ving Solano & Yolo Counties ng Solano & Yolo C ounties S i olo
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Contractor issue requires police involvement
Q: My wife and I always wanted a family room built onto our house. We saved our money for five years until we could afford it. We interviewed a number of contractors and finally settled on one guy who seemed to know exactly what we wanted. By the time we were done with the plans, the project included the family room, a bedroom addition and a remodel of part of the kitchen. We signed some paperwork and gave the guy a check for 30% of the project so he could buy sup plies. Work started right away and everything looked like it was going fine.
About four weeks into the project, several walls were removed from the house, a foun dation was poured and framing was starting. The kitchen was almost entirely gutted in prep aration for the new cabinets and appliances. The contractor showed us what he had done so far and had us give him a check for another 40% of the work. About that time we had some rain so the work came to a halt for about a week. When nobody showed up after the rains stopped, we tried to call him on the only number we had. It was disconnected. While we were trying to figure out what to do, a number of sub-contractors contacted us saying they hadn’t been paid and demanded full payment from us or they would put a lien on our house.
General contractors typically hire subcontractors for specialty work. Subs can range from con crete contractors to roofers. The
producer of a Hollywood movie.
scenes orchestrating the entire project. He uses his experience to decide what subs to bring in, when to order various materials, and in what order the various jobs must be completed.
For example, his job is to determine when the lumber must be on the job site, when the carpet layers, plumbers, electricians, etc. have to show up and complete their respective tasks.
Sometimes the general will get out there and swing a hammer, on some projects the general will hire subs for virtually all of the actual construction.
Your plants probably need a wash – yes, a wash
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
It’s now been three weeks and we haven’t heard from the contractor. The house has been ripped open and is exposed to the elements. On top of that, the kitchen is useless. We don’t have nearly enough money left to pay the subcontractors, let alone finish the house. Doesn’t the contractor have to pay the subcontractors anyway? We don’t
It is common for the subs to get paid by the general. In other words, you pay the general, he then pays the subs and suppliers, and the general’s profit is the money that is left over. There are other types of financial arrangements that can be made, but this is the most common. Surprisingly, the law, which
See Jones, Page 4
It’s not just us humans that need regular washing, but indoor plants too. Leaves need wiping down from time to time, since the dust that gathers on them blocks out light and impedes photosynthesis. Outdoors, any dust is quickly removed by wind and rain, but not so for indoor plants. That’s why experts like those at the Plants & Flowers Founda-
tion Holland will recommend wiping dust off the leaves about once a month.
For large-leaved plants, use a soft damp cloth and support each leaf with your free hand to be as gentle as possible. An alternative is to place less sensitive plants in the shower or bath and carefully rinse the leaves with lukewarm water.
In darker times of year when sunlight is less abundant, it also
makes sense to place pot plants as close to the window as possible. If your plant is struggling in the winter, supplementary LED lighting can help prevent it from losing leaves due to a lack of light.
There are exceptions that tolerate darkness well, such as the cast-iron plant, spider plant and devil’s vine. They are said to thrive even in winter at some distance from the window.
A: Call the local police. That
Tim Jones
SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE
Investing in silver, gold
The lyrics from Burl Ives’ classic Christmas song are relevant today: “Silver and gold, silver and gold, everyone wishes for silver and gold, how do you measure its worth? Just by the pleasure it gives here on Earth.”
A few of my friends have been screaming about buying gold for years because of the idea that the dollar will lose value as we print more money to pay for our $38 trillion in national debt.
Silver was selling at $29 per ounce in January 2025 and today, a few of my friends that loaded up on silver over the past 20 years can sell it for $109 per ounce.
Gold was $2,800 per ounce in January 2025 and as of this morning, gold is selling for $5,400 per ounce. A $10,000 investment in gold 20 years ago would be worth $95,000 today and $10,000 in silver would be $120,000.
A $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 index with dividends reinvested would be worth $69,000 today and $10,000 invested in the Nasdaq 100 index over the past 20 years would be worth an estimated $110,000 this month.
