As each year comes to a close, we like to spend some time reflecting on our growth, celebrating our wins, and considering how we can show up better—for our community, our clients, and ourselves. In 2025, we were incredibly fortunate to work alongside inspiring clients, trusted partners, and new team members who pushed us to dream bigger, work smarter, and raise the bar in everything we do.

We’re deeply grateful for the relationships and opportunities that shaped this past year, and we’re carrying that momentum into 2026 as we embrace a new year of possibility, exciting projects, and meaningful partnerships. As we move into the new year, here are a few intentions we’re committing to with purpose and care in the months ahead.

Growing Our Relationships

At DC, we value relationships above all else—whether with our clients, our team, our families, or the broader network around us. In 2026, we aim to strengthen the connections we’ve already built while cultivating new, meaningful relationships through consistency, compassion, and collaboration.

Trust is the foundation of every strong relationship, and it’s something we take seriously. By showing up reliably, listening closely, and investing our time and energy where it matters most, we hope to deepen these bonds and create lasting connections that make our work even more fulfilling.

Staying True to Our Word

Integrity has always been central to who we are, but in 2026, we’re doubling down on consistency as a defining pillar of our work. Whether it’s following through on small, everyday promises or supporting clients through life-altering challenges, we believe our words should always be matched by our actions.

Words matter—but the choices we make matter even more. As we move into the new year, we remain committed to honoring both, just as we always have and always will.

Embracing Failure as a Path to Innovation

Failure is never the goal, but it’s often a necessary part of growth. Every setback teaches us something new about our strengths, our processes, and where we can improve. In 2026, we’re choosing to view failure not as a roadblock, but as a learning opportunity.

Whether it comes from testing new technologies, refining systems, or trying a new approach, failure helps us evolve. At DC, innovation requires courage, and sometimes that means trying, learning, and ultimately coming back stronger.

Giving Back More Than We Take

Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a responsibility. In the year ahead, we’re committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our work, from the materials we source to the longevity and efficiency of the structures we build.

By prioritizing eco-friendly materials, investing in green technologies, and designing energy-efficient solutions for the future, we aim to ensure our impact is a positive and lasting one.

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2026, these resolutions serve as both a guide and a promise—to ourselves and to those we work with. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the people who continue to grow alongside us. Here’s to another year of building with intention, leading with integrity, and creating something meaningful together.

Mariah Carey said it best: “It’s time!”

Yes indeed, the holiday season is officially here! And while hot cider, cozy slippers, and twinkling lights are sure to follow, so is the annual challenge of figuring out what to buy the most important people in your life—especially those who give you absolutely no guidance. Katie, what gives?

If someone you love became a homeowner this year, chances are they’re gearing up—joyfully and a little stressfully—to celebrate the holidays in their new space for the very first time. To help you pick a gift that’s meaningful, useful, and guaranteed to make their season brighter, we’ve curated a list of the best Christmas gifts for new homeowners. From practical essentials to thoughtful home upgrades, these ideas will bring joy to their holiday and, hopefully, a bit of peace of mind to your shopping.

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Candles & Incense

Did we say practical? Because we meant delightful. Candles, incense, and diffusers may feel like an afterthought to new homeowners, but coziness should never be optional. There’s nothing better than entering a space that doesn’t just give off warmth—it embodies it.

Think pine needles, cloves, and cinnamon for that nostalgic holiday feel, or fruit-forward scents like pomegranate, apple, and pear for something a little brighter. Affordable, useful, and universally adored, fragrance-focused gifts make excellent holiday housewarming presents. They show your care, your thoughtfulness, and—let’s be punny here—your (nostril) flair. In essence, it’s a gift that does it all.

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Holiday Cookbooks

Never have I ever received a cookbook I didn’t instantly love—and I’m fairly certain most people feel the same way. But a Christmas or holiday-themed cookbook? That’s a guaranteed winner. From Downton Abbey–inspired Christmas collections for the whimsical homeowner to indulgent holiday baking guides that will surely tip the scale, there are dozens—if not hundreds—of festive cookbooks ready to help christen a new kitchen.

Whether these new homeowners are proud bakers, savory-soup enthusiasts, or nostalgic kitchen novices with a soft spot for homemade holiday meals, a seasonal cookbook is a gift that inspires. Consider it a charming, practical addition to their newly installed shelves—and one that encourages them to make their house feel like home, one recipe at a time.

