The demand for home improvement continues, and people still want to add both value and comfort to their homes. Whether that’s creating a dedicated work space, upgrading their home or creating a backyard garden. Here are the top trends:

1.- Energy Efficiency Upgrades

This winter has been a costly one so far. With the rising costs of living due to the glooming economic recession, energy costs have been exorbitant. While some homeowners have turned to using “sustainable materials,” solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances, increased insulation and replace windows with double pane. Many of them are determined to diminish the use of expensive electric or gas heating and use their wood-stove fireplaces. An efficient wood-stove can save homeowners hundreds if no thousands of dollars in heating bills. And fortunately wood-stove fireplaces are power outages proof. Besides, nothing like the ambience they provide.

 

2.- Creating a Workspace

The pandemic spread a new way of living for a lot of people. With so many homeowners working from home, a dedicated workspace has become a necessity. A space that it’s quiet and free from distractions, with the right office furniture that fits the space and it’s comfortable. With plenty of natural light, preferably overlooking a pleasant scenery, whether that is the green grass in the backyard, a mountain or city view. Colorful artwork or decorative pieces to make it cheery and inviting.

 

3- Airbnb-friendly spaces

The National Association of Realtors states that “We are seeing a big trend toward consumers, especially younger first-time home buyers, creating a second rentable space in their home…  These projects may include creating a second lavish owner’s suite, sometimes with its own separate entrance. Also, homeowners are looking to add accessory dwelling units as another rental possibility or turn a basement into a rental apartment.”

 

4.- Bathroom & Kitchen Upgrades

Homeowners will likely be working on updating cabinetry, switching out countertops, adding light fixtures, changing faucets, and replacing old appliances. We are likely to see more vintage revival on designs, two-tone wood cabinets are also gaining popularity and diversified materials.

5.- Backyard Garden

Not long ago, garden trends consisted of manicured lawns, rows of evergreens and ornamental bushes. Perhaps one or two fruit trees if your backyard was owned by someone who lived though the Great Depression.

Today, people are branching out of traditional ideas and are creating not only beautiful spaces to match their living style. But also turning these poorly used backyard spaces into productive vegetable gardens. And if the space and zoning allows, many are adding laying hens and/or other farm animals into the mix.

People are becoming more self-reliant and wanting to take the steps necessary to free themselves from the overwhelming financial burden and unhealthy store bought food.