For many of us, our homes are the place where we get to relax – there’s something comforting about being in your own space, no matter how big or small. As such, it’s no surprise that home improvements continue to be a popular activity, especially for homeowners who are able to complete bigger projects.

But house makeovers are also done to keep homes in fashion – whilst the design is an individual choice, there are common trends each year. Originally showcased in design magazines, these fashions can now be found on social media, with home influencers sharing the details of their projects online from start to finish. 

Here, we take a look at some of the most popular home projects and look at what’s ‘in’ for anyone looking to give their home a makeover.

Cost-saving measures

Running a house is an expensive business, and it can be irritating to feel like you’re throwing money away with poorly-insulated rooms or single glazing, especially with the cost of living going up. As a result, many homeowners choose to upgrade their space by adding new windows, superior insulation and energy-efficient boilers – or even better, eco-friendly technology like heat pumps. Sustainability is a growing concern for many people, so it’s understandable that this would be reflected in home design.

Smart technology continues to be popular as well – our modern obsession with data and controlling our lives from apps bodes well for the home improvement industry. 

Industrial feel 

Gone are the days of bold feature walls and ultra-sleek cupboards – instead, a more stripped-back, industrial feel is on the rise. Think exposed brick, lots of wood and steel, and open floor plans, as seen in many city lofts in places like New York. This style focuses on showcasing the features of the property, rather than trying to cover them up – pipes tend to be visible, and floors are certainly wooden rather than carpeted.

Complementary furniture should be vintage or upcycled and add warmth to the space with textures and colours. Lighting is also important here, as the wrong choice will leave your home feeling more clinical than chic.

Loft conversions

Post-pandemic, plenty of people have decided to stick with remote working for at least part of the week, and this has meant that they often need to change their home accordingly, such as converting a bedroom to become a study. There’s also a trend for making a ‘master bedroom’ space with an en-suite bathroom, which can leave homeowners looking for space to put their family/guest bathroom.

This can be problematic if you didn’t plan for this when you bought the house – so extending is often the answer. Loft conversions are a big job, but they can allow you to utilize space you already have, without having to lose garden space. 

Luxury bathrooms

Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces. They’re where we start and end the day, and as such, there’s a trend for making them as calming and spa-like as possible. This includes hotel-style walk-in showers, huge bathtubs, and mirrors that provide the perfect lighting. They’re no longer simply a classic white colour scheme either – glossy tiled shower walls and splashbacks add the perfect pop of colour, with blue and green often chosen for their calming properties.

The finishing touches matter too. Add in a scented candle, fluffy towels, and a bathrobe and you’ve got the perfect cocoon of luxury that homeowners are striving for. 

Plants

Outdoor space is an asset for any homeowner. Traditionally, lawns would be neatly manicured and supplemented with a border of flowers, but now plenty of us are getting stuck in and trying to grow our own fruit and vegetables at home. Whether that’s straight in the ground or in more easily maintained raised beds, having a space to try this relaxing hobby is a new must-have for many homeowners. 

House plants also remain en vogue too – particularly with younger generations. They add life and dynamism to any space and provide air purification and relaxation benefits as well. No longer just sold at garden centers, many home interior shops stock the most popular types, showing just how mainstream they’ve become.

A dream home

Getting to design your ideal home space is one of the fun parts of being a homeowner. Whilst some trends are a bit too bold for a regular home, there’s no reason why you can’t take features of parts of these trends and use them in your own space. 

Author: Claire Monroe