So, how exactly does AI fit into the world of home design? Can it help with your next renovation or refresh? And more importantly — can it replace the human expertise of a designer, contractor, or tradesperson?

Just when it feels like tariff talk is behind us, new headlines remind us otherwise. The latest round — set to take effect October 1 — includes a 30 percent tariff on furniture and a 50 percent tariff on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. For those of us in the design industry, these tariffs ripple far beyond numbers on a page.

If you’re naturally drawn to serene, uncluttered spaces that feel soulful and grounded, chances are you already resonate with the principles of wabi-sabi design — even if you’ve never heard the term.

When it comes to giving your kitchen a transformative refresh, few upgrades are as impactful as new countertops. Two of the most popular materials, quartz and quartzite, are great options when considering an update to your kitchen.

From navy bedrooms to olive kitchens, discover the top paint colors that could increase your home’s value and speed up your sale.

Discover how partnering with an interior designer can help Realtors sell homes faster, enhance listings, and deliver more value to clients—without adding more to your plate.

Wood slat wall paneling is having a moment—and for good reason. This timeless design detail adds warmth, texture, and a clean vertical rhythm to any room.

If you spend any time scrolling through design blogs or occasionally pop onto Pinterest, you’re likely greeted by rooms wrapped in bold, rich color — top to bottom, wall to wall. These monochromatic spaces, where all of the walls, ceiling, and trim are painted in a single hue, are part of a design style known as color drenching.

Here’s the honest truth: Unless you’ve recently undergone a full-scale renovation, your home likely looks dated to today’s buyer. Yet, if you’re able to make some modest updates and have a solid pricing strategy in place, buyers will be turning heads (and sending offers!) your way. 

Abel Ramos, Managing Broker for Compass Santa Barbara & Montecito, is advising his agents to be laser-focused on strategy to navigate today’s shifting market. “Santa Barbara is still experiencing a historically low number of sales, with homes now averaging 44 days on the market and inventory levels rising back above 2.5 months,” says Ramos.

Artwork does more than simply decorate your walls—it can transform a house into a welcoming, personal haven. Well-chosen pieces reflect who you are, set the tone for each room, and can even influence the mood of anyone who enters. Here are great interior design tips…

While creating a space that never feels dated may be unrealistic, it's important that it lasts through ever-changing trends and strikes a balance between being both current and classic. However, trends come and go so opting for timeless elements will help ensure you’re not regretting your decisions just a few years down the road.