Trends

Post-pandemic plans

According to a recent homeowner survey conducted by Houzz, 9 in 10 homeowners plan to make improvements to their homes after the pandemic. Here are the projects at the top of their lists:

Spaces homeowners plan to upgrade

Outdoor spaces Master bathroom Kitchen Other bathroom Living room Master bedroom Garage Basement Laundry room Home office Closet Entry, foyer or mudroom Other bedroom Dining room Loft or attic Other 1% 7% 7%

6% 6% 5% 4% 4% 4%

7% 10% 12% 18% 23% 25% 27%

Experience counts 84%

of customers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products and services.

SOURCE: Salesforce.com, State of the Connected Customer

New focus for the ‘new normal’

According to the PCA, here are the most common ways pros have adjusted their business practices and focus during COVID-19:

Engaging in more charitable community ‘give-back’ efforts Concentrating on employee training Adding new service lines Focusing on business planning, development

On the bright side ...

The latest Small Business Optimism Index shows small business owners’ expectations about future sales have rebounded after the lowest reading in survey history last April. Survey respondents expect better business conditions over the next six months and are optimistic about the future of the economy.

Home sweet office

With many of our homes now serving as work spaces thanks to COVID-19, we thought it worth asking color experts at several paint manufacturers their top color choices for creating a productive work environment.

Behr Natural Almond PPU4-12

Dunn-Edwards Paints Golden Crest DE5353

PPG Paints Gargoyle PPG1127-4

Benjamin Moore Beacon Hill Damask HC-2

Sherwin-Williams Country Tweed SW 9519