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While some trends can be hard to predict, experts say there’s no doubt that 2025 is shaping up to be all about “Japandi” kitchens. If you haven’t heard of this style before, here is a good way to sum it up: Japandi is a fusion between the design philosophies of Scandinavian design, which is characterized by simplicity and functionality, and Japanese design, which is all about elegance and warmth. When brought together, it’s a beautiful fusion of clean lines, natural materials, and minimalism. The result? A kitchen that feels both serene and functional.

What makes Japandi ultra-appealing is how it creates an inviting vibe while keeping things simple and clutter-free. Japanese and Scandinavian styles both have an aesthetic with an overall ideology that less is more, taking the design and stripping it down to its essentials. Japandi is all about form and function without distraction. With people looking to make their spaces feel peaceful and promote wellness, Japandi’s mix of soft, neutral colors, nature-inspired materials like wood and stone, and carefully chosen decor really hits the mark.

What Does Japandi Look Like?
A shared element across both Scandinavian and Japanese design is nature: natural materials, colors found in nature. Materials in a Japandi-inspired kitchen lean toward organic elements like high-quality wood cabinets in light natural hues, rattan, bamboo, and even metal. This focus on nature gives the space a calm, grounded feel — something both design styles really emphasize separately. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between warmth and minimalism.

How to Incorporate the Japandi Trend into Your Kitchen
Aside from organic materials, there are plenty of other ways to add warmth and natural beauty to your space. The overall goal here is to create a cozy, peaceful kitchen that feels sophisticated and intentional — here are a few other expert ways you can do that.

Kitchen Colors
When it comes to color palettes for Japandi kitchens, neutrals are the key to nailing the style. Think: soft whites and grays, beiges, and other warm earth tones often found in nature. If you want to add some depth and contrast, try mixing in darker shades like charcoal or muted blues — they help ground the space without being too distracting. What’s great about this color palette is how versatile it is.

Cabinetry and Storage
Look for sleek, minimalist cabinets that seamlessly blend into the design. Japandi cabinetry is all about smooth and clean lines, but it also focuses on the functionality of the room. You will usually see this with flat panel doors in natural wood finishes, which have become super popular with this style. Open shelving will also be popular, but it’s not used quite as much. For additional storage, consider hidden compartments or soft-close drawers that’ll keep clutter hidden.

Kitchen Appliances and Hardware
Look for appliances with integrated designs or matte finishes in black, white, or stainless steel. This, when used with hardware in brushed brass, black, or brushed nickel, will work beautifully in this style, making the room feel elegant but not too bold. As for hardware, it’s all about simplicity and subtle elegance. Popular finishes like stone, textured tiles, light wood, and brushed stainless steel all give off a natural, earthy vibe — and would be great if you want to make an easy kitchen swap.

The Parmer Group has celebrated the start of 2025 by adding The Zigmund Company to its family of operations. The Zigmund Company is an independent insurance consulting business that, for over forty years, has provided its clients with analysis, advice, and risk management assistance related to their property, liability, professional, and workers compensation insurances. The Zigmund Company is now located at 5300 Derry Street, Harrisburg, and Courtney Scamardella, a long-time Zigmund consultant, will head up the operation.

The Parmer Group owns and/or operates Fine Line Homes, Residential Warranty Company, HOME of Texas, and Eastern Atlantic Insurance Company among other companies associated with the home building, warranty and insurance industries. The Parmer Group continues to expand its footprint in these industries and has found that each newly company has made its sister companies and the overall operation stronger.

This is the fifth company the Parmer Group has acquired in the last fifteen months. Other recent acquisitions include Delaware Valley Plumbing of King of Prussia, PA, West End Hardware Supply Company of Voorhees, NJ, Musser Home Builders of Dillsburg, PA, and LTS Homes located in the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania.

At Residential Warranty Company, we know that home isn’t just about four walls: it’s about everything inside it, including your identity and even the title to your home. That’s why we’ve partnered with Iris to offer home title, cyber-attack, and identity theft early warning systems to our members.

One of the biggest threats homeowners face today is home title fraud where criminals forge documents and place liens against your home! Recovering from title fraud can be an expensive legal battle, and many homeowners don’t realize they have been victimized until it’s too late. That’s where RWC DataShield Protection comes in.

