AD PRO’s Home Renovation Report 2026

Breathing new life into a home takes more than vision—it takes the right decisions at every turn. From historic preservation to climate-proofing to aging in place, AD PRO breaks down the planning, materials, and technologies behind today’s most thoughtful renovationsIn Michigan, architecture firm Disbrow Iannuzzi restored and renovated this 1956 home to better survive the region’s intensely humid summers and extremely snowy winters.Photo: ©Christopher Payne/Esto / Styling: Temescal CreativePresented by MieleIf you had the chance for a home design do-over, what might you change? Our AD100 and AD PRO Directory members tell us that this year’s home renovations are more intentional than ever, focused on longevity design, healthy materials, and future-proofed layouts that allow clients to live in their beloved homes longer. Homeowners are requesting architecture that can survive—and even thrive—in the face of natural disasters and new floor plans that balance competing desires for open space and privacy.These goals are on the rise “not just because they look beautiful, but because they contribute to a home that’s built to perform well and stand the test of time,” says Shannon Feeley, business development and marketing manager at AD PRO Directory firm Reis Contracting in New York. In this subscriber-exclusive report, we explore how to achieve a transformational home renovation no matter the project size, from a start-to-finish master class in remodeling a historic apartment to the best paint colors for an instant, low-lift refresh. Read on for the full report—and how to tackle the remodeling needs your clients may not have even thought of yet.Is the Open Floor Plan Really Dead?While new demands on our homes—more multi-use than ever—have increased the desire for separation, connected living is still very much in play. —Alyssa GiacobbeClients Want to Age in Place. These 8 Innovations Let Them Do So BeautifullyRenovating a home so clients can stay in the place they love is one of the most meaningful projects a designer can take on. Experts share eight thoughtful ways to prepare homeowners for the years ahead. —Nicole Gates AndersonDesigners Are Rethinking These 8 Home Renovation IdeasLeading architects and designers reveal their home remodel no-gos—and what they suggest instead. —Jessica RitzDesign: Craig & Company Photo: William Abranowicz / Styling: Anita SarsidiThis Project Is a Masterclass in Historic RenovationA sensitive, family-focused renovation by Craig & Company brought this 1920s Chicago apartment into the 21st century while preserving its original character. —Joann PlockovaDesigner Debate: Should You Remodel a Vintage Bathroom?Ripping out a historic bath has become a surefire path to social media notoriety. Design pros debate what to keep and what to save—and reveal their favorite sources. —Jesse Dorris10 AD-Approved Millworkers to Perfect Your Next Project’s Built-InsThese are the expert artisans top firms trust to craft millwork with old-world care, precision, and artistry. —Elizabeth StampHow to Pull Off a Climate-Responsive Renovation in Every US RegionAs extreme weather becomes the new normal, homeowners are prioritizing resilience. From flood mitigation to extreme temperatures, these five case studies demonstrate how to plan for the future. —Anthony PalettaThe Dirty Kitchen Is Still in Demand—Here’s How to Get It RightPros with deep experience designing the newly popular workhorse spaces share best practices.—Maya Ibbitson10 Paint Colors That Instantly Update Any HomeIndoors and out, these shades are top designers’ go-tos for a low-lift home renovation. —Elizabeth StampRead MoreDesigners Are Rethinking These 8 Home Renovation IdeasLeading architects and designers reveal their home remodel no-gos—and what they suggest insteadThe Dirty Kitchen Is Still in Demand—Here’s How to Get It RightPros with deep experience designing the popular workhorse spaces share best practices10 ‘AD’-Approved Millworkers to Perfect Your Next Project’s Built-InsDesign pros trust these industry favorites add finesse, function, and flexibility to any home interiorHow to Pull Off a Climate-Responsive Renovation in Every US RegionTo protect against natural disasters, home remodels must embrace regional solutions. These five case studies get it right.Designer Debate: Should You Remodel a Vintage Bathroom?Ripping out a historic bath has become a surefire path to social media notoriety. Design pros discuss if new is always better—or if history and function can live in harmony.AD PRO’s Outdoor Design Forecast 2026Because backyard design deserves a personal touch, AD PRO dives into the newest amenities, layouts, materials, and products for customized indoor-outdoor living5 Top Tips for Building an Interior Design Website That Attracts ClientsExperts share best practices for a website that establishes your brand identity, presents your portfolio at its best, and convinces clients you're The OneHow to Get Published: What AD Editors Want You to KnowEverything you ever wondered about pitching your projects, straight from AD’s own editorsAD PRO LIVE: The Outdoor Design Forecast 2026Hear what’s next in outdoor design—straight from the prosThe Art of Operations: To Build From Within or Strategically Delegate?In this virtual roundtable, architect Bryan Young and interior designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Cheryl Eisen share their lessons learned as they’ve scaled their teams and management systemsHow to Grow a Meaningful Social Media FollowingFrom your captions to your content calendar, top creatives explain how to grow an audience while staying authentic to your work