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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Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas in Chicago and the Suburbs
Blog → Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas in Chicago and the Suburbs Updated October 29, 2026 Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas in Chicago and the Suburbs Small bathroom remodel ideas for Chicago-area homes: smart storage, a bigger-feeling shower, better light, and the clearances to check first. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Quick answers 1. Give the…
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Remodeling an Older Home: What to Know Before You Start
Blog → Remodeling an Older Home: What to Know Before You Start Updated October 29, 2026 Remodeling an Older Home: What to Know Before You Start Remodeling an older home? See what to check first, from lead and asbestos to wiring and layout, plus how to plan for surprises. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article…
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How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take in Chicago?
Blog → How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take in Chicago? Updated October 28, 2026 How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take in Chicago? How long does a bathroom remodel take in Chicago? A guest bathroom takes about 4 to 6 weeks, a primary bathroom 8 to 12. See the stages and what slows it….
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Kitchen Layout Types: Which Shape Fits Your Home?
Blog → Kitchen Layout Types: Which Shape Fits Your Home? Updated October 29, 2026 Kitchen Layout Types: Which Shape Fits Your Home? Kitchen layout types explained: one-wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, G-shaped, and island. See which fits your room and how layout affects cost. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Kitchen layout types: quick answers What…
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Do You Need a Kitchen Backsplash? How to Decide
Blog → Do You Need a Kitchen Backsplash? How to Decide Updated October 29, 2026 Do You Need a Kitchen Backsplash? How to Decide Do you need a kitchen backsplash? What it protects, when you can skip it, how high to go, and how to choose between tile and a slab. Marc Santarromana Blog In…
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Remodel or Move? How to Decide What’s Right for You
Blog → Remodel or Move? How to Decide What’s Right for You Updated October 29, 2026 Remodel or Move? How to Decide What’s Right for You Remodel or move? Sort out whether your frustrations are about the house or the location, and what to price before you decide. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Quick…
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Tub or Shower in a Bathroom Remodel: How to Decide
Home → Blog → Tub or Shower in a Bathroom Remodel: How to Decide Updated October 29, 2026 Tub or Shower in a Bathroom Remodel: How to Decide Keep the tub, swap it for a walk-in shower, or add a soaker? Five questions to help you decide before you remodel your bathroom. Marc Santarromana Blog…
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Which Rooms to Remodel First: How to Plan the Order
Blog → Which Rooms to Remodel First Updated October 29, 2026 Which rooms to remodel first: how to plan the order Plan the whole house first, then build it in phases. Here’s how to decide what comes first, what can wait, and why the order matters more than most people expect. Design First Builders ←…
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Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026 Guide)
Blog → Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026 Guide) Updated October 29, 2026 Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026 Guide) Bathroom remodel cost in Chicago: what drives the price, how a national average compares, and how to plan a realistic budget. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Key Takeaways How much does a bathroom remodel…
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Remodeling Contractor Questions to Ask (With Good Answers)
Blog → Remodeling Contractor Questions to Ask (With Good Answers) Updated October 29, 2026 Remodeling Contractor Questions to Ask (With Good Answers) 15 remodeling contractor questions to ask before you hire, with what a good answer sounds like and which answers are red flags. Illinois tips included. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Key Takeaways…
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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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What to Expect From a Design-Build Remodel in Chicagoland
What to Expect From a Design-Build Remodel in Chicagoland Most homeowners planning a remodel start by hiring a designer, then separately vetting contractors once the plans are done. It’s a reasonable instinct — get the vision right first, then find someone to build it. It’s also where a lot of remodels lose months to miscommunication…
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Kitchen Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026)
Blog → Kitchen Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026) Updated October 29, 2026 Kitchen Remodel Cost in Chicago (2026) Kitchen remodel cost in Chicago: full projects often average $100,000–$120,000, but every kitchen is different. See what affects the price. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Key takeaways How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Chicago?…
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Custom Cabinets Compared: AnnTucker vs. Arbor Mills
Blog → Custom Cabinets Compared: AnnTucker vs. Arbor Mills Updated October 29, 2026 Custom Cabinets Compared: AnnTucker vs. Arbor Mills Custom cabinets in Chicago: compare AnnTucker and Arbor Mills on construction, finishes, and design freedom to find the right fit for your kitchen. Marc Santarromana Blog In this article Custom Cabinets in Chicago: AnnTucker vs….
