2010 rings in various household trends that reflect the current economic situation and the desire to live within our means. Preserving the environment is also popular as people continue to purchase eco-friendly products and materials.
Here are just a few trends you'll see this year:
Eco-Decorating
The credit crunch has inspired many of us to decorate a little more creatively. Homeowners are adding charm and character by purchasing used, vintage pieces of furniture and reupholstering old chairs. Using recycled glass and wood are also earth friendly ways of decorating.
Home Cooking
In order to save money, people are swapping restaurants for home cooked meals. Commercial grade appliances are therefore becoming very popular. Built-in recycling areas and composters make “going green” easier, while bamboo flooring and recycled glass countertops gain popularity.
Air Quality
Toxins in our homes are often more dangerous than those outside. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals emitted from building materials such as cabinetry, carpet and paint. Homeowners are now investing in air purification systems that combat airborne chemicals. There are also a wider variety of low VOC products on the market to choose from.
Green Thumb
Concerns over pesticides coupled with the desire to save money are encouraging homeowners to transform their lawns into vegetable gardens. More and more people are organically transforming their gardens with local plant varieties that use less water as well as using rain barrels to curb water usage.
Pampered Pets
People consider their pets part of the family so it’s no surprise they’re opting to remodel their homes around Fido and Fluffy. Showers or tubs with hand held sprayers are increasingly popular along with specific ‘pet rooms’ to store food and litter. Hardwood floors for easy clean up, fully fenced yards, heated floors and storage benches are also popular design features.
These trends result from our desire to be eco-friendly; both ECO-logically and ECO-nomically. More and more homeowners are going back to basics -- staying in is the new going out so people are putting more focus on transforming their home and garden into comfortable sanctuaries.
Written by Russ Hunter, RealEstateWord.com