Several years ago, sustainable home products were often overlooked in new builds and remodels in favor of more cost-friendly alternatives. Similarly, homeowners didn’t feel the same sense of urgency to incorporate home amenities centered around health and wellness that they now do two years after the start of a global pandemic.
According to a recent Kitchen Renovations Trends Survey by Houzz, homeowner priorities are beginning to shift. A staggering 92% of survey respondents report incorporating sustainable features in their kitchen remodels, from simple additions like LED light bulbs to large-scale upgrades like swapping old windows for energy-efficient ones, Forbes reports.
Energy-efficient appliances garnered a strong (61%) response, and can not only lower energy use and cost, but upgrading to new models often means enhanced wellness features too. Cooking examples include safer, easier-to-clean, faster induction cooktops and ovens with steam or air fry capability for healthier meals. Refrigeration examples include produce preservation technology to keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer.