The DIY trend popularized by TikTok and becoming big this summer is deeply inspired by sustainability and technology.
Whereas DIY projects once were limited to painting or ripping up carpeting to refinish the hardwood floors below, homeowners and renters alike are now much more inclined to invest in home improvements that will make their lives easier, save money, and be more energy efficient.
We spoke to interior design and real estate experts to find out what's trending in DIY right now and how you can improve your home yourself.
5 DIY trends experts say will be big in summer 2024
Summer is the perfect time to dive into trendy DIY projects and enjoy interior design trends without breaking the bank. As the weather gets warmer, you're more likely to spend more time gardening, completing projects outdoors, and opening windows to quickly dry painted projects. Or simply because this time of year often gives us more free time to tackle fun home improvement projects.
1. Creative wall treatment
(Image courtesy of Minnie Kemp/Firmdale Hotels)
“One of the biggest trends that has come back with a bang is feature walls,” says Sean Green, senior interior designer and founder of The Furniture Shack. “This includes wall decals, decorated with custom mural designs using stencils and panels, and painted with contrasting colors and textured paint.”
Why not try out different patterns and color schemes to create a striking wall that adds personality to your space? You can add colors and designs synonymous with a summer theme, or plan for winter by adding warmer tones and textures.
In particular, wall paneling, a design trend popular in the '70s, is making a comeback in 2024. “The idea of wall paneling can provide warmth, texture, and depth, as well as help keep a room quiet,” says Kelly Sherin of Ownerly, a home appraisal company. “Originally used as a decorative accent or insulation, they are now being incorporated throughout walls and ceilings to provide coziness, warmth, texture, and an attractive focal point.”
2. Smart technology integration
(Image courtesy of Google)
“The integration of technology into home DIY is definitely on the rise,” says Nick Chatzigeorgis, founder and CEO of Intrabuild. “These smart home essential tools are becoming increasingly popular not only for their ability to improve home efficiency and energy efficiency, but also for their potential to increase home value.”
As smart home technology evolves, it's becoming increasingly easier to set up a smart home yourself. Some of these projects include installing:
Many of these can be controlled remotely with timers, voice activation, or learning routines.
ULTRALOQ U-BOLT PRO SMART LOCK
This smart lock can be controlled with Alexa and Google voice assistant. You can install it on your door or mailbox to increase your home security. Can be used in conjunction with video doorbells, security cameras, and motion sensor lights.
Brands like Nest and Ecobee are leaders in programmable thermostats, offering features that contribute to overall home sustainability. These thermostats can be used to control your home's temperature through a smartphone application, learning your preferences over time and automatically adjusting heating and cooling, resulting in significant energy savings.
Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri allow you to centralize control of your smart devices, allowing you to fully automate your home system.
3. Multipurpose space
(Image provided by IKEA)
The trend of creating flexible, multi-functional spaces is growing, and experts predict that DIYers will use the summer opportunity to customise their rooms to increase their utility, efficiency and make the most of their space.
As many of us continue to work from home, DIY projects that allow spaces to become multi-functional, such as turning an office into a living area or bedroom, have become invaluable. Creating a hidden desk or creative room divider is a practical way for DIY enthusiasts to increase the versatility of their living space without sacrificing style. Even simple ideas like combining a pantry with a laundry room or implementing clever storage ideas are great ways to save space while increasing functionality.
Additionally, Michael Kootchick, real estate developer for OneStop ADUs, said: “One of the emerging trends that will be big in summer 2024 is the integration of ADU-specific elements into housing projects.” This includes converting a garage into a tiny house or apartment, or building a shed in the backyard. This includes adding base offices. Homeowners are not just looking to increase square footage, they are looking to do so in ways that maximize the value and enhance the functionality of their existing properties. These projects reflect the growing interest in multipurpose spaces. ”
4. Green Technology
(Image courtesy of Jacky Parker Photography / Moment / Getty Images)
An important trend that is predicted to become prominent in the summer of 2024 is the integration of eco-friendly gadgets and green technology into DIY projects.
There are plenty of more sustainable ways to conserve water and reduce consumption at home, or more specifically in your garden, resulting in lower water bills and ultimately a smaller carbon footprint.
Steve Schumacher, owner and operator of Boston Landscape Co. explains, “DIYers are starting to use smart gardening tools that manage watering schedules and monitor plant health through apps.
“In addition, homeowners may adopt xeriscaping, which uses drought-tolerant landscaping ideas and plants to minimise water use, or install simple water-harvesting systems to irrigate their yards, reflecting a wider push towards environmentally friendly living practices.”
DIY enthusiasts can help by implementing smart irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems, such as creating rainwater tanks and gutters to collect rainwater, as well as simple and sustainable DIY tricks to reduce surface water runoff. You can participate.
“This technology makes efficient gardening accessible to everyone and greatly increases the functionality and enjoyment of maintaining a home garden,” explains Steve. “These trends not only improve the usability of outdoor spaces, but also contribute to a more sustainable and personalized home environment.”
5. Designing comfortable and inclusive spaces
(Image credit: Back in Action)
Homes are increasingly being upgraded with DIY additions that improve health, accessibility, comfort, and productivity, including creating inclusive and caring environments for sensitive and diverse populations. And this isn't just a trend, it's an advancement that will continue to be integrated as part of our homes and design plans.
Whether you're making your home more relaxing by designing a sensory-friendly home or making it more accessible by making it ADHD-friendly, these improvements will make your home more usable for years to come. It's the perfect way.
Some of these DIY projects include strategically painting spaces in contrasting colors to make it easier for visually impaired people to navigate the home, installing smart devices such as smart blinds to assist those with mobility limitations with daily tasks, and creating a mobile chair to help those with ADHD improve focus while working from home.
Finally, while not a new trend, upcycling is becoming more and more sophisticated. “It's not just about repainting an old chair. It's about transforming unexpected items into functional home decor,” says Pam Hutter, principal of Hutter Architects.
“In our practice, we have repurposed old shipping containers into stylish modular housing. Similarly, DIYers are getting creative, turning old ladders into bookshelves and wooden pallets into garden furniture. Masu.
“These DIY trends not only enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the home, but also signal a shift towards resource efficiency and sustainability efforts in 2024.”