For just $10/month, RWC DataShield Protection provides:

Beyond title protection, RWC DataShield offers additional security benefits like Scam Assist and Personal Cyber Protection Services, giving homeowners a comprehensive defense against modern digital risks.

With our identity theft protection partnership, you get total peace of mind. We’re proud to help bring this essential layer of security to eligible RWC homeowners*, because protecting your home should also mean protecting the title to your home and your identity.

Curious to know more? Go to RWC DataShield to learn how to keep your assets protected.

*Not all builders are participating in this program.

The 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is in Vegas from Feb 25 – 27. After a long day at the show and before evening social events, take a culinary journey through the hottest and newest dining destinations to hit the area.

#1 Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant

Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt offers the latest dining spot to hit Resorts World, Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant. Dine like a high roller as you order from an extensive menu ranging from caviar and antipasti to entrees and more.

#2 Beerhaus

Whether you’re a beer nerd or casual drinker, Beerhaus, inside New York New York, is a fresh take on a classic beer hall. With a promise to find your favorite beverages, grab your choice cold and order savory sausages, sandwiches or snacks with hormone-free meat and locally sourced produce. Participate in trivia or watch the biggest game of the year indoors or on the outdoor patio.

#3 Canteen Food Hall

Canteen Food Hall inside the Rio Hotel & Casino is an upscale adult food court with six eateries, including Southland Burrito Co., Shogun Ramen, Tony Luke’s (a cheesesteak chain), Tender Crush (a chicken tender concept from the people behind Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer), Nama Nama (a sushi spot) and Attaboy Burger.

#4 Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant

Send your tastebuds south of the border at Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant to immerse yourself in the diverse flavors of coastal Mexican cuisine and spirits. Mijo puts an unconventional twist on prime meats, fresh whole fish, decadent desserts and elevated street food favorites. Explore Mexico’s most beloved spirits with Mijo’s one-of-a-kind tequila and mezcal program guided by “catadores,” tequila experts, and find hidden gems in tequila lockers.

#5 Ole Red Las Vegas

Country star Blake Shelton has begun his restaurant residency at Ole Red Las Vegas in the Horseshoe. Dine on delicious food or catch some live entertainment with a fun music-venue-meets-restaurant vibe. It’s also the venue for the IBS Young Pro Party for our industry pros under 40.

#6 Orla

Chef Michael Mina combines timeless flavors and textures to create culinary genius in his brand-new Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, inside Mandalay Bay. Embark on a dining journey with seafood, charcoal-roasted meats and zesty vegetables.

#7 Vic’s

Vic’s downtown is where jazz club meets supper club. Socialize, drink, dine and enjoy music by national and local jazz artists. Vic’s is a culinary experience like no other – adding new twists and eclectic flavors to Italian and American favorites.

After the Builders’ Show ends for the day, explore, indulge and savor the flavors of Las Vegas, where dining is not just a meal but a culinary adventure.

Download the IBS 2025 App from your app store! It’s the best way to ensure you see, do and experience everything you want to at the Builders’ Show in Vegas.

What Do Attendees Do at the Builders’ Show?

The Builders’ Show is massive and spread out over three halls in the convention center. This year is the biggest show in 15 years with 1,800+ companies, brands and exhibitors (which includes 739 new IBS exhibitors), spread over 720,000 net square feet. So that you can quickly and easily find the products and services that interest you the most, the Builders’ Show floor is segmented into six main product categories.

Connecting and networking with other industry pros is one of the biggest advantages of the show. There are receptions, parties and exciting events every day. Sprinkle in some networking opportunities by attending DCW Opening Ceremonies, Powered by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Featuring David Spade, buying tickets (if they’re not sold out already) for the Official IBS House Party and IBS Closing Concert, Sponsored by LG, Featuring Chris Janson.

Make time to visit one (or more) of six IBS Centrals. Centrals are open to all IBS registered attendees: Remodeling, Custom Building, Multifamily, 55+ Housing, Design and Sales.

What You Can Do with the IBS App

The IBS App is the quickest and easiest way to find everything happening at the show. It’s your mobile guide to the Builders’ Show.

