Design • March 10, 2026

Creating Space for a Stress-Free Zone in your Home

by Don Koonce

The meaning of home has expanded over the years, adding new activities beyond eating and sleeping. For many this means home has more space to work and do hobbies. But as those things expanded, the feeling of relaxation may have dwindled, and for those struggling with the mental health implications of this, creating a space in your home that is dedicated to reducing stress could be the ticket to achieving a sense of peace and calm. Whether you use that space to meditate, exercise, or read, having a place in your home to focus on your mental health can change the way you show up for yourself and the important people in your life.

Image Source: Getty Images Lytvyn

Fitness Corner

If exercise is your chosen route to improved mental health, a small home gym could be right for you. How you set up your fitness space will depend on your preferred form of exercise, as well as your budget.

If your routine requires a treadmill or indoor bicycle, make that the focal point of your space. If yoga, Pilates, or barre is more your speed, you’ll need room to unroll a mat and move freely. Weightlifting or body-weight exercises might necessitate more space and equipment but are both feasible even in a corner of your office or a walk-in closet.

Regardless of how you plan to get your sweat on, use nearby wall space for shelving or hooks to store equipment. This could range from light hand weights and exercise bands to jump ropes and yoga mats. If you need more storage, find furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a cabinet that stores towels can also double as a surface for a small fan and your water bottle.

For extra motivation to spend time in your exercise area, add a little personalization. Wallpaper or bold paint colors not only add visual interest, but they also create a sense of separation from the rest of the room or area. Soothing art and living plants are particularly apt for spaces dedicated to yoga.

Meditation Space

Meditation is a great way to calm the mind, and you don’t need special equipment or a lot of room to do it. Creating your own meditation space can be simple, quick, and doesn’t require a large investment.

Start by finding a place in your house that is as free from distractions as possible. This could be a corner in your bedroom or a section of your backyard or terrace. Ideally the space would be near a window or natural light source.

Where and how you sit can make or break a meditation session. A chair, meditation cushion, or yoga mat that allows you to sit comfortably for several minutes while keeping you alert will do the trick.

If you plan to listen to guided meditations or music, a small Bluetooth speaker can be a good option if you want to avoid using headphones and will have better sound quality than listening from your phone’s speaker.

Though many people prefer to meditate with their eyes fully closed, visual elements can help set a serene scene. Plants, candles, statues, and art can also add a sense of your personality. If clutter stresses you out, keep your decor clean and minimalist. You can include your other senses in your meditations by adding a water feature and burning incense or essential oils.

Image Source: Getty Images JulieAlexK

Reading Nook

If getting lost in a good book is your favorite way to unwind, a reading nook will quickly become your favorite spot at home.

Whether you’ve got a corner or a closet to dedicate to the space, the key to hours of reading enjoyment is the right seating. It’s hard to beat the traditional wingback or club chair, but smaller spaces might call for more creative ideas. Floor cushions, padded benches, bean bag chairs, and hammocks are all options.

Once you’ve got your sitting area situated, lighting comes next. A location near a window that brings in natural light is ideal, but for those who love to read late into the night or who don’t have a window nearby, standing or table lamps and wall sconces will save you from eye strain.

If you’ve got the space, a side table for cocoa, coffee, or tea is a nice addition. It’s also a great area for that mile-high “to be read” pile book lovers are known for. Even better if it’s got a drawer for bookmarks, reading glasses, pens, and notebooks.

For extra coziness, add a throw blanket or shawl and some cushy pillows.

Make these ideas come to life, check out our Pinterest board for inspiration.

Living • March 5, 2026

Hosting on a Budget

by Don Koonce

There’s nothing better than spending time with family and friends. When we’re sharing memories—or making new ones—we feel close to our loved ones and reaffirm our bonds to each other. If you’re the one hosting a get together though, the expenses of feeding and entertaining everyone can quickly add up.

Whether you’re inviting family over for a holiday celebration, hosting a birthday or graduation party, or just want to hang out with a few friends, we’ve got some tips to keep costs down while ensuring everyone has a good time.

