Beyond Kitchens & Baths: The Top 5 Rooms Midwest Homeowners Are Remodeling

When we talk with clients across the Midwest, we consistently hear one truth: kitchens and bathrooms will always command attention. But for homeowners looking to elevate the rest of their homes, five spaces are quietly climbing in demand. Based on industry surveys, design forecasts, and early project inquiries, here are the ones we’re watching — and why they’re becoming so hot.

1. Basements & Lower Levels

Many homes already have unfinished or underutilized basements. As families evolve, people are embracing these raw spaces as opportunities, such as media rooms, wine bars, guest suites, or even wellness hubs.

Homeowners are pushing further, incorporating features such as better daylighting (via egress windows or glass block), built-in storage, acoustic solutions, and integrated amenities (e.g., small wet bars or exercise corners). From a design-build perspective, this kind of project delivers meaningful square footage and visible ROI in many markets.

2. Home Offices & Hybrid Work Lounges

With more people embracing remote or hybrid work — and planning to maintain it in the long term — the demand for a professional workspace or cross-functional space integrated within the home is on the rise.

Homeowners often wonder if they can convert their former dining room into a flexible office space. They may also consider creating a dedicated work area in the living room or primary suite. These solutions typically feature built-in elements that include concealed wiring, noise control treatments, ambient lighting, and smart zoning, ensuring the workspace blends seamlessly with the home’s aesthetic rather than overwhelming it.

3. Primary & Secondary Bedrooms (with En-Suite Upgrades & Dressing Areas)

Bedrooms are no longer passive resting zones; they’re becoming wellness sanctuaries. Homeowners are requesting enhancements like expanded closets, spa-style lounge areas, custom headboard walls, ceiling treatments, and improved ambient lighting.

In many projects, the upgrade extends into a hybrid dressing room or “bed + closet” suite, adding luxury details like tiered lighting, island cabinetry, or hidden makeup vanities. These types of upgrades often feel subtle but deliver tremendous impact.

4. Closets / Dressing Rooms

Closets have quietly become mini boutiques. Homeowners want them to be beautiful and organized. It’s one thing to have shelving and rods; it’s another to design a space that feels like a gallery you’ll enjoy walking into every morning.

We’re already seeing design builds showing closets with custom cabinetry, LED shelf and mirror lighting, bench seating, jewelry drawers, and display niches.

5. Living Rooms / Family Rooms & Entertainment Zones

The living room remains a focus — but with new expectations. Instead of purely decorative updates, we’re seeing complete rewrites, including architectural accents (such as arched doorways and paneled walls), hidden media systems, zoned lighting, improved acoustics, and seamless transitions between indoor/outdoor spaces.

Also worth noting: homes with family rooms or great rooms now often incorporate built-in bookcases, integrated speakers, and fireplace focal points that merge modern aesthetics with cozy function.

Why These Rooms Rise to the Forefront

Value & Visibility — While kitchens and baths lead in cost, these other rooms frequently deliver “wow” appeal and flexibility without the highest price tags.

Lifestyle Shift — Our clients’ priorities reflect how they live, with an increased focus on working from home, multigenerational living, entertainment at home, and a greater emphasis on comfort zones.

Smaller Projects, Big Impact — In a tighter economy and construction climate, many homeowners find these spaces more manageable, less disruptive, yet still transformative.

Holistic Design Trends — The language of design used in kitchens and baths — wood drenching, texture layering, integrated lighting, hidden technology — is extending into every room.

Resale & Market Appeal — Buyers increasingly expect turn-key homes. A finished basement, a luxurious primary suite, or a smart work zone can set one listing apart from another.

Of course, this is only a glimpse of the diverse interior design options available. Whether your home is Classic American, Vintage, Modern, Victorian, Mid-Century, or Contemporary, the possibilities extend as far as your imagination, and we would love to collaborate! Our designers and artisans believe in listening closely and working collaboratively with every homeowner, from initial consultation to project completion and beyond. Visit our portfolios, learn more about The Callier & Thompson Experience, and contact us for a consultation today!