A new year and, in this case, a new design cycle, always brings a renewed sense of creativity into the home. As more homeowners look for ways to create spaces that feel uplifting, expressive, and deeply personal, color choices are taking center stage. While trends fluctuate, the growing emphasis on comfort, natural influence, and emotional balance is shaping a fresh palette heading into 2026.

If you’re thinking about refreshing your home, even a few strategic color changes can make a dramatic impact. Whether you’re preparing your home for long-term enjoyment or positioning it for future resale, intentional color design adds both value and appeal. Here are three standout color combinations to consider in 2026, each with a unique personality and versatility suited for modern homes.

1. Warm Clay + Soft Blush + Matte Black: Grounded, Modern, and Comforting

One of the strongest design movements heading into 2026 is the shift toward grounded, earth-inspired tones that feel warm and nurturing. This palette- warm clay, soft blush, and matte black- brings subtle sophistication into the home without feeling overwhelming.

Why it works:
Clay and blush are gentle earth tones that create a sense of calm and comfort. When paired with the strong presence of matte black, the combination achieves a beautiful balance between softness and structure. The result is a palette that feels warm and contemporary at the same time.

Where to use it:

• Living rooms: Clay walls create a comforting backdrop, while blush textiles—like throw blankets, rugs, or art—add a gentle, airy layer. Incorporating matte black lighting or hardware adds modern contrast.
• Bedrooms: Soft blush bedding feels serene, while black-framed artwork or furniture offers clean definition. Clay accents warm up the entire room without dominating it.
• Entryways: A clay-painted accent wall paired with black hardware and blush décor creates a memorable first impression.

Why homeowners love it:
This palette feels timeless yet fresh, especially for those wanting a cozy home that remains upscale. For homeowners preparing for future sale, it’s a pleasant choice- appealing to many buyers without feeling generic. The combination is both personal and polished, which gives the home a sense of intentional design.

2. Deep Navy + Fresh Sage + Aged Brass: Luxe, Natural, and Versatile

Nature-inspired design continues to influence color choices, but in 2026, these tones are becoming richer, more refined, and more layered. Deep navy, fresh sage, and aged brass create a palette that feels both classic and modern, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who love a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.

Why it works:
Navy is timeless and dependable, while sage introduces an uplifting natural element. Aged brass becomes the binding element, adding warmth, shine, and old-world charm. When combined, the palette feels elevated without becoming formal or restrictive.

Where to use it:

• Kitchens: Navy cabinetry has become increasingly popular and pairing it with sage walls or tile and brass fixtures creates a stylish but approachable space.
• Bathrooms: Sage walls and navy vanities look serene and spa-like, with brass hardware providing a beautiful finishing touch.
• Offices or libraries: Navy built-ins paired with sage upholstery and brass lighting create a cozy, professional atmosphere.

Why homeowners love it:
This palette adapts beautifully to both traditional and contemporary homes. Its rich, layered appearance gives spaces a tailored feel, which often enhances perceived value. Homeowners who prefer something more expressive than neutrals- but still timeless- find this combination especially appealing.

3. Soft Mushroom + Mist Blue + Warm Gold: Airy, Light, and Refreshingly Modern

For those who gravitate toward gentle, bright, and effortlessly elegant interiors, this palette is a standout choice for 2026. Soft mushroom, a warm neutral with a subtle gray-beige undertone, pairs beautifully with mist blue—a color that feels clean, calming, and quietly optimistic. Warm gold completes the combination with a touch of playful luxury.

Why it works:
Mushroom offers a comforting foundation that works with virtually any style. Mist blue introduces a refreshing, airy quality without being too bold or too pastel. Warm gold accents bring life and depth to the palette, giving it a sense of refinement and warmth.

Where to use it:

• Open-concept living areas: Mushroom walls provide a seamless backdrop, while mist blue accents—like throw pillows, ceramics, or window coverings—add a gentle sense of movement. Gold lighting elevates the entire space.
• Primary bedrooms: Mist blue bedding against mushroom walls creates a spa-like retreat. Gold-framed mirrors or bedside lamps introduce subtle elegance.
• Dining rooms: A mist blue sideboard or rug with mushroom walls and gold-hued lighting creates an inviting, cheerful space for gathering.

