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Built to Last? Why My 1775 Farmhouse Still Stands Strong Without Rebar or Ties
My 1775 home in Phoenixville doesn’t have a concrete foundation or steel rebar—it rests on stones from the Schuylkill River and timber cut centuries ago. In an era of strict building codes and Simpson ties, are we over-engineering today's homes? Or was the lumber used by pioneers simply superior? Join me as we explore the structural tug-of-war between old-growth materials and modern safety.
The End of the "Sterile Box": Why White Shaker Cabinetry Will Be History in 2026 (And What’s Replacing It)
For nearly 15 years, the white shaker cabinet has been the "beige carpet" of our generation—ubiquitous, safe, and increasingly sterile—but as we approach 2026, the era of the clinical white box is officially fading. In its place, we are seeing a dramatic shift toward warmth and texture, with homeowners trading bright white for the refined lines of "Skinny Shaker" doors, the organic depth of natural walnut, and the sophistication of moody "mushroom" and taupe neutrals. Luxury is no longer about blinding brightness; it is about character, and the new wave of kitchen design proves that the future is anything but generic.
Reviving the Space Beneath Your Feet: A Guide to Basement Finishing
Is your basement just a storage unit for holiday bins and cobwebs? Residential Designer Robert Smith explains how to transform that neglected square footage into a true extension of your home. From water management essentials to the top 5 features that offer the best ROI (and the 'trends' you should definitely skip), discover the blueprint for a basement that works as hard as you do.
Avoiding Remodel Sticker Shock: A Homeowner’s Guide
Renovating your home used to be the budget-friendly alternative to building new, but over the last decade, that math has changed. In this article, Robert Smith of Fresh Start Designs explains why remodeling costs have spiked—and reveals the strategic changes we are making to help homeowners in PA and the Carolinas afford their dream spaces again.
Countertop Confidential: Choosing the Right Surface for How You Actually Cook
When we sit down to design a kitchen, my first question is never 'What color do you want?' It is always: 'How do you cook?' Are you a baker needing a cold surface for dough, or a 'hot pot' chef who needs to set a searing skillet down without fear? Your countertop is the workhorse of your home, and picking the right one means balancing aesthetic goals with the reality of your daily life. From the maintenance-free appeal of Quartz to the 'perfectly imperfect' charm of Soapstone, we break down the top contenders, the costs, and the materials you should strictly avoid.
The New "Carpet Craze": Why We’re Covering Our History with Plastic (And How to Stop)
Remember the carpet craze of the 1970s, when everyone covered their beautiful hardwood floors with shag? We are currently living through the modern equivalent: The LVP Craze. In this article, Residential Designer Robert Smith explores why Luxury Vinyl Plank has taken over the renovation market, why it is often a mistake to install it over real wood, and how you can break the cycle with timeless flooring alternatives that build true long-term value.
What Does "Grandfathered" Actually Mean for Your Home Renovation?
Renovating an older home comes with a common fear: will touching one room force me to update the entire house to modern standards? The answer lies in understanding what is truly 'grandfathered' and what isn't. Residential Designer Robert Smith breaks down the reality of building codes, identifying the specific triggers for mandatory upgrades—from egress windows to stair railings—so you can budget accurately and avoid costly surprises.
The Death of the Triangle: Why Your Modern Kitchen Needs "Zones," Not Geometry
For decades, the 'Kitchen Work Triangle' has been the gold standard of design, but does a rule from the 1940s still apply to the way we live today? In this in-depth guide, Robert Smith of Fresh Start Designs explains why modern open-concept homes require a shift from rigid geometry to intuitive 'Work Zones.' Learn the history of the triangle, why it often fails in today's multi-cook households, and the top factors you must consider before starting your kitchen renovation.
The Case for Walls: Why the "Open Floor Concept" Needs to End
I’ll be honest—I despise the open floor concept. For too long, we’ve been sold the idea that tearing down walls creates a better home, but the reality is often expensive, noisy, and architecturally bland. In this article, I break down why the open concept trend is killing the character of our homes, the hidden costs of removing walls, and why a return to defined rooms—and the 'broken plan' philosophy—is the key to warmth, style, and true individuality in design.
The “VIF” Trap: Why It’s Time for Designers to Stop Passing the Buck
The acronym "VIF" (Verify In Field) appears on almost every set of blueprints, but too often, it’s a red flag for a lazy design process. While sometimes necessary for hidden conditions, this note is frequently used by architects and designers to shift the burden of accuracy—and liability—onto the builder. In this article, Robert Smith of Fresh Start Designs explains the real cost of "VIF," why it leads to change orders, and how a commitment to precise measuring protects the homeowner's budget.
The Lost Soul of the American Home: Why We Must Return to True Architecture
We have drifted into an age of cookie-cutter uniformity, trading heart and style for production speed. But why did we stop practicing true architecture? In this article, Robert Smith explores how cost, labor shortages, and profit-driven building stripped the soul from our homes—and maps out the path to bringing character, individuality, and true craftsmanship back to residential design. It is time to stop building boxes and start building homes again.
The Remodel Paradox: Why Fixing Up Your Home Costs More Than Ever (and How We Can Fix It)
Renovating used to be the clear financial winner over building new, but recent market shifts have upended that logic. In this deep dive, Robert Smith explores the economic forces driving up remodeling costs—from the labor shortage to regulatory hurdles—and shares how Fresh Start Designs is using smarter planning to make expanding your home affordable again.
The Hangover is Over: Why 2025 is the Year We Finally Say Goodbye to Shiplap and Barn Doors
It’s January 2025, and the hangover from the 'HGTV Effect' is finally fading. We have spent a decade gluing MDF strips to our walls and sliding heavy doors over our bathrooms, but the era of 'fast fashion' architecture is over. Robert Smith breaks down why it is time to retire shiplap and barn doors and how to pivot toward design choices that prioritize integrity, proportion, and timelessness for the new year.