Plan a Potluck

Perhaps the simplest, and most obvious, way to keep food expenses down when hosting is to ask your guests to contribute. Consider splitting up assignments by first letter of last names. For instance, last names starting with A-H bring beverages, I-P bring sides, Q-V bring salads, and W-Z bring desserts. This works well for holiday gatherings, but only use the letter assignment system if you’re not hosting a lot of family members who share the same last name!

Gather for Games

Board games, charades, or Pictionary using an easel are fun for all ages, and no one expects a full meal while you’re playing. Games can create a fun theme for birthday or anniversary parties, too. Provide a few snacks, beverages, and the games themselves and you’re all set.

Make It a Movie Night

With streaming services and inexpensive rentals like Redbox, having friends over to watch a flick is an easy and affordable way to spend time together. Supply the popcorn (and maybe a few of your favorite kinds of candy) and you and your guests are in for an evening of fun for only a few dollars. Movie nights are a fun idea for older kids and teens as well. Whether you want to turn it into a slumber party is up to you!

Bake up Brunch

There are a million ways to use the relatively inexpensive grocery items like eggs, potatoes, and pancake mix to whip up a delicious brunch. Egg casseroles or quiches with fresh veggies are easy to make ahead of time and can expand how many people a few eggs can feed. Hashbrowns or home fries are instant crowd pleasers. And who doesn’t love pancakes?

The best thing about brunch is that you can serve it anytime. Whether your invitation list consists of early risers or sleepy heads, anytime between 9:00 AM and early afternoon is perfectly appropriate.

Shop Your Own Supply

Using what you already have stocked in your fridge and pantry is not only less spendy than a big store run, but it’s also handy if a party comes together at the last minute. Fruit, crackers, and cheese can quickly turn into attractive and tasty appetizers. Any kind of protein, rice, some beans, tortillas, and cheese can turn into a make-your-own taco bar.

More: Charcuterie board inspiration

Scope out the Sales

If you’ve got enough of a head start, planning the food and beverages you’re going to offer at your shindig around weekly or seasonal sales can save a pretty penny. Keep an eye out for grocery store circulars, coupons, and online ads that offer special deals on party favorites like soda, chips, and crackers. Shopping early can also pay off for big holiday meals. For example, many stores sell frozen turkeys weeks before Thanksgiving for a fraction of what you’ll pay for a fresh turkey the week of.

Serve a Signature Cocktail (or Mocktail)

Stocking a bar can easily become your party’s biggest expense, especially if your guests expect premium booze. Instead of purchasing all the bar staples and several varieties of beer and wine, create a signature cocktail (or mocktail) that only calls for a few ingredients and that you can make in advance. Sangrias, mojitos, and margaritas are great in big batches. A simple sorbet punch is a sure winner for the mocktail inclined.

Leave the Music to Us

Setting the tone with music is key to a great time. Windermere Real Estate has several playlists ready-made for your event. Choose one based on the vibe you’re going for from dinner to pool parties.

We hope these ideas help inspire you to host a gathering of your loved ones soon!

Design • March 3, 2026

What is American Country Interior Design? How to Create a Warm, Timeless Home

by Don Koonce

American Country style captures something many homeowners are craving: warmth, authenticity, and a sense of home that feels both personal and timeless. Rooted in rural American heritage, this design aesthetic celebrates simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It’s cozy without feeling cluttered, nostalgic without feeling dated, and welcoming in a way that instantly puts guests at ease.

Inspired by pastoral landscapes and traditional materials, American Country interiors embrace comfort first. But while its origins may be rural, this style adapts beautifully to modern living, whether you’re in a farmhouse, a suburban home, or even a city condo.

Defining Features of American Country Interior Design

Inviting, Comfortable Spaces

At its heart, American Country design is about creating rooms that feel relaxed and lived in. These are spaces where oversized sofas invite long conversations, where a stone or brick fireplace becomes the gathering point, and where nothing feels too precious to use.

Wood or stone floors ground the space, often softened by natural fiber rugs. Furniture tends to be substantial and comfortable. Think leather armchairs, slipcovered sofas, or simple patterned fabrics like gingham, stripes, or muted florals. The overall effect is welcoming and unpretentious.

