A Personal Note from the team

What’s the Story?

As we look to the rest of the year, we pinpoint common themes we are seeing and how they relate to the projects we are taking on.

Hello Family, Friends, and Valued Clients,

We’ve officially made it through our first “False Spring.” The year is already moving quickly. Don’t worry, real spring will be here soon enough! In the meantime, we’ve been working on some very fun designs for upcoming projects, which has sparked reflection about the year ahead and how things in our world continue to evolve.

It’s hard to ignore how much the way we live has shifted over the past several years post-covid and our homes are working hard to keep up. We’re rearranging spaces, giving rooms dual purposes, carving out privacy where there wasn’t any, and asking every square foot to work a little smarter.

At some point, though, small adjustments reach their limit, and the bigger question surfaces: is it time to remodel?

When homeowners reach that point, three themes tend to shape the conversation:

1. A shift away from bigger footprints and toward smarter living.

There are times when expanding is the right move. But today, many homeowners are first asking how their current space can work smarter. It’s more on better flow, better storage, and better experience. A well-planned remodel can unlock potential that was already there.

2. Climate-conscious design.

Here in Minneapolis, long winters and seasonal swings heighten the importance of interior comfort and natural light. Energy efficiency, durable materials that withstand climate shifts, and layouts that support months of indoor living are becoming essential, not upgrades.

3. Cosmetic updates matter but a remodel should look good, and also be solid behind the walls.

Many of the homes we work in are reaching an age where improvements need to address more than finishes. Structural updates, mechanical upgrades, and performance improvements are part of the conversation. Remodeling in this market often means thoughtfully blending historic integrity with modern performance and honoring what exists while upgrading how the home functions.

Successful remodeling feels less about surface updates and more about making intentional, long-term decisions for how a home lives.

Here’s how that’s showing up in the projects we’re designing:

In this project, removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room is a big impact.

Kitchens built for real life. Entertaining at home continues to take priority. Homeowners want kitchens and main-level spaces that feel elevated yet effortless: oversized islands, better pantry storage, integrated appliances, beverage stations, and layered lighting that allow a room to shift from everyday functionality to weekend hosting.

In this addition, a new room above that is ready to be used to however the homeowners need it.

True home offices. The dedicated home office is no longer a temporary accommodation, it’s a lasting
design feature. We’re seeing stronger demand for acoustic privacy, custom
millwork that conceals technology, integrated lighting for video calls, and flexible built-ins that evolve with changing work needs.

A second-floor in a Bungalow gains spacious and bright primary bedroom.

Primary suites as retreats. Bedrooms are becoming spaces designed for daily restoration, with ensuite bathrooms outfitted with steam showers, soaking tubs, heated floors, towel warmers, and improved ventilation becoming standard requests. These features aren’t just indulgences. They reflect a broader prioritization of health, comfort, and long-term livability.

On a personal note, we are trying our best to enjoy what winter has to offer! John has made it on a ski trip with his friends already, and we get to head out together for an annual father-son ski trip at the beginning of March. This is a special trip for us as we have been doing this since “visiting colleges” a “few” years ago. This trip is also spent with some fellow remodelers from across the country, so in addition to spending quality time with my dad and brother, we get to learn and inspire each other as well.

Sending everyone warm and healthy vibes for the tail end of winter!

Warmly,

Marc, TBG, and the Team

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