Latest news with #Houzz
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Examiner
The home interior design trends to tap into now
If you're talking renovations, upgrades and making the most of what you have, it's good to be in the know— after all, there's nothing spontaneous about a considered design brief. Especially when you have the opportunity to create the ideal layout, knowing the latest design trends and exploring "what's in and what's out" means you can make informed decisions — with the potential to add value to your property. To put you on the front foot, home and design platform Houzz has identified the latest home trends gaining traction… 'Based on insights from the 2025 Emerging Trends Report, there's a growing appetite for indulgent upgrades and bold, expressive design, from luxurious bathroom retreats to colour-drenched interiors, highlights Amanda Pollard, senior editor at Houzz. Here's the lowdown on what's key, and influencing our style choices… Wood-drenched interiors 'From wood beams to wooden floors and everything in between, homeowners are embracing wood; thanks to its timeless appeal and ability to add tone and texture to a space,' underlines Pollard. Indeed, she says searches for wood beams are up significantly, and terms like "oak kitchen" and 'wood kitchen' have also been on the rise. Streamlined oak cabinets, an oak island and wood-toned stools add sophistication to this Nordic-inspired kitchen (Randa Kort Interior Architecture & Design/Laura Rupulo Photography/PA) Wooden wall treatments such as slat walls and panels are trending, adds Pollard, and with the help of 3D floor-plan tools, you can see how to integrate these wall treatments. Randa Kort of Randa Kort Interior Architecture & Design says: 'Incorporating natural wood in less conventional ways, such as wall treatments, can add character and visual interest to any space. 'While some of our clients use natural materials like wood to add warmth, others use it to create a more elevated look and choose interior wood cladding for their projects.' Daylighting As Pollard points out, natural light is a commodity, and trending searches for daylighting features show we're in pursuit of airy, sun-filled spaces. With the positive benefits of enhancing light flow and architectural detail throughout the home, she says searches for skylights, orangeries, and glass wall partitions have been climbing. A skylight and glass doors illuminate this contemporary dining room (Snell David Cambridge LTD/Michael Maynard/PA) James Snell, director of Snell David Cambridge Ltd, says: 'It's important to consider all of the potential avenues, as you seek to maximise the natural light throughout your home.' 'Many [people] don't explore the creative and strategic options to brighten up their spaces, and they're missing out,' notes Snell. 'Adding a skylight, for example, can transform a dark space, and internal glass doors can help light flow from one room to the next.' Wall-to-wall design More and more of us are willing to go bold with our interiors, embracing colour and pattern in the home, suggests Pollard. 'Whether they're using vibrant paint, dramatic texture or layered pattern, they're making a statement with creative wall treatments.' More recently, she says searches for a technique known as "colour drenching" — where a single colour, or closely related set of colours, is applied to all surfaces in a room, including walls, ceilings and woodwork — is trending. This colour-drenched living room showcases a vibrant blue hue (Completion Interior Design & Architecture/Kasia Fiszer/PA) And while some may have previously hesitated from making such bold interior decor choices, Pollard says today's visualisation tools help empower them to be more adventurous. 'As it's easier to visualise how it will all come together.' Gilly Foulds, founder of Completion Interior Design & Architecture, says: 'Bold tones and rich textures infuse personality into a space, and homeowners are taking note. 'Not only that, but these more daring choices help to create a space that's uniquely yours, with a distinct personal touch.' Luxurious bathrooms There's a growing appetite for high-end upgrades, and bathrooms offer an opportunity to introduce luxury into everyday life, outlines Pollard. 'This year, interest in luxurious materials has skyrocketed, with 'onyx tile' searches 1,069% higher than last year, and 'marble bathroom' searches up 51%.' She says trends also reveal a growing interest in features that are both luxurious and practical, such as double vanities and double showers. And consistent with Houzz's 2024 Bathroom Trends report, freestanding baths are among the most sought-after bathroom features, says Pollard. A showstopper for sure, this marble-tiled bathroom with a floating double vanity exudes luxury (Snell David Cambridge LTD/Michael Maynard/PA) 'Whether it's a bespoke walk-in shower or high-end materials, our clients are seeking to elevate their bathroom spaces to invoke a spa-like atmosphere,' highlights Snell. Moreover, he says people are increasingly interested in creating dedicated spaces for relaxation and wellness within their homes. 'And many of them are willing to invest in luxury fixtures and features, to transform their bathrooms into sanctuaries.' Pretty in pink 'From the kitchen to the bathroom, pink is back in a big way,' underlines Pollard. She says soft, plaster-pink hues are particularly popular, due to their versatility and subtle sophistication. Uber cool, a delicate pink tile covers the walls of this contemporary bathroom (Francesco Pierazzi Architects/Gianluca Maver/PA) 'Searches for pink bathrooms, pink kitchens and pink bedrooms are all on the rise, which further speaks to pink's adaptability,' she notes. Francesco Pierazzi of Francesco Pierazzi Architects says: 'Considered a neutral by many, soft pink pairs beautifully with a range of colours and styles. 'Beyond that, the shade has warm undertones, which evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity within the home.'
