This beautiful transitional powder room with wainscot paneling and wallpaper was transformed from a 1990's raspberry pink and ornate room. The space now breathes and feels so much larger. The vanity was a custom piece using an old chest of drawers. We removed the feet and added the custom metal base. The original hardware was then painted to match the base.

Powder room with a twist. This cozy powder room was completely transformed form top to bottom. Introducing playful patterns with tile and wallpaper. This picture shows the green vanity, vessel sink, circular mirror, pendant lighting, tile flooring, along with brass accents and hardware. Boston, MA.

Take Friday night movie night up a notch with your own home theater room! From the best sound reception to the most comfortable layout, 5th Generation Contracting always creates the ultimate spaces for relaxation and entertainment.

Example of a southwest laundry room design in New Orleans with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, wood countertops, gray walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and beige countertops

Bright laundry room with a rustic touch. Distressed wood countertop with storage above. Industrial looking pipe was install overhead to hang laundry. We used the timber frame of a century old barn to build this rustic modern house. The barn was dismantled, and reassembled on site. Inside, we designed the home to showcase as much of the original timber frame as possible. Photography by Todd Crawford

Our studio designed this beautiful living and dining room with a stylish medley of soft pink pastels and elegant blues. The armchairs in the living room and printed curtains create a lively ambiance with their fun patterns breaking the neutral theme of the space. Striking artwork creates interesting focal points and urges conversations in the living room. The dining room looks elegant in soft blue hues that are soothing to the senses.

Living room - transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Houston with a stone fireplace, a corner fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Our clients recently downsized into a smaller home and needed help with the family room's difficult layout. In addition to a layout change, we suggested shades for light control, a modern area rug, hidden storage, and crisp white draperies with blue decorative tape to add sophistication to this family room. Tufted upholstery, white furniture finishes along with a subtle mix of ice blue and lavender fabric add an unexpected twist to the space. Photo by Jenn Verrier Photography

These homeowners told us they were so in love with some of the details in our Springbank Hill renovation that they wanted to see a couple of them in their own home - so we obliged! It was an honour to know that we nailed the design on the original so perfectly that another family would want to bring a similar version of it into their own home. In the kitchen, we knocked out the triangular island and the pantry to make way for a better layout with even more storage space for this young family. A fresh laundry room with ample cabinetry and a serene ensuite with a show-stopping black tub also brought a new look to what was once a dark and dated builder grade home. Designer: Susan DeRidder of Live Well Interiors Inc.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities. A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen. Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living. With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space. At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering. The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic. The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets. Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space. There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench. It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

Shared boy girl room in a beach house feel. Low ceiling height bunk bed. Work and play space. Lots of storage. Photo byAdrian Shellard
Example of a small beach style gender-neutral carpeted kids' room design in Calgary with multicolored walls

A riverfront property is a desirable piece of property duet to its proximity to a waterway and parklike setting. The value in this renovation to the customer was creating a home that allowed for maximum appreciation of the outside environment and integrating the outside with the inside, and this design achieved this goal completely. To eliminate the fishbowl effect and sight-lines from the street the kitchen was strategically designed with a higher counter top space, wall areas were added and sinks and appliances were intentional placement. Open shelving in the kitchen and wine display area in the dining room was incorporated to display customer's pottery. Seating on two sides of the island maximize river views and conversation potential. Overall kitchen/dining/great room layout designed for parties, etc. - lots of gathering spots for people to hang out without cluttering the work triangle. Eliminating walls in the ensuite provided a larger footprint for the area allowing for the freestanding tub and larger walk-in closet. Hardwoods, wood cabinets and the light grey colour pallet were carried through the entire home to integrate the space.

Living room - small scandinavian open concept vinyl floor and multicolored floor living room idea in Vancouver with white walls, a hanging fireplace, a shiplap fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Contemporary open concept living room and dining room with neutral earth inspires stone like the wood dining room table and stump side table as well as natural stacked stone on the walls.

Stephani Buchman
Family room - small transitional dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Toronto with a music area and gray walls

Beautifully Reclaimed Irish Antiques, Fixtures and Fittings make this new build an instant classic. photo Florian Knorn
Example of a large classic formal and open concept marble floor living room design in Dublin with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, no tv and white walls

Previously renovated with a two-story addition in the 80’s, the home’s square footage had been increased, but the current homeowners struggled to integrate the old with the new. An oversized fireplace and awkward jogged walls added to the challenges on the main floor, along with dated finishes. While on the second floor, a poorly configured layout was not functional for this expanding family. From the front entrance, we can see the fireplace was removed between the living room and dining rooms, creating greater sight lines and allowing for more traditional archways between rooms. At the back of the home, we created a new mudroom area, and updated the kitchen with custom two-tone millwork, countertops and finishes. These main floor changes work together to create a home more reflective of the homeowners’ tastes. On the second floor, the master suite was relocated and now features a beautiful custom ensuite, walk-in closet and convenient adjacency to the new laundry room. Gordon King Photography

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.