Luxury Home Features That Define Modern Living
From smart controls and spa baths to statement lighting and outdoor connection, see the luxury home features NKBA, NAHB and Houzz say are rising in 2026.
Author
Ryan
Ryan writes Home Remodel Guidance's planning guides: the order of a remodel, permits, contracts, budgets and contingencies, room-by-room renovations, and which jobs a homeowner can do versus which need a licensed trade.
Ryan has written most of Home Remodel Guidance, covering a renovation from first plan to final inspection: the sequence of work, permits and inspections, contracts and change orders, contingency budgets, financing and insurance, and guides for kitchens, bathrooms, additions and home systems. His DIY-versus-professional guides separate the jobs a careful homeowner can take on from those that need a licensed electrician, plumber or engineer. Guides on this site cite their sources and are updated when the facts change.
Articles by Ryan
Indoor Air Quality Upgrades for Healthier Living
Improve indoor air quality with upgrades ranked by what works: source control, ventilation, MERV 13 filters, air cleaners, humidity and radon testing.
Eco-Friendly Building Materials: What to Choose and How to Verify
Compare eco-friendly building materials by category and learn which labels are real: ENERGY STAR, WaterSense, GREENGUARD and the TSCA formaldehyde rule.
How to Install Crown Molding: Steps, Cuts and Safety
Install crown molding step by step: choose a profile, plan the order, cope inside corners, miter outside corners, and finish safely with a ladder.
Home Security Upgrades: A Layered Plan for Peace of Mind
Plan home security upgrades in layers: doors, locks, windows, lighting, cameras and alarms, with code limits on egress and smart-device safety.
Universal Design at Home: Features That Work for All Ages and Abilities
Apply the 7 principles of universal design at home: step-free entries, doors, reach heights, ramps, bathrooms and lighting, with ADA numbers and cost data.
When to Replace Major Appliances: Lifespans, Repair Rules and Savings
When to replace major appliances: age flags, energy savings from newer models, repair-or-replace checks, rebates and remodel timing.
Upgrading Attic Insulation: How Much You Need and How to Add It
How to tell if your attic needs more insulation, the ENERGY STAR R-value by climate zone, and the safe order: air seal, baffles, then insulate.
Kitchen and Bathroom Backsplash: Materials and Installation
Choose and install a kitchen or bathroom backsplash: compare tile, glass and stone, then follow steps for prep, outlets, mortar, grout and caulk.
Smart Doorbells: Are They Worth the Upgrade?
Are smart doorbells worth it? Compare wired and battery video doorbells on power, chime, Wi-Fi, privacy and setup, plus when to skip one.