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Man's Leg Sinks in Backyard of 1900s Home—Then They Find a Buried Structure
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A post about a strange tale of an unexpected discovery in a historic backyard has captivated Reddit users. Shared by user u/YogurtclosetOld2511 in the r/centuryhomes subreddit, the post titled "My husband's leg went through the yard" has amassed over 3,100 upvotes and hundreds of comments since it was posted a month ago. "Let me introduce y'all to our latest curiosity, The Grasshole," the Redditor wrote, alongside photos showing two feet beside a gaping hole in a grassy yard and a close-up of the unexpected void. According to the post, the poster's husband was walking casually through the yard when his right leg plunged into the ground—up to above the knee. "Amazingly, he didn't get hurt," they noted, reassuring readers that they plan to "HAVE IT INSPECTED." The post arrives amid a broader trend in homeownership. According to a survey conducted by home design site Houzz, money spent on home renovation surged by 60 percent between 2020 and 2023. Median renovation spending climbed from $15,000 to $24,000, with more than half of homeowners spending $25,000 or more on upgrades in 2023. As homeowners continue to invest in modernizing older properties, surprising discoveries—like this one—highlight the architectural quirks of century-old residences. According to the post, a recently retired city engineer also weighed in, advising the couple that the hole is likely harmless, but recommending it be filled with concrete or whatever a plumber may advise. The poster shared additional context about the mysterious void. "The specs/more context," the post reads. "Metal aperture is about 18" across. Depth measured at 10'. Hole widens after several feet—cannot tell how expansive it is." Their home, built in 1900, sits near the outer edge of city utilities and was surrounded by farmland until the late 1950s. The original builders likely relied on independent systems before the arrival of municipal infrastructure. The post suggests that the hole could be a relic from that time. "Best guess is it's an old cistern or remains of a septic system," they wrote. "I'm planning to comb the city's historical documentation for more info." While urban mysteries like "The Grasshole" may be unusual, they're not entirely uncommon in century-old homes, where forgotten septic tanks, cisterns, or root cellars occasionally resurface. "There's also a very good chance the previous owners (of 30+ years) didn't know it existed," the Redditor added. "Whatever they capped it with was covered by grass and finally deteriorated." Interestingly, the hole had previously become a dumping ground—albeit accidentally. "House came with a comically large (6' corner to corner) fire pit constructed of pavers, which of course had all cracked, because they are pavers. We decommissioned that monstrosity, and tossed it into The Grasshole. The ash coated the rustic stone masonry that lines the belly of this beast." 'That's Wild' While the couple waits on a professional assessment, the Reddit thread drew theories from fellow homeowners and curious observers. U/meatballglomerulus said: "That's wild. Did y'all cover it with something in the meanwhile so it doesn't become a haunted toad hole?" U/kbn_ wrote: "My money is on old septic tank but without seeing down into it, really hard to say for sure. It could also be a cistern or even a well, but the cement looks too modern for that type of a shallow fresh water feature. Glad your husband's leg is okay!" U/tbs3456 said: "10' is really deep for a septic tank. My moneys on cistern/well." U/ChildhoodSea7062 said: "I wonder if you have a bomb shelter on the property." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. A stock image of a man walk through a grass field. A stock image of a man walk through a grass field. Getty Do you have a home-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Denver Remodeler, Northbuilt Construction, Recognized with Two Prestigious Industry Awards for 2025
Summary: Northbuilt Construction won the 2025 Best of Houzz Service Award and Best of Mile High Award for remodeling excellence. The company also launched a new website to enhance the customer experience. Westminster, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2025) - Northbuilt Construction has been recognized with two prestigious awards in 2025: the Best of Houzz Service Award and the Best of Mile High Award. These accolades underscore the company's commitment to providing high-quality remodeling services and exceptional client satisfaction in a highly competitive industry. The Best of Houzz Service Award highlights companies based on customer feedback and satisfaction. Northbuilt Construction has been recognized in this category for its consistent ability to exceed client expectations, joining an elite group of professionals in the design and remodeling industry. