The Top Five Home Improvements For 2024

As we settle into the New Year, many Brits are looking for inspiration on how they can transform their homes in 2024. Search trends* for "bedroom interior design ideas" (+180%) and "bathroom inspiration" (+50%) have increased significantly over the past 30 days.

These statistics inspired us to conduct a survey** to reveal the home improvements that Brits would prioritise if they were to win the lottery. We then spoke to Interior Designer, Sophie Clemson and award-winning Garden Designer, Julie Sargeant to reveal the most important factors to consider when renovating your home.

The top five home improvements Brits would prioritise if they won the lottery:

1. Fit a new kitchen (21%)
2. Redecorate (19%)
3. Fit new flooring/carpets (17%)
4. Fit a new bathroom (16%)
5. Garden improvements (16%)

Over one in five (21%) Brits said that fitting a new kitchen would be their top home improvement priority followed by redecorating (19%) and fitting new flooring/carpets (17%). Interior Designer, Sophie Clemson from The Living House (opens in a new tab) commented on the findings:

• Fit a new kitchen

"Choosing a new kitchen can be a costly project therefore you want to get it right and avoid any costly mistakes, as it is likely you won't be changing it for years to come. With that being said, you may want to opt for a timeless look that will last. Depending on the style of the house, shaker-style kitchens can be a great option. They are traditional but can have a modern twist with the cabinet colours, worktops and hardware. Shaker-style kitchens can also be repainted further down the line and therefore will last for many years."

• Redecorate

"When redecorating your home, it's important to consider how you want it to feel and how it needs to work for you and your family. Ideally, you want to create a flow within your home between each room, this could be with colour schemes and styles. Don't be afraid to go bold when redecorating and go a little outside your comfort zone."

• Fit new flooring/carpets

"If you have an open plan space, we always recommend opting for the same flooring throughout for a sleek and modern look. Avoid mixing up the flooring in open-plan spaces as it can divide the areas and look dated. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) are a great flooring option, usually with a long guarantee and it's very hard-wearing. It's perfect for busy family homes, especially with pets!"

• Fit a new bathroom

"Similar to choosing a new kitchen, you probably want your bathroom to last for many years therefore choose the style carefully. We recommend not tiling every wall in the bathroom as it can look like a wet room and quite dated. Mixing it up with tiles and paint will create a modern look. Black and brass hardware is also very popular right now whilst chrome appears to have decreased in popularity."

• Garden improvements

Over one in six Brits said that if they were to win the lottery, they'd prioritise improving their garden space. Juliet Sargeant, Gold medal-winning garden designer and teacher at Sussex Garden School (opens in a new tab) explained, "A well-planned garden lifts the spirits when a focal point with wow-factor can be viewed from inside the house. Having attracted attention with a sculpture, pot or water feature, the next step is to draw people out into the garden with inviting destinations. Everyone loves a seating area, surrounded by colourful planting. If you like entertaining, outdoor cooking is a must. If you prefer a quiet escape, then a cosy swing seat, with outdoor cushions is the perfect place to relax.

"Whatever your preferred way to unwind, extend your hours of pleasure with garden lighting. Investing in key features in your garden will create an outdoor space to be enjoyed throughout the year."

Previous Postcode Lottery winner Angela was set to complete her new kitchen after winning £166,666 whilst her husband Gordon was ready to get his hands on his dream digger!

The amazed pair, who have lived at the winning postcode in Tain, the Scottish Highlands for over 30 years, couldn't believe their luck when People's Postcode Lottery turned up at their front door.

Angela said, "It's crazy! I didn't think for one second, I'd win that much.

"I'll be able to get the kitchen that I want now."

Gordon added, "It's just incredible - it's a lifetime's worth of money."

But Gordon, who owns a small building company, couldn't resist floating the idea of a new dream machine.

He joked, "It'll be a digger for me, not a kitchen.

"I'll always want more diggers and there's always another type of digger that I'd like to buy

"I have to admit Angela's kitchen has been a long time coming so that'll come first. The garden is a bit of a boorach (Scot's slang for a mess) at the moment because it's sitting waiting to be finished."

If you were to win the Postcode Lottery, what would your priority be?

Sources

* Google Trends ** Censuswide Survey - 1,000 nationally representative UK respondents, aged 25+, 15.12.23 - 19.12.23