What's hot this spring?

Trends for spring home improvement projects

3/16/2012

(ARA) - Warmer temperatures, green grass and increased daylight help shake off the winter blues and inspire home and yard improvements to spruce up your surroundings.

Whether remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement and design trends as you plan your renovation projects.

Add bold, bright colors.

Need a color boost? Fresh color recommendations from Pantone Color Institute include Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Bellflower and Cabaret.

Try adding a splash of these vivid hues to help alter your mood and boost vitality and enthusiasm. Repaint a wall, bookcase or front door for a bold color burst. Or sprinkle splashes of color with new covers for patio furniture, area rugs, pillows or window treatments.

Go green, save green

Among the top green home trends from buildipedia.com is renovating to reduce your home's heating and cooling load. Add more insulation in the walls, roof and floors or seal up leaks or install new windows and doors.

Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified products that help lower your home's energy consumption, and in turn, your utility bills.

Low-maintenance Pella 350 Series vinyl windows and patio doors feature a premium look in an energy-saving design that is the most energy-efficient product line the company offers.

Energize your entry

No time for major renovations? Weekend projects, such as installing a new front door to welcome guests to dinners, graduations and get-togethers, can transform your entryway with minimal hassle and cost.

Consider installing a 36-inch-wide entry door to add more room to maneuver. Whether you're carrying a baby or a bag of groceries, or need extra space for a wheelchair or walker, wider entry doors are ideal for nearly any home - especially multigenerational ones.