from photos. Magicplan makes creating floor plans easy by measuring rooms with your phone as you walk around. Both apps help plan renovations and communicate ideas without the guesswork. Budget Tracking and Project Management Renovation apps do more than make spaces look good - managing budgets and timelines is just as important. HomeZada even uses AI to predict your budget and track material prices, so DIYers don’t get hit with surprise costs. Trello is a lifesaver - set deadlines, track progress, and share updates with anyone helping on the project. How Apps Reflect 2026 Design Trends This year’s popular apps reflect the largest home design trends. Colorful rooms are on the rise. Zillow shows a 149% increase in listings. Plus, apps like Houzz let users test bold shades before making a choice. Cozy reading nooks are also on the rise, showing up in nearly half of listings. Renovation apps now provide templates. They include tips for shelves and lighting. This helps create cozy, thoughtful spaces. Here’s a quick comparison of what different free apps offer: App name Best feature Learning curve Platform Houzz 25M+ inspiration photos Easy iOS, Android Planner 5D Photorealistic 3D renders Moderate iOS, Android, Web Room Planner Accurate measurements Easy iOS, Android Magicplan Auto floor plan creation Easy iOS, Android Natural materials and earthy tones will lead design trends in 2026. Warm neutrals will take over from the grey-and-white minimalism of the last ten years. The AI Revolution in Home Design AI is no longer just a gimmick in renovation apps. Chat features can suggest furniture layouts, color palettes, and materials for your budget. It’s like having a designer on call. Renovate AI turns photos of your room into multiple style ideas in seconds, from mid-century to rustic farmhouse. It’s great for brainstorming and getting past the “I don’t know what I want” stage. Practical Tips for Using Renovation Apps Getting the most from design apps requires a strategic approach. Here are essential steps every DIYer should follow: Start by gathering inspiration. Look through photo libraries on Houzz or Pinterest. Then, dive into detailed planning. Don’t rely solely on screen colors; get actual paint chips and fabric swatches. Save multiple design versions. Create variations of your plan to compare options side-by-side. This workflow helps you avoid common mistakes. It leads to better design choices before you buy anything. When Apps Aren’t Enough Digital tools can’t do everything. Big structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing always need a pro. Apps are great for planning and talking with contractors, but they can’t replace expertise. And always check textures in real life - that sofa might look perfect on screen, but feel different. The Future of DIY Renovation In 2026, renovation apps will become smarter. They’ll have voice control and better AR. Improved AI will make DIY design feel more like professional services. Creating beautiful, functional spaces is easier than ever. For homeowners, it’s important to use apps that match local materials and building codes. The biggest benefit is confidence - seeing your design in 3D makes projects far less intimidating.