2014 Top Home Remodeling Trends

Recently Angie’s List interviewed remodelers and interior designers on their list, and here is what they had to say about on what project other homeowners are working on most this year.Open Up the KitchenRemoving a wall between the kitchen and an adjoining room instantly creates more space, and dramatically changes the look and feel of the home. The instant change with minimal remodeling is probably why this type of project is still the reigning champion when it comes to trends in home remodeling.If you are not able to remove an interior wall to get this more open feel, replace an exterior wall with a bank of windows or French doors, instead.Install Hardwood FloorsHardwood floors in the kitchen became popular when homeowners started opening up their kitchens. Because most of them already had hardwood floors in the other rooms they were opening up the kitchen with, they wanted the flooring to be uniform to confirm the feel of the open room.Hardwood floors are also a good economic choice, as they are durable and never go out of style.Customized HomeMore and more people are purchasing smaller homes or staying with their current home, and customizing their home to be just the way they want it. Spare bedrooms are being turned into playrooms and unused basements are becoming Man Caves.Thinking beyond the empty rooms in your home, you can also enclose an unused patio with windows and doors to create a sunroom.Old and New MixOne hot trend for 2014 is to mix up new concepts with old concepts. For example, “Angie’s List member Mike K. of Cincinnati says he “didn’t want any of the prefab stuff available from the big-box hardware stores,” so he used a piece of reclaimed, antique elm for his fireplace mantel.”More and more homeowners, like Mike, are recycling old pieces of furniture and other household items and matching them with brand-new items from stores like Ikea. You can also go with brand-new items that have a vintage look for areas around your home (like your windows), if you are interested in this trend.Being GreenBeing “green” has yet to go out of style, in fact, the trend is getting stronger. This trend includes recycling older materials and using them to decorate, instead of buying new materials. It also includes having more windows and glass doors in your home to decrease your electricity consumption, as well as using energy-efficient windows to decrease your heater and air conditioner use.Source: Angie’s List