Ferguson releases consumer survey revealing latest preferences in home renovations and upgrades

What preferences rule the renovation scene?

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Ferguson commissioned a consumer survey to learn about current preferences in home renovation and updates, including overall design aesthetics and kitchen, bathroom lighting and laundry products. The report is based on responses from over 1,099 consumers across the United States and provides valuable insights into what people are looking for when it comes to renovating their homes.

Homeowners planning to upgrade their homes can use this information as a guide to ensure that they invest in upgrades that will be both on-trend and add value to their properties. Whether planning a major overhaul or just a few updates, this information can help you make informed decisions about your next renovation project.

From small changes that can be made quickly and easily to larger renovations that can transform your space completely, there's no shortage of options when it comes to customizing and beautifying your living space.
Many preference scales, which trend toward the more flexible option, indicate that people no longer view their homes as static investments but as living entities that grow with them over time.

Home upgrade and remodeling preferences

Across all age groups and regions, the results gravitated toward a simple, clean design aesthetic offering versatile living spaces. Out of those surveyed, 71% owned their home. Interestingly, trends among all respondents were similar across the board.
One of the most interesting suggestions from the recent survey (since overall findings for preferences trended mid-range among most scales) is that homeowners have much more flexibility with their homes than they may realize. Whether planning to stay put for the long haul or looking to sell in the near future, there are plenty of opportunities to express one's personality and make a house feel like a home.

Eighty percent of respondents preferred minimalistic design over maximalist design, and 86% of respondents preferred a neutral color palette in their home design (below.)

Homeowners who love maximalist design and color should not be discouraged! It has been gaining popularity and embraced in recent years. It can add a unique touch to any home or room when done well. When selling a home, potential buyers are often looking for something that stands out from the crowd. A well-executed maximalist design can make your property memorable and more likely to sell quickly. The key is striking the right balance.

The results were close in range when asked about metal and wood tone preferences (below.) For many, this can help ensure that a home grows with them over time. Plus, it is a blank canvas for creativity.

By adopting a simple, clean design aesthetic, homeowners can quickly transform their homes' overall look by switching out fixtures and appliances or adding a few decorative pieces without completely overhauling the entire space. Over time, the home transforms to the homeowners' preferences.

Kitchen: Appliances & Fixtures

While high-end smart appliances may seem like a good investment, not all buyers will prioritize fancy tech features over practicality and functionality. Plus, with different smart home systems in the market, homeowners looking to sell should consider compatibility implications for potential buyers.
While respondents showed a preference for standard, analog appliances (69%) over smart, connected appliances (31%), when asked about preferences for kitchen faucets, there was a near-even split between the percentage of respondents who selected smart faucets (48%) and standard faucets (52%).
Some homeowners, whether living in a starter or forever home, embrace home technology's convenience. In a 2021 home trends survey conducted by Ferguson, many Americans saw the pros and cons of smart home technologies—about half (49%) said they would buy smart home products to make their lives easier, while nearly the same amount (53%) stated expense as a reason why they would not purchase smart home products. This suggests consumers are willing to add connected appliances and fixtures in the home as long as they are user-friendly and practical. Homeowners can best maximize their investment in smart appliances and fixtures if they consider smart kitchen appliances that seamlessly handle multiple systems and offer tangible benefits.

One advantage of integrated appliances is that they give a kitchen a sleek, cohesive look that many buyers find appealing. They also tend to be more space-efficient than their freestanding counterparts since they're designed to fit snugly into existing cabinetry. On the other hand, freestanding appliances can offer more flexibility in terms of placement - for example; one could easily switch out a standalone fridge for a larger or smaller model down the line. Plus, a potential buyer may value the flexibility of separate components to bring their own.

When it comes to choosing the right finish for your appliances, stainless steel is considered a top choice (55%). However, there are various other finishes available in the market that fall into the "other" category, such as white (15% preference), matte black (19%) or bold-colored (11%) that offer unique features and designs. One of the biggest advantages of stainless steel appliances is their timeless appeal, while these alternative finishes can certainly add personality and help your kitchen stand out from the crowd. Regardless of which finish you choose, kitchens with updated appliances tend to sell faster than those without them.

Of those who preferred alternative forms of cooking technology, 25% preferred induction stoves and 21% preferred electric stoves.

Notable mention:

79% prefer garbage disposal over no garbage disposal (21%.)

Bathroom

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said they preferred a standard bathroom design, which features a separate enclosed shower over a wet bath design, which includes an open, walk-in shower. The study suggests that the majority of homeowners still value traditional bathroom layouts instead of the more modern and space-saving wet bathrooms.
As the wet bath trend gains traction, it's important to consider whether you want to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers or a more niche market. Opting for a standard bathroom design may be seen as playing it safe, as it's likely that most people will appreciate this type of layout with separate shower and bathtub areas. However, if you're looking to stand out in the real estate market one day, taking the risk with something like a wet bath could be worth considering.
When it comes to bathroom fixtures, homeowner preferences are close. However, when it comes to bathtubs, there was a clear winner: soaking tubs.

The preference rates by age group were fairly standard across the four age brackets (17% each for 60+, 45-60 and 30-44, and 15% for 18-29.)

There's a clear winner between soaking tubs and clawfoot tubs: soaking tubs (78%.) Like all choices, whether to install a soaking tub or clawfoot tub will depend on your personal style and whether you want to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers or a unique small pool.

Lighting

According to the survey, 56% of respondents prefer sputnik lighting while 46% prefer chandeliers. It seems that both types of fixtures have their following.
When it comes to the type of bulbs used in these fixtures, opinions are more divided. Only 24% of respondents expressed a preference for incandescent lighting, while the majority favored LED lights at 76%. This makes sense given LED's energy efficiency and longer lifespan.
It turns out that an overwhelming majority (84%) of respondents preferred having a ceiling fan in their home compared to those who didn't (16%.)

Laundry

For those planning on selling their home in the near future or for long-time homeowners weathering an unexpected life opportunity or challenge and need to sell, it's important to remember that potential buyers will be looking for a property that meets their needs and preferences and makes an impression. Incorporating unique elements into your decor and design will help ensure your home stands out to anyone who walks through the door.

So, gone are the days when a homeowner can no longer express their personality when they plan to sell in a few years or worry about their home's value when an unexpected move arrives. The good news is that no matter how long a homeowner plans to stay in their current residence, there are numerous ways to incorporate elements of their personality into the decor.

This newfound flexibility has paved the way for more creative home designs and solutions, enabling homeowners to make the most of any space they own.

METHODOLOGY: On behalf of Ferguson, G&S Business Communications fielded an online survey of 1,099 U.S. adults ages 18+. The sample was balanced for age and gender using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States. The survey was fielded on November 17, 2022.