SPECIAL HOME IMPROVEMENT SECTION
DECKS & OUTDOOR LIVING: Open-Air Luxury The outdoors continues its rise as the unofficial second living room. In 2026, major trends include:
• Composite and bamboo-based decking that’ s lowmaintenance and long-lasting
• Retractable walls and oversized sliding glass doors for seamless indoor – outdoor flow
• Statement fire features that anchor evening gatherings
• Weatherproof kitchenettes for seasonal entertaining
Homeowners are creating immersive environments where morning coffee and sunset dinners feel like a mini-vacation.
LANDSCAPING REIMAGINED: Regenerative & Edible Gardens
The landscapes are beautiful because they’ re functional, and functional because they’ re ecological. Sustainability is no longer an optional trend— it’ s a guiding principle. Yards are transforming with techniques such as:
• Native, drought-tolerant plantings
• Pollinator-friendly meadows
• Rain gardens that manage runoff
• Foodscaping— blending edible plants into ornamental beds
Another rising trend, the“ botanical bento box,” divides outdoor space into curated micro-gardens: an herb corner here, a floral square there, a mini orchard tucked beside a reading nook.
ROOFING: Designed for a Changing Climate
With the effects of weather events becoming unpredictable, a durable, sustainable roof is as much about protection as it is about long-term energy savings. Homeowners are increasingly focused on resilience and efficiency. Upgrades gaining momentum include:
• Solar-ready roofing systems
• Cool roof coatings to reduce heat absorption
• High-performance insulation
• Eco-friendly composite shingles
THE YOUNG GUN EVERYONE WANTS TO HIRE
s p e c i a l t h a n k s t o m y i n d u s t r y m e n t o r s John Cramer Henry Pituch
412-757-2659
GARAGE SPACES: From Storage to Lifestyle
No longer the forgotten square footage, garages are becoming adaptable“ bonus” spaces. For many homeowners, the garage is evolving into part mudroom, part workspace, part creative studio— a flexible environment that shifts with daily needs. A few ideas to consider for the garage:
• Home gyms and wellness studios
• Workshop zones with custom storage
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Smart lighting and climate control n
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