While kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers, they won’t ignore the rest of the home — and neither should you. The work-from-home revolution has changed what buyers are looking for in a home purchase, and the result is an increased focus on flex spaces and living spaces. Living spaces can include areas both small and grand. They can also have a multitude of purposes, but regardless of how they are used, they should be up-to-date and modern before the house goes on the market. Flex spaces are rooms that serve multiple purposes. That means the square footage is set up in such a way that it can be adapted to changing needs, interests, and lifestyles without extensive modifications. A flex space could be turned into a home office, game room, exercise room, and more. To highlight the versatility of these areas, it is important to update flex spaces before selling.

While kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers, they won’t ignore the rest of the home — and neither should you. The work-from-home revolution has changed what buyers are looking for in a home purchase, and the result is an increased focus on flex spaces and living spaces. Living spaces can include areas both small and grand. They can also have a multitude of purposes, but regardless of how they are used, they should be up-to-date and modern before the house goes on the market. Flex spaces are rooms that serve multiple purposes. That means the square footage is set up in such a way that it can be adapted to changing needs, interests, and lifestyles without extensive modifications. A flex space could be turned into a home office, game room, exercise room, and more. To highlight the versatility of these areas, it is important to update flex spaces before selling.

TER won an honorary mention as a part of the YAC’s Calamity Atelier Competition, in addition to the prestigious A' Design Award for Interior Space & Exhibition Design 2019-2020. The Calamity Atelier competition was based in the art forest of Arte Sella in northern Italy that was in recent years destroyed by a storm. The focus was to bring back life to the forest through the design of a number of spaces. Design concept description: Stability is a universal value one seeks to reach in their lifetime. Given the recent events that shook the core of Art Sella, the basis of its recovery should be in the form of a stable foundation. The design concept of TER, Malga Costa’s new restaurant expansion, derives from 3 main ideas: 1. What does a “stable” space feel like? Psychologically and physically. 2. The connection between the forest land and the food that is served at the restaurant. 3. How to integrate this space harmoniously into the forest in a way in which it will live cohesively with the neighboring artwork, nature, and people. The idea of stability is translated through mass, shape, and materials. Different from most of the forest’s artwork, TER looks like a massive boulder rearing in the forest. The stone exterior makes up the majority of the interior as well, acting as its base material. With the materials, there is a clear balance of old and new. The old acts as the foundation and pays homage to the area’s roots whereas the new alludes to a burgeoning future. Together, they play a game of layering and develop throughout the space. The connection between the land and the food comes through the method of cooking in the restaurant- which is campfire cooking. In the center of the plan, there is an open outdoor space that is used to cook foods on an open fire. The plan is designed in a circular motion around the open space in order to fully commit to this concept. Everyone in the four areas of the restaurant can view and enjoy the chefs at work, creating a seemingly interactive dining experience. The restaurant blends into its surroundings by acting as another rock in the landscape. It is differentiated by the smoke arising from its center, which creates a sense of allure and intrigue. It’s a sight that draws people in toward the center – reestablishing the core essence of Art Sella.

Cochrane Floors & More This kitchette is in the basement right outside the Theare Room and Games area. It allows for quick prep that won't interrupt movie goers. The slate floors hide traffic, crumbs and spills until you have time to get to them. The glass tile back splash brings a little bling and "modern" to the equation.

While kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers, they won’t ignore the rest of the home — and neither should you. The work-from-home revolution has changed what buyers are looking for in a home purchase, and the result is an increased focus on flex spaces and living spaces. Living spaces can include areas both small and grand. They can also have a multitude of purposes, but regardless of how they are used, they should be up-to-date and modern before the house goes on the market. Flex spaces are rooms that serve multiple purposes. That means the square footage is set up in such a way that it can be adapted to changing needs, interests, and lifestyles without extensive modifications. A flex space could be turned into a home office, game room, exercise room, and more. To highlight the versatility of these areas, it is important to update flex spaces before selling.

While kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers, they won’t ignore the rest of the home — and neither should you. The work-from-home revolution has changed what buyers are looking for in a home purchase, and the result is an increased focus on flex spaces and living spaces. Living spaces can include areas both small and grand. They can also have a multitude of purposes, but regardless of how they are used, they should be up-to-date and modern before the house goes on the market. Flex spaces are rooms that serve multiple purposes. That means the square footage is set up in such a way that it can be adapted to changing needs, interests, and lifestyles without extensive modifications. A flex space could be turned into a home office, game room, exercise room, and more. To highlight the versatility of these areas, it is important to update flex spaces before selling.

The basement bathroom is outfitted with an extra large double-rainfall shower, unique wave tile and RGB lighting accents. It is also equipped with a TV so that guests won't miss a minute of action while watching movies or games with friends in the adjacent home theatre.

Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Milan with a vessel sink and a wall-mount toilet

While kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers, they won’t ignore the rest of the home — and neither should you. The work-from-home revolution has changed what buyers are looking for in a home purchase, and the result is an increased focus on flex spaces and living spaces. Living spaces can include areas both small and grand. They can also have a multitude of purposes, but regardless of how they are used, they should be up-to-date and modern before the house goes on the market. Flex spaces are rooms that serve multiple purposes. That means the square footage is set up in such a way that it can be adapted to changing needs, interests, and lifestyles without extensive modifications. A flex space could be turned into a home office, game room, exercise room, and more. To highlight the versatility of these areas, it is important to update flex spaces before selling.

This spacious great room offered entertaining at its finest. A bold fireplace sat center stage. The Art TV could entertain guest with fine art or entertainment from many genres. Many games were won and lost on the concrete game table. This solid piece was a firm foundation for all the games people play!

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.