Consumer confidence just came in at a 12-year low; the dollar has been losing value, and everyone is talking about this K-shaped economy where the top 20% of the population is doing good while the bottom 80% are struggling.
Buying real estate is like gold and silver; it is considered
See Porter, Page 4
Mortgage interest rate forecast for 2026
JEFF OSTROWSKI BANKRATE.COM
Mortgage rates are unlikely to return to their pandemic lows in 2026, but they could still deliver some relief to borrowers. It’s possible that rates will even fall below the 6% threshold.
“I expect the average 30-year fixed rate to fall below 6% for the first time since the summer of 2022,” says Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst. “It could go as low as 5.5%, given anticipated Fed rate cuts and a recession scare. But stubbornly high inflation readings and rumblings of a less independent Fed could apply upward pressure at other times of the year. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate should bounce around 6% – sometimes a little lower, sometimes a little higher –throughout much of 2026.”
Bankrate’s 2026
mortgage forecast:
•Projected 2026 average: 6.1%(a 0.2 percentage point decrease from midDecember 2025)
•Projected 2026 low: 5.7%(lowest level since August 2022)
•Projected 2026 high: 6.5%(highest level since September 2025)
A wild ride
Mortgage rates have taken borrowers on a wild ride. The pandemic dramatically underscored what drives mortgage markets: Bad news pushes them down, and terrible news sends them to historic lows. In 2020,
ANDREY POPOV/ADOBE STOCK
Mortgage rates are unlikely to return to their pandemic lows in 2026, but they could still deliver some relief to borrowers. It’s possible that rates will even fall below the 6% threshold.
the Federal Reserve slashed rates to zero. And 10-year Treasury yields, which are the closest proxy for mortgage rates, fell to record lows.
The result? For parts of 2020 and 2021, American homeowners could lock in 30-year mortgages at less than 3%. That created a housing boom and a wave of refinancings.
Then, in 2022, as inflation surged, the Fed reversed course. Treasury yields rose sharply, and mortgage rates shot up along with them. That led to a “housing recession” as home sales sputtered.
While no one expects mortgage rates below 6% to fix all that ails the U.S. housing market, lower rates certainly would spur some positive activity. Long-term renters might be more eager to become first-time buyers, and locked-in homeowners might prove willing to finally move.
“Slightly lower rates and slower price growth should improve affordability a little, which could bring more buyers into the market,” says Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist for Bright MLS, a listing service in the mid-Atlantic region. “[2026] is still going to be a transition year, however, and homebuyers and sellers are still going to be cautious.”
Mortgage rate forecasts are complicated by all sorts of countervailing economic winds. Stubbornly high inflation readings and rumblings of a less independent Fed could apply upward pressure on mortgage rates. A weaker job market would push mortgage rates down. Another factor is the spread between 10-year Treasury rates and mortgage rates. That gap has widened in recent years as mortgage investors have demanded a richer risk premium.
“This is just a best guess,” Rossman says. “Things don’t always move in a straight line. They don’t move directly in line with what the 10-year Treasury is doing. There is just so much intrigue about what’s happening with the Fed, what’s happening with the economy.”
What happened to mortgage rates in 2025
At the start of 2025, 30-year mortgage rates were north of 7%. They drifted down a bit from there, but rates remained above 6.5% for most of the year. Then, in early September, the U.S. labor market finally showed signs of weakness. That pushed mortgage rates below 6.5% – they hit a 2025 low of 6.25% in late October, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders.
Jim Porter
Solano real estate transactions
These are the local homes sold recently, provided by California Resource of Lodi. The company can be reached at 209.365.6663 or CalResource@aol.com.
