by John Stevens
June 13, 2011 7:17 AM
According to a recent survey of 53 industry experts, home improvement trends for 2011 point to staying put, making small changes and creating comfortable, natural and uncluttered living spaces. Due to the housing market, homeowners are choosing to stay in their homes and invest in updates rather than upgrading by moving. Self storage is reaping the benefits of increased home renovations, as people find the need for additional storage space for furniture and other belongings in rooms being updated.
Mini-renovations appear to be most popular with small updates to homes that can dramatically change the look and feel of space. Larger home updates focus more on improving curb appeal and about simplifying and reorganizing existing space. Large, luxury renovations are taking a backseat in 2011 as homeowners pursue projects that provide the biggest bang for their buck to increase a home’s value. Emphasis is being put on expansions having multiple purposes. As more people work from home, hybrid rooms such as those with home offices are becoming increasingly important. Other multifunction rooms are emerging such as existing rooms becoming family destinations as with “kitchen lounges.” In 2011, exterior facelifts are becoming popular entailing everything from a new roof, new siding, or simply painting the front door.
Homeowners are saving money and going greener by choosing the old over the new. It is all part of a green theme that has taken over as well. More consumers are interested in promoting a healthier environment by creating green homes. Low VOC-paint and energy-efficient LEDs are just some of the changes being made. Natural light through the use of skylights and large windows are also appearing more in homes. Recycled and reused materials are being used more throughout homes. Materials like cork and bamboo and appearing more in flooring and furniture. Recycling is also becoming a trend as more people are deciding to visit flea markets, tag sales and consignment shops to purchase used furniture and antiques. Reupholstering existing furniture is also becoming popular.
Decluttering is a significant trend and it has recently been shown that too much clutter can be unhealthy, triggering stress and being detrimental to one’s peace of mind. Homeowners are considering moving or removing walls in order to open up rooms and maximize space. Professional organizers say that opening up space and decluttering can improve mental health and bring a feeling of satisfaction. If going home brings stress from seeing unending piles of clutter, then people tend to avoid going home. Messes and disorganization, experts say, can drain a home of positive energy, comfort and security. Decluttering is one way to improve one’s home and experts advise using self storage for items that people find hard to part with but want out of the house.
Sources Used:
“Home Improvement Trends 2011: Staying Put, Simplifying, and Making Small Changes.” Natural Home Living. Feb. 24, 2011.
Hsiu, Winnie. “For a Happier, Healthy Life, Experts Say Get Rid of the Clutter.” Self Storage Industry News. April 7, 2011.