Why homeowners love it:
This combination is ideal for anyone who wants a modern, serene home without leaning too heavily into cool tones. It feels fresh, clean, and harmonious. It’s also a flexible palette that photographs exceptionally well, which is helpful if you’re considering future marketing or listing preparation.

Bringing It All Together

Each of these three color combinations reflect the direction homeowners are gravitating toward in 2026: grounded comfort, natural sophistication, and refreshed simplicity. Whether you’re updating a single room or considering a whole-home design shift, these palettes offer both beauty and long-term appeal.

Thoughtful color choices also contribute meaningfully to your home’s value and livability. If you’re planning updates with a future move or investment goals in mind, partnering with an experienced, well-connected real estate professional can help you prioritize design choices that resonate widely while still feeling uniquely your own. A new year is the perfect time to experiment, refresh your space, and create a home that inspires you daily—and the right color palette is a simple, high-impact way to start.

Summer is just around the corner! But before vacations and celebrations and in light of our country's 250th anniversary, I wanted to check back with a newsletter I sent few years ago. The message is still so relevant, and the man is still very missed:

Each Memorial Day we pause to remember those who served in the military. This Memorial Day has been more poignant than most. A Vietnam Veteran, a close friend of our family, was laid to rest with full military honors on Friday at the cemetery at Camp Navajo. William (“Bill”) Cherry was larger than life serving in the Army for more than 25 years. During this time, Bill served many tours in Vietnam as an infantryman and an Army Ranger, Special Forces (82^nd Airborne, 3^rd Battalion). After numerous postings in the States and abroad, Bill’s last post was as Battalion Commander at the Navajo Army Depot (Camp Navajo) in Bellmont. He then went on to earn a PhD in political science and served again as a professor at NAU. His wife and family shared beautiful memories of a life lived in the service of others.  Part of these memories were their “Top 10 Bill-isms”.

I’d like to share the top two:

#2 – “You live life between your ears.” We have little to no control of what happens outside of ourselves. However, we have absolute control over how we handle our own emotions and actions.

#1 – “There is only one thing better than having it good; having it good and knowing it.” Bill was certainly a philosopher. 

Memorial Day was not a sad day for Bill. It was a day of fond remembrance. Bill remained grounded in his Army roots. He was the commander of the American Legion, Mark Moore Post #3 (2007 – 2008). Bill volunteered for the Flagstaff International Relief Effort (FIRE), the MS Society, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future and often volunteered his time as a charity auctioneer for local organizations. He was a member of the American Legion riders, ABATE, and Veterans for Peace. Bill also completed the motorcycle Run for the Wall, a tribute for Vietnam Veterans. I have a feeling that if he had been longer on this earth, he would have volunteered at the new Arizona State Veteran Home in Flagstaff. Please check the link to see the most recent updates.

This Memorial Day please consider donating to organizations that assist veterans. A few are listed below and a quick internet search shows many more both local and nationwide.

• American Legion – 204 W Birch, Flagstaff, AZ. 928-774-7682
• Veterans of Foreign Wars – 409 W Sana Fe, Flagstaff, AZ. 928-774-7722
• Arizona State Veteran Home – 2100 N Gemini, Flagstaff, AZ. Check out their Facebook page.

If you or someone you love is active military or a veteran, please thank them for their service for me. If you have lost someone in active duty, please know your family is in my prayers.

In the June newsletter, we will get back to real estate as our market is heating up!

Blessings,

Kim

When you’re buying a home, it’s easy to focus on what you can see—layout, finishes, neighborhood, and curb appeal. But one of the most important factors affecting a home’s safety is something you can’t see, smell, or taste: radon gas.

Understanding radon and testing for it before you buy can help protect your health and give you peace of mind in your new home.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It rises from the ground and can enter homes through small cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, crawl spaces, sump pumps, and even through well water.

