Pontotoc Homes April 2026

HOW TO MAKE A LAUNDRY ROOM A More Functional Space

Functionality is important when designing the interior spaces in a home. Homeowners who redesign their interior spaces can emphasize functionality to help reduce clutter and create a more efficient and even calming space.

Laundry rooms may not be the most glamorous rooms in a home, but they do get lots of usage, particularly in homes with children. Because laundry rooms tend to be well trafficked areas, it makes sense for homeowners to make them as functional and user-friendly as possible. With that in mind, homeowners can consider these tips to make laundry rooms more functional spaces.

PURCHASE LAUNDRY PEDESTALS WITH STORAGE CAPACITY

Laundry pedestals make useful additions to a laundry room. Many homeowners place their washing machines and dryers on top of pedestals with storage drawers, which can be used to store everything from dryer sheets to clothes irons to stain removal kits. Pedestals can be particularly useful in cramped laundry rooms where the only means to adding storage is to go up and not out.

INSTALL A FREESTANDING LAUNDRY SINK

A laundry sink also adds function to a laundry room by enabling homeowners to hand wash certain clothes and apply stain removal products in the same space where the rest of their clothes are being cleaned. Installing a laundry sink is a relatively inexpensive job, but the cost may go up if new plumbing, venting or electrical work is necessary.

ADD A COUNTERTOP WORK SPACE

If you already have ample storage and won’t be placing the washer or dryer atop a laundry pedestal, then installing some countertop above the appliances can add function and aesthetic appeal. A countertop workspace above a dryer provides an accessible space to fold laundry the moment it dries, reducing the likelihood that clothes will become wrinkled and ensuring you won’t put off folding.

INSTALL FLOATING SHELVES

Floating shelves won’t cost a lot of money, but they can be ideal in cramped laundry rooms. Shelves provide a space to store detergent and other items that may not fit inside laundry pedestals, including baskets.

ADD HANGING STORAGE

Some articles of clothing should not be dried in a dryer for fear of shrinking the fabric or destroying the item. In such instances, some readily accessible hanging storage capacity can make the laundry room more functional. Items can be hung on hangers or over a hanging rack suspended from the ceiling if space is minimal.

Laundry rooms are heavily used spaces in a home, so it makes sense to take steps to make these areas as functional as possible.

SIMPLE WAYS TO BREATHE

New Life Into A Foyer

Afoyer may not garner as much attention as a kitchen, living room or formal dining space, but the entryway to a home is the first place residents see upon arriving home and it’s also where guests begin to form their impression of a home. That makes a foyer an important, if easily overlooked, space in a home. Homeowners hoping to give their entryways a little something extra can consider these simple means to breathe new life into a foyer. A foyer is easily overlooked when designing a home’s interior. But an inviting entryway can set the tone for other interior spaces in a home.

Tips to bring new life into a foyer

ADD SEATING

If a foyer is large enough to accommodate one or two armchairs, such an addition can immediately contribute to a welcoming and comfortable ambiance. Upholstered chairs can offer some color and provide a space for residents and guests to put on and remove their footwear.

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH LIGHTING

Foyer lighting is meant to make an entryway warm and welcoming, but it also can be used to make a statement. An impressive pendant light fixture in the foyer can make a strong first impression on guests and establish a vibe residents can keep in mind when addressing other interior spaces throughout the home.

CONQUER CLUTTER

Foyers big and small can feel a little claustrophobic if there’s too much going on. Though furnishings like seating and console tables can dress up a space, make a concerted effort to ensure they don’t become dumping grounds for outerwear and unread mail. In addition, desig-

nate an ideally concealed space to store footwear if the foyer will serve as residents’ primary entryway.

ADD SOME ARTWORK

If an existing foyer lacks personality, some simple artwork can add a pop of color without overstimulating residents and guests. Artwork can be hung above a console table to create a calm and welcoming vibe. Homeowners can even utilize artwork to change the vibe in the entryway so it reflects the seasons, hanging a picturesque winter landscape painting or print when the weather is cold and some bright and breezy beach art come the summertime.

INCORPORATE PLANTS INTO THE ENTRYWAY

Plants can add vibrancy and a pop of color to an entryway. Plants also can brighten up the space. If the foyer tends to be a bit dark throughout the day, consider faux plants so residents and guests are not greeted with withered, sunstarved greenery upon entering the home.

