By Matthew Osmon, FIA Education Director
After the groundhog saw its shadow in early February, predicting six more weeks of winter, let’s face it—March is likely to come in like a lion. So, let’s start with Spring Style Trend #1: LAYERS!
Spring 2026 is bringing a fresh wave of inspiration for homeowners. Refined living is less about flash and more about intentional design—homes that blend style, function, and wellness. From sustainable materials to multi-purpose spaces, this year’s trends reflect a desire for comfort, elegance, and mindful living.
A beautifully designed home isn’t defined solely by its floors, furniture, or architectural details—it’s the finishing touches that truly bring a space to life. Accessories are often considered the final step in decorating, but their impact is anything but minor. Thoughtful details add personality, warmth, and character, transforming a house into a home.
In most areas, spring arrives with a sense of renewal. As daylight lingers longer and windows finally open after months of winter, many homeowners feel the urge to refresh their spaces. While new paint colors and décor updates are tempting, one of the most powerful home upgrades doesn’t cost a thing: decluttering. Organization and simplicity form the foundation of a calmer, more functional home—and for many families, they are the ultimate lifestyle upgrade.
As spring arrives in Mid-Michigan, it brings more than warmer days and blooming landscapes—it offers a fresh opportunity to improve how our homes support daily life. Healthy by design is about making thoughtful upgrades that enhance comfort, wellness, and functionality, helping you and your family live better this season and beyond.
This spring, the focus is clear: living well. As the seasons shift and homes open once again to fresh air and natural light, it’s the perfect time to rethink how our living spaces make us feel. A wellness home isn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake—it’s about intentionally designing areas of your home that help you feel better, breathe better, and ultimately live better.
When the word “couple” comes up in a romantic context, people often think of two people united in love. After all, “couple” is one word, not two. And it’s true: couples are a unified force that will weather life’s joys and challenges together. The traditional wedding format emphasizes this idea, from its matching wedding bands to white dresses and black tuxedos. The wedding uniform, if you will. However, as they plan their weddings, more and more engaged people are paying attention to the other part of the definition: two people. Those two people are united by love and will walk through life together, yes, but both partners also have their individuality— something they bring to the relationship that enriches it, something that brings them closer. So, these are some of the ways that new couples are celebrating both their unity and each other during the biggest day of their lives.
One of the most—if not the most—iconic aspects of the modern wedding ceremony is the bridal dress. However, weddings aren’t just about one person, but rather, the new couple and even those they’ve invited to celebrate with them. Similarly, the wedding aesthetic isn’t just about the dress: it’s how everything from shoes and hairstyles to jewelry and accessories all work together to create one beautiful, cohesive ensemble. The same goes for the ceremony and reception—how decor, food, and the people present create one unforgettable experience. So, here are some of the things brides should keep in mind when assembling their perfect day, along with expected wedding trends for the new year.
