What is your home like? Is it modern and sleek, cottage and whimsical, or practical and no-nonsense? After all, it’s a reflection of your and your family’s styles, tastes, and habits. And it really should leave you with a sense of well-being.
But sometimes it’s either time for a refresh, or there’s a little extra money to go towards the home projects, or perhaps you’re considering selling. And while you may have seen what friends or family are doing to update their homes, these changes are the ones that many current buyers are looking for.
Have you been considering updating your home? Are you curious about what is trending in real estate in 2024? Or perhaps you’re thinking of moving to an urban area and want to know what’s popular now!
So, I asked a realtor friend this question , “What is relevant right now (as of this writing, 2024) in the home?” I loved her answers and, while none of them directly surprised me, I didn’t really expect all of them, either. I guess I was thinking of granite or some fancy new type of material for your countertops, or maybe color on your front door (something I think we need updating on in our own home from the current early 2000’s trendy colors. Oh man, now you know. It’s still brick red, guys. Not Magnolia Market elegance, yet!)
So, here are some pro tips (I’d never come up with on my own!) that are selling in the competitive Pacific Northwest region- or at least in most developed countries. Right? Tech, convenience, and beauty are popular!
Without further ado, let’s dive in to home real estate trends in 2024!
2024 Home-Selling Décor Trends:
Glass Appliances
Okay, so this was a fun one, you guys. I had to search this because I needed to make sure I was talking about the right thing! Apparently, open-shelved kitchens have now extended to glass-front dishwashers, glass-front refrigerators…I think we love the idea of seeing things neatly stacked.
On a practical note, I think if you like shoving things into your appliances or use them to hide things from visitors (there has to be a movie somewhere where this happens), you might reconsider this-unless you’re moving out- but it’s a cool idea and I am definitely intrigued by the idea of a home full of this. Also intimidated. How about yourself?
Hard Surface Flooring and specifically LVP (luxury vinyl plank flooring)
This is fun, as we have friends who just redid a major portion of their flooring. I actually know what it is! It’s really pretty, you know, and you can get the nicest looking flooring. The vinyl makes it affordable but the luxury tag helps those of us old enough to think of white plastic tiling that peels up at the corners!
Seriously though, it’s super durable, and very kid- and pet-friendly, making it a great option for anyone, whether you have one or both of those, visitors with kids or pets, or plan on selling; carpets are great but you can throw rugs over a hard surface. Speaking of which, would this indicate a rising trend in large room-size rugs? I imagine so…
Edison Lights or Edison-style bulbs and fixtures
These are amazing. I see them everywhere, in so many restaurants and homes. How long will this trend last? I don’t know, but if you like it, grab it while it lasts!
We put a string of them in our backyard several years ago, and I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed them, although I’d been wanting them for several years. There’s something delightful, and either tropical or Continental or Mexican or something (probably all of those and more) about having these lights strung up, and especially in the dull and very overcast winter months (that we have here!). It’s very cheery!
Even if you’re not a huge fan of sitting in the backyard, or especially if you love to throw large house parties, Edison lights are just the shape to go with these days. They last for quite awhile and replacement bulbs are affordable and easily done.
Enjoy a fun new set of light fixtures to update your home!
Pet washing stations or plumbing for hot and cold for that purpose
Okay, so this one surprised me. I would never have guessed it was a hot item for real estate right now, but it totally makes sense. Now more than ever, we have pets (after a lockdown, more pets than ever, perhaps?) we love them, and we love having them clean, right?
Actually, in a less trendy home, I have relatives who are still putting in special accommodations to wash a large pooch. It’s just so difficult to navigate the bathtub areas, or sink, depending on size. Having hot and cold features just makes sense for the comfort of yourself and your animal.
I think it’s a great idea if you are able to install it, and if you are selling or renting, it could give you the edge up in the market!
Smart Appliances
I probably could have guessed this one on the list. I’m always fascinated by the smart appliances at the stores, although honestly I’m not a huge tech nerd- not in this area, at any rate. The country girl in me is always thinking, “But what if it breaks down?” -eventually, of course. But still, I hesitate for that reason alone. OH yes, the price tag, too.
Probably someday it’ll be an expected feature (like automatic rolling windows on a vehicle!), but for now, grab these in your home if you want to be up-to-date or again, get that edge on selling your home!
“DADUS” or Detatched Accessory Dwelling Units (or at least zoned for it)
This makes total sense as our beloved Baby Boomer population ages. Now more than ever, we have a growing population of families who want to live together, but often not too together. Maybe you’ll disagree, but my guess is that the current elderly population is slowly trending from the post-WWII generation to a somewhat more independent-thinking next-generation.
