Best home remodeling ideas for 2024.

Bathroom remodel ideas.

Bathroom remodels don't always have a good return on investment (ROI). However, according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 73% of homeowners have a greater desire to be home after finishing a bathroom renovation, while 61% note they have an increased sense of enjoyment when using their bathrooms.

Consider some of these bathroom remodeling ideas:

Smart technology upgrades.

For those with bathrooms the size of a closet, smart tech tops our list of small bathroom remodel ideas. For example, a smart toilet that self-cleans, auto-flushes, and has a heated seat might reduce the amount of cleaning supplies you need.

Choose an LED light fixture with dimmable features, or a mirror with Bluetooth technology so you can listen to music while you get ready. Smart soap dispensers, touchless faucets, and even a smart shower system are also available. 

You might also consider shower remodel ideas like a WaterSense-certified shower head, as these can save you 2,700 gallons of water and 330 kilowatt-hours of electricity every year.

Green and nature-inspired makeover.

Looking for master bathroom remodel ideas? Turn your space into a green oasis. White is on the way out as a go-to color for bathrooms, as a survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association found that 35% of experts chose green as their favorite hue for the loo.

Consider painting bathroom cabinets or walls in emerald or forest green for a nice pop. If you have the budget for a full remodel, consider bamboo flooring or recycled glass countertops. You can also integrate indoor plants to enhance the bathroom's connection with nature.

Related: 2024 paint colors of the year.

Radiant heated flooring.

If your bathroom is drafty with unbearably cold floors, look into radiant heat flooring systems. These systems can warm your tile, engineered wood, or laminate floors. The heat will also radiate throughout the bathroom from the ground up, giving you increased comfort and warmth. Plus, radiant heating is more efficient than baseboard heating and forced-air heating.

Add a backsplash.

Who said backsplashes should only be installed in kitchens? Adding a backsplash to your bathroom behind the counter or vanity will not only help protect your walls from moisture, but it can also be a decorative element that gives your bathroom charm, character, and elegance.

There are plenty of materials you can use. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas you may love:

• Herringbone tile
• Mosaic tiles
• Subway tiles
• Penny tiles
• Marble
• Granite
• Quartz

Install a walk-in shower.

Your shower is a larger selling point than you may expect, and installing a walk-in shower is a great way to give your bathroom a makeover. Both contemporary and traditional bathroom designs often include a large glass panel, which makes the bathroom look more spacious. 

For a clean, spa-like feel, tile your shower walls. You can also add recessed shelving for soaps and dimmable recessed lights for a cozy atmosphere. 

Bathtub upgrades.

Treat your bathroom to a brand-new bathtub and sink. Clawfoot tubs are more traditional, and single-slipper tubs can offer better back support (a bonus if you indulge in bubble baths while reading a good book). You can also add more features and accessories to your tub, like an air massage system or tub caddies to hold your wine or book. 

Sink upgrades.

Because of its vertical shape, pedestal sinks can free up space, making it a go-to option for small bathrooms. If you have a larger bathroom, consider installing a vessel sink that sits directly on your counter. Or, if you’d rather emphasize your bathroom counter’s design, get an under-mount sink. 

Related: How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

Kitchen remodel ideas.

Kitchen remodels typically see an ROI of between 31.7% and 85.7%, reports Remodeling, so they're not always the best for increasing the value of your home. However, according to the NAR report, they can provide 43% more functionality and livability in a space. Plus, 94% of homeowners have a greater desire to be home after they renovate or remodel their kitchens.

Here are some of the best kitchen remodeling ideas:

Ditch the dining room for a kitchen island.

Instead of having a dedicated dining table, consider a kitchen island — it's the choice of 56% of respondents in a National Kitchen & Bath Association survey. When designing your island, consider non-white (like black) or wood-toned cabinets that contrast with the rest of your kitchen — it's what 46% of homeowners who installed an island opted for in the NAR report.

If you've got a tiny kitchen next to a formal dining room, here's an idea: knock down the wall and open up the space. This isn't exactly a revolutionary concept, but it's one of the best small kitchen remodel ideas because it'll make your home feel much larger than it is.

Related: How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Mix and match lighting.

Photo credit: Summit Design Build

 Sometimes, you want bright light in the kitchen so you can see what you're cooking, but other times, you want a more intimate glow to enjoy a quiet dinner with loved ones. Using layers of lighting helps you achieve this effect.

Integrate LED base lighting around islands, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed lighting. Then, finish things off with an ornate centerpiece fixture, such as a Murano glass chandelier. These are trending, featuring 58% more often in Zillow listings this year, according to Zillow's recent report. 