A RUNDOWN On Countertops

Kitchen renovations continue to top the list of improvements that offer a high rate of return on investment. Buyers pay attention to kitchens, which undoubtedly affects the ROI of kitchen renovations. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2025,” a minor kitchen remodel offers an ROI of 113 percent, while a midrange remodel offers an ROI of 51 percent. Replacing a kitchen countertop can help homeowners see improvements to the functionality of their spaces and improve the value of their homes.

According to data from Grand View Research, the U.S. countertops market is projected to reach $35.57 billion in 2026, driven by homeowners who desire high-value renovations over relocating. Countertops affect the look and feel of kitchens and other interior and exterior spaces. Choosing materials comes down to cost, durability and maintenance.

Consider these materials for new countertops

ENGINEERED QUARTZ

The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that 78 percent of design professionals expect quartz to be the preferred countertop material over the next several years. Quartz is non-porous, so it will resist stains, scratches and bacteria infiltration without having to be sealed. Unlike natural stone, quartz offers pattern uniformity, which makes it easier to map out seamless transitions. Quartz costs between $50 and $150 per square foot installed.

GRANITE

Granite still holds a considerable chunk of the countertops market and remains a solid standard for those who value a one-of-a-kind look of natural stone. Granite has exceptional heat resistance and adds significant resale value. However, it requires periodic sealing to maintain its good looks. Costs range from $40 to $190 per square foot.

PORCELAIN

Porcelain tiles and slabs are projected to become the fastest-growing segment in the ceram-

ic tiles market, according to reports from Yahoo Finance. High-precision printing technology enables porcelain to mimic rare marble and other stone with superior accuracy. Porcelain is even harder than granite and effectively impervious to UV rays. This makes the material a solid choice for outdoor kitchens. Plus, at a cost of $60 to $120 per square foot, it is competitive with other similar materials.

BUTCHER BLOCK

Those who appreciate a soft, organic texture and “warmth” in their spaces can look to butcher block. Wood is making a comeback, as many homeowners are moving away from stark, white designs. Butcher block is self-healing, meaning scratches can be sanded out. Butcher block costs between $50 and $150 per square foot.

LAMINATE

Laminate is a budget-friendly option for homeowners at $20 to $80 per square foot, but is not as durable as other materials. Some laminates mimic the look of high-end materials, and they don’t require much maintenance.

PREPARE A YARD FOR

Evening Entertaining

Even when the sun goes down, the opportunity to entertain outdoors is still possible. Transforming a backyard into an evening oasis does not necessarily require major renovations, but it

should involve adjusting the atmosphere to facilitate comfort and visibility.

A yard can be a magical place to entertain at night when hosts take a few extra steps to ready the space.

Tips to help optimize your outdoor space for nighttime events

LAYERED LIGHTING

Lighting is the main priority when hosting at night. Lighting establishes ambiance and creates safety in the space. Hosts should avoid floodlights which can be too harsh and create a clinical feeling. Instead, melding different lighting options together can set the scene. String lights provide a warm, even glow that can outline the perimeter and “ceiling” of an outdoor room. Low-voltage LEDs or solar lights can make walkways more visible and call attention to changes in elevation. Accent lighting, such as small spotlights uplighting trees or architectural features, will create depth and keep the yard from feeling like an abyss beyond the patio or deck.

CREATE FOCAL POINTS

Individuals will gather around various focal points in the yard. These established zones will encourage conversation and other activities. A fire pit is a natural magnet for outdoor events. Arrange seating around the fire pit to keep conversation flowing. An outdoor bar also is a great place for people to gather, whether it’s stocked with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. Mark off

an area where people can mingle and dance. Set up an outdoor speaker in this area.

OUTDOOR COMFORT

Contending with bugs and weather is a natural side effect of spending time outdoors, particularly in the evening. Citronella candles can keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. A simple electric floor fan also can be effective against mosquitoes, which are weak fliers that can’t fly against the breeze. A fire pit, propane patio heater and a basket of blankets can help tame the chills if the temperature drops. Keeping pop-up canopies at the ready will help if rain starts to fall.

ACCESSIBILITY TO FOOD AND DRINK

Beyond the bar, having self-service stations in various spots enables guests to grab food or drink as needed instead of having to trek indoors. Make sure these spots are well-lit. Space drinks away from the food to prevent traffic jams. Invest in some covered containers that will keep food safe from ants or flying insects and trays to easily transport glassware and other items back into the house.

