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  /  Home Improvement Trends: Investing in the Future of Living

Home Improvement Trends: Investing in the Future of Living

Across the globe, home improvements continue to rise as people invest in creating spaces that reflect their lifestyles, values, and aspirations. Whether it's enhancing outdoor entertaining zones, upgrading kitchens, or adding a dedicated home office, today’s renovations prioritise comfort, versatility, and long-term value.

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XL1200 Ethanol Burner

A Global Shift Toward Home Investment

The drive to improve our homes isn’t a short-term trend - it’s a reflection of deeper lifestyle changes. Homeowners are reimagining their spaces as sanctuaries for work, leisure, and connection. This shift is supported by sustained demand in key markets, strong renovation activity, and a growing preference for thoughtful, functional design.

Australia & New Zealand
Renovation activity remains strong across Australia and New Zealand, fuelled by the desire for more usable space and outdoor living improvements. In 2022-23, homeowner alterations and additions in Australia exceeded $12 billion, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics [1]. High-value upgrades - such as premium outdoor furniture and eco-friendly fireplaces continue to trend, particularly in urban areas where indoor–outdoor flow is a lifestyle priority.

United States & Canada
In North America, renovation spending continues to be robust. According to the NAHB Remodeling Market Index, homeowners are prioritising kitchen remodelsoutdoor living areas, and energy-efficient upgrades-with a strong shift toward products that balance style and sustainability [2]. Multi-functional home designs are increasingly popular, especially in regions experiencing housing shortages or rising real estate prices.

United Kingdom & Europe
The UK and wider European markets are seeing steady investment in home upgrades, particularly those that improve energy performance and comfort. Statista reports a continued upward trend in home improvement expenditure in the UK [3], while European homeowners increasingly favour projects that combine design elegance with eco-conscious innovation.

Key Home Improvement Trends
in 2024 and Beyond

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1. Elevated Outdoor Living

Creating inviting outdoor spaces is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Homeowners are transforming balconies, patios, and backyards into open-air extensions of their interiors. Top priorities include:

  • Weather-resistant furniture made with high-end, sustainable materials

  • Outdoor heating solutions (e.g., radiant heaters) for year-round use

  • Fire features that double as design statements and focal points

Brands like EcoSmart Fire, Blinde Design and Heatscope Heaters lead the way, offering solutions that fuse performance with modern aesthetic sensibilities.

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2. Kitchen as a Lifestyle Hub

The kitchen remains the heart of the home-and increasingly, the centrepiece of renovation projects. According to OpenAgent, Australians are focusing on smart layoutssustainable appliances, and luxury finishes [4]. This is echoed in US and UK markets, where homeowners want high-functioning, visually cohesive kitchens that cater to family, wellness, and entertaining.

3. Home Offices That Work Harder

Remote work isn’t going anywhere. Homeowners are investing in bespoke office spaces that support productivity while blending with the home’s overall design. This includes acoustic enhancements, ergonomic furniture, and natural lighting-plus the use of modular design to enable future flexibility [5].

4. Eco-Conscious, Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Sustainability is a guiding principle for modern renovators. Whether it's installing solar panels, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, or switching to bioethanol fireplaces, homeowners are seeking solutions that reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing style. Smart home tech is also gaining traction, especially in Europe and North America.

e-NRG bioethanol fuel, for example, offers a clean-burning, renewable alternative to traditional heating-with no need for a flue or gas connection.

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Gin 90 Low Fire Table

Outdoor Living: A Worthwhile Investment

Design professionals and homeowners alike agree: outdoor living is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. As outdoor areas become multifunctional zones for cooking, lounging, and gathering, premium products are in demand.

Current outdoor living trends include:

  • Luxury fire features that offer both function and visual impact

  • Low-maintenance, weather-resistant materials for long-term use

  • Radiant heating systems that extend seasonal enjoyment

  • Furniture with sculptural appeal, such as curved forms and natural textures

⁠These choices aren’t just aesthetic; they improve the overall value of a home while delivering daily comfort.

Planning Your Ideal Outdoor Space

When designing or renovating your outdoor area, consider the following elements:

  • Functionality: How will you use the space-relaxation, entertaining, dining, or all of the above?

  • Climate Adaptability: Heating, shading, and furniture materials should reflect your regional climate.

  • Style: Align outdoor elements with your interior design for a seamless flow.

  • Comfort: Invest in plush seating, ambient lighting, and features like fire pits or outdoor kitchens.

  • Sustainability: Choose low-impact materials and energy-efficient solutions.

Premium outdoor living brands-like EcoSmart FireHeatscope, and Blinde Design-are ideal for discerning homeowners seeking to elevate their space with eco-friendly, designer-grade solutions.

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Pure 3000W Radiant Heater

Final Thoughts

Today’s home improvement trends reflect a deeper shift: a renewed focus on living well. Whether you're enhancing your outdoor space, upgrading your kitchen, or building a future-proof home office, the emphasis is on intelligent design, sustainability, and long-term enjoyment.

With premium solutions that fuse function, style, and environmental responsibility, MAD Design’s group of brands help homeowners across the globe reimagine what’s possible indoors and out.

Article Sources

  1. National Association of Home Builders. (2024). Remodeling Market Index. https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/industry-trends/market-indicators/remodeling-market-index

  2. OpenAgent. (2024). Top kitchen renovation trends in Australia. https://www.openagent.com.au/blog/kitchen-renovation-trends

  3. Realestate.com.au. (2023). Setting up the ultimate home office. https://www.realestate.com.au/lifestyle/setting-up-the-ultimate-home-office-224354