A Warm and Muted Color Palette

American Country interiors favor warm, inviting tones over stark contrasts. Beige and soft browns often serve as foundational colors for walls and upholstery. Cream-colored cabinetry or beadboard walls add lightness without feeling stark.

To round out the palette, muted greens and soft blues bring in subtle depth while maintaining the overall warmth. These colors feel connected to the natural landscape—fields, forests, and wide-open skies.

The key is restraint. Rather than bold statements, American Country style relies on layered neutrals and earthy tones that feel timeless and easy to live with.

Natural Materials and Craftsmanship

Traditional materials play a central role in American Country homes. Wooden furniture, whether it’s a large farmhouse dining table, Windsor chairs, or a well-worn rocking chair, reflects durability and simplicity.

Exposed ceiling beams, if your home has them, instantly elevate the look while honoring the style’s roots. Stone fireplaces, carved wood details, and hand-formed metal accents add depth and character.

Decorative elements are often functional as well as beautiful: pottery, woven baskets, mason jars, and wooden crates that double as shelving. These pieces feel collected over time rather than purchased all at once.

Textiles with History and Texture

Textiles are essential to achieving a true American Country feel. Handmade quilts layered across beds or draped over sofas add warmth and story. Patchwork pillows mix patterns in a way that feels intentional but not overly coordinated.

Natural fiber rugs, such as jute or sisal, bring texture underfoot while reinforcing the connection to organic materials. Floral and botanical prints, whether in wallpaper, framed artwork, or upholstery, introduce a gentle nod to the outdoors.

Antiques and Vintage Touches

American Country style thrives on pieces with history. A vintage dresser, a weathered wooden trunk used as a coffee table, or antique brass hardware can instantly add depth and authenticity.

Local antique shops and estate sales are often treasure troves for finding accessories that feel genuine. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s personality. A slightly worn finish or hand-crafted detail only enhances the charm.

Simple, Functional, Designed for Real Life

Above all, American Country design prioritizes practicality. Rooms are arranged for ease of movement and everyday use. Open shelving in the kitchen, for example, keeps essentials within reach while displaying beautiful dishware or preserved goods in glass jars. It’s a design philosophy that reminds us of how a home should support daily life.

If you’re drawn to interiors that feel warm, welcoming, and rooted in tradition, American Country might be the perfect place to start. For more design inspiration, tips, and trends, visit the design section of our blog.

Buyers • February 26, 2026

Buying with Your Pets in Mind

by Don Koonce

For many of us, pets play a central role in our home life, so taking into account what is best for them when buying a home is important for both their happiness and that of your entire household.

Is the Neighborhood A Good Match For Your Pet?

When looking for homes that are well suited to both you and your furry companion, consider the area surrounding the home. If your pet is an indoor/outdoor animal, it’s important to examine the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. If your pet spends time outside, a busy neighborhood could be dangerous, and depending on the level of traffic, he or she may need to be on a leash at all times.

How conducive is the neighborhood for taking your pet on walks? If you frequently walk your pet, look for neighborhoods with sidewalks. If your pet enjoys being off-leash, consider prioritizing homes with green belts, parks, trails, or designated off-leash areas nearby. It’s also a good idea to identify where the local emergency pet centers and veterinarian clinics are to insure there is sufficient medical care for your pet in proximity to where you live.

Does The House Meet the Needs of Your Pet?

Size: Is the house big enough? Depending on the type of pet, or breed of animal, space may be the most important factor in picking a pet-friendly home. If you are moving into a bigger space than you were in previously, understand your pet will likely take to the additional room differently. On the flip side, if you are downsizing, be mindful of how it might impact your pet.
Yard: If you have a pet that spends time outside, it’s important to pay particular attention to the yard. Is it large enough? Does it have a secure fence? Is there easy access between the home and the yard?
Flooring: Pet-friendly flooring can be tough. Surfaces that can be repaired or refinished when scratched are typically the best options for homes with pets. Sealing additional layers will build up the resistance to damage from paws, claws, and general pet wear and tear.
Carpet: Cats are notorious for clawing and scratching at carpet, and dogs are infamous for bringing the outdoors in with them. Consider carpeting of a lesser quality in the area where your pets spend most of the time, or search for carpets that are stain resistant and easy to clean.
Stairs: Older pets and multileveled homes are at odds. Consider the age of your pet and how active you expect them to be so that you don’t find yourself in a position where you’re having to carry your pet between floors.
Additions: If you’re comfortable with doing a little work on your potential home, you can consider adjustments that might make it a little more safe and comfortable for your pets. Adding an enclosed outdoor space for your cat called a catio or carving out space in the yard for a dog run can be just what your fur babies need.

