Planting Roots in a Home That Could Grow With Them

When the Frane family began thinking about building, it wasn’t just about square footage. It was about seasons of life. As their family grew, their townhome simply couldn’t grow with them, and everything felt temporary. They were ready to plant roots and build a forever home with intentional spaces designed for gathering, playing, and growing alongside their boys. As exciting as that vision was, there were real concerns.

The timeline felt uncertain. Starting a custom build while pregnant added an emotional layer. Would they have the bandwidth? Would they be able to manage decisions while raising a toddler with another on the way? Would the process feel overwhelming?

They had built before with a national builder and left that experience wanting more: more customization, more flexibility, more collaboration. Even when they were willing to invest in upgrades, options felt rigid. After move-in, they ended up spending additional money to make the home feel truly theirs. This time, they knew they wanted something different.

During the Parade of Homes®, they researched extensively by walking through properties, comparing layouts, studying craftsmanship, and paying attention to detail. They were looking for a builder who felt local and relationship-driven, not corporate and process-bound. Hanson Builders stood out immediately because of their quality work, attention to detail, and approach – it all felt right.

A Better Build Experience

The Hanson team wanted to hear from the Frane family about their experience and how they felt now that they are settled in their new home.

The top two reasons they would recommend Hanson Builders?

“Communication and craftsmanship.”

From start to finish, the process was organized, structured, and clearly communicated. BuilderTrend made it easy to follow schedules, ask questions, and stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly, they felt included and heard.

The design meetings became a highlight. The Franes came in with a strong vision and, honestly, some nerves. Would they hear “no” to their ideas? But instead of rejection, they found the collaboration they craved.

Hanson Builders designers Erica and Julie embraced their vision and elevated it. Instead of dismissing outside-the-box ideas, they found ways to bring them to life. That openness surprised the Franes in the best way.

Communication was another standout. During past builds, getting answers required persistence. With Hanson, questions were often addressed before they even had to ask. Once a schedule was set, it provided much peace of mind. Decision fatigue never took over because trust was established early. They didn’t feel pressure to overspend or upgrade unnecessarily. Their time, home, and budget were respected.

Even when landscaping felt difficult to visualize — one of the more challenging moments for the Franes — the Hanson team connected them with their trusted partners and worked closely to develop a cohesive, functional plan.

Julie consistently advocated for them, ensuring each decision felt comfortable and aligned with their goals. Erica’s design eye made selections seamless. Hanson Builders project manager Darien brought steady reassurance and responsiveness. There was always a dedicated point of contact. Always someone to reach out to. Knowing they weren’t navigating it alone removed a huge weight.

And if they had to sum up the experience in three words?

“Smooth, efficient, and timely!”

A Vision Board Brought to Life

Now that the Franes are in their home, the difference is tangible.

The spaces feel intentional and designed for the way they actually live. Hosting friends and family feels natural in a way their previous home never allowed. Entertaining is no longer stressful. It’s joyful. Their favorite moment so far? Christmas morning. The tree glowing beside the fireplace. Stockings hung. Their boys coming down the stairs. It was everything they had envisioned and more.

If they could tell their past selves one thing, it would be this:

“With the right builder, it will absolutely be worth it!”

Advice for Anyone on the Fence

If someone is considering building with Hanson but feels hesitant, their advice is simple:

“You will not regret it.”

Budget conversations can feel intimidating, and it’s easy to fall in love with beautiful ideas. But timing and decision-making were manageable because the process was structured step by step. Whenever hesitation crept in, the team offered guidance and reassurance. In their own words:

“We would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Interested in hearing from more Hanson Builders clients? Visit our testimonials page to learn why Minnesota families trust us with their forever homes.

The post From Townhome to Forever Home: A Hanson Builders Client Story appeared first on Hanson Builders Blog.

When it comes to designing a home you’ll love for years—not just for a season—timelessness matters. But “timeless” shouldn’t mean predictable. In fact, as Nancy Brown explains, the longest lasting homes are the ones that feel authentic, personal, and thoughtfully layered.

