Design with a Builder’s Mindset
Honest advice on construction costs, architectural trends, and building a home that lasts
Featured Insight
Why White Shaker Cabinets are History.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.