Love It Or Leave It: Should You Follow Remodeling Trends in Your Renovation?

Home remodeling trends come and go, leaving many homeowners wondering whether to embrace what’s popular or stick with safer options less likely to fall out of fashion. Following a trend isn’t always a bad move. After all, not all trends are temporary, and many of them have a lasting impact on home design principles.

Inspiration is everywhere on social media and in design books. But distinguishing between fleeting fads and enduring trends can make it difficult to plan your renovation with confidence. Our designers at James Barton Design-Build have put together a guide to help you narrow down your options and choose styles you’ll love not just in the moment, but years from now.

Should You Follow Home Renovation Trends? When It Makes Sense for a Twin Cities Home

There’s nothing inherently wrong with following trends. Many of the features that once felt cutting-edge are now things we can’t live without, such as soft-close drawers, under-cabinet lighting, appliance garages, and large kitchen islands for entertaining.

What these features have in common is that they didn’t just look good in a magazine. They solved problems. When you’re looking at what’s trending now, it helps to stop thinking about whether something is “in” or “out,” but rather if it’s something that will make your space function better and support your lifestyle.

This distinction is especially helpful when remodeling an established home in suburbs such as Edina, Eagan, Rosemount, Woodbury, and Apple Valley. Many homes in these areas were built 20 to 40 years ago when floor plans prioritized formal dining spaces, closed-off kitchens, and heavy builder-grade oak over natural light, open sightlines, and flexible work-from-home zones.

So, how do you decide which trends are worth the investment? Think about design elements that are fixed and permanent versus those that are flexible and easily changed.

• Functional trends that improve permanent structures add lasting value by addressing architectural shortcomings. Removing a load-bearing wall to open up a 1980s kitchen, installing heated floors for Minnesota winters, or renovating your pantry so it actually fits crockpots and bulk food purchases are all projects that can improve your home in the long term.
• Trendy aesthetic updates are best for more flexible elements that are easier to swap if you change your mind later. If you love a specific hardware color, dramatic paint color, or unique style of light fixture, embrace it.

Embracing Trends in Small Spaces

There’s nothing wrong with following trends with more permanent fixtures if it’s something you really love. Ultimately, your space should feel like you. You can always keep bold choices contained to small areas of your home, such as:

• Powder rooms or walk-in closets.
• Laundry rooms or mudrooms.
• Bar areas and beverage stations.
• Niches and flex spaces.

Check out this sophisticated basement dry bar in Eagan and these ideas for making bold bathroom updates.

Remodeling Trends that Have Become Design Standards in Twin Cities Homes

Many design elements are categorized as trends when, in reality, they are remodeling patterns that rarely fade in popularity. Here are a few design choices that are consistently popular for Twin Cities homes.

Matte Finishes

Matte finishes can help hide stains and spots and provide a more subtle look compared to traditionally glossy surfaces.

“There used to be only a few choices in honed countertops, but now almost any color in certain brands can come in a matte, honed option,” says JBDB designer Morgan Longhenry. “Homeowners are choosing matte paint for cabinetry and trim work rather than glossy finishes, too.” Homeowners can choose a topcoat for their hardwood floors with a matte finish instead of the traditionally shiny look.

Metals have also taken on the matte look, Morgan says. “Whether it’s matte appliances for the kitchen or choosing a matte finish on black, brass, or copper hardware and fixtures, toning down the shine on design pieces can help create a more layered look to a home’s design.”

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops remain a favorite choice due to their durability and low maintenance. Unlike natural stone, such as granite, quartz is non-porous, making it more resistant to stains and scratches.

The wonderful thing about quartz is its versatility. You can opt for quartz countertops with bold veining that mimics marble without the cost. Quartz is available in various colors and finishes, including matte and honed, allowing for more customization.

