Homeowners Are Going All In on New in the New Year

The top 10 home improvements homeowners are already tackling.

• Interior painting — $545-$1,668 on average/1,000 sqft: Last year we saw limewash introduce the notion of “color drenching” with softer, more neutral colors. This year, expect to see color drenching with deeper and more saturated hues, including browns and purples for moody and enveloping spaces.
• Installing new windows — $395-$675 on average: A big perk when it comes to replacing windows is the efficiency gain by upgrading to windows with advanced features like triple glazing and Low-E coatings. New windows can also deliver an aesthetic impact if you update your window frame size and color scheme, offering an exterior and interior design punch.
• Installing new closet systems — $358 on average: You might have a limited closet footprint, but there are many ways to maximize your closet space, like making the most of your vertical height with added shelving for storage. Built-in features like drawers and cabinets with deliberate colors and appealing hardware can help make a closet feel luxurious.
• Landscaping design — $300-$2,500 on average: For many homeowners, the idea of updating their landscaping involves going back to basics, with low-maintenance native plants, hardscaping in lieu of grass, and perennial additions that require less upkeep. Garden add-ons can include added privacy enhancements like strategic tree installation, expanded outdoor hosting spaces with built-in kitchen tools, and water features like natural ponds for your moment of zen.
• Replacing or installing new floors — $1,505 on average: Updating flooring has traditionally been regarded as an investment into your home with resale upside, since it can change the look and feel of the entire room. Over time, flooring can show plenty of wear and tear, and modern flooring products allow a homeowner to add warmth, improve energy efficiency, and visual interest to any and all rooms in a home.
• Installing new appliances —$120-$150 on average: There can be real cost savings to installing new appliances, with lower utility bills and rebates, and longer appliance lifespans with advanced diagnostics. Most types of appliances also allow for added customization and built-in looks, giving homeowners the chance to make their appliances feel like a natural extension of their design decisions.
• Installing or new heating systems —$3,449-$4,143 on average: Updating a heating system can lend to improved air quality, lower energy bills, and lower overall maintenance costs.
• Installing new lighting —$150-$250 on average: Replacing light fixtures can be a quick and affordable way to shift design trends in a home. Upgrading to smart lighting systems can also give homeowners more control over their atmosphere while contributing towards cost savings.
• Refinishing hardwood floors —$1,500 on average: Some hardwood floors have plenty of life left in them, they just need a good sanding and staining. Refinishing can take care of scratches and light dings, and applying a new stain gives homeowners the chance to better color-match their flooring with their home decor.
• Installing new carpet —$550-$913 on average: Carpeting styles and materials have evolved over the years, giving homeowners plenty of design options with pattern, weave, and colors. Newer carpets can also have a positive impact on your sound dampening and improved insulation, as well overall health benefits with hypoallergenic materials and low VOC emissions.

Our 2025 prediction: A home refresh boom.