Because radon is invisible and odorless, the only way to know if a home has elevated radon levels is to test for it.

Why Is Radon a Health Concern?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among non-smokers. Long-term exposure to high radon levels increases cancer risk over time.

The EPA recommends taking action if a home’s radon level is 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

Can Any Home Have Radon?

Yes. Any home can have radon, regardless of:

• Age or style
• Whether it has a basement, crawl space, or slab foundation
• How well it is maintained
• Whether nearby homes have tested low

Even newly built or energy-efficient homes can have elevated radon levels. Two houses next door to each other can have very different readings.

Why Test for Radon When Buying a Home?

Radon testing is one of the simplest and most affordable steps you can take during the home-buying process.

Testing allows you to:

• Understand potential health risks before you move in
• Make informed decisions during inspections
• Avoid surprises after closing
• Negotiate mitigation or credits if needed

Most radon tests take 2–4 days and are non-invasive.

What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?

A high radon result does not mean you should walk away from a home.

Radon is highly fixable. A radon mitigation system:

• Vents radon safely out of the home
• Typically reduces levels by up to 99%
• Often costs between $800 and $2,500
• Is usually installed in one day

Many homeowners live safely and comfortably in homes with mitigation systems already in place.

Should You Be Worried?

Concern is understandable, but radon should be viewed as a manageable issue, not a deal-breaker. Knowing a home’s radon level gives you control and clarity.

In fact, discovering radon before you buy is a positive—it means you can address it properly rather than unknowingly living with elevated levels.

How to Protect Yourself as a Buyer

If you’re purchasing a home, consider these steps:

• Request a radon test during the inspection period
• Review the results with your inspector or real estate professional
• Ask about prior radon tests or mitigation systemsIf levels are high, discuss mitigation options or negotiation strategies

Your real estate agent can help guide you through this process and connect you with qualified professionals if needed.

The Bottom Line

Radon is a common, invisible gas that can pose serious health risks—but it’s also one of the easiest environmental issues to identify and fix in a home.

By testing for radon before you buy, you’re taking an important step toward protecting your health, your investment, and your peace of mind.

It looks like Spring has finally sprung in Flagstaff! Warmer weather is on the horizon and it might be safe to plant flowers in the coming weeks. Our real estate market has also seen some changes.

The first quarter of 2026 highlights a market in transition. While prices have softened slightly and sales activity has slowed, a key change is shaping the landscape: more active listings compared to 2025, giving buyers increased options and creating a more balanced environment overall.

Here are a few key market highlights:

• Home Prices Ease Slightly
  The median sold price landed at $663,250, a 4.3% decrease year-over-year. Price per square foot also dipped 2.6% to $371, reflecting a modest cooling while still holding strong relative to historical norms.
• Inventory on the Rise
  One of the most notable shifts this quarter is an increase in active listings compared to Q1 2025. More inventory means less competition among buyers and more opportunity to find the right property without the urgency of past markets.
• Sales Activity Slows
  A total of 206 homes sold, down 9.3% from last year, suggests some buyers are taking a more cautious approach amid changing conditions.
• More Room to Negotiate
  Homes sold for 94.9% of original list price, compared to 96.9% in Q1 2025. This indicates a growing willingness among sellers to negotiate as buyers gain leverage.
• Cash Sales Decline
  Cash transactions made up 28.6% of sales, down 13.3% year-over-year, pointing to a shift away from investor-heavy activity and toward traditional financed buyers.
• Longer Time on Market
  Median days on market increased to 80 days, a 19.5% rise, reinforcing the trend toward a more normalized pace.

What does this all mean for you? If you are a seller with more competition on the market, pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Homes that are well-prepared and accurately priced are still selling—but patience and strategy are key. If you are a buyer, this is a more favorable environment than we’ve seen in recent years. Increased inventory, longer market times, and improved negotiating power provide a window of opportunity.