More: 5 Pet Friendly House Cleaning Tips

What Does the HOA Say About Pets?

When looking at a home, ask whether or not it is a part of a Homeowners Association and what restrictions may apply to the property. For instance, certain HOA developments limit the number and/or type of pets per household.

Most pet owners take the needs of their pets seriously. In fact, in a recent Realtor.com survey, 95% of pet owners said that their pets needs were an important consideration when finding the right home to buy. When it comes down to it, prioritizing your pet when buying a home not only insures your pet’s well-being, but that of your household, as well.

Sellers • February 24, 2026

The Power of a 30-Second First Impression: Why Reels Are the New Curb Appeal

by Don Koonce

In real estate, we all know how important first impressions are. For decades, curb appeal has been the gold standard for catching a buyer’s attention—but today, those first impressions are happening online, often in under 30 seconds. As more buyers scroll listings on their phones or stumble across homes on social media, video has become one of the most powerful tools in a listing agent’s toolkit.

Enter: Reels.

Reels have completely redefined how we make an impact online. With a single scroll-stopping clip, you can showcase the flow of a home, highlight its best features, and spark an emotional connection long before a showing is ever scheduled. Where we used to say, “Make them fall in love in the driveway,” now we’re saying, “Make them fall in love on their For You Page.”

Why Reels Matter in Real Estate

Short-form video is dominating the digital space, and real estate is no exception. According to recent reports, Instagram Reels receive 22% more engagement and twice the visibility of any other content type. That means more views, more saves, more shares, and more potential buyers seeing your listing.

Even more compelling? Most users decide whether to keep watching in the first 3 seconds. In a market where timing matters and attention is limited, that makes every second count.

With Reels, you’re not just marketing a home—you’re creating an experience, expanding your reach, and showing up exactly where today’s buyers are: on mobile, on social, and online.

The Language of Social Media, Decoded

If you’re new to the social media space, all the jargon can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to the terms that matter most:

Impressions: How many times your content was shown, even if the same person views it multiple times
Reach: The total number of unique people who saw your content
Interactions: The real engagement, including likes, comments, shares, and saves
Engagement rate: A measure of how much people are interacting with your posts
Social reading: The process of learning from performance to see what’s working, what’s not, and how to pivot

Understanding these numbers helps you make informed choices about what to post and when—turning social into a strategic tool, not just a to-do list.

How a Reel Can Boost a Listing

Reels help your listing show up where buyers already are: scrolling, saving, and planning their next move. Photos can showcase a home’s style, but video brings it to life. A reel allows buyers to experience the home’s layout, lighting, and feel—something static images can’t always convey. Think of reels as a guided tour that lives right on their screen.

When your reel helps someone imagine themselves living there, you create something powerful: connection. And that leads to more views, more clicks, more showings, and ultimately, more offers.

Tips for Creating Scroll-Stopping Reels

You don’t need to be a content creator to make an impact. Here’s a checklist for effective real estate reels:

Keep it short—ideally under 30 seconds
Use trending or high-quality audio (voiceovers or music)
Open with movement or your most impressive feature
Use on-screen text to highlight what viewers are seeing
End with a CTA (“Message me for a private tour”)

Pro tip: Reels with trending audio, natural lighting, and a clear opening shot perform best. Start strong and guide the viewer through the story of the home.