Large Kitchen Islands

As open-concept kitchens become a mainstay in the Twin Cities, so have large islands. The island isn’t just a prep zone for cooking. As formal dining rooms and eat-in dinettes become less popular, kitchen islands often serve as the main seating area. Their larger size also accommodates appliance storage and deep drawers for keeping large cookware out of sight.

Kitchen islands work best when they support entertaining while remaining functional for cooking. You want to keep guests out of the work triangle (the space between the stove, sink, and refrigerator), but as the cook, you also want to feel included when entertaining. All of these things are considered when figuring out exactly where the seating will go and where it makes the most sense to have trash pullouts, cutting boards, and utensil drawers.

See how we created an open-concept kitchen in this 1980s Eagan home renovation, complete with an island that supports socializing while providing more storage.

Counters with Veining and Patterns

As kitchens become more minimalistic, your countertops are a great place to add visual interest without overwhelming your palette or design.

“There’s a common misconception that you can only use a bold pattern in small doses, like just on your kitchen island,” says Morgan. “There are so many different options out there; you’re not limited to just white with gray veining.”

However, it’s important not to go overboard with kitchen remodeling trends. Morgan adds, “I always remind homeowners not to have too many stars of the show. If you have a bold countertop, you don’t want a competing tile backsplash. Instead, you could just run that countertop material up the wall as a backsplash to make a statement.”

Black & White Finishes

White has always been a classic interior design staple, but black has made its way into home design, as well. Using a black-and-white color scheme as a starting point offers many ways to add to it and make it your own, says Morgan. “Starting with a black-and-white color palette allows you to play with colors and textures, such as incorporating wood or stone elements or a favorite accent color, while still making everything feel cohesive,” she adds.

The trend toward using black in a home’s design has also extended to other dark colors. “Homeowners are becoming more and more okay with using dark colors like navy, charcoal, and deep forest green for accents,” Morgan says. Strategically including dark colors in a typically white design can create a focal point in the room and add depth.

Eco-Friendly Materials & Finishes

Homeowners are increasingly opting for sustainable options that reduce their environmental footprint while still providing stylish aesthetics. This includes materials like reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints that are not harmful to indoor air quality.

Water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, are becoming standard in modern bathroom renovations. Designs that incorporate natural light and ventilation not only enhance the bathroom’s ambiance but also reduce reliance on artificial lighting and climate-control systems.

Innovative Storage

Solutions that keep kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces clutter-free will never go out of style. For small spaces, consider multifunctional furniture, such as vanities with built-in drawers or shelves that utilize vertical space. Floating shelves can add both style and practicality, providing easy access to essentials without overwhelming the room.

Hidden storage options, like built-in cabinetry or concealed compartments, not only help maintain a clean aesthetic but also enhance functionality.

Minimalistic Bathrooms

In any room of the house, clean lines and uncluttered spaces make your home feel more peaceful. In the bathroom, especially, it’s helpful to embrace designs that make your space feel open despite being a smaller room.

Bathroom remodeling trends that favor neutral color palettes, such as whites, grays, and soft pastels, paired with sleek cabinetry and understated decor, create a serene environment. By embracing the “less is more” philosophy, bathrooms become tranquil retreats that prioritize relaxation and clarity, making them perfect for a quick escape from the demands of daily life.

Finished Basements

In the Midwest, nearly every house has a basement. However, not all basements are finished. In new homes especially, it’s increasingly popular to build homes without finished basements because it’s faster and more affordable.

Regardless of your home’s age, having a finished basement is beneficial for increasing your living space while also improving your heating and cooling efficiency. Read our guides to basement ceiling insulation and planning a successful basement renovation for more inspiration.

Ready to Plan a Timeless Remodel for Your Twin Cities Home?

Balancing current design trends with long-term functionality doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re removing a wall in a 1980s Eagan home, redesigning a kitchen island in Woodbury, or creating a spa-like primary suite in Edina, our team at James Barton Design-Build is here to guide you through every step.

Contact our designers to talk about ideas and get started on your project.