The Most Popular Room to Renovate This Spring Is…

Call it the Chip and Jo effect: More people than ever are looking into buying fixer-uppers. This intel comes courtesy of a new report from realtor.com, which found that nearly 60 percent of springtime home buyers were looking for a home in need of renovation. If you find yourself part of the spring homebuying season, you may want to consider joining their ranks.

According to the survey, rising home prices are forcing people to get creative—literally. Most of the prospective homeowners willing to take a DIY approach to buying a house are between the ages of 35 and 54, which means that they’re more likely to already own a home and know how to maintain it. Aside from personal experience, this new generation of fixer-uppers likely gained confidence from the plethora of inspiration out there: Between social media like Pinterest and Instagram and home renovation TV shows, there’s no shortage of virtual assistance.

With 95 percent of survey respondents noting that they would expect a positive return on their fixer-upper investment, people are apparently willing to spend more than $20,000 on renovations. The most popular room to update? Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed said they would prioritize a new kitchen. If you’re debating where to save and where to splurge, it looks like the kitchen is a safe bet.

If you’ve got a fixer-upper of your own and are looking to renovate your kitchen, we have a few on-trend ideas for a new space that’ll be worth the effort.

Indulge in Drama

One of 2019’s biggest trends is dark, moody kitchens: Matte-black accents and dark-on-dark cabinetry and counters make for a wholly showstopping space. Don’t feel intimidated to try this statement-making style—just be sure you have a good primer.

Infuse a Hint of Luxury

Traditional tile backsplashes are all well and good, but they are, well, traditional. Buck the norm and opt for a sleek marble installation in lieu of colorful, punchy tiling. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of opulence into even the smallest spaces.

Pare It Back

Drama and opulence not really your scene? Take a page from one of the predominant trends in European kitchen design and incorporate as many natural materials into your space as possible. Embrace the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and bring organic shapes, calming tones, and raw, imperfect materials like concrete or wood into your new kitchen.

See more renovation tips: This Is the First Step When Planning a Renovation What to Expect When Planning a Bathroom Renovation Where to Splurge vs. Save When It Comes to Renovating