Future Proof Your Future Renovation by Standale Home Studio

Future Proof Your Future Renovation

Here’s how

Photos by Leigh Ann Cobb

THE FUTURE IS HERE. We are flooded daily by fast fashion trends, new health crazes, and hightech updates. If you are planning a home renovation soon, making sure you are on the forefront of future trends is probably on your mind. Incorporating current design trends can be easy. Making sure your space is suited for future, longterm enjoyment is more challenging.

Long term living

Statistics gathered from the National Association of Home Builders, as well as the National Association of Realtors, indicate that due to rising interest rates and a lack of supply, people are staying in their homes for an average of 13 years. That’s up at least two years from previous statistics. It is important to consider how much your family may change as you stay in your about-tobe-renovated space. Changes in family dynamics may mean people are added to your home. Disabilities may arise, either temporarily or longterm, requiring modifications to be put in place.

What used to be referred to as “aging in place” is now updated to “universal design.” This reflects the belief that thoughtful design changes can benefit us all. Zero-step showers, wider clearances in hallways, and toe kick lighting in bathrooms for evening use are all examples of some universal design elements that benefit all ages and ability levels. If you do plan to live long-term in your renovated space, consider seeking out a specialist. Some design professionals carry a CLIPP certification (Certified Living In Place Professional) and can add extra insight on how small changes like these can make big impacts over time.

Remaining flexible

Major design trends have an average trend span of about 10 years, with casual farmhouse and shiplap recently ruining that curve. Color trends are similarly fickle, following everything from political shifts to seasonal swings. While salespeople and contractors might like to help you purchase and install a new project every 10 years, it’s not a good investment strategy for your home, nor is it good for your pocketbook.

You can avoid fast fashion pitfalls by keeping major investment items such as hard surface flooring, cabinetry, and countertops neutral. This will allow you to shift color and style around these core elements as trends change in the future. Small touches like updating cabinet hardware, or exchanging plumbing and lighting fixtures, can change the tone of a room without major reconstruction or expense.

Planning for the inevitable

While your space may accommodate fresh color palettes or hardware finishes in the future, there are some updates that you can’t avoid. Things break. Newer appliances especially, have notoriously short lifespans. Although some appliance manufacturers have committed to standard sizing for their built-in appliances to make replacement easier, it’s not a guarantee of longevity. If appliances are part of your renovation, take time to talk with appliance professionals who service as well as sell. This will give you a good idea of what brands and models are more serviceable and less likely to require full replacement when they break.

Remodelers are now also adding home automation and the latest tech gadgets to their list of must haves. It is important for anyone to keep in mind that technology needs upgrading in addition to occasional repairs or replacements. Tenyear-old cars have CD players; new cars have USB ports, aux jacks, and Bluetooth. Be careful not to lock yourself too tightly into one format. For smaller tech, consider items that are fully removeable and more common in size. For larger-scale projects, consider involving a home technology integrator who can help plan larger systems with future upgrade potential in mind.

It is almost impossible to predict the next amazing thing, but some future-proofing planning can help shield your new renovation from fast fashion pitfalls and create a space that is enjoyable from the moment it’s complete, as well as years to come.

A home renovation is all about looking to the future and planning past the project finish line can help make the most of your time, energy, and monetary investment. ❂

Anneke Huisman

Standale Home Studio NKBA Cabinetry Specialist NKBA West MI Chapter Communications Officer