The New American Remodel® 2026: A Mid-Century Home Reimagined with Caesarstone ICON™

Some homes don’t need to be rebuilt, they simply need to be reimagined.

That’s was the philosophy behind The New American Remodel® (TNAR) 2026, the official remodel show home of the International Builders’ Show (IBS). Located in Winter Park, Florida, this 3,413-square-foot residence proves that thoughtful design can breathe new life into an existing home while embracing modern living and sustainable building practices.

Featuring Caesarstone ICON™ 8100 Calacatta Lacebound, this luxury remodel transforms a home with decades of layered renovations into a cohesive, timeless retreat.

A “Soft Remodel” with a Big Impact

Originally built in the 1950s, the home had been renovated multiple times over the years, leaving behind a mix of architectural styles that no longer felt connected. Rather than starting from scratch, Phil Kean Design Group, selected by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the architect, embraced a different approach.

The team focused on what they call a “soft remodel”—preserving much of the home’s original footprint while dramatically elevating its design, functionality, and performance.

“We’re not removing a lot of walls or doing a big addition. We’re just making the house cohesive and architecturally significant.”
— Todd Atkin, Senior Kitchen Designer, Phil Kean Design Group

The result was an open, inviting home that balances modern luxury with a warm, tropical-inspired aesthetic rooted in Florida living. Carefully planned sightlines and thoughtful space planning define individual living areas while maintaining the openness today’s homeowners love.

Beyond its beautiful design, the remodel also achieved Gold Level 2020 NGBS Green Certification, demonstrating that sustainability and exceptional design can work hand in hand.

Why Caesarstone ICON™ Was the Perfect Choice

When selecting materials for the home, the design team sought a surface that would reinforce the home’s calm, cohesive palette while supporting the project’s sustainability goals.

They chose Caesarstone ICON™ 8100 Calacatta Lacebound—an advanced fusion surface designed for modern living.

The clean ivory background and graceful yet discreet veining create visual movement without overwhelming the space, delivering the refined elegance homeowners often seek in marble-inspired designs while maintaining a softer, more balanced appearance.

As part of the Caesarstone ICON™ collection, Calacatta Lacebound also reflects a new generation of surface innovation, featuring:

• Approximately 85% recycled content
• Crystalline silica-free* composition
• Exceptional durability for everyday living
• Timeless design that complements a wide variety of interiors

The surface became a unifying element throughout, seamlessly tying together cabinetry, backsplash, and oversized island.

A Design Inspired by Natural Harmony

Calacatta Lacebound brings a sense of effortless sophistication to the space. Its soft ivory base is accented by flowing grey and taupe veining and subtle warm undertones that echo the organic beauty of natural Calacatta marble.

Unlike heavily patterned marble-inspired surfaces, its restrained movement creates a unique backdrop that allows every design element to shine.

The surface pairs beautifully with the home’s light finishes, soft cabinetry, and natural textures, creating an atmosphere that feels both elevated and inviting. Calacatta Lacebound is full of authentic depth thanks to its design that it is perfect for creating iconic splashes and islands. The golden sandy veins compliment and enhance the home’s contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.

The result is a designed not only for entertaining but for everyday living.

Bringing the Vision Together

Every material in The New American Remodel® was selected with purpose, and Caesarstone ICON™ played an important role in bringing the overall vision to life.

As Todd Atkin explains:

“For our countertop, we kept the same color story and went with Caesarstone. We have an inch and a quarter on the backsplash on the back with a 3-inch buildup on our island.”

The New American Remodel® 2026 demonstrates how preserving a home’s character, embracing sustainable building practices, and selecting thoughtfully designed materials can create a home that feels completely new, without losing the story it has to tell.

Caesarstone ICON™— Learn more about our award winning advanced fusion surface today.

*Caesarstone ICON™ may contain up to 1% crystalline silica