Remodeling trends have changed recently in light of the troubled economy and the strong focus on greener living. The new catchphrase in remodeling is “smart, sustainable luxury.” When people update or upgrade their homes, they’re opting for smarter rather than bigger. Building with eco-friendly materials, choosing more efficient appliances, but not skimping on luxury. Homeowners are turning their home from a place to stay into a place to live.

Outside the home, an outdoor living space has become a necessary extension of indoor living space. Renovating the yard from lawn to paved party area expands entertainment space. Fire pits make outdoor entertaining in the colder months possible, and outdoor kitchens and bars bring the functionality of the house out into the yard. The addition of pools, hot tubs, and saunas multiplies the activity options available and creates a sanctuary of life and rejuvenation.

Outdoor entrances are receiving more attention these days. Gone are the old concrete sidewalk paths. New stone pavers lead visitors to entrances that have been updated with stonework, columns, and covered porticoes. Upgrades to front exterior spaces can add curb appeal and value and set the home apart from the competition.

Indoors, kitchens are still the heart of the home and rank high on most renovation lists. New kitchens are designed with entertaining in mind. The kitchen space is traditionally the greatest energy consumer and waste producer in the home. New high-efficiency appliances dramatically reduce energy usage in the kitchen. Built-in composters turn food scraps into useful fertilizer for gardens or houseplants.

In keeping with the trends toward greener living, many updated finish choices are also available. These can range from expensive stone and granite to synthetic materials that offer the look and durability of stone at a fraction of the price. Wood finishes have also changed.

Many older building materials, such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF) or pressboard, can give off harmful chemicals. Recycled or sustainable woods with eco-friendly finishes and nontoxic paints have become popular choices.

Master bedrooms and baths have changed from utilitarian spaces to private getaways. No longer a place to just wash up, the master bath can be upgraded with luxuries like doorless showers with multiple shower heads, spa tubs, heated flooring, and other spa-like comforts. Tankless water heaters offer a continuous supply of hot water for quiet baths or long, hot showers, as well as dramatic energy cost savings.

The Internet, wireless communications, and other advancing computer technologies have freed many people from having to go into the office every day. Dedicated home office suites provide both the necessary separation from home life that is required for productivity and a stress-free commute.

Living/family rooms have evolved into flexible entertainment areas that do more than provide a place to sit and watch TV. As the interactivity levels of video-game systems increases, more space is needed to jump, run, ski, and exercise.

Let your home-improvement specialist help you update your space.