With 2019 drawing to a close, it is a great time to reflect on the past 12 months and everything we have been through.
Not only does this give us a chance to learn lessons and look back on achievements, but it also allows us to think ahead and plan our next steps for the future. Such thinking can easily be applied to a host of different areas, including how we want to improve our homes.
A big year
The past year has been another big one for home improvement and DIY and here we are going to take a look at a few key issues which have become big talking points in 2019.
Of course, if you’re keen on some of the issues below but have concerns about how to embrace them on your own, you should not hesitate to seek advice. However, you should always ensure any contractors have the right credentials for any task, including the correct insurance. As this page on contractors insurance by Next outlines, such policies prove to customers that an individual is committed to doing a good job and will take care of them in the event of problems.
But, without further ado, let’s take a look at a few of 2019’s top trends.
1. A working space
Research last year suggested around 70 percent of people globally now work away from the office at some point during the week and this trend has been a big issue in 2019. For example, a recent shopping trends study by IKEA covered by HouseBeautiful.com found that sales of both its desks and office chairs had been up this year.
As a result, it seems like more and more people have been turning a space within their home into an office or working area. With flexible arrangements becoming common in many organizations, the chances are this will only rise further in 2020.
2. Keeping it simple
Another issue hinted at by the IKEA study is an increase in the number of sales related to non-drill items, with the sales of such hooks apparently being up 12 percent. In addition, interest in non-drill furniture items has also been on the rise, with IKEA reporting a 16 percent increase in sales. Such findings are intriguing and hint at a growing interest in simple solutions that can make big changes to a home.
3. Going green
Sustainability and embracing a greener lifestyle has been a huge talking point across the world this year, with many industries including the fashion sector taking big steps to try and improve their environmental impact. Such trends have also influenced home décor and DIY too, with a greater focus on reusing old items in the home. Furthermore, this article from PebbleMag.com puts a spotlight on just a few of the exciting brands which are leading the way on sustainable products.
4. Getting smarter
It’s home improvement, but not as you know it. From Google Home to the Amazon Echo, new technologies have had a big impact in the home and the market for such devices is expected to be worth $33 billion by 2022. Smart home technology is allowing people to make many effective changes in the home, including to lighting options, the control of appliances and energy efficiency.
Exciting times ahead
It is clear that 2019 has been another exciting year for DIY and home improvement, with many intriguing trends emerging which have had an impact on our properties. It will be fascinating to see what 2020 holds in relation to such issues.
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