Top home improvement trends this year
Written by
Stephanie Reid is a financial services expert with over eight years of experience writing money-saving articles at Novuna Personal Finance. She has written hundreds of articles on a variety of topics including interior design, home improvements and weddings - with a keen eye for spotting money-saving opportunities and passing these tips onto readers. As a mum of two, Stephanie knows how important budgeting effectively is for parents and often incorporates family budgeting tips into her guides.
Wednesday 28th February 2024
Many of us see our homes as our sanctuary, so creating the ideal environment to suit your lifestyle is key.
From choosing the colour of the walls to which fixtures, fittings, and furniture we want, individual taste and practicality tend to be top of the list. However, sometimes we need a creative nudge in the right direction when decorating our homes.
According to the Renovation Nation Report, the average homeowner spends around £1,473 on home renovations each year. Unsurprisingly, top priorities include the garden, living room, bedroom and kitchen… but what are this year’s biggest home improvement trends?
1. Garden rooms
A garden room is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space whether you turn it into a home office, a playroom or a home gym. With nearly 40% of Brits working from home some or all of the time, a little extra room goes a long way.
Of course, every great garden room needs a little TLC to keep it looking its best. Bright and bold colours palettes, playful patterns, and comfy outdoor furniture will help create an all-year-round outdoor space that the whole family can enjoy.
2. Colourful décor
The days of greys and whites may well be behind us as home renovators look to add a splash of colour throughout their home. Paint vibrant feature walls, upcycle cupboard doors, install bold new furnishings or even just swap your old accessories with some colourful new ones.
Earthy colours are here to stay too. So if you’re not quite ready to go bold, opt for subtle shades of green and warm browns instead.
3. Make room for extra room
Space will be a focus for DIYers this year as savvy home improvers look to get creative with their storage solutions. Pantries, for example, will continue to rise in popularity while homeowners will look to transform utility cupboards into a more practical space complete with washing facilities and storage areas.
There are many clever ways to maximise the space in your home, such as using empty wall space to install hooks or vertical shelving units. Multipurpose furniture, such as ottomans that double up as storage, could also be a great way to declutter a living room.
4. Sustainable DIY
We’re more eco-conscious than ever. More than eight in ten adults in Great Britain report making changes to their lifestyle to help tackle environmental issues – and this could extend to your home improvement projects.
From choosing renewable materials to buying from responsible companies with sustainability at their core, you can spruce up your space without impacting the environment. Buying second-hand tools or borrowing from your local Library of Things is a great way to get your hands on the equipment you need for less, while also maximising the longevity of the tools and reducing waste.
Second-hand bargain hunting and upcycling is continuing to rise in popularity amongst those pursuing a greener lifestyle too. In fact, 4 in 10 Brits are upcycling to reduce waste. Digital marketplaces are treasure troves for antique and retro furniture, home décor items and trinkets if you’re looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to update your space.
5. Smarter homes
The modern homeowner will be looking to integrate smart technology this year, not only to improve convenience but also boost energy efficiency. From smart lighting to smart thermostats – and even smart vacuums – you can monitor and control various elements of your home on the go. Ideal for busy lifestyles.
6. Wall panelling
That’s right, wall panelling is making a comeback. The popular 70s design trend is taking off again, as home renovators embrace touches of texture.
Those looking to make a real statement could opt for bold shades, or stick to the more natural look with classic wooden panelling. Whatever style you choose, panelling is sure to add character to any home.
Low-cost home improvement loans
If you’ve been inspired to take on some home improvement projects this year, our personal loans for home renovations can help turn your plans into a reality. You can borrow between £1,000 and £35,000 with competitive rates from as low as 7.4% APR Representative (£7,500-£25,000).
