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If you’re getting ready to embark on a home-improvement project, you’re not alone. The 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Renovation Trends report revealed that home renovation activity and spend in the U.S. have reached their highest rates reported since 2018—and this year, more than half of homeowners (55%) plan to renovate, while nearly half (46%) plan to decorate.

In order to reap the full benefit of a renovation project—both for your lifestyle and your home’s value—keep the following tips in mind from MAD Design:

1. Know what you want to achieve. Think about the ultimate goal of your project before you dive in. For example, if you want to create an outdoor oasis, outline what it will take to achieve the end result, such as building a fire pit, adding an outdoor kitchen or creating an area to outfit with comfortable outdoor furniture. Think about what you’ll need to do structurally as well as in terms of accessories and lighting.
2. Set a realistic budget for what you want to achieve. Home improvement projects can quickly escalate in terms of cost, often breaking the bank for homeowners. Before you finalize the details of your project, set a strict budget and determine in advance how far over that budget you’re willing to go. Then make your choices in terms of materials and project scope based on the parameters of your budget.
3. Choose products that don’t require high material or labor costs. When possible, save on costs such as plumbing, electricity and structural work by opting for stand-alone products—i.e., a gas fireplace instead of the built-in, wood-burning version. This can give you some flexibility in terms of design as well.
4. Work with experts. Do your due diligence to select contractors and suppliers who are at the top in their field. Check out online reviews, get referrals from friends and make sure they’re fully licensed and/or recommended by the Better Business Bureau. The right professionals will help guide your decisions while keeping your budget in mind.
5. Know what you can DIY. You can save money by incorporating some DIY strategies into your overall project. Be prudent in making these decisions, ensuring that you’re not taking on something you’re not equipped to handle. Doing so will cost you more money in the long run.

You can also consider financing programs for your remodel. Look for options with no or low APR, which can allow you to complete the remodel of your dreams.

The way Americans use their homes has changed since the advent of the pandemic. Once many activities were significantly curtailed or eliminated, from going to the office or school, travel, gatherings, dining out, to theaters and other entertainment, homeowners spent more time at home. Here are some home design trends for 2022 that may stick around after the pandemic is over.

Smart furniture – According to Puffy.com, the smart furniture industry is on track to reach $244 million by 2024. Televisions can double as artwork when turned off, couches, beds and chairs offer charging ports, but most exciting are coffee tables that come with refrigerator drawers, so you never have to leave the game to grab a cold one.

Muted but colorful décor – Color palettes for 2022, such as those suggested by Benjamin Moore, are calling for colors on the paler side, far from the deep jewel, spice and ocean shades of recent years. Three colors with less chroma and more tint are emerging as popular - blues because they’re calming, greens for versatility and bringing the outdoors inside, and yellows for cheerfulness and optimism, according to Homesandgardens.com.

Vintage accents – In the chaotic environment of climate change, rising inflation, supply chain interruptions, and sky-high lumber prices, it’s natural to be nostalgic for simpler times. That sentiment is spurring designers and homeowners to seek out vintage furnishings and accessories. Housebeautiful.com explains that vintage pieces add individuality and personality to interior design with craftsmanship and materials that can’t be affordably duplicated today.  

All-white kitchens complement any decor, but they’re hard to keep pristine and can come across as dated. An older white kitchen shows signs of discoloration and wear. What can you do to make your white kitchen more 2021 than 2010?

Make it artsy

Art galleries have white walls because they’re a blank canvas where artwork can be attractively displayed. Add a colorful abstract painting in a key location. Have fun with artistic-themed dishtowels, placemats, and dishes. Try a washable rug or runner with a colorful modern pattern.

Fold in some color

Cookware, serving pieces, utensils and small appliances in analogous colors (those next to each other on the color wheel such as yellow, green and blue) can give you a pleasing new color palette. 

Add texture

Add interest with textures in complementary tones of white, grey or mushroom to walls, backsplashes, curtains or blinds. Natural wood accents like bowls can also warm up a white kitchen. If you have a place for barstools at the island, woven fabric, cane or hemp seats work well to add texture.   

Repaint

White reflects light, making your kitchen brighter, but one reason why people tire of white kitchens is that there’s no focal point. For a soft contrast, introduce watery colors like sea glass. For more drama and sophistication, go for high contrast with deep blue, black or grey. Paint the island a different color from the rest of the kitchen, or paint lower cabinets a different color from the top cabinets.