With the app, you can:

How to Download, Set Up and Use the App

Download the IBS App on your smartphone or tablet. You can download the app at BuildersShow.com/app or go to your app store and search “IBS 2025.” If you’re registered for IBS 2025 and downloaded the IBS 2025 App, log in with your confirmation/badge ID and last name. When logged in, you can find everything IBS-related to events or education, create your schedule and more.

Find & Favorite IBS Education Sessions in the App

When you click on Education, education sessions are sub-divided by major track, speaker, type or professional interest. Once you choose a session, you can quickly and easily view descriptions, speakers and locations for the IBS Education sessions. To add an IBS Education session to your agenda, click the Add to My Agenda Button while in the education session. When you add an education session to My Agenda, you can view it in the IBS Schedule. You can also view all events via the IBS Schedule and apply filters.

Find & Favorite Exhibitors in the IBS App

Exhibitors are separated by segments, product categories, zones, Best of IBS™ Awards and Outdoor Exhibits. You can also view IBS Exhibitors by show specials, celebrities or new products. When you tap on the exhibitor listing, you can find contact information, booth number, social media connections and exhibitor-provided materials, such as brochures. To add an IBS Exhibitor to your Favorites, tap the star next to Add to Favorites while in the exhibitor listing or the star next to the exhibitor in the All Exhibitors listing. You can find your favorite exhibitors in the My Favorites section of the app. At the show use the map to find exhibitor booths and navigate between locations.

How to Create Your Daily Schedule in the App

Creating your schedule for the show is simple and easy using the IBS App. Tap the Add to My Agenda in the IBS Education session, event or meeting you want to attend during the show. When you favorite any events in the app, it automatically adds it to your agenda. You can access your daily show schedule under the My Agenda tab of the app. If you add a speaker or exhibitor to your favorites, these show under the My Favorites tab of the IBS Schedule in the app.

How to Set a Meeting or Event Reminder in the App

Next to the meeting or event in the app is a bell icon. If you click on the bell icon, this sets a reminder in the app. You receive a notification reminder five minutes before the event or meeting begins.

IBS App User Tips:

Any time you have a question, you can use the search feature in the app to find information on show hours, safety and security, The New American Home®, Design & Construction Week®, IBS Centrals, transportation and much more. You can also receive real-time alerts about what’s happening at the show, such as giveaways. Set your notification preferences so you don’t miss a thing!

With sustainability being a top priority these days, eco-conscious homeowners are seeking materials that reduce environmental impact, offer durability and embrace an aesthetic that promotes comfort and well-being. Enter: the practice of biophilic architecture. But what exactly is biophilia? How does it translate to architecture and design?

Biophilia is defined as ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life and nature’. Originating from Greek, it translates literally as ‘love of life’. In a design context, the concept of biophilia refers to architecture that mimics natural environments to enhance and improve well-being. While this concept has been around for a long time, its popularity has grown in recent years as we as a society begin to prioritize mental health and physical welfare.

However, biophilic design is about more than just plants. It’s about designing homes that breathe, that feel alive in the way they interact with their surroundings. Imagine sunlight pouring through oversized windows, warming floors made of natural bamboo. Or perhaps a vertical garden climbing a wall in your living room, its greenery softening the edges of modern furniture. This connection to nature isn’t just aesthetic; it’s practical. Materials like wood, stone and brick are being chosen not only for their appeal, but also for their sustainability. Builders and homeowners are looking for choices that are kind to the environment, favoring durability and renewability over the disposable trends of the past.

Studies show that exposure to nature — even in small doses — can reduce stress, enhance creativity and improve overall well-being. Biophilic design applies this principle by integrating natural elements into the home, creating environments that promote health and tranquility.

Some popular methods of incorporating this philosophy in a build are installing large windows and sliding glass doors, or constructing atriums which diminish the boundary between inside and out, filling spaces with natural light and views of the world beyond. For those who wish to add an even more dramatic flair to their living spaces, vertical gardens can be included to bring a literal breath of fresh air into interiors while acting as a dynamic design feature.

Natural materials such as bamboo flooring, wooden beams and stone accents provide tactile connections to nature. Brick, with its organic texture and earthy tones, is a premium choice for walls and flooring. The embrace of these materials also aligns with a broader focus on sustainability as homeowners seek materials that not only look good but also have a minimal environmental footprint. Bamboo, reclaimed wood and sustainably sourced bricks offer beauty and durability while supporting eco-friendly practices.

