The clients wanted to add a powder room to the main floor. We suggested integrating it in a pre-existing laundry room that was disorganized with a lot of wasted space. We designed the new space with chic bifold doors to close of the washer-dryer, optimised the storage to organise it, and added a gorgeous wall-mounted vanity and toilet. The grey subway tile is a classic choice and yet the whole space feels fresh, modern and on trend. This is now a cute multifunctional space. It is welcoming and very organized! Materials used: A modern wall-mounted white matte lacquer vanity, matte solid-surface counter, porcelain vessel sink, round black iron mirror with shelf, solid-core bi-fold doors that hide away the washer-dryer, 12 x 24 Grey porcelain floor tile, 3 x 8 artisanal charcoal grey subway wall tile, white tile grout, black Riobel plumbing and accessories, Industrial-style ceiling light and wall sconce, Sherwin Williams paint

The clients wanted to add a powder room to the main floor. We suggested integrating it in a pre-existing laundry room that was disorganized with a lot of wasted space. We designed the new space with chic bifold doors to close of the washer-dryer, optimised the storage to organise it, and added a gorgeous wall-mounted vanity and toilet. The grey subway tile is a classic choice and yet the whole space feels fresh, modern and on trend. This is now a cute multifunctional space. It is welcoming and very organized! Materials used: A modern wall-mounted white matte lacquer vanity, matte solid-surface counter, porcelain vessel sink, round black iron mirror with shelf, solid-core bi-fold doors that hide away the washer-dryer, 12 x 24 Grey porcelain floor tile, 3 x 8 artisanal charcoal grey subway wall tile, white tile grout, black Riobel plumbing and accessories, Industrial-style ceiling light and wall sconce, Sherwin Williams paint

A room that feels both fashionable and welcoming is created by the furniture's clean lines and colorful accents. The luxurious velvet armchair looks like a very cozy place to curl up with a nice book. The neutral color palette of the walls and furniture, along with the lack of clutter, contributes to a feeling of peace and tranquility. This sense of calm might be amplified by the presence of the plant, which can have a biophilic effect, promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being. The abstract painting adds a touch of whimsy and personality to the space. It suggests that the inhabitants of this living room aren't afraid to express themselves and might have a creative side. Overall, the feeling of the living room seems like a balance between modern design and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Linda Nielsen of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Millsboro, DE, partnered with Joyce G Designs to create a stunning classic-style kitchen. The design showcases Merillat Masterpiece cabinets. The wall cabinets feature the Sawyer door style in a Moonshine finish, while the island and wet bar display a Translucent Monument Gray finish. Appliances, countertops, and tile were sourced separately. Joyce, having worked with Linda on previous kitchen projects, was thrilled to collaborate on her own downsized kitchen. "We faced the challenge of working around support columns without disrupting the countertop and seating. Although bar-height islands are not currently trending, I still prefer the separation of the eating area. We achieved a functional work area that keeps the mess away and fits nicely between the columns." "Linda suggested using Masterpiece cabinets. I love the finishes! The stepstool cabinet is my favorite, followed by the large spice cabinets. Seeing the showroom samples was helpful. Linda provided great suggestions and was patient with design changes. I am delighted with my kitchen and how it accommodates entertaining my big Italian family!" According to Linda, the working relationship with Joyce is enjoyable, fostering a free exchange of ideas. "Her kitchen had to meet her needs and the architectural challenges. The mix of paint and specialty-stained cabinets is now the home's focal point." Photos courtesy of Yeatman Photography.

kwestimages.com
Inspiration for a transitional beige tile bathroom remodel in Toronto with a niche

Laundry room - traditional single-wall laundry room idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

We planned for a half height wall beside the toilet, and added shampoo niches in the half wall to hide all the products in the shower. A cabinet over the toilet was custom built to house the toilet paper, and angled to follow the slope of the ceiling. Custom magazine rack was added beside the toilet and painted out to match the walls.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Calgary

Comedor con papel pintado a rayas de Designers Guild y banco realizado a medida con telas de Osborne & Little
Great room - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor great room idea in Barcelona with multicolored walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a contemporary galley concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen remodel in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, an island and white countertops

Eli Chamberlin
Small trendy galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen photo in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Kitchen - huge modern kitchen idea in London with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Are you looking for a beautiful open plan bathroom? The use of a wooden feature wall and no shower screen creates a design statement, and a sense of space. The bath is the centre of attention in this space and the use of the rain shower suggests luxury. The Urbane basin and toilet complement the entire look.

Bathroom - small 1960s master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and white floor bathroom idea in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls and wood countertops

Sofie Barfoed © 2015 Houzz
Mid-sized danish formal and enclosed light wood floor living room photo in Copenhagen with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Lisa Petrole
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley marble floor kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and marble backsplash

A glass/stone/metallic tile was chosen for the backsplash and Granite Transformations tile with a stainless undermount sink and stailess appliances were chosen for the kitchen. Hardwood flooring was added, and above the cabinet lighting to brighten up the kitchen. {Featured Story} Spring, 2015 – This condo was purchased from the estate of the new owner’s parents and refurbished with trendy new touches. There were no close comparables in the Farmington neighborhood with within walking distance to the urban downtown area, so the approach for selling was to create an entirely new set of comparables when the new owner was found. On the market for just days, the renovation, marketing and finishing touches made this a highly sought after, and quick to sell property at top dollar, establishing a new trend in the neighborhood. {Our Process for this Featured Property}: Assessed the initial investment condo, offered suggestions for rehab and renovation. Assisted with Color Theory through color selection and process (no beige in this condo!). Helped select floor and counter materials, tile selection and features in the kitchen and bath. Final staging of the property was done with antiques and housewares, and created a cozy and lived in feel. As a final touch, a party was thrown when the property was completed to invite in friends and family, as well as an open house with freshly baking chocolate chip cookies to make the prospective buyers feel right at home! {Outcome} This property sold in days as a cash sale, at a higher price than anything in the neighborhood – and closed quickly. Both the seller and buyer were thrilled with this transaction!

A lower level bar and entertaining area was added, by repurposing the old kitchen cabinets, adding some 100 year old barn wood, installing a custom poured epoxy counterop and decorative accents, the entertaining area was the favorite room in the new renovation - adding a ton of living/entertaining space to this home! {Featured Story} Spring, 2015 – This condo was purchased from the estate of the new owner’s parents and refurbished with trendy new touches. There were no close comparables in the Farmington neighborhood with within walking distance to the urban downtown area, so the approach for selling was to create an entirely new set of comparables when the new owner was found. On the market for just days, the renovation, marketing and finishing touches made this a highly sought after, and quick to sell property at top dollar, establishing a new trend in the neighborhood. {Our Process for this Featured Property}: Assessed the initial investment condo, offered suggestions for rehab and renovation. Assisted with Color Theory through color selection and process (no beige in this condo!). Helped select floor and counter materials, tile selection and features in the kitchen and bath. Final staging of the property was done with antiques and housewares, and created a cozy and lived in feel. As a final touch, a party was thrown when the property was completed to invite in friends and family, as well as an open house with freshly baking chocolate chip cookies to make the prospective buyers feel right at home! {Outcome} This property sold in days as a cash sale, at a higher price than anything in the neighborhood – and closed quickly. Both the seller and buyer were thrilled with this transaction!

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.