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $360,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,312,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $925,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $880,500
1364 Bonita Bahia - $1,312,000
11-26-25 [4 Bdrms - 2247 SqFt - 1975 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-11-18, $1,120,000
1878 Casa Grande Street - $1,000,000
11-26-25 [3 Bdrms - 2061 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-20-22, $1,168,000
565 Lori Drive #30 - $360,000
11-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 939 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-13-20, $375,000
780 Rose Drive - $850,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1859 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-07-09, $399,900
DIXON
TOTAL SALES: 1
LOWEST AMOUNT: $589,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $589,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $589,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $589,000
255 Alderglen Drive - $589,000
11-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 1619 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-21-03, $350,000
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL SALES: 13
LOWEST AMOUNT: $211,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $910,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $535,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $564,808
5208 Academy Drive - $685,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 2055 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-09-22, $795,000
4409 Avondale Circle - $830,000
11-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2664 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-23-10, $569,000 2965 Cascade Circle - $610,000
11-26-25 [4 Bdrms - 1743 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-14-18, $460,000
2207 Cunningham Drive - $535,000
11-24-25 [4 Bdrms - 1589 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-05-25, $365,000 1775 Fawn Glen Circle - $590,000
11-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1311 SqFt - 1995 YrBlt]
729 Georgia Way - $475,000
11-26-25 [3 Bdrms - 1108 SqFt - 1950 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-25-14, $215,000
4499 Green Valley Road - $725,000
11-26-25 [3 Bdrms - 3238 SqFt - 1919 YrBlt]
435 Hamilton Drive - $505,000
11-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 785 SqFt - 1957 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 00/1991, $89,000
25 Knoll Drive - $456,500
11-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 2055 SqFt - 1993 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-10-09, $263,000
225 Pennsylvania Avenue #B5$310,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 930 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-30-19, $220,000
2721 Seminole Drive - $910,000
11-26-25 [4 Bdrms - 2936 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-28-15, $555,000
2051 Thrush Way - $500,000
11-26-25 [3 Bdrms - 1300 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]
101 Villa Circle - $211,000
11-24-25 [2 Bdrms - 968 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-15-22, $205,000
RIO VISTA
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $400,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $640,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $454,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $487,000
697 Anderson Way - $485,000
11-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1191 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-07-01, $169,469
242 Cedar Ridge Drive - $400,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 1475 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-26-23, $435,000
611 Twin Lakes Lane - $423,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 1579 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-21-08, $230,000
377 Waterwood Drive - $640,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 2440 SqFt - 2019 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-22-19, $576,000
SUISUN CITY
TOTAL SALES: 2
LOWEST AMOUNT: $515,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $640,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $577,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $577,500
1280 Mayfield Circle - $640,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 2206 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-08-22, $585,000
1105 Strawberry Lane - $515,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1412 SqFt - 2014 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-26-21, $507,500
VACAVILLE
TOTAL SALES: 12
LOWEST AMOUNT: $285,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,070,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $549,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $566,958
719 Arbor Oaks Drive - $700,000
11-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2075 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]
636 Arcadia Drive - $285,000
11-24-25 [2 Bdrms - 954 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-12-13, $102,000
791 Cookson Street - $615,000
11-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1633 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-23-25, $450,000
107 Foothill Drive - $769,500
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1810 SqFt - 1965 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-06-18, $535,000
7056 Grace Feather Court - $1,070,000
11-26-25 [3 Bdrms - 2777 SqFt - 2020 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-29-20, $732,500
355 Hibiscus Street - $630,000
11-26-25 [3 Bdrms - 1746 SqFt - 2020 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-11-20, $529,500
826 La Cruz Lane - $289,000
11-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 1404 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-27-22, $610,000
491 Rosso Court - $484,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1211 SqFt - 2008 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-21-22, $512,500
299 Shasta Drive #9 - $370,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 1376 SqFt - 1982 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-25-22, $332,000
830 Swindon Court - $739,000
11-24-25 [4 Bdrms - 1898 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-13-21, $694,500
122 Village Court - $412,000
11-24-25 [2 Bdrms - 1212 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-23-04, $270,000
106 Village Court - $440,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 1212 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-26-16, $280,000
VALLEJO
TOTAL SALES: 14
LOWEST AMOUNT: $315,00
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $800,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $485,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $519,536
6178 Ashwell Way - $640,000
11-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2259 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-14-04, $419,000
839 Benicia Road - $499,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 843 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-23-00, $150,000
127 Dieninger Street - $420,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1053 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-03-13, $63,000
126 Gleason Avenue - $450,000
11-24-25 [2 Bdrms - 850 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-11-25, $290,000
1275 Granada Street - $620,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1634 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-02-23, $642,000
46 Hermosa Avenue - $450,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 860 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-09-13, $175,000
118 Lytham Way - $471,000
11-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2748 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt]
1361 Mariposa Street - $660,000
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 2154 SqFt - 1951 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-30-13, $340,000
1342 Monteith Drive - $315,000
11-24-25 [2 Bdrms - 1167 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt]
309 Pinto Court - $800,000
11-25-25 [5 Bdrms - 3249 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-15-25, $585,000
245 Pumice Court - $540,000
11-26-25 [4 Bdrms - 1529 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]
209 San Marino Avenue - $376,500
11-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1076 SqFt - 1951 YrBlt]
127 Seville Street - $617,000
11-26-25 [4 Bdrms - 2072 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]
1411 Tennessee Street - $415,000
11-26-25 [2 Bdrms - 1033 SqFt - 1932 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-20-19, $320,000
Jones
From Page 2
in this case has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years, allows subcontractors and suppliers to go after the landowner if the general contractor doesn’t pay them.
