5 Home Improvement Projects to Consider in 2016

by Kaitlin Krull

There are so many benefits to owning your own home, the least of which being the freedom to complete home improvement projects however you like, whenever you like. Of course, with such freedom comes great responsibility, and even greater choices. If you’re struggling to choose from your list of remodeling projects, let us help you decide. Here are five of the top home improvement projects that will help you and your home stay up to date (and on trend) in 2016.

Open Up Your Home

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If you’re itching for a significant remodeling project, consider opening up your living space. Channel Chip and Joanna and give your home a Fixer Upper style remodel by breaking down non load bearing walls and creating a large, open plan area in your home. We particularly love the idea of an open plan kitchen and dining room area that will bring the heart of the home, not to mention your family, together.

Remodel The Kitchen

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For tired, outdated kitchens, choose an on-trend remodel like one of Forbes’ list of 9 Kitchen Trends to Watch Out For in 2016. From muted tones to high-tech kitchens (think hidden charging stations in your work surfaces, integrated lighting systems, and smart appliances), this list has it all. At Modernize, we love clean, traditional kitchens with perfectly placed details (think stylish Scandinavian simplicity). If you want to kill two home improvement birds with one stone, bring your kitchen and living areas together by knocking down adjoining walls and updating your kitchen with a large, functional island with seating.

Restore Fireplaces

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While it might seem like the wrong time of year for a fireplace project, it’s actually perfect if you want to do a large scale remodel or installation of a new fireplace, which will substantially increase the value of your home and offer a sustainable heating source for living spaces. For a less costly but equally fun DIY project, upgrade and restyle your mantel area with reclaimed wooden beams or stone, adding a bold modern art print or a few heirloom home decor pieces to complete your look.

Make Your Home Smarter

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Bring your home fully into the 21st century by installing smart thermostats and/or other home automation products such as integrated HVAC, lighting, and security systems throughout the home that allow you to access and change preferences even when you are away from home via smartphone and tablet applications. These kinds of high tech products may cost you initially, but are more than worth it in the long run in terms of energy savings, decreasing bills, and convenience with regards to home connectivity. The best part about these kinds of systems is that they are usually very straightforward to install and are fully functional within minutes.

Repaint A Room (Or Two)

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Never underestimate the power of a coat of paint. If you want to change the look and style of your home without knocking down walls and completely renovating rooms, a simple paint job with quality materials will instantly do the trick. Stay up to date with the latest color trends, which include jewel tones, neutrals (make sure to offset the lack of color with bold, bright home decor accents), black, and even white (Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2016 is Simply White). For something completely different, consider the Pantone Colors of the Year for 2016, which are an intriguing and subtle combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity, or pink and blue to the less artistic homeowners among us.