For homeowners across London, the new year brings with it dreams of upgrading their properties. Here are five trends that will likely dominate discussions of any renovation over the coming 12 months.
Energy efficiency
Following a year of skyrocketing electricity and gas prices, energy efficiency will be the watchword for home renovations in 2023. People will still be looking to update and upgrade their property with loft extensions, basement conversions, and other expansions but making sure that these rooms are energy efficient will be more important than ever.
In general, energy efficiency will mean a focus on insulation, especially in rooms with exterior walls such as cellars or attics. Well-designed new basements should have insulation added to the exterior of the walls during construction, and a loft extension should include roof insulation as part of the project to reduce energy consumption.
If your property had poor floor or roof insulation before an extension, adding a new basement or attic conversion could improve your home’s energy efficiency by adding insulation below and above the property and adding additional living space.
Sustainability
The climate crisis continues to make headlines, and people are increasingly looking to make more sustainable choices when renovating their homes. Part of this is making sure that your property is energy efficient, with a move to LED lights and strong insulation, but there is more you can do.
Water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets can reduce the amount of water you consume, and big triple-glazed windows can let in natural light during the day and help warm up your home during daylight hours in the winter.
Solar panels can also reduce your reliance on the energy grid, especially during the summer months, and home batteries can mean this energy can be used throughout the night when required.
Home office
The pandemic changed the nature of work. For many people, this means working from home for a number of days every week, and as a result, 2023 will see people look to create a home office.
Open-plan floors that were all the rage in the 2010s have become less popular in the last few years as people look to find a quiet space to work away from the kids and bustle of daily life. Everyone has a different dream for their home office, from bright and minimal Scandinavian-inspired designs to traditional-looking libraries with leather and dark wood, but all need to be quiet with a strong internet connection.
Those with a garage may look to convert this into a dedicated home office, and those with a garden may add an outbuilding for the purpose. However, for most Londoners the best option might be to convert a spare bedroom or build an extension to find that extra space.
Spa bathroom
Bathrooms are always a popular choice for upgrades as the steam from baths and showers can make them start to look tired quite quickly. And if you are looking to update your bathroom this year, then one popular trend is to create a spa bathroom designed to help you relax and unwind after a stressful day.
You can create this spa-like experience by focusing on materials and lighting. You will need a large bath, which can make a good focal point for the room, ideally with a separate shower in the corner, but it is really the ambient lighting, aromatherapy, and stone and marble materials that will create an inviting oasis for yourself or guests.
Kitchen upgrade
The modern kitchen has evolved into the nerve centre of the home. This is the room where food is cooked and enjoyed, and guests are entertained, and it is unsurprising that it is a popular upgrade choice for homeowners looking to improve their property.
Sociable and colourful central islands remain a favourite choice for those creating a new kitchen. A central island has always provided some much-needed additional counter space and a focal point of the room. However, it is now increasingly seen as an inclusive space to relax and entertain, so adding some seating with stools or tall chairs is already becoming a trend.
For those with the room, a pantry has become a must-have addition to any kitchen. Whether in a traditional or walk-in “butler-design”, the pantry is a trend that’s dominating social media. They provide hidden storage for all the tins, jars, and boxes that otherwise clutter up kitchen surfaces and can be a great way to bring order to any kitchen.
If you are looking to update your home, contact Good London Builders today on 0207 978 5097 or via our contact form for advice on the best way to proceed.