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Dish Towels & Kitchenware

Speaking of cookbooks, let’s talk about the heart of any new home: the kitchen. While some of us are admittedly averse to cooking anything with more than five ingredients—it’s me, hi, I’m the problem—even the proud minimalists among us still need to eat. And eat we shall.

No matter how much time the new homeowners in your life plan to spend in the kitchen, they’ll always appreciate fresh dish towels, updated cookware, and the little essentials that make daily routines feel smoother. And just imagine how special it would be for them to pull out a set of festive holiday dish towels or seasonal kitchen accessories from you each year—something that reminds them of your enduring bond while keeping their kitchen cozy, warm, and inviting.

Now that’s a reason to linger by the stove.

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Ornaments

We like to say we offer practical advice, but the truth is we’re a little more sentimental than we let on. Ornaments—though surprisingly not cheap (looking at you, Anthropologie)—carry a unique kind of meaning. They say, “I thought about you. Here’s something that reflects our bond, captures a memory, or celebrates who you are.”

It’s the ultimate way to keep an inside joke alive, commemorate a moment in time, or tell someone—in $50 or less—that they matter to you. And while ornaments may not be the most obviously “useful” gift for new homeowners, they’re certainly one of the most enduring. Year after year, as they unpack their holiday décor and hang it on the tree, they’ll think of you—and the thoughtfulness behind that small but special keepsake.

Some gifts get used up. Ornaments get remembered.

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Wrapping It All Up

Whether you’re shopping for proud new homeowners, enthusiastic holiday hosts, or the “I-don’t-need-anything” loved ones we all know too well, the perfect gift is one that makes their new house a true reflection of them. From cozy scents to festive kitchen staples and heartfelt ornaments, even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impression during their first holiday season in a new space.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, we’ve curated a festive Pinterest board filled with thoughtful, stylish gift options for every kind of homeowner.

Explore the board, find your favorites, and let the holiday magic begin!

 

 

While the world often feels chaotic, noisy, and overwhelming, it’s more important than ever to take intentional pauses to look back and appreciate the best aspects of our lives.

Whether that’s your family, your friends, your CrossFit subscription, or the dog sleeping next to you, identifying the things that make you happiest, the things that make you feel thankful, is an important practice!

And now, as we approach a national holiday celebrating those same things, we’d like to take our own intentional pause to appreciate and give thanks for the things that keep us feeling fulfilled.

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TO OUR DC FAMILY:

We’re so thankful for each and every individual who makes up the DC team. You show up with 110% dedication to your craft, every single day, with the same level of heart, commitment, and care to your respective role as you did on day one.

Our team, and the families who support them, are the reason we’re able to dream big, design boldly, and keep growing year after year. Thank you for your expertise, humor, and heart that shape the culture we’re so proud of.

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TO OUR CLIENTS, PAST AND PRESENT:

Thank you for trusting us with the spaces that mean the most to you. Every home, barn, cabin, and workshop we’ve helped bring to life carries a piece of your story, and it’s an honor to play even a small part in it. Your ideas push us to grow, your enthusiasm keeps us inspired, and your support allows us to do what we love every single day. We’re deeply grateful for the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve created together.

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TO OUR PARTNERS:

And finally, thank you to our partners for being the steady, reliable, and talented collaborators who help transform our ideas into reality. Your expertise and commitment to quality make every project stronger and every challenge more manageable. We’re grateful for the trust we’ve built, the goals we’ve shared, and the many wins we’ve accomplished together!

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To put it in fewer words, we’re simply grateful: Grateful for you existence, and the positive, creative, and delightful energy you put out into the world.

From all of us at DC, we wish you a warm, joyful, and restorative Thanksgiving!

When renovating your home or designing a new space, the smart home features you include can really shape how you live day to day. They aren’t just fun gadgets; they’re ways of making your home feel safer, more comfortable, and more responsive to how you actually live. And with nearly 60% of U.S. consumers projected to adopt smart technology by the end of 2025, companies are racing to get the best and the brightest technologies developed to stay ahead of ever-changing trends and consumer needs.

We love seeing how our clients incorporate brand-new technologies into their builds, and we bet you do too. As you plan your next project, here are five of our favorite smart home trends that we believe are worth investing in for your space.

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1. Monitoring & Security Systems

Putting a modern monitoring or camera system in your home allows you to keep an eye on things even when you’re away. A doorbell camera, a common and accessible technology, is linked to your phone and gives you visibility into your property and peace of mind.

