September 16
The Twin Cities housing market continues evolving, and so do the remodeling preferences of homeowners throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. After working on hundreds of projects since 2013, we have noticed distinct shifts in what families want from their home renovations. Some of these trends come from changing lifestyles, while others address Minnesota’s climate challenges and the need to fit with established neighborhood character.
What’s driving these changes? Remote work has changed how families use their homes. Rising energy costs make efficiency upgrades more financially attractive. Many families are opting to stay in their current homes longer, investing in improvements rather than moving to a new property.
Plus, the supply chain disruptions of recent years have made homeowners more interested in durable, locally-sourced materials that won’t leave them waiting months for replacements.
Larger Islands with Multiple Functions: The days of tiny kitchen islands are over. Families want islands that can handle homework, meal prep, casual dining, and serving guests all at the same time. We’re building islands that are 8-10 feet long and adjusting our approach due to a recent code change that no longer allows outlets on the sides of an island.
Hidden Storage Solutions: Open shelving looked great on Instagram, but most families discovered they don’t want their everyday clutter on display. Now we’re designing cabinets with pull-out drawers, hidden appliance garages, and pantry systems that keep everything organized but out of sight. The goal is to make kitchens look clean even when life gets messy.
Durable Countertop Materials: Quartz continues gaining popularity over granite, especially varieties that look like natural stone but perform better in Minnesota’s temperature swings. We’re also seeing interest in ultra-thin porcelain slabs that can handle hot pans and resist staining better than traditional materials.
Warm Color Palettes: The all-white kitchen trend is fading fast. Families want warmth and personality, so we’re incorporating rich blues, sage greens, and warm grays. Two-tone cabinets remain popular – maybe white uppers with colored lowers, or a different color for the island.
Larger Showers with Better Storage: Homeowners are ditching bathtubs they never use in favor of spacious walk-in showers. These aren’t just bigger – they include built-in benches, multiple shower heads, and plenty of niches for storing all the bottles and products modern families use.
Heated Floors for Minnesota Winters: Radiant floor heating has moved from a luxury item to a practical necessity. Nobody wants to step on cold tile during a Minnesota January, and the technology has become more affordable and reliable than ever.
Double Vanities With Function: We’re designing vanity areas with proper spacing between sinks so two people can get ready without bumping elbows. This often means longer countertops or L-shaped configurations that give each person their own territory.
Improved Ventilation Systems: Minnesota’s humidity levels can wreak havoc on bathrooms without proper ventilation. We’re installing more powerful exhaust fans and sometimes adding small windows or skylights to prevent moisture problems that lead to mold and expensive repairs down the road.
Home Offices That Feel Professional: As remote work becomes the norm, families are seeking dedicated office spaces that separate them from household chaos. Basement offices work well because they’re naturally quiet, and we can design them with proper lighting, ventilation, and technology infrastructure to support video calls and long work days.
Multi-Purpose Entertainment Areas: Instead of traditional “man caves,” families want flexible spaces that can handle movie nights, game days, kids’ playtime, and adult entertaining. This means planning for different lighting scenarios, flexible seating, and storage that can hide toys when company comes over.
Guest Suites with Real Privacy: As aging parents and adult children live at home longer, basement guest suites offer privacy for everyone. These include full bathrooms, separate entrances when possible, and layouts that feel like real living spaces rather than afterthoughts.
Four-Season Porches: Minnesota’s short summers make outdoor living precious, but three-season porches sit empty for months. Four-season additions with proper heating and insulation extend usable outdoor time from November through April, making them worthwhile investments.
Master Suite Additions: Many Twin Cities homes were built when master bedrooms were smaller and master bathrooms barely existed. Adding a proper suite gives parents privacy and includes features like walk-in closets, sitting areas, and spa-like bathrooms.
Mudroom and Entry Upgrades: Minnesota winters demand serious entry spaces that can handle boots, coats, hats, gloves, and all the gear active families accumulate. We’re designing mudrooms with built-in storage, bench seating, and easy-to-clean surfaces that can handle snow and mud.
Better Windows and Insulation: With heating and cooling costs rising, homeowners want upgrades that reduce energy bills. This means high-performance windows, improved insulation, and air sealing that keeps conditioned air inside where it belongs.
Innovative Smart Home Technology: Programmable thermostats, smart lighting systems, and automated window treatments help families manage energy use without sacrificing comfort. The technology has become more reliable and easier to use, making it practical for everyday life.
Efficient HVAC Systems: Older homes often have heating and cooling systems that work harder than necessary. We’re helping families upgrade to high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps that provide better comfort while using less energy all while taking advantage of various rebate incentives.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: This isn’t the cheap vinyl from decades past. Modern luxury vinyl planks look remarkably like hardwood or tile but handle Minnesota’s humidity changes better and cost significantly less. It’s water resistant, warm underfoot, and available in styles that complement any design aesthetic.
Fiber Cement Siding: For exterior updates, fiber cement siding can offer the look of wood while avoiding the pesky maintenance. It handles Minnesota weather better than vinyl, costs less than real wood, and comes in colors and textures that complement neighborhood character.
Metal Roofing: Although not the cheapest option upfront, metal roofing lasts 50+ years and handles snow loads better than traditional shingles. The technology has improved to offer more color and style options that work with different architectural styles throughout the Twin Cities.
Celebrating Original Architecture: Rather than fighting against their home’s original style, families are learning to work with it. This might mean restoring original hardwood floors, highlighting exposed brick walls, or updating vintage built-ins rather than replacing them.
Natural Building Materials: Stone, wood, and other natural materials connect indoor spaces with Minnesota’s outdoor beauty. We’re using local limestone, reclaimed barn wood, and other materials that reflect the region’s character while providing durability and timeless appeal.
Some trends from recent years are losing steam. All-gray color schemes feel cold in Minnesota’s long winters. Open-concept spaces aren’t ideal for families that require quietness for work and study. Farmhouse style is giving way to more transitional designs that feel fresh but won’t look dated in five years.
Ultra-minimalist designs don’t match how most families live. Real people need storage, comfort, and spaces that can handle daily life without looking like a design magazine disaster after normal use.
The best remodeling decisions come from understanding how your family lives rather than chasing whatever’s popular on social media. Trends can provide inspiration, but your project should solve real problems and work with your home’s existing character.
Consider which trends make practical sense for your situation. A larger kitchen island might transform how your family uses the space, while heated bathroom floors could make Minnesota winters more bearable. But don’t add features just because they’re trendy if they don’t match your lifestyle or budget.
Think about longevity when making selections. Opting for quality materials and timeless designs ensures your investment pays off over years of use and potential future resale. Trends come and go, but well-designed, functional spaces never go out of style.
HBRE helps Twin Cities families navigate current trends while creating spaces that work for their specific needs and homes. We can help you identify which trends are most relevant to your project and which ones might be better to skip.
Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation and explore how 2025’s top remodeling trends can improve your Minneapolis-St. Paul area home.
Get a complimentary consultation with an owner or project manager (not a salesperson).
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