Gas ranges and standard electric cooktops have dominated kitchens for decades, but more builders and homeowners are turning to a technology that has matured into a superior option. Induction cooking, invented in the early 1900s, is only now gaining traction in the US residential market. Homebuyers are starting to ask for it, manufacturers are expanding […]
Acoustic Treatments for Modern Homes: What Builders Need to Know About Sound Management With more Americans working from home than ever before, the acoustic quality of residential spaces has become a defining factor in homeowner satisfaction. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the share of people working entirely from home surged to 35.2%
The modern kitchen has evolved far beyond a simple cooking space. Today, it serves as the heart of the home—a place for cooking, gathering, working, and connecting. Understanding what homeowners want from their kitchens is essential for builders, architects, and designers looking to deliver spaces that truly resonate. Recent industry research from Houzz and the
Specifying energy-efficient appliances has become a defining characteristic of quality new home construction. Homebuyers increasingly expect kitchens and laundry rooms equipped with ENERGY STAR certified products that lower utility bills and reduce environmental impact. For builders, selecting the right appliances goes beyond brand preference; it involves understanding energy ratings, water consumption, and how these choices
The first-ever virtual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS 2021), held alongside IBSx, marked a turning point for residential design. While the shift to a digital format posed challenges for networking and product demonstrations, manufacturers used the opportunity to showcase some of the most meaningful innovations the industry has seen in years. For professional home
Design Pros Share Their Top Outdoor Living Products and Trends for Modern Homes The line between indoor comfort and outdoor living continues to blur. Homeowners no longer see their backyards as simple patches of grass with a patio table. They want fully equipped outdoor spaces that function as kitchens, lounges, home offices, and entertainment zones.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) conducts an annual survey of its members to identify emerging design trends, popular products, and shifting homeowner preferences. The survey results, drawn from 716 design professionals including architects, interior designers, manufacturers, and fabricators, provide valuable insight into where kitchen design is heading. For professional home builders, understanding these
Why Smart Light Switches Matter for New Home Construction Homebuyer demand for smart technology has been rising steadily, and smart light switches represent one of the most accessible entry points for builders looking to add connected home features without major cost or complexity. Unlike whole-home automation systems that require specialized wiring and central controllers, smart
As residential construction moves toward tighter building envelopes and stricter energy codes, the role of supplemental heating systems deserves careful attention. Wood-burning stoves have seen renewed interest among homeowners who want the ambiance of a real fire without the massive heat loss of traditional open fireplaces. For builders, understanding how these appliances fit into modern
The Appeal of Semi-Professional Kitchen Faucets in Residential Construction Walk through any model home in 2026 and you will notice a shift in the kitchen. Homebuyers are no longer satisfied with the basic builder-grade faucet that simply delivers water. They want something that looks like it belongs in a restaurant kitchen and performs like one
