The latest design and remodeling trends for your home

Anyone researching designs and styles for a remodeling project this year is sure to come across plenty of advice suggesting using the latest 2012 home remodeling trends, but this isn’t always the best advice. Like fashion and political debate topics, certain things are “in” while others are “out,” and while you may not have much of a say in trend development you can choose to use only the trends that actually work for you.

There are two basic camps of people doing home remodeling, and the 2012 home remodeling trends can work for both in different ways. The first camp is those looking to remodel because they’re staying in their home longer or will be welcoming family members (elderly parents, adult children) back into the home. This group of people is looking for more customized additions that will benefit them in the long run and contribute to overall savings on utilities. The second camp is those looking to remodel because they’re planning on selling their house in the near future. This group is more likely to gravitate towards designs that will be appealing to the largest amount of prospective buyers, which can include current trends.

The first thing to understand when deciphering home remodeling trend advice is to know that certain investments will always be smarter than others, at least for the foreseeable future. Bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling have been and will continue to be the most valuable renovations to any home, and anyone telling you differently is probably trying to sell you a room addition. The latest remodeling trends that are more likely to stick around include a lot of green remodeling trends, like replacing your windows with energy efficient windows, upgrading your water heater to be more energy and cost efficient, and replacing the siding on your house with long lasting vinyl. These additions are popular and lasting because they have the ability to show their value over time, which is useful whether or not you stay in your home or sell it.

Green remodeling trends for 2012

When everything is considered, green remodeling is projected to stick around for the long haul. Why? Because there’s almost no downside: green remodeling trends encourage homeowners to replace or renovate the areas of their home they were already planning to update and use environmentally friendly practices and products that will reduce their carbon footprint and reduce utility costs for several years. Green remodeling has the potential to pay for itself within a matter of years depending on the initial cost and the average household use. Not to mention, any potential buyer will be very interested in green upgrades, providing the possibility of seeing your house sell quickly for a higher price because new buyers like the idea of reaping the benefits of your foresight.

Age in place remodeling trends

Age in place remodeling allows a family member to age in the home rather than being forced into an assisted living or nursing facility. This is becoming more and more popular as the general population ages over the next several years; Americans are living longer and healthier lives in old age and prefer to remain in their beloved home, meaning more additions and renovations are required to make that possible. Simple additions such as replacing the shower with a walk-in bathtub and adding a safety rail to major overhauls like adding a ground floor bedroom or even a conjoined apartment contribute to this trend, allowing extended families to share the same space without getting on each other’s nerves. Future buyers are now seeing these types of additions and renovations as smart rather than bothersome.

Kitchen and bath remodeling trends

Kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling will always be smart investments in a home, but they’ll also always be something you’ll enjoy as long as you’re living in the house. Americans spend more time in the kitchen and the bathroom than ever before, thanks to open floor plans, kids doing their homework at the kitchen table and spa-like bathroom designs that make relaxing possible, so these remodeling projects can pay off in two ways. If you’re looking to sell soon, stick to neutral colors and timeless tile designs and accessorize with vibrant towels, appliances and wall art. If you’re remodeling to stay in the home longer you have more flexibility and can choose designs and styles that better suit your personality, regardless of remodeling trends.

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