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Home Trends and Tips

From Lighting to Gates to Shutters and Electrical, Here's the Scoop on 2026 From Service Industry Professionals

Everything Electric

Modern Technology and Future-Proofing With Blue State Electric LLC

Chandler-based Blue State Electric LLC is an electrical contracting company established in 2015, which focuses primarily on service work. The company’s owners, Perla and Teodulo Galaviz, opened with a clear goal in mind: to provide reliable, high-quality electrical solutions while delivering exceptional customer service and safety-driven workmanship.

The services cover a wide range of residential and commercial electrical needs, including troubleshooting and repairs, electrical panel upgrades, lighting installations (both interior and exterior), EV charger installations, dedicated circuits, and code-compliant upgrades. They also work closely with homeowners, property managers, and business owners to provide practical solutions tailored to each project.

TREND: Modern Technology and Future-Proofing

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in people’s homes is the growing focus on comfort, safety, and future-proofing through electrical upgrades. Homeowners are becoming much more aware of how their electrical systems affect daily life—whether it’s reliable power, proper lighting, or having the capacity to support modern technology,” says Perla, who shares they they are seeing an increased demand for panel upgrades, EV-charger installations, and dedicated circuits as homes take on more electrical loads than ever before.

Lighting design has become a major priority..

“Homeowners are investing in layered lighting—recessed, accent, and exterior lighting—to create spaces that feel both functional and welcoming, while also improving energy efficiency with LED technology,” she says.

TIP: Don’t Wait Until Something Fails

From a maintenance and safety standpoint, many homeowners are realizing the importance of proactive electrical inspections, especially in older homes. A simple inspection can identify overloaded panels, outdated wiring, or missing safety protections before they become a serious issue. 

“My biggest tip for homeowners is not to wait until something fails,” Perla says. “Upgrading and maintaining your electrical system improves comfort, protects your home, and ensures it’s ready for today’s technology and tomorrow’s needs. Electrical work isn’t just about power—it’s about creating a safer, more comfortable home.”

BlueStateElectric.com

They’ve Got You Covered

WesCo Window Coverings Has Options for Every Home

Wes McLaughlin brought a wealth of knowledge of the window coverings industry, having spent nearly 20 years in leadership roles with top companies before launching his own company. Today, his company, which was rebranded to WesCo Window Coverings in December 2024, offers locally made plantation shutters, barn doors, and sunscreens, while also offering roller shades, zebra shades, honeycomb shades, and Roman shades. With WesCo Window Coverings, Wes combines his industry expertise with a personal commitment to quality and customer service. He takes pride in helping Arizona homeowners find stylish, functional solutions that enhance their spaces and provide comfort and privacy. He also proudly served our country for 13 years in the US Navy, and provides special discounts for veterans, first responders, and teachers.

TREND: Shutters

“As trends come and go in window coverings, some things just stand above the others. Shutters are always the number one trend,” McLaughlin says. “Following not far behind are motorized products, such as roller shades, zebra shades, woven woods, and honeycomb shades. Customers like using voice commands through products such as Alexa, HomePod, Google Home, etc. All can be non-motorized as well. Barn doors are also still in demand.”

WesCoWindowCoverings.com

The Door to Value

My Iron Door Company Offers the Latest in Stunning Doors

Troy Jarvis didn’t originally think he’d end up in the door business. But as often happens with fate, life intervened and led him there.

Jarvis has been in the real estate business for more than 30 years. After several years of doing fix-and-flips, he realized that the home changes that created the most value for a home were replacing the front door with an iron door and installing a large glass accordion door in the back so the home could open as an indoor-outdoor space.

Eventually, he had his own company, which he named My Iron Door Company. Today, it has locations in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah, offering a large selection of doors, from front doors to patio doors to accordion doors and more. The company also creates custom doors.

“I love having a product that creates three things,” Jarvis says. “Aesthetics, which increases the value of homes, security—with these, you don’t need a separate security door, and last, an option beyond a fiberglass or wood door for Arizona.”

TREND: Security and Aesthetics

“Iron doors have amazing security. You really can’t break in, and so that’s a big trend. Regarding aesthetics, iron doors don’t break down like a fiberglass or wood door. And iron doors, compared to any other doors, create more value in your home,” Jarvis says.

MyIronDoorCompany.com

Gate-Keeping

Renovate Your Gate is There From Gate Fixes to Gate Enlargements

Renovate Your Gate, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary this month, began by offering simple gate fixes like new stained wood boards, a new paint job, and gate adjustments so that HOAs were happy with nice-looking gates. The company is family-owned, with owner/operated James Lewis and his son, Trent, fabricating gates; James’ wife Heather handling phone calls, appointment-setting, and overall customer satisfaction; and Heather’s father, Dale, handling estimates and new business. Employee Carlos has been with them for over four years, and handles gate installations.

TREND: Gate enlargements

“Shortly after starting up we found a demand for gate enlargements ... turning a single gate or even a narrow double gate into a large double gate so homeowners can store their trailer, boats, or RVs at their house. Since then we primarily do new custom fabricated gates in all shapes, sizes and designs,” says James.

RenovateYourGate.com

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