What homeowners are liking: The sense of control, safety, and remote connectivity. With smart security you don’t have to worry “what if I forgot to lock that door” or “what’s going on outside while I’m gone.” It brings practical safety into everyday life rather than being an afterthought.

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2. Unified Ecosystems & Interoperability

As your home gathers more “smart” bits—such as lights, locks, cameras, and climate controls—the challenge is making them work together. That’s why ecosystems built around a unifying technology are gaining steam; they help devices from different brands speak the same language and be controlled in a simpler, more unified way.

What this means for your property: Fewer individual apps, less “device A works but device B doesn’t,” and more chance that your smart home setup grows with you rather than being locked or isolated. In a new build, it’s smart to plan wiring, hub placement, or infrastructure with that interoperability in mind.

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3. Predictive AI & Automation

This is one of the coolest smart home developments we’ve seen in a while! Instead of simply turning devices on or off, your home is increasingly able to anticipate what you’ll need. These new systems are using AI and sensors to learn your habits—such as when you tend to arrive, what your lighting preferences are, and when your HVAC should kick in—and then act accordingly.

For homeowners, the appeal is the hands-off experience: Your home begins to feel like it knows you—automatic adjustments happen without you pushing a single button. From a build-planning standpoint, this means thinking ahead about sensor placement, wiring for automation, and systems that can expand over time rather than being one-and-done.

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4. Smart Energy & Sustainability Systems

Energy management is becoming a smart-home pillar. From monitoring usage, integrating solar or battery storage, and smarter HVAC/lighting scheduling, these systems let your home do more than consume; they can track, respond, and optimize, saving your wallet and the planet on energy costs.

What homeowners appreciate: Lower bills, less waste, and a home that aligns with longer-term sustainability goals. From a design and construction perspective, this means prepping the infrastructure—conduits, zones, smart breakers or panels—so that the energy tech you install isn’t an afterthought, but built-in.

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5. Design-Smart Integration

Smart-home tech doesn’t have to feel “techy”! The trend now is toward devices that disappear into your architecture or finishes. We’re talking hidden sensors, integrated lighting, and controls that blend into the space rather than dominate it.

For your home, this means the look and feel stays high-end and cohesive while still delivering smart-home capability. If you’re working on a new structure, planning for finishes that accommodate built-in smart tech ensures it feels intentional, not retrofitted.

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Smart Homes: A Summary

As you plan or build, each of these trends contributes something slightly different: safety and visibility, system cohesion, automation and comfort, energy intelligence, and aesthetic integration. They’re not one-size-fits-all, but they’re worth thinking and getting excited about. The goal is a home that feels right for your lifestyle today and remains adaptable for tomorrow.

Ready to build a home designed for the future? Every DC Structures kit can be customized to support the smart-home technology and energy systems that matter most to you—so your space works as beautifully as it looks.

Give us a call at 888.975.2057 or request a catalog to get started on your journey!

Today is Adventure Day—a day dedicated to living life to the fullest, embracing bravery (sometimes in scary, adrenaline-seeking ways), and venturing into the unknown in all our passions, travels, and personal journeys.

It’s also International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day, but that’s neither here nor there.

The point is that today is cause for celebration, and maybe a little reflection on what it means to be adventurous—both in our pursuits and in the everyday adventures of work, family, and life itself.

While many of us dream of traveling the open road and experiencing the world, the reality is that sometimes life’s circumstances make this type of bold adventure less frequent. And even though that can feel limiting in the moment, there’s a beauty in having a sense of home and rootedness. It’s what makes the adventures we do get to take all the more meaningful.

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For those who may not always be able to hit the land, sea, or sky at a moment’s notice, having a barn, garage, or barn home with a garage that houses your most prized vessels of freedom—from ATVs and RVs to jet boats, dirt bikes, and kayaks—can make those bold impulses feel thrilling and achievable.

With a custom barn, RV garage home, workshop, or backyard space from DC Structures, you don’t have to choose between grand adventures and a comfortable home—you can fully embrace both.

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Feeling inspired? Explore our gallery to see how other adventure-seeking clients have seamlessly combined their passions, hobbies, and homes.

Whenever you’re ready to take the next step toward your life’s next adventure—or keep it close until the right moment—feel free to call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital catalog.