FEATURES THAT CAN Redefine A Living Room

Spring is widely cherished as a season of rejuvenation. As winter winds down, many people embrace the arrival of spring blooms and the regrowth of grass on the ground and leaves on the trees, which can breathe new life into landscapes that might have grown a bit stale in previous months.

That same staleness can affect a home’s interior as well. Home interiors can benefit from periodic updates in much the same way a landscape benefits when spring blooms return.

Homeowners can consider any number of features when looking to give their living spaces a fresh look.

Features to consider when redefining living room

FIREPLACE

A wood-burning fireplace is undeniably a game changer when looking to redefine a living space. But such a project could be a significant undertaking in a home that does not already feature a wood-burning fireplace. Homeowners who want to add a wood-burning fireplace can reinvent a living room, but they will likely need to adhere to building codes, secure permits and even consult with an engineer to ensure such an addition does not affect the structural integrity of the home. A gas-powered fireplace is a less demanding project, but will also require some extra work if homeowners need to connect a gas line where no such line currently exists. A plug-in electric fireplace can create a new ambiance and will not require as much time, effort and money as the alternatives.

WINDOWS

New windows are another option when homeowners are hoping to redefine a living room. Modern windows are energy-efficient, so replacing aging windows may help homeowners combat rising energy costs. If a yard is a notable feature of a home’s exterior, new windows that accentuate the view from a living

space can quickly redefine how residents and guests see the room. Permits may be necessary if you’re expanding existing windows, but that can be worth it if you’re able to design the space around the view. All that extra natural light also may reinvent the feeling people get upon entering the space.

COFFERED CEILING

A coffered ceilings can immediately redefine the impression people get of a living space. Coffered ceilings feature a series of rectangular, square or octagonal grids that are typically accentuated by molding. Coffered ceilings provide a luxurious and even historic aesthetic, making them an ideal addition for homeowners looking to redefine an existing space.

WALLPAPER

Interior design specialists note that wallpaper is making a comeback. Wallpaper can be used to draw attention to a wall in much the same way bold colors are chosen for accent walls. Wallpaper on an accent wall can feature a bold pattern or a strong color to add a sense of personality to a room that might be lacking if the walls are currently painted in neutral colors.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF

Modern Bathrooms

Bathrooms are more than just places to wash up. These spaces are evolving from utilitarian rooms to high-tech sanctuaries with all the modern conveniences one can imagine. Homeowners are increasingly investing more into their bathrooms, reflecting a growing desire for quiet luxury and personal health.

According to the 2026 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Trends Report, 72 percent of designers report that clients are enlarging their bathrooms to accommodate new wellness-centered features.

Modern bathrooms continue to evolve with features that add aesthetic appeal, sustainability and technology to these historically utilitarian spaces.

Features to consider for a modern bathroom

HOME SPA SHOWER

The NKBA reports more homeowners now prioritize a larger, feature-rich shower over just a bathtub. Steam showers are no longer niche; they integrate aromatherapy and chromotherapy (mood-enhancing light) systems into the designs. Although open, walk-in showers are still popular for their accessibility, there’s a rising trend in shower pods, which are enclosed, cozy spaces that more effectively retain heat and steam.

AGING IN PLACE ELEMENTS

Features once associated with getting older are now being rebranded as high-end design elements. According to Forbes, curbless entries and built-in benches are some luxury safety features built into modern bathrooms.

SMART TECHNOLOGY

Polaris Market Research says the global smart bathroom market is projected to exceed $11 billion in 2026. Technology focused on efficiency and hygiene is popular. Intelligent toilets that have self-cleaning UV nozzles, heated seats and motion-activated lids are rising in popularity. Smart faucets with precise flow control and

leak detection also are becoming standard, with Houzz saying sustainability features like these are a must-have for 84 percent of renovators.

EVOLVING MINIMALISM

Organic minimalism is a defining style within modern bathroom trends for 2026. This idea prioritizes clean looks with natural materials like stone and wood, which are replacing cool grays and stark whites that have been dominating bathroom schemes for some time, according to Re-Bath design expert Jenny Mars. Designers favor large-format slabs or tiles to minimize grout lines. Earthy tones like sage green, terracotta, and warm wood vanities also are popular.

LAYERED LIGHTING

Design pros are using lighting as a functional tool, and say that task lighting must be layered for the best effect. Nighttime-specific low-glow lighting and integrated mirror LEDs support a natural circadian rhythm while offering comfort and safety. The NKBA says 91 percent of respondents cite lighting as a top priority in their bathroom designs. Mood lighting in showers and other lighting features are popular requests.