Reels = Results

We’ve already seen how reels are helping agents across the industry expand their reach. One well-timed reel can:

Double the impressions of a standard photo post
Attract new buyers who weren’t actively looking but got inspired
Drive traffic from Instagram and Facebook directly to a listing

The best part? Reels often reach people who don’t even follow your account—giving your listing even more visibility.

Social Is the New Curb Appeal

Today’s buyers are online. They’re discovering homes through hashtags, algorithms, and short-form video. That’s why investing in reels isn’t just smart—it’s strategic. Whether you’re showcasing a cozy condo, a luxury estate, or a hidden gem with a killer view, reels help you tell the story of the home in a way that resonates.

Buyers • February 19, 2026

Small Town Revival: Why Everyone’s Moving Back to Main Street

by Don Koonce

by Windermere Staff

After decades of city living being the goal, a fresh trend is emerging. More and more people—especially young adults—are reimagining what “home” looks like, and that picture is starting to look a lot like small-town life. From coast to coast, smaller communities are seeing new life as individuals and families seek more space, deeper connections, and a quieter pace. This blog explores why so many are making the move and what it could mean for your next chapter.

A Big Shift Toward Smaller Places

It’s not just nostalgia or affordability driving people back to Main Street. Small towns offer a sense of balance that can be hard to find in big cities. Less time commuting means more time doing what you love. Smaller crowds make room for bigger conversations. And without the constant rush of city life, people are rediscovering how good it feels to slow down and stay awhile.

What’s Driving the Move?

Affordability and the Dream of Homeownership

Big city rent and home prices continue to climb, pricing out many first-time buyers. In smaller towns, buyers are finding more space, greater value, and a better chance of affording their first home. Whether it’s trading a one-bedroom apartment for a three-bedroom house or simply paying less for everyday essentials, the savings are adding up.

Remote work and Flexibility

With more jobs going remote (and staying that way), people are no longer tied to a specific metro area. This new freedom has allowed many to choose where they want to live based on lifestyle rather than commute.

Lifestyle and Access to Nature

Small towns often come with quieter streets, shorter commutes, and greater access to outdoor recreation. From scenic trails to lakefronts and beaches, natural amenities are high on the priority list for today’s buyers.

Community and Connection

In a time when many people feel disconnected, small towns offer something invaluable: a strong sense of community. You’re more likely to know your neighbors, shop at local businesses, and feel rooted in something bigger than yourself. For some, these towns also offer more chances to get involved, including local politics or town-wide initiatives that are often more accessible and welcoming to newcomers.

Entrepreneurship and New Opportunity

According to recent IRS data, small towns have seen a faster rise in new business formation than large cities post-2020. With less competition, lower startup costs, and supportive communities, many entrepreneurs are finding that perfect launchpad in small-town markets.

Education and Family Life

Families are also being drawn to the more personal, community-based education options often found in small towns. Smaller class sizes and greater access to teachers can make a big difference for growing kids. With lower crime rates and more outdoor space, many parents feel they can offer their children a safer and more well-rounded upbringing.

The Other Side: What to Consider

While small-town life has its perks, it’s not without trade-offs. Here are a few things to consider before packing your bags:

Limited medical services: Access to specialists and immediate care may be limited.
Fewer job options: While remote work helps, certain industries may have fewer local opportunities.
Diversity and culture: Small towns may have less cultural diversity and fewer entertainment options.
Transportation: Public transportation is often sparse or nonexistent. Owning a car or other means of transportation may be necessary.

How Places Like Seabrook, WA Are Leading the Way

One standout example of this new wave of small-town living is Seabrook, Washington. Perched on the Washington coast, Seabrook was designed to blend timeless charm with walkability, coastal views, and a strong sense of place.

Founded in 2004, Seabrook has grown to include 600 homes, over 20 parks, 24 shops and restaurants, a grocery store, pools, trails, and more. It was designed to offer an urban-meets-coastal lifestyle, and today, it’s a thriving year-round community with schools, medical clinics, and a regenerative farm that supports local restaurants and residents.

Whether it’s a full-time move or a weekend escape, places like Seabrook are proving that small towns can offer everything people are looking for: modern convenience, community, and a deep sense of belonging.

