Remodeling Trends: Outdoor Living Area, Open Kitchens On the Rise

 Spring is here and for many homeowners that means it is time to clean out, fix up and remodel the house. This spring, outdoor living areas and open kitchen designs are among the top remodeling trends Richard J. Dalton, owner of Wellington Remodeling, is noticing among his clientele.

“In Southern states like Florida, homeowners can enjoy the outdoors nearly all year and as spring rolls around many people start rethinking their outdoor living spaces,” said Dalton, who also referenced that the South is the only region in the U.S. that has seen an increase in its remodeling market conditions, according to the latest numbers from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index. “Homeowners want a space where they can entertain for large parties, cook meals for the family and comfortably enjoy the outdoors without leaving home.”

Scott and Theresa Collary, Wellington Remodeling’s most recent clients, are a prime example of homeowners who wanted to transform their current outdoor living space into a high-end entertainment area. The couple recently invested approximately $90,000 on an outdoor courtyard-style remodel for their St. Augustine, Fla., home that included a 600-square-foot outdoor living cabana and recreation room off the back of the home. Built around an existing pool, the space also features a summer kitchen, 96-inch projection screen, full wet bar, extended lanai, pool house, bathroom and outdoor family room. In addition to the remodel, the homeowners spent a large portion of funds on electronics, home theater accessories and outdoor living décor.

Another remodeling trend Dalton is noting this season is the transformation of kitchen spaces. Homeowners with small, outdated kitchens are seeking remodelers such as Wellington Remodeling to
create an open kitchen area with expanded storage space and eat-in options. And according to NAHB’s website, kitchen remodels are among one of the smartest and most functional investments a homeowner can make. Dalton recommends several kitchen remodeling projects that can improve a home’s value, such as replacing countertops, creating custom cabinets with updated hardware, and installing energy efficient appliances.

“Homeowners can add value to their home by updating and expanding a kitchen to create a contemporary space that can be enjoyed by the entire family,” Dalton said.