The idea is that the landowner shouldn’t profit from the sub’s labor and the supplier’s materials just because the general was a deadbeat. Of course, that idea is pretty silly given that you’re out the money already. But it’s the current state of the law.
Besides making a report to the local police you must file a complaint with the Contractors License Board. If you file a lawsuit against the contractor and win, he will have a small bond posted with the state that you could collect. This year, general contractors have to
post a $25,000 surety bond. By your description of the job, chances are you’re out far more than that. But if you get a judgment against the contractor for up to that amount, at least there’s some money to go after. Unfortunately, if the contractor just closed up shop and beat feet, you may never find any more money.
In the future, if you enter into a construction contract, consider making the contract require that you will be responsible for paying all suppliers and subcontractors directly rather than running the money through the general. In this way you make sure at least every subcontractor is paid as the work progresses.
Tim Jones, Esq., is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you would like to have answered in this column, you can send an email to AllThings RealEstate@TJones-Law.com.
From Page 3
a flight to quality when investors sell stocks and buy hard assets. You can touch it and feel it and unlike a stock, the value is determined by the pleasure it gives here on Earth.
Renting stinks and owning a home and the land it sits on is an absolute pleasure, and as long as you pay the mortgage, taxes and insurance, nobody can take it away from you nor
do you have to worry about a K-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped or L-shaped economy if you have an income that is secure and somewhat recession-proof.
Jim Porter, NMLS No. 276412, is the branch manager and senior loan adviser of Solano Mortgage, NMLS No. 1515497, a division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, NMLS No. 1850, licensed in California by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA / Equal Housing Opportunity. Jim can be reached at 707-449-4777.
The Garden Guy has had the best time fol lowing the Pantone “Color of the Year,” which is Cloud Dancer. By fol lowing, I am talking about the color gurus verbaliz ing on social media. I’ll not call any out by name lest they come after me. Cloud Dancer as you might expect is white. Now I admit while I will always hope for Electric Orange, I know the chances are slim to nonexistent. Plus, I would keel over if they did. The complainers wanted their favorite color, no doubt, and used as their principal argument: “White is the absence of color.” But that argument fails because when you look up in the blue sky, you don’t see puffy absences of color; hence the name Cloud Dancer is most appropriate.
try wants to play Pantone too! With that in mind I look no further than the 1850 Illiges Woodruff house, a most magnificent historic home, a safe distance just off the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Georgia. Today, it is coupled with the even larger JP Illges Woodruff house with landscape touching plus the wonderful new conservatory form the Illges Woodruff Estate. Together they are recognized as premier
wedding venues especially if you consider opportunities to have the bride’s family in one home and the groom’s family in the other. Can you see where I am headed? What is the mandatory color for weddings? White!
The Illges Woodruff House is the epitome of Greek Revival. It is tall and white with incredible columns. The blooming shrubs and flowers are obviously white. Cloud Dancer has been associated with cumulus clouds by
As a national garden writer, my job is to bring Cloud Dancer to the garden. The Green Indus-
Unique Willowbank Home!
