In the meantime, continue browsing our website and blog to find inspiration for your project!
January 12, 2026 | Blog
When to Remodel Your Home: Signs It’s Time to Start Planning
If you’re like most homeowners, deciding whether you want to renovate is the easy part. Choosing when to remodel can be a more complicated decision. Finding the best time to remodel is more than just picking a date on the calendar or waiting until maintenance issues force you into a…
January 12, 2026 | Blog
Our Favorite Custom Home Design Ideas for 2026
As we step into 2026, the world of home design is more dynamic than ever. The evolution of architectural trends has transformed our living spaces into personalized sanctuaries that reflect individual lifestyles and values. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all homes; today’s homeowners seek designs that not only meet their…
December 18, 2025 | Blog
Open Shelf Kitchen Designs: Pros, Cons & What to Know Before You Build
When remodeling a kitchen, you have endless design choices to make. Appliance selections, flooring, lighting, and fixtures all impact your design, but cabinets and shelves can define the overall look of your kitchen. Open shelving creates an airy, light feeling in your kitchen, but it can be challenging to clean…
December 11, 2025 | Blog
Your Guide to the Design-Build Process: What to Expect When You Remodel Your Home
Deciding to remodel your home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of questions. What happens first? How does the design process work? Who does the construction? And how do you know you’re making the right decisions? To help homeowners feel confident throughout their remodel, James Barton Design-Build…
December 9, 2025 | Blog
Home Renovation Styles: How to Choose a Design You’ll Love for Years
Renovating your home is exciting, but it’s also a big investment. Home design trends come and go, and what feels fresh today might feel dated in just a few years. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a style that not only reflects your personality but will also stand the test…
December 4, 2025 | Blog
Small Changes, Big Impact: Energy Efficient Home Renovation Ideas for Minnesota
Having an energy-efficient home isn’t just about installing solar panels and swapping out all your lightbulbs for LEDs. While those are steps in the right direction, energy efficient home improvements go far beyond that. From updating your windows and exterior doors to improving insulation and weatherproofing, an energy efficient renovation…
November 24, 2025 | Blog
Split-Level Chic: Breathe New Life Into Your 70s or 80s Suburban Home
If you own a 1970s or 80s split-level home in the Twin Cities, chances are the layout, finishes, or functionality don’t fit with the way you live today. Many split-levels were built with low ceilings, compartmentalized rooms, and dated materials, making them feel cramped and dark. Fortunately, you’re not stuck…
November 20, 2025 | Blog
Universal Home Design Features to Include in Your Remodel
There are many reasons to remodel your home to be more accessible, such as improving safety, making your daily routines easier, or simply planning ahead for aging in place. Accessible home modifications include far more than installing ramps or widening doorways. While these can be important aspects of making your…
October 29, 2025 | Blog
Designing for Lake Life: Renovation Tips for Twin Cities Lake Home Designs
If you’ve always dreamed of living in a lake house, Minnesota is the place to be. From Lake Minnetonka mansions to homes on smaller lakes in nearly every suburb, you have countless options in the Twin Cities. The best lake house design ideas are geared towards maximizing your view, making…
October 24, 2025 | Blog
Remodeling Floors in Minnesota: Best Flooring Materials & How to Choose
With numerous types of flooring available, choosing the best option can feel overwhelming when remodeling your home. Picking the right material for your floor remodel can make all the difference in the look and feel of your newly renovated space. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of remodeling floors…
October 22, 2025 | Blog
What Adds Real Value in a Twin Cities Home Renovation?
Remodeling your home is an exciting time as you visualize your new space and imagine all the possibilities. While style might be the first thing on your mind, it’s also important to think about the return on investment (ROI) for your renovations. Whether you plan on selling your home in…
September 22, 2025 | Exteriors
How to Modernize a Split-Level Home Exterior
Split-level homes are found in nearly every neighborhood in the Twin Cities, especially in St. Paul. This architectural style was immensely popular from the 1950s through the ‘80s because the layout allowed families to maximize their living space even on small lots. However, many people see split-level homes as dated…
September 16, 2025 | Aging in Place, Blog
Multi-Generational Home Plan Designs: Living Space Tips for Families
Multi-generational homes are households where two or more generations of a family share the same living space. This can include adult children living at home, as well as parents and grandparents sharing a household. Many families share a household for financial purposes, as it’s more affordable than senior living or…
September 12, 2025 | Blog
Highlighting Historic Features: Renovating an Older Home
Living in a historic home is a unique way to connect to Minnesota’s past. Even before it became a state in 1858, Minnesota was already home to distinctive architecture such as Fort Snelling (1820), the Sibley House (1835), and the Faribault House (1839). With exponential growth starting in the 1850s,…
August 18, 2025 | Parade of Homes
JBDB Featured in the 2025 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase
Looking for inspiration for your next remodeling project? Tour the Twin Cities’ most stunning home remodels of the year at the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase. James Barton Design-Build is excited to showcase one of our projects in the 2025 Twin Cities Parade of Homes. Learn more about our latest…
August 18, 2025 | Blog
How to Keep Your Home Remodeling Schedule on Track
Planning every step of your remodeling project is the best way to avoid delays and surprises. However, it’s easier said than done for many homeowners. Permit approvals, design changes, and supply chain issues can all disrupt your flow. While some of these things might be outside your control, developing a…
August 14, 2025 | Blog
Pet-Friendly Remodeling Design Ideas
Did you know that one out of every three homes in Minnesota has a dog? Pets are a part of the family, so it only makes sense to consider them in home renovation plans. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best pet-friendly home design ideas that will improve…
July 23, 2025 | Blog
Navigating Local Zoning Laws and Permits in the Twin Cities
Zoning: It’s probably not the first thing you think about when planning a home renovation, and we bet it’s not what you’re looking forward to most. However, it’s an important step in many major home improvement projects. What is the purpose of zoning laws? In this blog, we’ll explore why…
July 17, 2025 | Blog
How Much Does a Basement Remodel in Minnesota Cost?
The basement is often one of the more overlooked areas of a home and tends to become cluttered with seasonal clothes, sports equipment, old furniture, and toys. However, remodeling your basement can turn this uninspiring place into an area where your family wants to spend time together. While you do…
June 13, 2025 | Kitchens
Kitchen Remodeling Guide: From Planning to Execution
When it comes to remodeling your home, the kitchen is often the most exciting project to undertake. With the right renovation design, your kitchen can be transformed into a brighter, roomier space where you want to spend time. In Minnesota, we don’t get to enjoy nice weather year-round, so it’s…