Repaint or reface the kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen design trends are constantly changing, but sleek, modern cabinets with no scratches or chipped paint will always be appealing. If your cabinets are worn out, don't assume replacing them is your only option. There's an alternative: you can repaint them or reface them.

This is far less expensive than buying and installing new cabinets. And, you can use the money you save for other dream kitchen upgrades like a backsplash, new countertops, or new appliances.

You can also consider replacing — or removing — the cabinet doors. You could even remove parts of wall-mounted upper cabinets in favor of open shelving or more open countertop space. Here are more ways to remodel your kitchen cabinets.

Related: Inset vs. overlay cabinets: Which one is better?

Overhaul your kitchen appliances.

Whether it’s replacing an old dishwasher or an outdated refrigerator, new appliances can add value and improve your kitchen’s functionality.

Here are some ways you can transform your kitchen with a few appliances:

• Range hood. Install a new range hood, and make it the focal point of your kitchen. Choose a hood with the features you want (minimal noise, different lighting levels, etc.), and consider upgrading your backsplash with stylish or colorful tile.
• Dishwasher: Replace a plastic dishwasher with a more durable, stainless steel one. Look for fingerprint-resistant models.
• Refrigerator: Get rid of a white, two-door refrigerator and install a French door fridge, a black stainless steel fridge, or even a smart refrigerator that lets you stream music and helps you with meal planning. 
• Oven: If you have a single-wall oven, talk to an appliance contractor about creating more space in your kitchen for a double oven. 

Try to install new energy-efficient kitchen appliances (look for Energy Star appliances) and modern.

Related: How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

Bedroom remodel ideas.

You spend a third of your life sleeping in your bedroom, so it might as well be as cozy as possible. A bedroom remodeling project should focus on giving you a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of your life.

Check out these ideas for remodeling your bedroom:

Biophilic or floral designs.

Nature is a huge design trend for 2024, so why not integrate it into your bedroom? Studies show that exposure to houseplants and flowers can reduce stress and improve relaxation.

Install a colorful floral wallpaper on an accent wall — perhaps even the ceiling — and go with pale greens for the rest of your walls. For a true upgrade, even consider a moss wall that can help remove volatile organic compounds and reduce noise.

Or, why not go for a mural? Homes with murals have increased by 18% on Zillow, meaning they're becoming a hot upgrade. It's simple to choose a wallpaper mural, but there's a better idea. Collaborate with a local artist and have them paint a customized image for your wall.

Create a textured accent wall.

If murals aren't your thing, consider creating an accent wall with a twist: add texture. Work with an interior painter near you to explore the different ways you can achieve this. You may opt to use wood trim, plaster paint, tile and more.

Living room remodel ideas.

Your living room is the focal point of your home, so it's where you have more room to play and experiment. Consider the following projects that can transform your living room into a comfortable place to entertain and relax.

Brutalism makeover.

Brutalism is a mid-20th-century design style that includes raw features like concrete floors and bronze fixtures. This isn't as bland as it may sound, as what brutalism lacks in color, it makes up for in texture and form.

Converting your living room to this style could have a huge cost benefit since there's been a 452% increase in Zillow home listings that mention brutalist design in their descriptions.

Refinish or install new hardwood floors.

Refinishing your hardwood floors has one of the best ROIs when it comes to remodeling, as you'll recoup 147% of your costs, according to the NAR report. Entirely new wood floors are also in the positive, with a 118% ROI.

They also provide a great boost to your well-being. 90% of homeowners have a greater desire to be home after finishing the project, reports the NAR. That jumps to 100% if you get your floors refinished instead.

Related: How much does it cost to install hardwood flooring?

Fireplace remodel.

If you have a fireplace in your living room, give it some extra attention — even if you rarely use it. For example, you can paint it a different color, build a mantle, add tile to the surround or hearth, add texture to the chimney wall, and much more.

Make more space.

If you want more space and an open floor plan, you may be able to remove unnecessary interior walls. This can make small homes appear bigger. You can also let more natural light into your house's center.

But be careful — It's difficult to determine whether or not a wall is load-bearing. If you have any doubts, hire a contractor before you attempt a demolition project.

Basement remodel ideas.

When you remodel your basement, one of the best things to do is add additional living space. This offers an 86% ROI as well as 34% more functionality and livability, reports the NAR. Here are some of our favorite ways to do that.

Create a TV room.

This is a fun project that gives you plenty of decorating options. Consider adding a cozy carpet to make the room more homey, or even a fireplace wall with gas logs to take the chill off of winter nights.