Is Small-Town Living Right for You?

If you’ve been dreaming of a slower pace, a bigger yard, or just more breathing room, you’re not alone. Ask yourself:

Do you work remotely or have a flexible schedule?
Are you craving more nature and outdoor recreation?
Would you trade a bustling nightlife for stronger community ties?
Is homeownership feeling out of reach in your current city?

If you answered yes to most of these, a move to a small town might be worth exploring.

Real Estate News & Information • February 17, 2026

Local Market Update – February 2026

by Don Koonce

The region’s housing market opened the year in a more balanced position, shaped by rising inventory, shifting buyer activity, and continued price adjustments across local markets. While affordability remains a central challenge, expanded housing supply and early signs of renewed buyer interest are beginning to influence market dynamics.

KING COUNTY

In January, King County’s median single-family home price dipped 1% year over year and 6% month over month to $850,000. Active listings climbed 31% from last year, giving buyers more choice than last winter. Buyer interest showed signs of reawakening coming out of the holidays, with pending sales up an impressive 37% month over month, signaling early momentum ahead of spring. Closed sales lagged, falling 4% from last year, showing that overall transaction volume remained softer despite improving buyer activity. In the condo market, the median sold price slipped 16% year over year to $502,475, even as listings grew 18%.

SEATTLE

Seattle began 2026 with clear signs of growing market balance. January’s median residential sold price slipped 1% year over year and 7% month over month to $850,000, while inventory rose 30% from last January. Although pending sales were down from last year, the 36% month-over-month increase points to renewed buyer activity heading into spring. Closed sales held steady compared to last year, indicating consistent underlying demand. For Seattle condos, the median price dropped 19% year over year to $557,000 as inventory climbed 22%.

EASTSIDE

Last month’s median residential sold price on the Eastside fell 16% year over year to $1,435,000, while active listings climbed 49% from last January and 19% month over month, suggesting both a market in transition and that sellers remained active despite seasonal factors. Buyer activity showed notable strength, with pending sales up 26% year over year and surging 69% from December—a sign that improved selection and pricing may be drawing buyers back in. Closed sales edged 4% higher than last year despite the much more crowded market. The median sold price for condos slipped 15% year over year to $628,000 and active listings increased 21%.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

In Snohomish County, January’s median price for a single-family home declined 7% year over year and 6% month over month to $715,000. Active listings rose 39% from the same time last year and 10% from December. Buyer interest showed early signs of improvement, with pending sales increasing 29% month over month, even as closed sales fell 24% year over year, reflecting a thinner pipeline of completed transactions. In the county’s condo market, the median price dropped 18% to $470,000 as active listings rose 16%.

As the market moves deeper into the first quarter, inventory levels and buyer response will be key indicators to watch. Rising pending sales activity in several areas suggests that buyers are beginning to re-enter the market as pricing and selection improve. Whether this momentum carries forward will depend largely on interest rate stability and broader economic confidence. In a market defined by nuance, the expertise of a Windermere advisor is essential for understanding the latest changes in today’s real estate market.

Top Home Design Trends to Know in 2026

by Don Koonce

Design trends have always reflected more than style. They reflect how people want to live. And as we move into 2026, home design continues to shift away from one-size-fits-all aesthetics and toward spaces that feel intentional, expressive, and more personal.

After several years shaped by minimalism, fast trends, and highly curated interiors, homeowners are now prioritizing warmth, character, and longevity, creating environments that support everyday life. That shift is reflected across design forecasts, color reports, and industry insights, where a few defining themes continue to show up. These are the top interior design trends shaping homes in 2026 and how they translate into real, livable spaces.

Lived-In, Layered Interiors

In recent years, many interiors have leaned towards polished, photo-ready spaces that always look perfect. In 2026, that approach continues to soften, and perfection takes a back seat to personality.

Layered, collected interiors are leading the way. Spaces that look as though they have come together over time feel warmer and more inviting. Mixing vintage with new pieces, displaying meaningful objects, and creating soft structure through books, art, textiles, and ceramics adds depth and story. A worn wood table, a reupholstered vintage chair, or a gallery wall that grows naturally gives a home character that can’t be replaced overnight.

