| People all over the world want to stay in beautiful | | | | investment. |
| homes. Some want to improve their homes on a | | | | Tile floors are popular choices of homeowners |
| budget while others aim for expensive home | | | | from Seattle to Virginia. A close second is |
| improvement projects. This explains why the cost | | | | laminate flooring that is similar to wood. There |
| of home improvements has almost doubled in the | | | | seems to be a gradual movement toward natural |
| last decade, reaching $280 billion in 2005 alone. | | | | materials that originate from sustainable resources |
| But times are changing and a recent survey of | | | | that are affordable, recyclable and easy to |
| general contractors, painters, floor installers and | | | | maintain. |
| interior designers in nine states (Arizona, California, | | | | Large family rooms and sunrooms are more |
| Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, | | | | popular than ever, since more entertaining is done |
| Virginia and Washington) can give us a clear idea | | | | at home. Likewise, a lot of people prefer a gym, |
| of the latest home improvement trends. | | | | master suites, hearth-room kitchens, screened |
| Owing to the recent recession. homeowners | | | | porches and elegant bathrooms in their homes. |
| appear to be investing in less expensive projects | | | | Since home building materials like wood are getting |
| like routine replacements, system upgrades and | | | | expensive every day, the majority are turning to |
| mid-range rather than upscale improvements. | | | | cheaper and durable alternatives to improve their |
| These smaller jobs are better for homeowners | | | | homes. These are just some of the trends that |
| since they usually provide a greater return of | | | | you'll find in many homes today. |