Add your TV to the main wall, and choose recessed lighting so it doesn't add too much glare.

Finally, top the room off with a series of comfy armchairs or recliners so you can have the ultimate movie experience.

Add a half bath.

Adding a bathroom to your basement won't hugely increase your home's value — the ROI is a lowly 26.5%–30.2%, reports Remodeling. That said, it can add major comfort to your basement.

A half bath eliminates the need to run upstairs every time you need to go, which is especially important if you use your basement as a bar or party area.

Garage remodel ideas.

A garage isn't just a place to store cars. It can also double as a home gym, storage area, and even workshop with just a little bit of remodeling.

Garage door replacement.

Replacing your garage door is one of the best home remodel projects when it comes to ROI, as you'll see 102.7% of the cost recovered, according to Remodeling.

A new garage door can offer more insulation, reducing your utility bills. It can also improve your home's curb appeal. In 2024, garage door trends are expected to lean toward neutral and bold colors.

Epoxy flooring.

Ditch your old cracked concrete floor and replace it with epoxy. The cool part about epoxy is that it comes in nearly unlimited colors and finishes, meaning you can customize it exactly to your liking. It's also highly durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice whether you're using your garage to repair cars or do HIIT workouts.

Closet remodel ideas.

The "cloffice" — a home office built into a closet — is out. According to Zillow data, it's appearing in 54% fewer listings. What's in is more storage space to accommodate more clothes for a return to the office.

Custom organization.

Homeowners who renovated their closets enjoyed 46% better functionality and livability, reports the NAR, and we can see why.

Adding in more organization, like open shelving, lets you see and access everything you have. Hanging rods keep clothing from wrinkling, and inset cabinets to hold all of your shoes can make it easier and quicker to find what you need.

In one survey, 97% of realtors said having closet space is more important than basement and attic storage space for homeowners.

Luxury dressing room.

If you've got a walk-in closet with a small space, you might be able to turn it into a place to get dressed. Add in a full-length mirror so you can admire your outfit, as well as bright overhead lights that eliminate any weird, unflattering shadows. You might even consider a bench to sit on so you can lace up your shoes without hobbling over to the bed.

Yard and exterior home remodel ideas.

From the windows to the yard, here are a few of the best exterior home remodeling ideas to give your home a completely new look and boost its curb appeal.

Brand-new siding.

Siding has a big impact on the look and feel of your house. But aesthetics aside, siding and trim can protect your home from the outside elements. 

If you're ready for an upgrade, consider choosing vinyl siding, which is a popular, cost-effective option for most homeowners. It doesn’t need to be painted, requires less maintenance than other materials, and you can buy vinyl siding that imitates wood.

But you have other options as well, including:

• Fiber cement siding, which is durable and easy to maintain.
• Wood siding, which can be beautiful and classic.
• Aluminum, which is also affordable and easy to install.

Consider the cost of different siding and try to determine if there's a return on investment. According to a recent report by the NAR, "Fiber cement siding recovered 86% of the cost spent, and vinyl siding recovered 82%."

Pro tip: Clean your siding with a pressure washer at least once a year to remove grime and prevent deterioration. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder or don’t have much experience using the equipment, this is a job better left to a professional pressure washer near you. Otherwise, you could risk damaging your siding by using too much pressure.

Deck or patio makeover.

Photo credit: MG Construction & Decks

 If you love spending time outside and can’t stand being cooped up in the house, create an outdoor living space that you and your household will enjoy. Installing a deck or patio is an excellent place to start. 

Decks are raised platforms attached to a home, and they’re typically made out of wood (though there are other materials available). Patios are commonly made from concrete, and they’re paved.

Both options are great if you want a space where you can lounge and entertain guests. But keep in mind decks tend to offer a better view (because of their height), while patios provide more privacy.

Add a pickleball court.

According to Zillow, listings that mention pickleball are up 64% compared to last year. You can build one in your backyard, but some homeowners are even converting their driveways into courts.

If pickleball isn't your thing, but you want to utilize your outdoor space for exercise, you may want to consider other ideas like a basketball or tennis court. Or, you may enjoy having an outdoor gym. You'll need to invest in outdoor/weather-proof gym flooring, a durable cover (or convert a shed with a sturdy roof), and a few pieces of equipment.

Chat with a local contractor to discuss your options and estimate the costs.

Hire pros to remodel your home.

Now that you've perused these home renovation ideas, we hope you have the inspiration you need to start on a project. And luckily, Thumbtack is here to help you turn your dreams into a reality. 

Download our app today to browse top-rated pros near you who can help you transform your home.

*A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.