The bottom line is that 2026 is shaping up to be a more balanced and sustainable market. With increased inventory and shifting dynamics, both buyers and sellers can find opportunity—if they approach the market with the right strategy.

If you’d like a customized market analysis or want to explore your options, feel free to connect anytime. Your continued trust and referrals are so appreciated. 

Wishing you and yours many blessings,

Kim

Discover Flagstaff has mobilized with plans to support the city’s restaurants, accommodations and attractions for Route 66’s 100-year anniversary in 2026, which will celebrate the highway’s history, lore and nostalgia. There is a special day-long celebration scheduled for June 6, 2026 from 10am-5pm. It will be focused on Aspen Avenue near Heritage Square.

Route 66 continues to inspire people to visit the highway corridor where it once crossed northern Arizona on its 2,400-mile journey across eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Flagstaff has about 14 miles of the historic road, along with buildings that date to the highway’s heyday that now welcome guests as hotels, restaurants, breweries and other amenities.

Flagstaff also boasts the most national parks and monuments for visitors to see on a side trip from the their Route 66 vacation, including Grand Canyon National Park. The city can expect people from around the world to visit during the more than year-long Centennial celebration.

Throughout the town, locals and visitors are likely to find Route 66 experiences on display during the Centennial. For example, the Museum of Northern Arizona will share stories about the hardships people faced during their early travels on the Mother Road. The Museum already hosted an exhibition called “Selling the Southwest” that focused on artwork used by Santa Fe Railway and Fred Harvey Co. to inspire people to buy train tickets on the route from Chicago to Los Angeles, and shop at Harvey Co. stores along the way. The Route 66 exhibition planned to open in May 2026 will offer a broader context of how each route through the region-wagon train, railroad and paved highway-changed the area.

That exhibition will be called “Route 66: Wagon Road to Mother Road” and will trace the progression of the road from the Beale Wagon Road and its effects on the landscape and cultures of northern Arizona. Based on research by Museum of Northern Arizona archaeologists, it will include hair-raising tales of littering, drinking and driving, car crashes, and suspect repair shops along the 'Bloody 66.'

Other historical sites around Flagstaff will have similar offerings. 

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, where visitors can see the 1904 home built by the family that ran a lumber mill in Flagstaff, is planning a Route 66 exhibition that will include documents, maps, photos, and a special tour called “Riordan Roads and Travels in Northern Arizona.” The Riordan family was involved in the creation of Route 66. The lumber mill formerly sat near the site of the current High Country Motor Lodge, and the highway ran through the property.

Northern Arizona University’s Cline Library Special Collections and Archives is planning an on-site and virtual Route 66 exhibition for one year starting in fall 2026. The facility is open to the public and is the designated home to archival documents on Route 66.

The Flagstaff Visitor center will have special Route 66 merchandise available in addition to refurbishing the iconic mural where visitors can take photographs at the center. Already, the center offers a self-guided, audio walking tour introduced by actor Ted Danson, who grew up in Flagstaff. The tour is called “Walk this Talk” and highlights historical sites downtown.

The Visitor Center will have additional offerings for the Centennial, including a digital passport visitors can use to check off various Route 66 attractions around the city to earn prizes.

The celebration on June 6 ends at 5pm, but the fun doesn't end there. There will be more live music at Heritage Square until the annual Movies on the Square begins, featuring the Disney movie Cars.

For more information about the 66 Things To Do on Route 66, click here for a guide and map.

As the longest-running brokerage in Northern Arizona, Realty Executives of Northern Arizona is proud to have our office in historic downtown Flagstaff, and to be actively involved in local events, history, and knowledge of the region's real estate. When you are ready to find out more about the area from the Realtors® that have won the Best of Flagstaff Award for the past five years, call, click, or come by the office!

~Excerpts taken from Randazzo, Ryan. “Route 66 Centennial: Flagstaff gears up to celebrate the highway’s 100-year anniversary.” Progress Report 2024. Arizona Daily Sun. April 2024.

~Other information found at Discover Flagstaff