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In addition, Northbuilt Construction was named the Best Remodeler in Denver by The Best of Mile High. The award was determined through votes from local residents and reflects the company's strong reputation for quality and reliability in home remodeling. These accolades affirm the company's commitment to helping homeowners transform their living spaces and its ongoing commitment to delivering superior results. Reflecting on the achievement, owner Alex Weeks states, "These awards aren't just about pretty bathrooms. They're about service, communication, and trust - and that's where we've chosen to focus. From day one, we've set out to do this differently. We want our clients to feel confident and cared for the entire way through. Seeing that show up in the feedback means a lot to our whole team." This recognition marks an important milestone for Northbuilt Construction, underscoring its growth and the continued demand for its services. The team's focus on customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and expertise has allowed the Denver remodeling company, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and whole home remodeling, to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving home improvement sector. As homeowners increasingly seek a personalized and collaborative approach to remodeling, Northbuilt Construction remains at the forefront, embracing new tools and technologies to meet their clients' needs. In addition to these honors, Northbuilt Construction has recently launched a redesigned website. The new site provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience, allowing potential clients to explore the company's portfolio of work and learn about its remodeling approach. The website also highlights the company's commitment to improving its digital presence and streamlining communication with clients. Northbuilt Construction remains focused on further enhancing its operations, adopting innovative solutions, and consistently delivering high-quality service to homeowners. With these recent recognitions and the continued evolution of the company's capabilities, Northbuilt Construction is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the remodeling industry and serve its clients with excellence for years to come. About Northbuilt Construction: Northbuilt Construction specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and whole home remodeling. With over 235 completed projects across Colorado and Montana, the company is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and innovative design solutions. Northbuilt Construction's team, which includes experts with diverse backgrounds in civil engineering, commercial construction, and enclosure consulting, strives to bring every client's vision to life. Media Contact: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Company Name: Northbuilt Construction Contact Person: Alex Weeks Phone: 13037206610 Address: 7510 Wolff St. City: Westminster State: Colorado Postal Code: 80030 Country: United States Website:
Axios
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
More people are going to movie theaters — in their homes
Project requests for home theater installations soared 562% in 2024, Yelp reports, as homeowners splurge on features that rival their local cinema. Why it matters: The summer's hottest movie screenings might be in your — or your neighbor's — bonus room. What we're hearing: Paying to sit in a musty theater isn't as appealing as staying home, where amenities and snacks can be customized to personal preferences. Zoom in: "We're seeing growing interest in everything from full-scale theater renovations" to budget-friendly additions like blackout curtains, Yelp trend expert Tara Lewis tells Axios. Super-hosts can bring in pros to build custom snack stations, install the latest sound systems or curate plush decor. Between the lines: Theater chains have struggled to rebound from the pandemic, despite investing in new projectors, seats, bars and more. Most suburban megaplexes "feel like relics of a bygone era," actor and showrunner Danny McBride recently told The Hollywood Reporter. The intrigue: Movie rooms aren't the only home entertainment spaces making a comeback. Searches for Lego rooms, billiard rooms and video game rooms jumped double digits on Houzz, a home design site, earlier this year compared to last. The big picture: Lately, more people want to upgrade their current house instead of buying a new one, builders say. Americans spent an estimated $603 billion last year on home remodeling, far above pre-pandemic levels, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. But roller-coaster tariffs threaten to make everything from construction to flat-screen TVs costlier. What we're watching: That dream renovation might have to wait.
