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Home renovations are now about daily joy — not just resale value
Homeowners are renovating with a new priority: making their everyday lives more comfortable and enjoyable. Recent industry research shows a clear pivot away from remodelling solely to boost market price. Instead, people across age groups — especially younger adults and remote workers — are investing in upgrades that improve how they live right now.
Why the change? Simply put, homeowners want spaces that feel good. Rather than committing to expensive, long-term overhauls aimed at future buyers, many prefer targeted updates—a kitchen refresh that streamlines cooking, a bathroom that feels like a mini-spa, or a nook that makes working from home more pleasant. Sensory payoff—how a room looks, sounds and feels—has moved up the priority list.
What homeowners are choosing
- – Kitchens built for lingering and social cooking, with layouts that support real use rather than just photo-ready styling. – Bathrooms focused on comfort: better lighting, tactile surfaces and water features that encourage relaxation. – Flexible living rooms or home offices that switch easily between family time, entertaining and remote work. – Outdoor living areas, hobby spaces and wellness rooms (gyms, hot tubs, craft studios) that turn the home into a daily retreat. – Sustainable materials and locally sourced finishes, reflecting concerns about supply chains and long-term impact.
By the numbers
A leading home-services survey found about 76% of homeowners now make decorating and renovation choices for themselves rather than for potential buyers. Roughly 32% plan to stay in their homes long-term, and about 25% say they want to simply enjoy their living space. Nearly 31% of respondents expect to spend more than $10,000 on improvements this year. Interest in certain wellness features has surged—for example, inquiries about hot tubs jumped about 135%.
Who’s driving the trend
Young professionals, growing families and remote workers—people who spend a lot of time at home—are the groups most likely to prioritize immediate comfort. They often plan to stay put longer and ask designers for projects that reward daily life, even if those choices don’t always maximize resale returns.
Designers and the trade-offs
Design professionals say this shift reflects a deeper change in how people think about home ownership. Emotional returns—comfort, routine and wellbeing—now compete with traditional financial ROI. That doesn’t mean resale is ignored; instead, many homeowners and advisors strike a middle ground: make a few signature, joy-filled changes while keeping other updates broadly appealing.
Practically, that looks like selecting durable, low-maintenance materials that still feel special; choosing finishes and lighting that create atmosphere without demanding constant upkeep; and favoring modular or package solutions that control cost and timeline. Manufacturers and contractors are responding with bundled leisure packages, modular installations and financing targeted to nontraditional upgrades.
Real-world creativity
Design briefs are becoming bolder. Clients are asking for richer colors, patterned surfaces and playful details that reflect personality rather than neutral palettes meant to appease unknown buyers. Examples include whimsical pool cabanas with hand-painted tiles, under-stair wine nooks, and children’s bathrooms built for delight as well as durability.
A practical eye for sensory detail often drives the best results. One designer—also a former chef—compares material choices to seasoning: a small shift in texture or contrast can change how a space is remembered and used. The most successful projects balance expressive elements with materials and joinery that stand up to daily life.
Market implications
Expect to see more hybrid products: modular kitchens and bathrooms, preconfigured wellness packages, and finish palettes that aim to satisfy both daily pleasure and future buyers. Supply-chain constraints and skilled-labor availability will determine how quickly owners can realize these designs, but the direction is already clear: livability matters.
Advice for homeowners
- – Think in layers: combine crowd-pleasing, market-friendly updates (kitchens, baths) with one or two signature moves that make you happy. – Prioritize durable finishes and efficient layouts so your joy-filled choices also hold value. – Consider modular or pre-bundled options to control cost and speed up installation. – Be honest about how long you’ll stay: if you’re settled, let your preferences lead. If you expect to sell soon, tilt toward changes that appeal to a wider audience.
A new definition of value
Renovations today increasingly reflect lived experience rather than speculative gain. Homes are being designed as daily refuges—multisensory places where comfort, routine and personal expression count for as much as curb appeal. As homeowners demand more immediate satisfaction, the industry is adapting: products, procurement and design briefs are evolving to meet a market that values living well now.