Kitchen Trends That Sell in 2024
Modern buyers view kitchens as the heart of the home—and one of the most important areas to evaluate during a walk-through. Whether you’re renovating to sell or prepping for a future listing, focusing on the right features can deliver serious ROI.
High-Impact Kitchen Updates
Not all upgrades are created equal. The smart move? Focus on the elements that stand out in photos and during showings.
- Countertops: Quartz continues to lead the way thanks to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Waterfall edges and bold veining are trending.
- Cabinets: Soft-close doors, hidden handles, and two-tone color schemes (like navy + white or matte black + wood) offer a modern look without going overly trendy.
- Lighting: Buyers notice lighting first. Consider under-cabinet lighting, statement pendants over the island, and warm, energy-efficient overhead options.
Smart Appliances and Energy Efficiency
More buyers now expect kitchens to match their digital-first lifestyles. Investing in the right smart tech features can be a differentiator.
- Smart appliances like Wi-Fi-enabled ovens, touch-control faucets, and voice-activated lighting systems are increasingly sought after.
- Energy efficiency doesn’t just appeal to eco-conscious buyers—it translates directly to monthly savings, which is a major selling point. Look for Energy Star-rated products that combine form and function.
Why Flow and Layout Matter
Open-concept kitchens remain a favorite among buyers in 2024. It’s all about creating a connected, multi-use space that doesn’t feel cramped or inefficient.
- Open layouts allow for better sightlines to living and dining areas, particularly desirable for families and hosts.
- Islands that double as prep stations and casual dining spots are a winning feature for everyday functionality and staging impact.
- Smooth transitions between kitchen, dining, and living spaces help buyers imagine themselves living and entertaining comfortably.
Bottom Line: The most lucrative kitchen upgrades aren’t necessarily the flashiest—they’re the ones that combine visual appeal, modern convenience, and functional flow.
Bathroom Features That Sell: Walk-In Showers, Smart Fixtures, and Simple Upgrades
Bathrooms continue to be a big selling point for homebuyers—and expectations have evolved. Modern buyers aren’t just looking for clean and functional spaces; they want features that elevate both aesthetic appeal and everyday usability. Here’s what’s trending in 2024:
Walk-In Showers vs. Tubs: What Buyers Prefer Today
While traditional tubs still have a place—particularly in family-oriented homes—walk-in showers are increasingly the top choice for today’s buyers.
What makes walk-in showers stand out:
- Sleek, open-concept design enhances visual space
- Easier access, especially for aging-in-place considerations
- Often associated with modern, spa-like bathrooms
When tubs still matter:
- In homes targeting families with young children
- In master baths with space to include both options
Modern Fixtures & Finishes Buyers Expect
Buyers now expect bathrooms to feel updated and intentional, not just clean where it counts. Upgrading hardware and fixtures can go a long way:
- Matte black or brushed gold finishes for a contemporary look
- Floating vanities that create a sense of spaciousness
- Backlit mirrors for both form and function
- Water-efficient toilets, faucets, and showerheads
Storage is equally important. Homes that feature:
- Built-in shelving or recessed shower niches
- Vanity drawers with organizers
- Medicine cabinets with lighting
…tend to leave a stronger impression.
Easy Upgrades That Boost Perceived Value
You don’t need a full renovation to make a bathroom look new. Targeted, budget-friendly upgrades can significantly enhance your home’s appeal:
- Re-grout tile and re-caulk tubs/showers for a crisp, clean look
- Swap outdated light fixtures for modern, energy-efficient options
- Add a fresh coat of paint—light, neutral colors increase the sense of space
- Install new cabinet hardware or mirrors for a quick style refresh
Modern bathrooms that look intentional—not just functional—signal to buyers that a home is well cared for. These small details often make a big difference on the final offer.
First impressions matter more than most sellers think. Whether it’s the homepage of your channel or the first few seconds of a vlog, people are making snap decisions—stay or scroll, subscribe or bounce. In vlogging, just like in real estate or retail, your “curb appeal” shapes the psychology of the viewer long before they click play. Lighting, clarity, color tone, and thumbnail design all send signals about who you are and what kind of experience you’re offering.
When it comes to spend, creators wrestle with ROI versus aesthetics. Do you funnel cash into a better lens or save to run ads? Do you invest in a designer for branding, or hack it yourself and focus on content frequency? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s the baseline: don’t blow your budget on gear you can’t fully use. Modest upgrades done with intention—clean audio, stable footage, compelling titles—generate better returns than chasing cinematic gloss you can’t regularly sustain.
Then there’s the pull between chasing trends and staying timeless. Adding flashy effects or mimicking viral formats might score hits today, but don’t build long-term brand value. Smart vloggers know how to layer trendiness over substance—adopting new visual language without losing their core message or audience trust. Create with the future in mind. You want viewers who stick around, not just those who swipe in and vanish.
Curb appeal isn’t just a realtor’s buzzword—it’s what sets the tone before anyone even gets to the front door. And in 2024, smart updates to landscaping, lighting, and entryways are doing more than just prettying things up—they’re signaling intentionality and care.
