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.
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.
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.