Do Home Remodeling Trends Matter?

Home improvement trends come and go. Much like trends in the clothing industry, what’s favored one year or season can easily be forgotten the next, and in many cases, these trends are rather arbitrary. Although some home remodeling trends are determined by how popular they are among homeowners and how commonly they’re already being employed in homes around the country, other trends are simply dictated by experts in the industry. So if their definition of a trend does not suit your particular tastes, it makes sense for you to ignore it.

There are some instances, however, where it’s perfectly acceptable to follow a home remodeling trend simply because that’s what’s in style. These changes can transform the atmosphere of your home, helping to revitalize your space and increase the enjoyment you get out of your home.

Less permanent changes

Home remodeling trends are often best expressed through temporary alterations rather than permanent ones for the obvious reason that when the trends change again, these aspects of your home can change along with them. Things like flooring, appliances, and plumbing fixtures are all examples of labor-intensive remodeling projects that you probably won’t be able (or willing) to change based on temporary trends.

However, there are many aspects of your home that you will be able to change on a regular basis, and whether that means once a season or once every few years, it should be easy for you to keep up with home remodeling trends in regards to the following areas:

Rugs
Paint
Curtains
Decorative pillows
Lamps
Wall decorations
Furniture hardware (drawer pulls, handles, etc.)
Light fixtures

In most cases, these aspects of your home can be readily changed to suit your mood and the trends of home remodeling. If you’re not up to the task of some of the above-listed changes (changing paint or light fixtures, for example) affordable contractors are readily available to help. Angie’s List offers real reviews from real customers and helps you pick from the best for your remodeling project.

Green trends

If there’s any home remodeling trend that you should follow, it should probably be the green trend. This concept took hold several years ago, but the fact that green renovations are still extremely popular shows that the green movement is probably more of a permanent change than a passing trend.

The green movement has had a significant impact on home remodeling, and homeowners everywhere are jumping on this bandwagon. Greening your home can not only help you to reduce your environmental impact and to secure a better world for future generations, but it can also save you money in terms of energy costs and tax credits.

Green trends in home improvement include window treatments, low chemical or chemical-free paint, low flow toilets, low volume (but still high pressure) shower heads, recycled or environmentally friendly flooring (with options ranging from cork boards to recycled paper “slate” tiles), solar energy systems, and much more.

Practical changes only

As a rule, you should only follow those home remodeling trends that appeal to your tastes as a homeowner. You’re the one who occupies your home, so you’re the one whom your home’s design is meant to please. If a temporary home remodeling fad appeals to you, then by all means, follow it. But it’s unnecessary to make permanent changes to your home every year for the purpose of keeping your home up-to-date with transient trends.

If you’re already planning a home remodeling project, then current trends in the industry can help to inspire you and give you a sense of direction. If you’re happy with your home, however, there’s no reason to make any changes beyond the less permanent suggestions listed above.

D. R. Hartman Construction

D.R. Hartman Construction is a commercial and residential construction company located in the Bethesda, MD region. Hartman is one of MD, DC, and VA’s reputable contractors, and they are happy to serve the area around our nation’s capital, proudly bringing to completion projects both large and small. Hartman offers professional contractor services for residential and commercial remodels.

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