2011 trends likey to lead to smaller home projects
Victoria Stankard, an active rain blogger from Tampa Palms Florida, posted this article on 2011 Home project trends. Though home prices are probably not falling in Canada in 2011, the point of creating tranquil places is still relevant here as we want to create spaces where we can "escape"...
With 2011 only a few days away, home project resolutions for the New Year are on a lot of folk's minds.
It's time to upgrade that stodgy, old bathroom! Paint and repair that timeworn, old fence! Give that messy eyesore of a garage an organizational makeover! Clear out the clutter and Feng Shui up your living space!
The easiest way to stick to lofty 2011 home project resolutions and not get overwhelmed in the process is to make them smaller, realistically do-able and affordable, and spread them out over the course of the year.
Map out a small project in the home for each month and by the close of 2011 you will be proud of your New Year's resolutions and accomplishments!
The National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) recently conducted a survey of top builders and developers in the nation and what they found was that most people are not diving into major 2011 home renovation projects due to the economy. Instead, they are taking care of smaller DIY projects around the home.
Changes in the American Home
American Homes today are becoming smaller and simpler compared to oversized McMansions of yesteryear. Younger generations are looking to expand their homes to prepare for bigger families. Empty Nesters, those with aging parents or planning for their own retirement years want easy maintenance, quality materials and smart systems for the changing family and their needs.
DIY Retail Mega Giant Adjusting to Change
According to Home Depot, Inc, America's leading DIY home improvement retailer, a definite trend towards DIY small projects over major renovations has been apparent for the past two years. The mega giant expects Americans' increasing preference for small home projects to be a long-term shift due to the economy, uncertain housing market and the fact that remodeling is no longer considered the definitive way to add value to a home.
Craig Menear, Home Depot Vice President of Merchandising says that "Home Depot is adjusting to the emphasis on smaller projects and "shrinking its kitchen display areas by as much as 40%." The added space is now being used to sell flooring, bathroom vanities, tiles and cleaning products while keeping the focus on smaller projects that are cheaper than major kitchen renovations.
2011 Home Project Trends
More and more homeowners are going green and getting energy-efficient upgrades. They are focused on maintenance and repair projects that lower the operating costs of their home. Glass upgrades will continue to be big.
- Open floor plans are also a popular. Removing interior walls open up spaces in older homes, helping to modernize them and help families be more flexible with the square footage they already have.
- Due to home values still falling in many areas, many homeowners are creating tranquil, relaxing and soothing spaces within their current homes such as Zen-like bathrooms and intimate small nooks for decompressing, distressing and quiet time out.
- More people are choosing to work from home so homes are taking on more of an industrial/commercial look for utilitarian convenience and professional creditability. Industrial high-tech design is extremely popular like exposed beams, stainless steel and architectural details.
- Homeowners want to pay CASH rather than borrow for home projects. They are on a budget and carefully choosing what projects they can afford and do without with the money they have. Rather than remodel an entire room, homeowners are saving money by updating selected features like cabinets, counter tops and hardware.
In summary, streamlined, smart and cutting-edge make-unders and energy-efficient upgrades are the new trends for smaller home projects in 2011!
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