For many 20 and 30-somethings, the dream of owning their own home is becoming a reality, and with it comes the understandable urge to put a personal stamp on their new space. Let’s dive into the exciting world of home improvements that these young homeowners are tackling. Armed with budgets ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 for entry-level remodeling projects and up to $100K+ for larger, more luxurious renovations, these owners have one goal in mind: create the perfect space.
Modernization And Investments
Many young homeowners watched rents climb along with home values and decided to jump into the homeownership game. Many of the best deals were for older houses needing a little love. If you’ve ever walked through a house built in the 1950s, you’ve probably noticed that styles have changed as our lifestyles have.
Out: dark wooden cabinets, tiny kitchens, segmented spaces like dedicated dining rooms and decks, and small windows.
In: maximizing natural light, granite and quartz-topped islands, kitchens for entertaining, modern appliances, tearing down walls, and integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces. These sorts of modernizations make the home more comfortable, but young homeowners understand that these improvements are also investments that can increase the value of their home.
The Most Popular Home Improvements Among 20-30 Somethings
So what are the most popular home improvement investments among young homeowners?
Adding Natural Light
One of the hottest trends among young homeowners is the quest for more natural light. When was the last time you heard someone complain that a home had too much natural light? Based on building trends and more limited access to affordable window selections, older houses tend to have less natural light. Young homeowners are tackling the problem with gusto. Projects adding natural light directly and positively impact daily life and can add significant value to a home by making it more desirable.
Popular natural light improvements include:
- Installing larger windows or skylights
- Replacing heavy curtains with sheer, light-filtering options
- Adding mirrors strategically to reflect light
These changes not only brighten up spaces but also create an illusion of more room – perfect for those cozy starter homes!
The Heart of the Home: Kitchen Renovations
For many young homeowners, the kitchen is where the magic happens. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating a space for entertaining friends and showcasing their budding culinary skills. Even just replacing outdated laminate countertops with sleek quartz can make a huge difference without breaking the bank.
Trendy kitchen upgrades:
- Open shelving for a modern, airy feel
- New granite or quartz countertops
- Statement lighting fixtures to add personality
- Installing a range hood with vent for air quality/more serious home cooking
Tech-Savvy Homes: The Smart Revolution
Today’s young homeowners are digital natives, and they’re bringing that tech-savvy approach to their living spaces. From voice-controlled lighting to app-managed thermostats, smart home technology is high on the priority list and can do a great deal to make a home look and feel more modern. These touches also don’t stretch the wallet like a full home remodel would.
Popular smart home additions:
- Smart thermostats for energy efficiency
- Voice-activated assistants integrated throughout the home
- Automated security systems for peace of mind
Bathroom Bliss: Spa-Like Retreats
Who says you must go to a fancy hotel for a luxurious bathroom experience? Young homeowners are creating their own spa-like retreats right at home, and they’re thinking bigger than fragrant candles and soap. They’re getting more “zen” for the bucks and also helping increase the value of their homes with relatively small projects that have a big impact. Bringing in natural stone tile, modern light fixtures, smart mirrors, luxurious showerheads, and more.
Bathroom upgrades on trend:
- Rainfall showerheads for a luxurious experience
- Floating vanities to create a sense of space
- Heated floors for those chilly mornings
Outdoor Living: Extending the Home Beyond Four Walls
This is one of our favorites, the integration of indoor and outdoor livable spaces for year-round enjoyment. (Who doesn’t want to watch the Dawgs play in a comfortable area with fresh air on a fall Athens day?!)
Indeed, the desire to maximize living space has led many young homeowners to look beyond their interior walls. Creating functional and stylish outdoor areas is a big trend, allowing for more space to entertain and relax. Owners get to add office, lounge, and/or entertaining space without doing a full addition. One popular trend is removing exterior walls between family rooms and decks and replacing them with garage door-style or accordion-style folding window systems.
Popular outdoor improvements:
- Deck or patio installations that integrate with the home interior
- Outdoor kitchens or bar areas
- Cozy fire pits with stone hardscaping for year-round outdoor enjoyment
Helping Young Homeowners For Over 20 Years
We’ve been blessed to have helped many young homeowners modernize their homes to suit their lifestyle, design aesthetic, and current and future goals. Wherever you are in life, and whatever your plans, whether to build a family, generate income through renting, or just live life to the fullest, we’re here to help! We have the extensive experience and expertise needed to help you craft your ideas and inspirations into a workable plan that turns your dream home vision into reality!
Contact us today to learn more about our process and to schedule a no-pressure consultation.