11 Popular Home Renovations for Families in 2024

Last updated on May 3rd, 2024 at 06:04 pm

Many families are choosing ongoing home renovations instead of risking the competitive housing market, especially with the pandemic still lingering and affecting our decisions.

As a real estate appraiser, I get to see many of your homes each week, and I’ve noticed what real families are doing to make life easier and more comfortable without breaking the bank.

Just for you – I’ve created a list of popular home renovations for families in 2024.

Even with interest rates staying high, upgrading your home remains a smart move, making it more functional for your family’s needs.

But this doesn’t always mean extravagant kitchen remodels or luxury master suites.

Instead, many folks are focusing on practical, value-boosting, and family-friendly improvements.

Do you have a spare room that’s gathering dust or unintentionally being used as storage space?

Turn it into a kids studio!

This renovation is perfect for families with young children who need a dedicated space to play, create, study, or let their imaginations run wild.

Think colorful wall decals, comfy bean bag chairs, and plenty of storage for toys and art supplies.

This transformation shows what’s possible with a few great foundation pieces and some colorful design.

This article from Better Homes and Gardens also provides some great design ideas and inspiration.

When younger kids get into the teen years, this type of area can easily be upgraded to use as a workspace or craft studio.

In a world where privacy is becoming increasingly hard to come by, it’s no surprise that families are investing in fencing and other privacy options for their yards.

This can be in the form of traditional wood fences to more modern options like tall hybrid willow hedges or lower cost materials covered in greenery.

There are a number of affordable ways to create backyard privacy without spending a fortune.

Let’s face it – when we’re spending time outdoors with the family, the last thing we want is to feel like we’re on display or to have nosy neighbors peering at us.

The traditional dining room, enclosed from other main living areas, continues to lose its appeal.

This is, in part, due to the desire for more casual and open spaces. Newer home design layouts include a dedicated dining area within the main living space vs. a separate, closed-off room.

In addition, we’ve gone from smaller, practical kitchens to more elaborate, chef-worthy kitchens that become the central gathering place.

Having a large, functional island with plenty of seating is a great way to bring the family together during meal prep or for casual dining.

It can also serve as a versatile space for kids to do homework or for adults to socialize or work at home while still being able to oversee family activities.

With the rise of technology, it’s important to work in some reading and quiet time for children and adults.

Creating a designated reading nook or hidden spot in the home can encourage this healthy habit. 

And let’s be honest – sometimes you need to sneak away and scroll facebook for a few minutes.

This could be as simple as a small bookshelf creatively tucked away into an empty corner or a formerly underused area being converted into useful space.

Storage space is a precious commodity in any home, especially for families with children.

But you don’t have to sacrifice style and design for function.

Using affordable storage solutions hacks like closet organizers or custom shelving can transform cluttered closets into organized spaces.

Ikea has TONS of affordable pieces you can use and combine to create a “california closet” look without the hefty price tag.

For budget-friendly or enjoy DIY projects, there are countless options to be found on Pinterest or YouTube.

Families often find themselves with an abundance of jackets, shoes, and bags cluttering up the entryway of their homes.

Creating a more functional mudroom area can keep this clutter at bay and add a sense of sophistication (and sanity) to your home.

With features like built-in cubbies for storage, decorative hooks, and seating, an organized mudroom can help keep the entryway looking tidy and organized.

Family time is important.

A designated entertainment room will encourage everyone to come together for movie or game nights.

This space could be a converted basement or even a spare bedroom outfitted with comfortable seating and a large screen TV or projector for an upgraded viewing experience.

If you want to get tech-savvy,  you can even control the lights, sound, and temperature without ever leaving your seat.

For an added touch of luxury, consider installing surround sound speakers or a mini-fridge for drinks and snacks.

Wet room bathrooms are quickly gaining popularity for their sleek, modern design and practical uses.

Wet room bathrooms feature a fully waterproof floor throughout the entire room and open shower space, often eliminating the need for a traditional shower enclosure.

Now, I know I said elaborate master bedroom suites wouldn’t make the list, but wet rooms can serve a dual purpose for homes with kids – not only do they provide a spa-like oasis for Mom & Dad, but they can make bath time and cleanup a breeze for parents with young kids.

No more sopping up wet floors when kids get a little too splashy in the tub!

Get some inspiration here!

Modular furnishings are a growing trend that offers versatility and convenience to homeowners who like to change things up.

Have you seen the nugget couch obsession?  

Moveable pieces like this can be easily rearranged to fit any space – or function as a play area for kids.

There are adult versions, too. Modular couches, stackable furniture, and multifunctional pieces are great options for homes that need flexibility.

Some higher-end pieces even include perks like built-in charging stations, speakers, or hidden storage compartments.

Above I mentioned the reading nook as a potential tech-free zone.

Let’s go to the opposite end of the spectrum.

Because let’s face it – gaming and electronic devices are here to stay for now when it comes to kids and teens.

If you have kids, or ever-maturing husbands, you know how important it is to have a dedicated space for gaming equipment. 

A high-tech gaming center provides a space for the gamers to unwind and have fun while keeping cords, consoles, and other electronic gadgets out of sight.

You can find plenty of creative ideas here.

Home security options have grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade.

Smart security features allow you to monitor and control your home from anywhere using a smartphone or other device.

From video doorbells to smart locks that let you remotely lock things up, these provide convenience and wonderful peace of mind for busy families.

There are countless budget friendly ways to design and personalize your home to fit your family’s current needs.

From designated spaces for relaxation, entertainment, and organization, to incorporating technology for added security, there is no limit to the possibilities.

Not only do these upgrades make life more enjoyable, they are also practical and can have a positive impact on the value of your home. After all – what sells a house is the ability for buyers to envision themselves living in it.

Consider incorporating these features and create a truly unique and functional living environment for you and your family.

Happy designing!