4 minute read
Remodel Trends Aim to Accommodate for the Long Term
By DOUG KING
As we continue to emerge from the devastating supply chain issues created by the 2020 pandemic, home remodeling projects have undergone some radical changes over the last three years due to families consolidating, home schooling and working from home. All of that led to the need for more interior space along with adding or expanding outdoor living features, at least here in our area, such as pools and lanai’s. As of March 2023, according to the Pew Research Center, roughly 35% of American workers are working from home full-time, creating the need for a dedicated office instead of working from the dining room table.
Also, the stay-at-home order back in 2020 created a huge interest in homeowners wanting to update their kitchens and baths in addition to the projects noted above. Obviously, all of this is well known here in late 2023 but these occurrences set the stage for what we are now seeing and what we see on the horizon for remodeling going into 2024.
As families have converged, the ages of household members may vary greatly, with youngsters in their pre-teens sharing common area space with their grandparents. Universal Design has been slowly expanding over the last 10 years but with the recent changes to lifestyles created by the pandemic, it has rapidly become a larger part of the remodeling discussion. Universal Design affects many components such as kitchen and bath cabinetry, doorway widths, locations of electrical components and passageways into and throughout the house, among many other products and household functions.
So, what is hot for the future of home remodeling projects?
I see 2024 as a pivotal year for home transformation that will last for many years, especially for the interior. There are two main reasons; homeowners started remodeling their homes more recently to fit their lifestyle because of the changes Covid 19 created AND because they plan to stay in their home for a longer period of time. Gone is the focus on trying to appeal to the masses for a quick re-sale with the use of the “plain beige palette” as was common starting in the 1980’s and lasting through the 2010’s.
The items that will continue to see growth in a home remodel project include quieter appliances, larger islands and more refrigeration space. The kitchen has always been a focal gathering point for the family and even more so when guests are being entertained, but now the kitchen island must also serve as a place for schoolwork and professional work (when there’s not space for a home office) so noisy appliances are a nuisance and space becomes a premium as we continue the shift away from the traditional dining room. The implementation of air fryers and steam ovens, along with larger refrigerators, is on the rise because of the desire for healthier eating.
Functional lighting in a kitchen (and bath) have always been important but now we now see lighting being used as “layers” to create moods and set a style with accent points using varying degrees of the light spectrum for comfort and to make a “personality statement” with exquisite fixtures.
Smart home technology and home automation products dovetail nicely with the needs of our new lifestyles. Smart appliances, lighting, temperature control and audiovisual products, once considered a luxury, now provide us with never-beforeseen conveniences that are critical to meeting the needs of the rapid changes of living and working at home.
Open shelving has gained popularity, not only for the neat, wide-open appearance but because they maximize storage space and create a focal point, showcasing your cool stuff.
Speaking of cool things, color is making a come-back. While white cabinetry and counter tops still reign high, the addition of bold hues of blues, charcoal and darker stained wood are being used to accentuate interior spaces. The mixed use of metals such as copper and brass with black fixtures are gaining interest and offer a perfect platform to let your personality flow.
How bold will you go in 2024?
Doug King, CR, UDCP, CGC, MBA is past National President (2020-21) of NARI and owner of King Contracting.
