Remodeling Trends for 2011

Wondering where to put your Remodeling dollars this year?  Recently,  the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of their top builders and developers for CBS Money Watch and found that most people are hesitant to start major renovation projects due to the economy,  but are deciding to take care of the smaller, necessary  jobs around their homes.  Here is a list of their top 12 trends for 2011:

1.  Remodel Your Bathroom. 2011 is the year of the bathroom remodel.  Bathrooms are smaller, simpler and less expensive than Kitchen remodels, and most homes have more than one bathroom so there are more of them.
2. Must-Do Remodeling Projects. Home Owners are favoring  “must do” projects around the house over “want to do” projects.  Repairs to siding, and leaking roofs will take precedence this year.
3.  Warming Up The house. Warmer tiles and colors are coming back.  People are trending away from minimalist, white designs in favor of cozier, earth tones. This trend, however, is not rustic. Instead, it’s a mash-up of earthiness and modern design.
4.  Getting Decked Out.  More homeowners  are building outdoor spaces for themselves. “It appears that people want to sit outside again and are staying at home more frequently.
5.  Hiring a Great Contractor.  “Consumer diligence” is on the rise. “Folks are finally getting the message that it is important to look closer at the Contractors they are considering for their project. They are asking the questions we have been telling them to ask for years.”
6.  Paying in Cash.  Rather than taking out loans for renovation projects, homeowners are using cash for projects.  Homeowners are giving themselves a budget and picking and choosing what projects they can do with the money. One way to save money is by updating features, like cabinets, but not remodel an entire room.
7.  Opening Up Rooms. Open floor plans are in, so homeowners are removing interior walls and opening up the spaces in older houses to modernize them. Open floor plans help families be more flexible with the square footage they already have.
8.  Back to Bronze.  People are favoring warmer tones in metallic features along with the warmer earth tones in their homes.  Look for oil rubbed bronze, aged bronze, or distressed hardware to be big in the coming year.
9.  We all want to be Green. People will be into recycled and responsible products for their homes.   Bamboo flooring, grass thatched roofs, and bark siding are examples of some of the new products of interest.   In addition, people are continuing to get energy efficient upgrades to their homes like windows, doors and insulation.
10.  Industrial Look.  Elements like exposed beams and stainless steel cable and architectural products  will be popular this year.   It will be in keeping with trend number three as a mash-up with other, warming materials.
11.  Relaxation Space. When  designing new spaces, tranquility will be an important consideration.  People are asking for “zen-like” bathrooms.   They don’t have to  be big, but they have to be relaxing and soothing.  Steam, seats and body sprays are among the things people are wanting to add to their bathrooms.
12.  Planning Ahead For Retirement.  People are thinking of their retirement years and are including features in their remodeling projects geared to making their later years safer and more comfortable.  Items  like easy-opening cabinetry, hand-held showers, and more accessible kitchens and baths will become increasingly important to the many Boomers poised to retire.