Nancy earned her degree in interior design and has worked in the industry ever since. With more than 20 years of experience, she leads the design team at Hanson Builders with poised confidence. While trends, materials, and technology continue to evolve, that constant change keeps her inspired year after year.

“Each project presents a fresh set of challenges, continually encouraging me to expand my skills, deepen my perspective, and evolve creatively,” Nancy said.

What Timeless Design Really Means

To Nancy, timeless design isn’t about avoiding trends; it’s about creating a foundation that feels personal. You can draw inspiration from the trends you enjoy, but you don’t have to be bound by them. Whatever feels right to you is what you’ll love for years to come.

Looking ahead, Nancy sees 2026 home design trends continuing to move toward warmth and grounded simplicity. Natural materials, layered textures, and organic forms are growing in popularity, along with earthy palettes made up of richer neutrals and subtle contrasts.

One of Nancy’s biggest recommendations is to treat trends as accents, not the foundation. She encourages homeowners to invest first in timeless, high-quality selections for the main fixed finish selection items:

• Flooring
• Cabinetry
• Countertops

These are the elements that are permanent and disruptive to change later, making them the smartest place to spend for long-term impact. Once the core features are decided, she suggests layering in trend-forward elements through:

• Paint
• Wallpaper
• Lighting

These are easier (and more fun) to update over time, allowing the home to evolve without requiring a full renovation.

Beautiful Design That Works for Real Life

One of the most exciting shifts Nancy has noticed in 2026 home design is how confident buyers are becoming in their preferences, especially after experiencing model homes in person. With Hanson model homes open across the Twin Cities, homeowners are able to walk through a wide range of styles, finishes, and layouts.

“We invest significant time and intention into each model, and it’s rewarding to see those spaces resonate so strongly with real families,” Nancy said.

When asked about her signature style, Nancy describes her design aesthetic as being anchored in clean lines, balanced proportions, and lasting materials. She also enjoys building depth through muted tones and thoughtfully layered textures. Especially in staging, she embraces the opportunity to make a home feel inviting, not overly styled. She loves incorporating subtle surprises: a quirky piece of art, a bold light fixture, or even a soft pop of color on the ceiling.

When asked about some of her favorite design choices, Nancy mentions polished nickel plumbing fixtures. This finish has an understated sophistication without feeling harsh or trendy. It also mixes beautifully with other metals like brass, bronze, or darker iron finishes.

And for a smaller detail with major impact? Cabinet hardware—specifically, getting the scale right.

“Hardware should never be the center of attention,” Nancy said. “It’s not meant to shout. But when the size is thoughtfully proportioned, it quietly elevates the entire cabinet.”

How Homeowners Can Avoid Design Regret

Nancy’s best advice for avoiding design regret is simple: gather photo inspiration before meeting with your designer. Images create a shared visual language and make it easier to communicate what you love, especially when it’s hard to put into words. She also encourages clients to identify the specific things they’re drawn to, like the warmth and mood of a room or a detail like tile or a range hood. The clearer you are, the better your designer can interpret your vision and guide you toward decisions you’ll love long after move-in day.

One question Nancy believes every homeowner should ask near the end of the selection process is: “Now that all the selections are made, does the home still feel cohesive as a whole?”

Great design isn’t just about individual choices; it’s about feeling harmonious. Taking time to review everything collectively is often what elevates a home from merely well-designed to seamlessly pulled together.

Looking Forward

What excites Nancy most about the future of design is the continued shift toward homes that feel personal and intentional. The industry is moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and toward spaces that support how people live by balancing beauty and function in a way that’s tailored to you. When it comes to inspiration, she finds it everywhere: nature, travel, everyday life, and, most importantly, her clients. Because at the end of the day, timeless homes aren’t the ones that follow every trend…

They’re the ones that feel like you.

Contact us today to discuss building your own timeless home. See Nancy’s work featured on the Spring 2026 Parade of Homes℠.

The post 2026 Home Design that Stands the Test of Time with Nancy Brown appeared first on Hanson Builders Blog.