Winter
From Page 5
several gurus of color. No plant depicts cumulus any better than hydrangeas.
The growing season is long, and hydrangea blossoms start off in April with the various oak leaf types (Hydrangea quercifolia). These blooms are large and show off their native adaptability. They typically offer up burgundy and bronze foliage in the fall.
These are overlapped by the smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), which are also native. The display of blooms borders on the spectacular. The bloom time is long and the effectiveness time in the landscape is much overlooked, probably thanks to the popularity of the panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).
These keep the continuous hydrangea overlapping going in
the garden. They are native to China, Korea, Japan and Russia and certainly competitive in the beauty category. They are also the tallest, making a picturesque presence in the long sweeping gardens seen at the Illges Woodruff House.
The white theme is always in play. The huge planters on the front porch are always full of season color like pansies and Snow Princess sweet alyssum in the winter and Supertunia Mini Vista White petunias in the summer. In beds adjoining the hydrangeas, you will find various ferns, Heart to Heart caladiums and Surefire White begonias.
Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
NORMAN WINTER/TNS
The 1850 Illges Woodruff House is the classic Green Revival home and a place where Pantone’s “Color of the Year,” Cloud Dancer, thrives in the landscape, indoors and weddings too!
REAL ESTATE
Top painting trends for 2026 show DIY isn’t slowing down
STATEPOINT
What are homeowners focusing on right now? Impactful, affordable upgrades. New research highlights that painting remains one of the most popular home improvement projects expected in 2026, driven by tighter budgets and a desire for lasting design.
The survey, from FrogTape brand painter’s tape, found that nearly 60% of homeowners are planning interior paint projects in the year ahead, while over one-third expect to refresh exterior surfaces.
“Painting remains a top priority for homeowners because it offers an affordable, high-impact way to transform interior spaces,” says Melanie Canning, director of insights for FrogTape. “DIYers are embracing projects that are creative, yet practical, with timeless color palettes and AI-assisted design choices.”
Based on the FrogTape research, here’s what’s ahead:
Affordable upgrades
Despite a tight financial environment, over 45% of people at the time of the survey had undertaken a project in the past month, and the data indicates that this momentum is expected to continue. Nearly half of respondents agreed that tough economic conditions have influenced their 2026 DIY plans – but they still intend to complete projects, just on a tighter budget.
“When budgets tighten, homeowners become more intentional with their time and money,” says Canning. “Painting gives DIYers flexibility to work at their own pace, manage costs and see noticeable results.”
Timeless over trendy
Homeowners are gravitating toward spaces that feel calm and timeless – 71% agreed that they prefer painting projects that are long-lasting and classic.
Despite being fun for the moment, trendy colors, patterns and styles can quickly lose
appeal – 44% say they’re motivated to repaint because their current space feels outdated. For a classic look, homeowners can opt for neutral walls and add accent colors through accessories like pillows, artwork and candles, which can easily be swapped for different seasons, moods or trends.
Comfort-first colors
DIYers are saying goodbye to plain, colorless rooms and hello to warm, inviting spaces. According to nearly half (49%) of survey respondents, stark white rooms are their biggest design “ick.” For many (45%), their 2026 design outlook is warm and natural, and
The basics of 3 popular siding materials
Few home renovation projects can change the look of a home as significantly as new siding. New siding can make a home look brand new, and a new color can dramatically change the perception of a home. As homeowners begin to consider siding replacement projects, they might be surprised to learn their options in relation to materials are so numerous. Though it’s great to have options, it also can be difficult to pick a material when there are so many products to choose from. Vinyl, fiber cement and wood are three popular siding materials, and understanding the characteristics can help home-
owners make decisions.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding has long been among the most popular siding materials. The National Association of Home Builders notes that popularity has declined in recent years, with the market share of vinyl siding dropping 5 percent over the last decade and nearly 13 percent over the last 20 years. Despite that declining popularity, vinyl remains a strong option for many homeowners due to its affordability and minimal maintenance requirements. Consumer Reports also notes that vinyl siding is impervious to insects and water, an attribute that’s highly appealing to many homeowners.
they plan to lean into earthy tones like beige, taupe, clay, greens and blues. The ultimate goal for 47% of DIYers is to create calm, relaxing spaces through color. Additionally, “comfortcore” is the most popular design style in 2026. Anyone can achieve “comfortcore” with soft textures and calm colors for a cozy ambiance. Personal preferences aren’t the only factor impacting the trend — 65% of respondents are planning their upcoming paint projects for entertaining guests, and 62% agree that their main goal is to make the space feel more inviting, making comfort a key priority.