Rich, Grounding Color Palettes

Color continues to shape how a home feels, and 2026 paint color trends lean into depth with a calming edge. Think nature-inspire tones like smoky blues, warm browns, muted reds, and softened neutrals that ground a room without feeling heavy.

Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, fits beautifully into this direction. It’s a smoky green-blue that feels rich yet refined, perfect for homeowners who want a space that’s serene yet still has presence. Similar color stories are appearing across other forecasts too, from patina-inspired blues, greens, and browns to warm khakis and layered whites.

Color Drenching and Moody Rooms

If you’re seeing more immersive, saturated rooms online, that’s no accident. Color drenching, which uses a single hue across walls, trims, and sometimes ceilings, continues to rise as one of the standout interior design trends in 2026. When done thoughtfully, it creates a cocoon-like effect that feels polished, intimate, and cohesive.

This is also part of a broader shift toward moodier spaces. Deeper greens, tobacco-inspired browns, warm blacks, and earth reds are showing up in dining rooms, powder baths, offices, and libraries. The key is balance—pairing saturated color with warm wood, soft lighting, and texture to keep the room inviting.

Warm Woods and Character Grain

Wood is making a confident return in 2026, but not in a shiny, match-everything way. Interiors now favor deeper stains, visible grain, and pieces with real character. Reclaimed materials, vintage finds, and finishes that show variation all add warmth and depth.

This shows up in kitchens, furniture, and architectural details like beams, built-ins, and trim. If you’re bringing wood into your home, Minwax’s 2026 Stain Color of the Year, Special Walnut, fits the mood: a warm, versatile brown that enhances natural grain and works across styles from modern to traditional.

Paired with stone, linen, and even metal, wood brings warmth and timelessness—two qualities today’s buyers tend to notice immediately when they walk into a home.

Texture as the New Luxury

Another defining shift in home décor trends for 2026 is the return of texture, especially tactile, handcrafted, and visually soft elements. Textile wall hangings, tapestries, layered rugs, and subtle decorative trims like fringe and tassels are making an easy way to add depth without clutter. You don’t need to go maximal to make it work. A fabric panel hung like art, a woven wall piece, or even vintage textiles repurposed as décor can make a space feel warmer and more grounded. In a world that often feels overly digital, texture brings a human, lived-in quality that’s hard to fake.

Function Forward Design

Function continues to shape design decisions in 2026. Modular furniture, flexible layouts, and thoughtful storage solutions are becoming more prevalent as homes are expected to support multiple roles. Benches with hidden storage, ottomans that double as work surfaces, and adaptable seating arrangements allow spaces to shift easily between hosting, working, and relaxing.

Sustainability as the Standard

Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration. In 2026, it’s an expectation. It shows up in material choices, sourcing, and the lifespan of the pieces we bring into our homes. Homeowners are paying close attention to upgrades that support energy efficiency and long-term livability.

At the same time, thrifting and buying secondhand continue to grow across age groups, driven by both environmental awareness and the search for higher-quality materials. Vintage and antique furniture often offers better craftsmanship and longevity than mass-produced alternatives, while adding instant character to a space.

Whether you’re updating a room or thinking about your next move, these trends offer a thoughtful lens for creating a home that feels both current and enduring.

Design • February 10, 2026

What Makes a Home Modern? 6 Features of Modern Architecture

by Don Koonce

Sleek, sustainable design, open concept floor plans, minimalism, and eco-conscious thinking are defining characteristics of modern architecture. These concepts were formed in the early to mid-twentieth century as part of the modern art movement which encompassed art deco interior design and mid-century modern architecture among other styles. Here’s a breakdown of the features that define modern architecture.

6 Features of Modern Architecture

1. Clean Geometric Lines

At the heart of modernist values lies the simplification of form. Ornate decorations quickly became a thing of the past as designers became focused on taking a no-frills approach to home design. Modernist homes have a very linear feel with straight lines and exposed building materials, as opposed to more irregular shapes that were popular in the past.

