(BPT) – When you’re in the process of buying or building a home, you’re constantly researching trends and technology that will set your home apart. Fast forward a few years and you probably don’t have your finger on the pulse of home advancements like before.
It’s good you’ve settled in to your home, but a lot can change in just a handful of years. If you’re finally thinking about finishing the basement, updating the kitchen or investing in landscaping, there’s probably a lot of new processes and products available since you’ve last been in the market.
Get up to speed by learning about the top home improvement trends that are getting lots of attention in 2016:
Air quality
Homeowners are taking action to improve indoor air quality by choosing smart products like AirRenew drywall boards that clean the air. Ideal when remodeling or finishing basements and bathrooms, these boards feature the industry’s first formaldehyde-absorbing technology. That means they actively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, converting them into a safe compound that improves indoor air quality. VOCs are prevalent in bathroom spaces due to personal hygiene products like hair spray and the use of cleaning chemicals. Plus, the M2Tech technology in AirRenew is moisture and mold resistant, which is excellent for bathroom and basement spaces where these conditions often thrive.
Acid stained concrete
Homeowners are looking beyond concrete’s core strength and durability to discover its beauty when treated with acid staining techniques. Specialty stains are used to add stunning depth and color that closely mimics stone, including marble. Perfect for basements and patio spaces, concrete experts pour the slab and then after it has cured, return to apply the stain treatment. The result is completely customizable and often closely resembles upscale applications at a fraction of the cost.
Durable drywall
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, homeowners need the option of mounting and remounting the newest televisions, speaker systems and other home electronics. By thoughtfully selecting drywall, you can say goodbye to anchors and stud finders for good. Habito drywall allows builders and homeowners to create spaces that provide easy mounting of fixtures up to 30 pounds. Visit HanginWithHabito.com to learn how you can hang a TV or piece of art without anchors and feel confident it’s secured to the wall.
MDF cabinets
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a high-grade, composite material that is used to create cabinetry for kitchens, bars and bathrooms. Made from wood fibers and resin, MDF is dried and pressed to create an incredibly durable material. Homeowners are choosing MDF cabinets because they do not expand and contract like solid wood, which means it better withstands seasonal changes in temperature and humidity.
Acoustics
Today’s approach to home design goes beyond appearances to look at how the spaces affect every one of the senses. Homeowners in particular are paying close attention to the acoustics of a home. Knowing how sounds can be manipulated and controlled within a house is important for functionality and livability. A professional can assist in the details of acoustics design, but basic features that best control sound are insulation, ceiling material and flooring design.
Smart spaces
High tech knows no bounds because more homes are incorporating smart spaces into each room. These are special areas where you can store and charge devices so that they are always operable. For example, a drawer in the kitchen will have built-in USB chargers. The cabinet in your master bath will hold and charge your tablet. The living room built-in will feature a smartphone dock. Personal technology continues to grow and today’s home is growing with it.
To learn more about today’s most innovative drywall options, visit CertainTeed.com/CleanTheAir and HanginWithHabito.com.
