Top Home Remodeling Trends

Demand for home improvements are changing as consumers are trending towards staying at home rather than taking an expensive vacation, which is good news for the home improvement industry.

Since everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, consumers continue to crave an open and functional kitchen space with plenty of space for cooking, dining and socializing. This can easily be achieved by adding an island or peninsula into your kitchen design. Because you can see over and around them, they connect the kitchen to an adjacent dining area, living room or family room and yet define the kitchen's borders.

It looks like 2011 is the year for a bathroom update. Baths cost less than a kitchen or addition and most houses have more than one bath, so there are more available to be remodeled. Look for consumers to try to pamper themselves with spa-like showers, soaking tubs, radiant flooring and towel racks and bidets.

Rather than going through major renovations, most people will focus on completing the projects that need to be done, like repairs to siding or roof leaks.

As homeowners seek solace in their homes, natural shades have become more popular. Muted earth tones are being used throughout the home, on walls, floors and even cabinetry. Green, particularly a soft sage color, has become a popular choice, especially as an accent color on kitchen cabinets.

Along with warmer tones in homes are warmer tones in metallic features. Look for faucets and sinks in oil rubbed bronze and aged bronze and plenty of distressed accent hardware.

As more people continue to stay home, you'll find an increase in porches, decks, kitchens, patios and pools being added to an existing design to extend their home's living space. A great way to get in on this trend and stay within your budget is to consider an above ground pool. The unattractive, eye sore above ground pools of the past are long gone. An above ground pool is stylish and sleek and easily blends into any backyard. By adding a beautiful deck around your pool, you can transform your backyard into the oasis of relaxation and fun that you have always dreamed of!

Since open and flexible floor plans are in, many remodels will consist of removing interior walls and opening up the living spaces, especially in older homes. Open floor plans help families be more flexible with the square footage they already have.

As consumers are more concerned about conserving energy and saving money you'll find the replacement of windows, roofs, doors, gutters and insulation at the top of their list to achieve an efficient home envelope.