The Journal

Ideas, costs, timelines and honest advice for remodeling a Chicagoland home, from the team that designs and builds them.

Kitchens · Baths · Additions · Basements · Planning

2026 Home Design Styles: What Each One Is and How to Use It
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November 10, 2026

2026 Home Design Styles: What Each One Is and How to Use It

Quiet cocooning, serotonin spaces, new romantics, and more. See what each 2026 home design style looks like and how to choose one that fits you.

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Design First Builders Naperville luxury spa bathroom with freestanding soaking tub, multiple body spray shower system, marble walls, and mosaic tile niche
Tub or Shower in a Bathroom Remodel: How to Decide
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October 23, 2026

Tub or Shower in a Bathroom Remodel: How to Decide

Home

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Modern black kitchen remodel with quartz countertops, pendant lighting, and herringbone backsplash by Design First Builders
Which Rooms to Remodel First: How to Plan the Order
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October 23, 2026

Which Rooms to Remodel First: How to Plan the Order

Blog

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glen ellyn bathroom remodel
Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026 Guide)
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October 20, 2026

Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026 Guide)

Blog

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Homeowner taking notes while reviewing house blueprints with a contractor on a job site
Remodeling Contractor Questions to Ask (With Good Answers)
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October 19, 2026

Remodeling Contractor Questions to Ask (With Good Answers)

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AI kitchen design concept with white cabinets, wood ceiling beams, a large quartz island, and pendant lights
AI Kitchen Design: Can You Trust It?
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October 5, 2026

AI Kitchen Design: Can You Trust It?

Blog

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BuilderTrend
Design-Build vs General Contractor in Chicagoland
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October 5, 2026

Design-Build vs General Contractor in Chicagoland

Blog

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9 Home Remodel Mistakes Homeowners Make & How to Avoid
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October 2, 2026

9 Home Remodel Mistakes Homeowners Make & How to Avoid

Home

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Modern kitchen remodel with two-tone AnnTucker cabinets and wood grain island
Inset vs. Overlay Cabinets: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?
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September 25, 2026

Inset vs. Overlay Cabinets: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Home

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Beautifully renovated two-story home with a spacious front porch, white railings, and craftsman-style architectural details
Home Addition Mistakes to Avoid in Chicago Suburbs
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September 25, 2026

Home Addition Mistakes to Avoid in Chicago Suburbs

Home

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kitchen remodel
Open vs. Closed Kitchen Layouts: A Chicagoland Guide
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September 17, 2026

Open vs. Closed Kitchen Layouts: A Chicagoland Guide

Open, closed, or hybrid? See real cost ranges, structural tradeoffs, and a decision framework for Chicagoland kitchen remodels and additions.

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