With that you’ve got Millennials and even Gen-X Gen-Y’ers who also like their freedom of where to put their pots and pans and where to leave the remote. But we also love to be together.
Enter the multi-generational property. If it’s already there, it can be a huge help for anyone in your life who needs a space to live, or if zoned, it can be built to your or the home’s occupant’s preferences.
Especially here in the pacific northwest, where home prices are some of the highest in the nation (yes, many of you have very high prices too!), it can simply be too expensive to live alone. If you’re not fond of alternatives, such as apartments, this can be the perfect solution.
You may even find way to expand on your current dwelling with an additional room or a second-story addition. Obviously, the pricing for these things vary, but a quick check* reveals that these run from about $12,000-$80,000. An entire accessory dwelling unit will cost anywhere from $60,000 to $360,000.
We don’t have property for this where we currently live, but I can totally see wanting that extra property the next time we’re in the market to buy. Plus, if everyone who might live with you-but not with you- has chosen elsewhere, you can always turn this into a great passive income for a renter who needs a smaller place to stay, wants independence or their own little yard area, but not the hassle of full home ownership.
*simple internet Bing search!
Quartz Countertops
Ah-hah! Here are the countertops (my best guess for what would make this list), but not granite, rather quartz. Turns out quartz is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and low maintenance (according to prudentreviews.com**). The only real downsides, they say, are the high price, weakness to heat damage, appearance if you don’t like it, and the fact that it can only be used indoors.
On the other hand, granite, according to thespruce.com**, granite is more porous, and therefore, needs regular sealant, is more susceptible to bacteria, and more likely to stain. However, they are unique in look, cost a little less than quartz (though still high end), and are more resistant to heat damage.
Either way, quartz is the trendy option if you’re looking to impress or sell well.
**also found by an internet search; by no means am I guaranteeing or endorsing these websites, but did want to give the source info their due credit!
If city or suburbs: Electric Car Charging Station/Area
With the popularity of electric cars on the rise, this one makes sense, although I didn’t happen to consider home-charging, as I see so many stations when I drive about so many parking lots nowadays. That being said, like the pet stations, if you’re looking to update your home-especially for selling, if you don’t happen to own or plan to purchase an electric car- this could again be that edge that makes your home shine among others.
I suppose you might also gain the goodwill of your electric-car driving friends or visiting family! Either way, this makes the list of trendy home features that real estate buyers are looking for (especially in the urban areas!).
Good Organizers and Storage
This is, in my humble opinion, one of the classics of home ownership or selling. Even if you don’t plan to sell or rent the home you’re thinking about making these changes to, well-thought out, well-placed storage is always beneficial to anyone in the home, be it yourself or others.
In fact, if I were buying a home, horrible storage might be a deal breaker for me. There’s nothing like thoughtful storage, be it cabinets, pantries, closets, laundry rooms, garage, or on-property sheds.
I advise you to think about the items you have and where you use them. Put frequent use items in front or down low (easy to reach), and store in back or up high the low-frequency items. If you haven’t used them in a year, seriously consider tossing the stuff, or donating it. Someone else can use it more than you can! Meanwhile, it creates such hygge to have things orderly around you, with space to spare.
You can’t go wrong with this home upgrade, as you create beauty in your home!
So, there you have it. Nine trendy items for you to contemplate as you update your home. In fact, I have a bonus tenth for you:
Lite Prairie/Perimeter Grid Windows
As we recently had some windows replaced, I have firsthand experience with this one. It’s quite the debate, as (most people) don’t often switch out the windows of their homes! What you pick, you usually want to keep for a long time.
Enter the perimeter grid window. As you can see, it’s got a sort of outline on the edges of the windows. Honestly I’m not a huge window fan, I don’t notice them when I go to or drive by homes…but, in case you were wondering, you’re welcome, I did the research and angst of debate for you. That’s what’s in at the moment!
What is to be learned from these trends? I see an overall message: People are living lives of increasing convenience, comfort, and eco-friendly. They want budget flooring but high quality counters. Their lives have enough items for good storage and they want convenience in caring for their pets. They probably have a parent or two that needs to live nearby, but wants more than a bedroom in the main home. And, they enjoy simple, clean, crisp lines that still have a touch of personality to it.
Apply these principles and ideas, and get in touch with your own local realtors, painters, and home contractors as you update, refresh, or prepare for new hands your beloved home!
If you want to know more about the north Seattle real estate scene or have questions, I interviewed local real estate agent Kris Johnson with John L. Scott real estate. Check out her website at:
homes4salebykris.com
Thanks, Kris, so much for your contribution!