2. Multifunctional Spaces

Multifunctional living spaces are a foundational element of modern homes. Built-in storage is commonly used to reflect this multi-purpose, space-saving feel. This gives added significance to the spaces in a home by upping each one’s utility. It creates an environment where everything has purpose.

3. Eco-Friendly

Modern homes are well suited for technological and eco-friendly home upgrades, as well as eco-friendly building materials and energy efficient practices, and flat roofs to accommodate solar power. A new trend is to decorate each room with plants for a calming, soothing effect. Large windows are abundant in modern architecture, allowing light to fill and expand the interior space, bringing the natural world indoors.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: irina88w

4. Post-and-Beam Structure

Exposed wood posts and ceiling beams are classic elements in modern architecture and modern offshoots like farmhouse interior design. Modern homes significantly emphasize the structure rather than hiding the bones behind drywall. In new modern homes the post-and-beam structure can be made of concrete, iron, or other materials. The visible horizontal and vertical beams reinforce the clean geometric lines of the space.

5. Open Concept

Modern design strives to “open” the space by eliminating enclosed rooms. A common design method is to open the kitchen and dining room into an open living space, allowing the spaces to flow into one another.

6. Minimalism

With open and connected modernist spaces, careful curation of furniture, décor, and household objects is paramount to incorporating the modernist aesthetic. Generally, modernist homes have art and furniture that reflects the clean geometric lines and the natural materials of the architecture, leaving less space for clutter. Minimalist philosophies encourage few household items that serve both form and function, which work well within this design and architectural style.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: alvarez

Contemporary vs. Modern Architecture & Design

The terms “contemporary” and “modern” are thrown around interchangeably. They do possess a certain degree of overlapping qualities, but specifically in the design world, “modern” refers to styles influenced by the early to mid-twentieth century movement, while contemporary design is what is popular in the present. Whatever interior design trends are at the forefront can be said to be contemporary, while modern interior design is still influenced by a specific period in the past.

For more information on home design, read about how to keep up with trends while decorating your home colorfully:

Colorful Modern Design Trends for Your Home

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: onurdongel

Sellers • February 5, 2026

Minimize Stress While Selling Your Home

by Don Koonce

After years of collecting furniture, plants, and memories, the thought of preparing your home to sell and moving to a new one can be daunting and stir up a lot of emotions. But selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful; here are a few tips to help make it easier.

Involve your agent early

The earlier you involve your Windermere Real Estate agent, the better they can set you up for success. When you reach out to them, they’ll be able to evaluate your home with their expert opinion based on their experience, and determine what needs to be done.

You and your agent will come up with a plan and timeline that works for you. After they do a comparative market analysis, they’ll have a good idea of what it will take to get the best price for your home. They may suggest you move out so the home can be professionally staged and easily accessed by potential buyers, or if that’s not an option, they will provide insights on what you can do yourself so you can live there while it’s on the market.

They may also see opportunities that are easy to implement, like improving the landscaping for curb appeal or minor projects that can increase your home value.

Get an inspection & make necessary repairs

Some sellers may be concerned that their property isn’t in the best condition and that this will impact their home’s value. While some repairs may need to be done before putting your home on the market, you might be surprised that you don’t have to fix everything.

By getting a pre-inspection you’ll know what all needs to be done right away and what can wait. Your Windermere agent will be able to help you understand the inspection report and make decisions based on the condition of your home and the current market. Some repairs will be more important than others, things like a new roof or water heater can help new buyers feel more comfortable in their purchase while a trending remodel may interfere with the buyers own plans for the space.

Split up the selling process into approachable pieces

Once you have a vision for everything that you need to do to get your home prepared to sell, it’s a good idea to split the full project into smaller pieces that you can tackle one by one. You’ll want to determine what needs to be done first, like an inspection or small remodel, and what items can be done at the same time, like moving out and staging. If you take this approach, the final preparations will feel less overwhelming.

When you prepare well ahead of time, the actual process of selling will be less overwhelming, and you’ll have the confidence that you’ve done everything you can to make the most of the investment you put into your home.

Then comes packing and moving, but don’t worry, we have some tips to make that easier too, read here.