2021 Is the Year of Low-Lift Renovations, According to Pinterest’s Top Projects

Renovations went through the roof in 2020, and people aren’t done improving their spaces yet, even if we’re all breaking out of our quarantine shells. According to Pinterest’s latest data, searches for home renovation ideas went up 28 percent, compared to this same time last year (and five times that among Gen-Z users), marking the platform’s highest searches for projects ever. 

Now that seemingly everyone has finished their basement, built an extension, and converted their garage into a hangout spot, what more could there be left to do? Apparently, looking at the three top-pinned renovations right now, it’s all about the eye-catching details. 

The One That Adds Character

This board and batten tutorial is one of the first projects you’ll spot when you search for home renovation ideas on Pinterest, and it’s all done using materials from the hardware store. The paneling style, which consists of narrow strips of wood placed over the joints of wide boards, is a super-easy way to add charm to a cookie-cutter new build. But you don’t have to use it only inside: Take the trick to the exterior and paint everything black for instant curb appeal. 

The One That Makes Life Simpler

Before you start thinking about organizing your pantry, consider updating the bones. Pinterest’s popular pantry shelf makeover calls for replacing old wire supports with rustic wood ones, but you can take it a step further by transforming the space into a cooling larder (the British love them for storing butter and bread), complete with a bright tropical color.

The One That Could Up Your Home’s Value

A coat of paint will help your sale, we learned from real-estate agent Claire Groome of Warburg Realty, which explains why refreshing Shaker-style kitchen cabinets are on everyone’s minds. For a modern, high-impact look, go dark and matte à la Athena Calderone. This year focus on low-key projects you can get done in a weekend.