2016 has seen some interesting shifts in the world of home remodeling.  If you are looking to remodel your home, it would be a good idea to make yourself aware of some of the hottest trends that are out there today.  After-all, this is your chance to move to the leading edge in your home’s decor and functionality.  

The most significant factor that is being seen in the industry right now is the influence of millennials. These young professionals are gobbling up out-of-date homes and flats across the country and setting the pace with their remodels.  This is not your father’s remodel.  This stuff is rockin.  

Front-and-center is their philosophical commitment to the environment.  This conviction shows up not here or there; it shows up everywhere.  Remodeling crews today need to be fully aware of these concerns and stay ahead of the game.  When I say it is everywhere, I mean everywhere.  Inside, outside.  The floor. The wall. The toilet. The sink.  The insulation.  The 2 by 4s.  Everywhere.

Let’s look now at some of the top trends currently making waves.

1. Eco-friendly everything.  This one kind of goes without saying.  But, customers want environmentally friendly materials in the remodels.  From the woods to the insulation, to carpet, flooring and everything in between.  It needs to be something that helps the earth.
2. Spa-like bathrooms.  This one has been building for about a decade.  More and more people want to feel pampered and able to relax without needing to visit a spa.  This amounts to tubs built for two and walk-in showers, with the all the bells and whistles.  It means limestone, white accents and chrome fixtures.  Another popular theme is the Zen Garden, complete with a gentle curving bathtub fixed on a bed of stones.  
3. Accessibility.  While the millennials are taking over much of the market, the Boomers aren’t finished yet.  For them making their home easier to maneuver is a must.  This means the elimination of tripping hazards, etc.. It means the absence of stairs. It means an open floor plan that is easy to roll around on, if needed.
4. Technology. Millennials want to be in total control of every aspect of their home – at anytime from anywhere.  From lighting to sound, heat to AC,  water conservation, security and even appliances.  And millennials want to access it all from their mobile devices.
5. Woods.  Part of the eco-friendly mindset is the use of natural woods and fibers.  The difference this year is the combination of the different woods.  No more do you need to match woods. Now, it is cool to mix.  Walls and floors are being covered in woods with different types, styles, stains and grains.  
6. Metals.  Metals, too, are red-hot right now.  Stainless appliances continue to dominate, while the new black stainless steel look is just becoming available.  Metals are being used for countertops, backsplashes and sinks.  And, like with the woods, it’s cool to mix the metals, using different shades, types and textures.
7. Kitchen hot spots.  Some of the hottest trends in the kitchen are quartz countertops, thin countertops, farmhouse sinks and custom cabinetry with frosted windows, clean lines and subtle designs.
8. Kitchen flooring. Grey hardwood. When it comes to hardwood flooring, grey is the leader.  Greys are desired for their ability to flow naturally with the stone and concrete counters and are a perfect complement for stainless appliances.
9. Clever Storage.  TV shows like Tiny Houses and others have ignited a passion for people to save space.  Clever storage is showing up all over the house, in every corner of every room.
10. Attic remodeling.  Another big trend right now is attic remodeling.  Rather than moving to a bigger place, people are seeking to make the most of what they currently have.