Time Business News
27-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Why Quartz Is a Favorite Choice for Modern Kitchens (Badger Granite)
Thinking of a kitchen glow-up? You're in good company. Kitchens are the most tinkered-with room in most American homes. About 10 million folks redo theirs annually. And guess what? A huge chunk of that is all about the countertops. These days, more people are going for kitchen counters quartz over the usual suspects like granite. A recent Freedonia Group survey found quartz now takes 40% share of U.S. countertop sales. It even beat granite for the first time. That's big. So what's the appeal? Why do homeowners, designers, and contractors love quartz so much? In this piece, we'll dig into all that. We'll compare it to other materials and share tips for picking countertops Milwaukee locals will love. Quartz. It's actually man-made. They mix real quartz crystals with resin, pigments, and some extras. Most of it—like 90–95%—is natural stone. The rest? Resin. That combo makes it tough and smooth. Some folks think quartz is a natural stone like granite or marble. Not quite. It's engineered. Which means it's more uniform in color and texture. Quartz ranks a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale—where 10 is diamond. That means it resists scratches, chips, and cracks. Daily abuse? It handles it. Consumer Reports says quartz beats granite, laminate, and marble in stain, cut, and heat tests. It wins. Plain and simple. People love kitchen counters because they're pretty low-effort. No sealing. No special cleaners. Soap and water works fine. A Houzz survey found 70% of quartz owners mentioned 'easy cleaning' as a main perk. Quartz is non-porous. So spills—coffee, wine, tomato sauce—won't soak in. Contrast that with granite or marble, which soak up liquids if you don't seal them. Tip: For homes with kids or frequent guests, quartz is a cleaner and safer pick. Here's a quick comparison: Material Stain Resistance Maintenance Cost per sq. ft. Durability Quartz Excellent Low $55–$150 Excellent Granite Moderate Medium $40–$120 Very Good Marble Poor High $60–$250 Fair Laminate Poor Low $20–$50 Fair Butcher Block Poor High $30–$100 Moderate (Source: HomeAdvisor, Consumer Reports) Quartz shines in this lineup. Low upkeep. High endurance. Tons of design options. Quartz = a design dream. Bright whites. Soft grays. Bold blacks. Subtle veining. You name it—it's got it. And the best part? It's super consistent. No weird pattern surprises or color blotches across your slab. If you're after that clean, modern vibe, solid white quartz with a soft vein or two is a total win. Want something more rustic or industrial? No problem kitchen counters quartz can easily mimic natural stone or even raw concrete, giving you that organic look with way less upkeep. Another bonus? Quartz is super flexible when it comes to shaping and edging. Go thick and dramatic. Try a sleek beveled edge. Even a waterfall design? Totally doable. With kitchen counters quartz, you get the look you love without sacrificing function or durability. Live in Milwaukee? You know winters are harsh. Summers are humid. Quartz? It doesn't expand or contract like wood or laminate. So no warping. Local shops stock brands like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone. You can see samples. Feel them. Compare them. Then there's ROI. Remodeling Magazine's 2024 Cost vs. Value report says a minor kitchen remodel with quartz counters can recoup up to 78% of its cost. Nice return. Quartz can be eco-friendly. Some brands use recycled bits. Cambria and Caesarstone promote green manufacturing. Low emissions. Responsible sourcing. And quartz lasts decades. No need to toss and redo. That's less waste over time. Fun fact: Cambria makes its quartz in the U.S. and follows strict environmental standards. Quartz isn't the cheapest. But it's not the priciest either. Most kitchen counters quartz installs land between $2,000–$4,500 based on size and brand. HomeAdvisor averages: Average: $3,750 Low: $1,500 High: $5,500+ Measure and template. Fabricate the slab to fit. Deliver and place it. Polish and inspect. Once measured, most jobs wrap in 1–2 days. Reality: Quartz often costs less than marble. And it's in the same ballpark as granite – when you add in saving on sealing and upkeep. Reality: Modern quartz with gold veining looks real. A lot of people won't know the difference. Reality: Quartz resists heat well. But don't plop a piping-hot pot on it. Use a trivet anyway. Mid-article callout! If you're still here, thanks for sticking with me. Let's talk style. Styles like Calcutta Gold. Baltic Brown. Pure Black. The list is long. And fun. You can match any kitchen vibe. Want a marble style but hate marble upkeep? Quartz has you covered. You get the look. Without the trouble. If you're upgrading your kitchen or bathroom and want stone surfaces that really stand out , countertops Milwaukee is your go-to destination for top-quality quartz, granite, and marble. From modern designs to timeless classics, countertops Milwaukee offers one of the widest selections in the area—backed by expert service and prices that make sense. What makes them a local favorite? A massive variety of in-stock materials you can see before you buy Affordable pricing without cutting corners on quality Free design consultations to help bring your ideas to life 3D previews so you can visualize your new space before installation Full in-house fabrication and professional install—start to finish Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or designing a brand-new bathroom, countertops Milwaukee delivers the quality and service that homeowners actually rave about. Pro tip: Ask about current deals or bundle discounts—they're known for saving customers big. Want pretty and practical? Quartz nails it. Sleek. Strong. Easy to maintain. That's a combo. For remodels or new builds, quartz hits the sweet spot. Especially if you're looking at kitchen counters quartz in Milwaukee. Want help picking a slab or booking an install? Drop me a line. I can help. Usually, yes. More stain-resistant. Less upkeep. More design options. Nope. It's non-porous. You're good. Sure, but knives dull faster. Cutting board recommended. Not really. UV rays can fade it. Best stick to indoor use. 20 to 30 years or more. With a little care, it's pretty much permanent. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