One thing is clear: 2025 isn’t just about how homes look. It’s about how they feel, and perhaps even more importantly, how they make us feel. It’s about stepping into a room with a sense of serenity, knowing that every element has been chosen with care. It’s about walking up to a house and seeing not just a structure but a story. And it’s about creating spaces that honor the world around us while embracing the lives we live within them. This is the future of design — a future that feels like home.

NJ Directive 15 serves as a critical cornerstone in ensuring homebuyers in New Jersey receive the full benefits of their home warranty. The state has been clear in its intent to enforce this directive, prioritizing consumer protection and holding builders accountable for compliance with established guidelines. For builders, adherence to these regulations is not just about maintaining licensing but safeguarding their reputation and financial stability.

At Residential Warranty Company, LLC (RWC), we understand the challenges builders face in navigating these requirements. As the preferred home warranty company in New Jersey, we work closely with the state to ensure all procedures align with NJ Directive 15. Our role is to protect both builders and consumers by diligently guiding our partners through the compliance process, helping to avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize their operations.

Builders who fail to meet the expectations set forth in Directive 15 risk more than fines or penalties—they risk damaging their reputation and eroding trust with their clients. With decades of experience operating in New Jersey, RWC provides the expertise and support necessary to help builders streamline their processes, ensuring state mandates are met with efficiency and accuracy.

We encourage builders to leverage our knowledge and resources to navigate these challenges effectively. RWC is committed to making compliance with NJ Directive 15 as straightforward as possible, protecting your business while meeting the state’s rigorous standards.

When you partner with RWC, you gain more than a warranty provider; you gain a trusted advocate dedicated to ensuring your success in New Jersey’s dynamic housing market. Let us help you stay compliant, protect your license, and build with confidence. Together, we can uphold the highest standards in home construction and warranty service.

For more info on how the process works with your RWC warranty, click here.

Reprinted from nahb.org

INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW
FEBURARY 25-27, 2025
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER

Is 2025 your first time attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS)? The Builders’ Show is an experience packed with innovation, learning opportunities, networking and fun. As a first timer, the Builders’ Show can be an overwhelming experience – from the sheer size and everything happening at the show – but it doesn’t have to be. Use this insider’s guide for the must-see and do things and some tips to make the most of your IBS experience. This is not a comprehensive list of everything, but rather some top stops on your show agenda.

  1. Special Events: IBS is known for its impressive lineup of special events that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether it’s an informative pre-show learning opportunity by a respected industry expert, a celebrity keynote speech or an awards ceremony add some of these events to your schedule. Events like the Official IBS House Party, Young Pro Party and NAHB Award ceremonies, such as the Best in American Living™ Awards and The Nationals are ticketed events that often sell out, so buying tickets as soon as possible is best.
  2. New Product Zone: Make sure you have the New Product Zone as a stop on your show plan to witness the latest and greatest residential construction products and technologies making their grand debut. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to discover the next industry-changing innovation. This area tends to get crowded, so try to visit early in the day for the best experience.
  3. Segments on the Show Floor & Outdoor Exhibits: For the second year, the exhibit show floor is separated into 6 categories and then there’s the Outdoor Exhibits. With 1,700+ exhibitors, it’s impossible to visit every one of them. Instead, look at the exhibitor list or floor plans ahead of time. Identify the categories or exhibitors you want to visit so you know before you go where to concentrate your times on the show floor.
  4. Demo Zones: Live demonstrations in the Construction Performance Zone and the Craft Techniques Zone are hot spots at the Builders’ Show. Step into the Construction Performance Zone to see industry experts reveal industry best practices for building more durable, efficient, higher-quality homes. Explore the details and finishes that complete a home in the Craft Techniques Zone. There’s a variety of interactive demos you can participate in these zones.
  5. IBS Education: One of the biggest draws to the Builders’ Show is the 120+ IBS Education sessions, where you can learn strategies and discover new trends directly from industry experts. As an NAHB Member who is a first-time attendee, you can enjoy an Expo+Education Pass at a greatly reduced rate, which gives you access to the show floor AND 120+ IBS Education sessions.

