The way people are making home design and renovation decisions is changing. While resale value and the preferences of a hypothetical future buyer used to drive these decisions, more homeowners are instead designing for the present moment and what works best for their lives and goals now.
In fact, a survey conducted by Thumbtack found that 76% of homeowners are decorating for themselves rather than prioritizing resale or market trends. A full 84% of homeowners prioritize projects that bring them happiness over their potential return on investment, according to the report.
In addition to people prioritizing happiness with more risky paint colors, layouts, and furniture options that speak to them, many are also prioritizing functionality for their current circumstances. For example, with more people working from home after the pandemic, many have swapped their formal dining rooms for a home office. I have even seen some people change their formal dining rooms into a play room for their kids.
Warmth and character are also currently more favored than sterile and perfect homes in design. A fall design trends report by U.S. Houzz Fall reported a shift away from minimalism. People are now favoring beige and warm earth tones rather than grey and white.
More and more people are also staying in their homes longer. The 2026 Houzz & Home Study found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for 11 years or more following a renovation and 44% describe their residence as a forever home. If people plan on staying put for a while, it makes sense why they are making decisions prioritizing their own wants and needs to make it truly feel like home.
Perhaps this change of pace is the reminder we needed all along – our homes are ours and we should make them exactly how we want them for the present moment. So, if you’ve been thinking of experimenting with a hot pink on the wall and swapping out your dining room table for a foosball table, let this be your sign to prioritize your own happiness.
Ready to make bold choices in a home of your own? Need to refinance to fund renovations? Contact a Ruoff loan officer today to get started.
At Ruoff Mortgage, we understand that buying a home is one of life’s biggest moments – not just as a financial decision, but a personal one. For more than 41 years, we’ve proudly helped families turn their dreams into reality. From our roots in northeast Indiana to now serving homebuyers throughout the Midwest, our focus has stayed the same: delivering exceptional service rooted in care, speed, and community. With an average 15-day clear-to-close time, our team is here to make your journey to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.