By Megan Montemarano
What are your aspirations for 2017? With the New Year well underway, it’s important to foster a fresh-start attitude, attempting to stay true to those annual resolutions. Regardless of your high ambitions, there are also beneficial goals that can be mastered from the convenience of your very own home. This year, consider these five simple residential resolutions, which will in turn lead to a happier you. After all, home is where the heart is.
Healthy Habits
A healthy home leads to a healthy homeowner. But what exactly defines a “healthy home?” To begin, a 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey reveals that a kitchen remodel cultivates a more positive overall lifestyle. A recent Realtor Magazine article discusses the millennial homeowner’s tendency to lean towards modern or farmhouse styles with features such as kitchen islands, white cabinets and countertops, as well as pantry cabinets, while boomers stick to more traditional styles. In any case, freshness in the kitchen often adds freshness to one’s diet, improving eating habits, and encouraging home cooked meals. Of course, paying extra attention to houseplants, vibrant colors as well as light-filled spaces can also perk up a residence’s mood and atmosphere.
Renovations That Pay Off
A new year means new home projects. From expansions to replacements and insulations, Realtor.com says that certain renovations have the potential to pay off in 2017. 
“When the market is hot, Realtors® are more likely to give value to more expensive renovation projects, because they expect that the market will stay hot and people will pay the price,” comments Craig Webb, editor of Remodeling. Realtor.com goes on to explain that energy appears to be a key factor when deciding upon the most effective renovation projects. Adding further insulation as well as quality windows and doors are examples of some popular tasks to tackle for positive return on investment.
Clear the Clutter
Feel good about yourself and your home in 2017, performing the simplest and perhaps least expensive task of clearing clutter. The surplus of items one accumulates throughout the year can often be overwhelming, and let’s face it—most of it is probably just lying around the house, dampening its style. HGTV suggests going from room to room and periodically finding the things you use and enjoy the most. It’s important to then focus on only these items, while clearing out the rest. Remember to always fill your home with things you love—“energy-raising possessions,” as the article states. Stash useful items that aren’t aesthetically pleasing, such as DVDs, remotes and other odds and ends, in woven baskets or sleek trays for increased organization. Last but not least, be sure to maintain this clutter-free mindset throughout the entire year to avoid recurring accumulation.
Try Out New Trends
Make a promise with yourself to stay up-to-date with at least a few of the latest home trends in 2017. According to various expert forecasts, a fresh year means fresh styles, colors and features. To begin, prepare to see more shades of green, from accent walls and pillows to backsplash, décor and more. Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year is Greenery, a verdant hue that exudes a revitalizing back-to-nature mood, according to Forbes. Read our recent blog to learn other ways to “go green” with this popular color at home. House Beautiful and Mansion Global mention other noteworthy trends, including the increased demand for matte appliances in the kitchen, as well as marble, cerused wood and subway tile, and the use of dimensional textures, mixed metals and more.
Get Smart
An increased interest in smart home devices is predicted for 2017. Our very own brand highlights this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which focuses on the latest high-tech gadgets and home automation. In a recent blog, Sotheby’s International Realty comes to the clear conclusion that “with our lives and our homes becoming more and more integrated with the digital world, the future of some of the peripherals we use every day is moving rapidly towards connectivity and smart technology.” So, why not get started on embracing these glimpses of the future? Between wireless locks and high definition cameras, as well as voice-activated devices that use the integration of Amazon Alexa, don’t be surprised if you are soon having conversations and making grocery lists with your refrigerator! For more details, Digital Trends takes a closer look at this crucial step towards a smarter world at home.