Tech and tape
Making home update decisions can be difficult, but modern technologies can help. More than half of people reported using AI to assist with home improvement projects in some capacity, from previewing paint colors to assisting with design decisions and identifying paint trends.
Fiber cement
Consumer Reports notes that fiber cement siding blends cement, sand and cellulose. Many homeowners like fiber cement siding because of its aesthetic appeal, as it looks like real wood without the vulnerabilities associated with wood (see below). The home renovation experts at This Old House report that fiber cement siding has exceptional durability and offers great resistance to environmental factors like harsh weather, UV rays and moisture. Fiber cement siding also is a low-maintenance, insectresistant option that won’t warp or rot. Fiber cement siding is not easily installed, which contributes to a higher overall cost.
However, even in the age of AI, traditional tools, like painter’s tape, remain irreplaceable. Ninety percent of people have used or plan to use painter’s tape on recent painting projects. The most common surfaces they tape include trim and baseboards (74%), doors and windows (65%), edges (58%) and walls (49%).
No matter the painting project, FrogTape Advanced Painter’s Tape is valuable to have on hand. The ultra-premium painter’s tape conforms around challenging curves and edges like trim, molding and light fixtures without tearing. Additionally, it contains exclusive PaintBlock Technology to seal tape edges and block paint bleed for super sharp paint lines. For more inspiration and tips for your 2026 painting projects, visit FrogTape.com.
From cozy, comfort-first color palettes to practical room refreshes and AI-powered planning tools, this year, DIYers are making meaningful updates that feel both intentional and attainable.
Wood
Siding materials don’t get much more traditional than wood. It shouldn’t surprise homeowners to learn that wood siding can warp or rot, and can be vulnerable to insects. However,
well-maintained wood siding can be very durable and certain types are less vulnerable to rot than others. Local climate will affect which wood siding options are best for a given area. Many see wood siding as characteristic of a high-end home.
Solano County Listings: Homes, land for sale
LOTS & LAND
MOBILE / FLOATING
COMMERCIAL
6 popular features of industrial home decor
Home decor is as varied as the people who decorate their homes. Some people prefer traditional styles while others gravitate toward country or coastal. Industrial decor is another unique style that can set homes apart.
The Interior Design Institute says industrial design is known for its raw beauty and functional
charm. Industrial design continues to be a popular choice that evolves with each new generation. Industrial design pays homage to warehouses and city centers. For those looking to impart a new look to their homes, industrial chic may be the right fit. The following are six notable characteristics of this unique style.
1. Neutral colors: Whites, grays, blacks, and neutral tones of brown feature prominently
in industrial design. However, accent colors like red, blue or green also may be used.
2. Sense of spaciousness: Industrial design harkens back to vast, open warehouses. Open floor plans are part of the design, as are tall ceilings and large windows.
3. Exposed wood or steel beams: Showing the “bones” of the building is on brand for industrial design. Expect exposed steel or wood beams in
the ceilings. Additional exposed structural elements include ducts, brick and pipes.
4. Recycled elements: Industrial decor may utilize reclaimed or recycled materials, such as salvaged wood, concrete, pieces of metal, or even stone.
5. Natural light: Industrial decor utilizes large windows to let in plenty of natural light. This can counteract the harsher lines of the exposed materials and
graphic lines of the style.
6. Edison bulbs: Edison bulbs that hang individually or in decorative groups as a chandelier are another common element of industrial design. Metal domes or pendant lights also can be incorporated for a more covered look. Industrial design is alive and well in the hearts of modern homeowners who enjoy it as a wholly unique design and architectural style.