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Holiday Hosting Headquarters: Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2025
The holidays are just around the corner and that means your kitchen is about to take center stage. From Thanksgiving dinners to New Year’s toasts, the kitchen isn’t just where meals are prepared, it’s where memories are made. But if your current space feels cramped, outdated, or stressful, a kitchen remodel designed with entertaining in…
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Designing for the Seasons: Why August is the Best Time to Plan Your Next Remodeling Project
There’s something about August; the warm golden light, the last backyard barbecues, and the quiet sense that change is just around the corner. While most people think of fall or spring as “remodeling season,” savvy homeowners know that August is actually one of the smartest times to start planning a home renovation. Whether you’re dreaming…
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Revamp Your Space: Kitchen Remodeling for the New Year
As the New Year rolls in, many homeowners find themselves inspired to refresh their spaces, particularly the kitchen—the heart of the home. A kitchen remodel not only enhances the functionality and aesthetics of your space but also adds significant value to your home. At Design First Builders, we understand that a well-planned remodel can make…
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Bathroom | Design First Blog | Design First Projects | Kitchen | Living Spaces | Lower Levels | Room Addition
Fall 2024: Exciting Home Remodeling Trends with Design First Builders
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall brings a sense of renewal, making it the perfect time for home remodeling projects. At Design First Builders, we are excited to share the top remodeling trends for fall 2024 that can transform your Chicago-area home. Whether you dream of a new kitchen, a luxurious…
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Bathroom | Design First Blog | Design First Projects | Kitchen | Living Spaces | Lower Levels | Room Addition
Fed Slashes Interest Rates by a Half Point, an Aggressive Start to Easing
CONFIRMED: Fed Announced Half Percentage Point, or 50 Basis Points Drop, FIRST in 4 Years! Time to Start Planning Investing in Your Home! Today is the day, September 18th, now a game-changer in the world of finance. As the Fed announced just now, we are entering an era of rate cuts, with the first being…
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Bathroom | Design First Blog | Design First Projects | Kitchen | Living Spaces | Lower Levels | Room Addition
10 Seasonal Ways To Transform Your Home For Fall
Discover 10 creative ideas to decorate your home for the fall season. From cozy blankets to festive wreaths, these tips will help you create a warm and inviting space. As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the warm hues of autumn, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for fall. At Design First…
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Bathroom | Design First Blog | Design First Projects | Kitchen | Living Spaces | Lower Levels | Room Addition
5 Proactive Ways To Have A Successful Back To School Year
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to set your child up for a successful school year. Whether you’re a parent or a student, proactive planning can make a huge difference in how smoothly the transition back to school goes. This time of year is a…
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9 Guaranteed Ways To Maximize And Optimize Working From Home
Looking to enhance your remote work experience? A well-designed home office is crucial for productivity and comfort. Whether you’re creating a brand new workspace or updating your current setup, our remodeling tips will help you transform your home office into an inspiring and efficient environment. Discover innovative ideas to boost your work-from-home productivity today! At…
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Additions | Bathroom | Design First Blog | Design First Projects | House Additions | Kitchen | Living Spaces
Summer Home Interiors: Popular Color Palettes for a Refreshing Look
Discover trending color schemes to refresh your summer home interiors. From Tropical Oasis to Bohemian Chic, find the perfect palette to infuse vibrant energy into your living spaces. As the summer sun warms our days and brightens our spirits, it’s the perfect time to infuse that vibrant energy into our living spaces. Whether you’re looking…
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4 Ways To Host The Ultimate Entertainment And Grilling Party’s
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill fills the air. Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill and create memories with friends and family. But imagine how much more enjoyable those evenings could be with a perfectly designed outdoor kitchen! At…
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7 Ways To Create The Ultimate Summer Oasis This Summer
Welcome to Design First Builders Design Trends for Your Indoor & Outdoor Oasis, your go-to source for transforming your space for summer. Summers here, and with it comes the urge to soak up the sun and create a refreshing haven in our homes. This year, the focus is on blurring the lines between indoor and…
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Home Improvement Loans for Remodels & Renovations
From overflowing Pinterest boards filled with inspiration to home loan applications leaving you speechless, we’ve all been there. You know you want to transform your home, maybe add a spa-like bathroom, or finally finish the basement, but figuring out how to finance a home renovation without breaking the bank can feel like a complicated puzzle….
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Additions | Bathroom | Design First Blog | Design First Projects | Heating Repair | Kitchen | Living Spaces | Lower Levels | Plumbing Services | Room Addition
2024 Home Remodeling Ideas
Ready to remodel your home for 2024? If you’re looking to give your home a fresh, new look in 2024, you’ve landed in the right place. We at Design First Builders are excited to share our top 8 remodeling ideas and trends for the upcoming year. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or ready to dive into…
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Why It’s Time to Start Your Home Remodeling Process for a Holiday Completion
With the 2022/2023 school year coming to an end, most are finalizing plans for their summer vacation, preparing for a busy summer sports schedule, or getting the yard ready to enjoy during the warm months. It’s very unlikely that hosting friends & family for the winter holidays is part of your current thought process, but…
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Chicagoland is Thriving with Possibilities and Potential
The Chicagoland area is currently experiencing a surge of innovation in the home renovation and design industry. With advancements in technology and materials, homeowners have access to a vast array of options to customize and enhance their living spaces. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to room additions and whole-house renovations, the latest trends in home…