Well-placed path lighting, native plants, and trimmed hedges are straightforward fixes with outsized impact. Vloggers focusing on home and lifestyle content are spotlighting these changes because they show instant results and connect with aspirational aesthetics.
A fresh coat of exterior paint still matters. Go clean, go timeless. Even simple hardscaping—think stone borders or updated walkways—makes a home feel maintained and thoughtfully lived in.
Then there are the underrated upgrades: garage doors and mailboxes. A dented box or faded garage sends a quiet message that, frankly, doesn’t help resale—or subscriber trust. Swapping one or both for modern, smart alternatives is becoming a small-project, high-return play for homeowners and content creators alike.
Flooring Trends Buyers Actually Care About
Buyers today aren’t just walking through a home—they’re scanning it for what’s going to last and what’s going to make life easier. When it comes to flooring, two materials keep ending up in the conversation: hardwood and luxury vinyl. Hardwood still wins on prestige. It’s classic, durable, and carries that real-wood feel that luxury homes lean into. But for the more budget-conscious or low-maintenance crowd, luxury vinyl is a rising star. It mimics wood so well now that most people can’t tell the difference until they’re standing barefoot on it.
Buyers are also paying attention to consistency across rooms. Choppy transitions from room to room break the visual flow of a home—which can kill the vibe before buyers even notice the countertops. A seamless floor plan with uniform (or at least well-coordinated) flooring just feels more put-together. That perception alone can bump up the appeal of a space.
Then there’s the practical side: low maintenance and long-term durability. Spills, kids, pets—life happens fast, and today’s buyers don’t want floors they have to baby. Materials that are easy to clean, dent-resistant, and built to take a beating without showing it are winning out. For more on which materials meet those standards, check out Choosing the Right Materials for Long-Term Durability.
Create a Space Buyers Feel At Home In
Modern homebuyers aren’t just looking for square footage—they’re buying into a feeling. The way a space looks and feels upon first entering can strongly influence emotional responses, including comfort, curiosity, and perceived value. This is why enhancing ambiance with color and lighting is a powerful staging strategy.
Go Neutral, Stay Inviting
Neutral tones remain king in 2024. These shades create a fresh, clean canvas that appeals broadly to buyers and makes rooms appear more spacious and calm.
- Opt for crisp whites, soft beiges, warm greys, or muted earth tones
- Avoid overly bold or personalized color schemes that might turn viewers off
- Match your palette across walls, rugs, and furnishings to form a cohesive look
Leverage Lighting to Elevate Perception
Lighting is a quick upgrade that leaves a lasting impression. Not only does it boost the brightness of a home, but it also speaks to overall quality and care.
- Replace outdated flush mounts or dim fixtures with clean, modern alternatives
- Use warm-white LED lighting to create a cozy yet high-end glow
- Position lamps to highlight selling points like fireplace mantels or reading nooks
The Psychology of Color
Color does more than decorate—it communicates.
- Soft blues and greens can evoke calm and relaxation (great for bedrooms or bathrooms)
- Warm tones like tan or cream bring an inviting, comfortable feel to shared spaces
- Well-balanced contrast (e.g., crisp white walls with matte black fixtures) adds sophistication without overpowering the senses
When done right, curated colors and intentional lighting blend to create a space where buyers can immediately imagine themselves living—a huge advantage in today’s competitive housing market.
Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s showing up on buyer checklists and property listings alike. Simple but effective upgrades like double- or triple-pane windows, improved insulation, and energy-efficient appliances are pulling serious weight in boosting home value. They’re not flashy, but they cut long-term utility costs—and that’s a selling point you can measure.
Solar panels are also turning heads, especially in states where energy prices are climbing. Homebuyers love the idea of lower bills and reduced dependence on the grid. Even better: homes that already have panels installed skip months of planning and costs.
Add in smart home integrations—like AI-assisted thermostats, LED lighting setups, and remotely monitored security—and you’ve got a pretty compelling pitch. These aren’t just lifestyle luxuries anymore. For many buyers, they signal forward-thinking ownership and long-term savings. If you’re vlogging in the real estate or renovation space, highlighting these upgrades isn’t optional—it’s the baseline.
The smartest renovations aren’t about flash—they’re about focus. Instead of pouring cash into luxury upgrades that might not land, tailor improvements to boost everyday liveability and emotional pull. Think better lighting, functional layouts, fresh paint, and modernized kitchens and baths. Clean lines win.
But don’t renovate in a vacuum. Trends vary by zip code. In some markets, outdoor living spaces seal the deal. In others, energy efficiency or home office setups rank higher. Zero in on what buyers actually want in your area, not what’s trending on a design blog.
Ultimately, you’re not just selling square footage—you’re selling a feeling. The best fixes help potential buyers picture themselves there. When a space feels lived-in but not cluttered, updated but still warm, you’re doing more than making a house look pretty. You’re helping it feel like home.