To read more about these IBS sessions and learn about the IBS mobile app check out the nahb.org website blog: https://blog.buildersshow.com/

If you're heading to the Builders' Show, don’t forget to stop by RWC's booth #W3955 and say hi. We'd love to catch up, and while you're there, be sure give our prize wheel a spin for a shot at winning great swag or cash prizes! Chat with one of the Account Executives and make sure you're tuned into all of the great services we offer, all under one roof. Plus - hot tip - if you're not yet part of RWC’s Incentive Program, be sure to ask about it—it’s a great way to earn cash back on your good claims experiences, get the best rates, and save money on annual membership fees.

There are many components that go into designing your dream home. Historically, reigning considerations have included the amount of storage space, natural light, open floor plans, outdoor living areas, energy efficiency, a well-designed kitchen layout, ample bathroom facilities, a dedicated laundry area and externally, the surrounding environment and location, including access to amenities and the general neighborhood vibe. However, a surprising new factor is emerging with those who are building homes – and that is the comfort of their pet.

In a survey done by Houzz of approximately 1,000 pet owners, it was discovered that nearly half (48%) prioritize pets in their decision-making process when designing their home. Barkitecture is the term used in reference to the recent trend of constructing residences - whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating special areas - to make family dogs and cats feel more at home.

Prospective homeowners often start with the classic elements of barkitecture, such as durable flooring choices. Choosing to go with luxury vinyl plank flooring in lieu of easily scratched hardwood or hard-to-clean carpet, or if carpet is required, selecting a rug that matches the color of the pet’s fur are common decisions. However, many have elevated their designs to the next level with home additions like built-in dog washing stations, plush and padded sleeping nooks, dedicated eating areas, or for the very lucky feline – catios (safely enclosed open air spaces that can include multi-level climbing and resting spots).

While pets have been altering the way homes look for a long time, these changes seem to be getting bigger and more extravagant every year!

Evaluating Risk Retention Groups Against Property and Casualty Insurers

RWC prioritizes providing members with strong insurance backing to ensure peace of mind and security. This robust support not only protects our members' investments but also reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable coverage and service, safeguarding them against unforeseen issues. That’s why RWC has backed its warranties with a Risk Retention Group (RRG) since 1990.

You see, Property and Casualty (P&C) coverage can be extremely volatile both in terms of rates and continuity. When using a P&C carrier, a warranty company’s rate structure is vulnerable to rate increases derived from losses in totally unrelated industries. For example, the country has seen more than its fair share of both natural disasters and environmental catastrophes. Consider the losses caused by the recent hurricanes. If a P&C company suffers huge losses in even one of these events, the company’s rating may drop and it may be compelled to raise its insurance rates across all its lines of coverage. The end result is that a builder’s warranty rate goes up even though the warranty company’s loss ratio may be extremely low.

RWC also discovered that P&C carriers are quick to drop blocks of business for a variety of reasons: too little premium generated, changes in corporate strategy, etc. If a P&C insurer chooses not to renew its master policy, the warranty company is left scrambling for a replacement.

With an RRG, only one type of risk is insured - in this case, that means new home warranties and general liability insurance issued by RWC for our member builders exclusively. Consequently, our rates are based solely on our own loss ratio. If we continue to keep control of claims and continue to stringently screen members for quality, RWC will be able to maintain a sound and economically competitive rate structure. Oil tankers running aground or category 4/5 hurricanes will have no effect on the cost of a new home warranty or the strength of the insurance company.

Additionally, RRG’s are not fly-by-night organizations that are easily formed. Not only are they subject to insurance laws in their own domiciliary state, but they must also fulfill certain criteria before offering insurance in any other state. For example, each RRG must submit a copy of its plan of operation to the insurance commissioner of each state in which it intends to do business. It must also submit a copy of its annual financial statement to each state. Formation involves licensing, ownership and membership requirements. Failure to adhere to the strict mandates can subject groups to claims of unauthorized insurance activity.

We feel our members deserve an insurance structure that is committed to our program for the long haul. It is our philosophy that warranties insured with a stable RRG will provide our builders and their homeowners with secure and reliable coverage for 5 years, 10 years and beyond.