There are times in the lives of all homeowners when they take a good hard look around and realize they are hungry for some major changes. Maybe the realization is triggered while thumbing through a popular home and gardens magazine or watching one of the countless home-improvement programs on TV. Perhaps they've begun comparing their home to those of friends and family members. Or maybe they're contemplating the possibility of selling their home in the next few years and are thinking of making improvements now that could potentially increase its value.

Regardless of the reason, more Americans than ever are making home improvements. According to a study done by Harvard, the home improvement industry has grown by three percent over the last two years. In 2021 alone, Americans spent $538 billion on home improvement, with projected sales expected to reach $625 in 2025.

Home improvements range from inexpensive do-it-yourself projects to pricey undertakings that require professional contractors. What follows are the most popular areas on which Americans currently are spending their time, energy and money.

Landscaping
Curb appeal says a lot about a home. After all, it alone is responsible for everyone's first impression of a home. While the house's outward appearance is obviously an important factor, one shouldn't underestimate the role of landscape in creating a positive first impression. Investing in new landscaping can help make any house look fresh and appealing.

Every view in landscaping should have a focal point. For the front yard, the focal point should always be the front door, so be sure not to hide it. When considering major plantings such as trees, think about how they will frame the front door as people approach the house.

When planting trees in front of a house, remember that they are considered a permanent fixture in the landscape, so think ahead 12 to 15 years. How tall will the species of tree being planted grow? How far out from the trunk will its branches and root system extend? Make sure that trees are not too close to the house. This will decrease the potential of falling branches or limbs damaging the roof or windows in the future, as well as root systems causing issues with the house's foundation.

Bushes planted around the house should be trimmed so that they do not grow in front of windows. Flowering plants in beds are always a plus, but if one doesn't have a green thumb or enjoy gardening, consider planting a low-maintenance ground covering.

Add a collection of plants on either side of the front doorway to better tie in the landscaping with the house itself. For a big impact, opt for plants and planters of differing heights, which create a sense of depth in the area. Pick bold colored flowers and verdant greens, or focus on seasonal flowers that can be changed out frequently for a quick refresh.

The Front Door
A new front door is a quick and simple home improvement project that can make a big difference in its appearance and attract buyers when it is put on the market. According to real estate experts, the return on this investment is usually 90 percent.

If a new door isn't an option, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in improving a door's appearance. As long as there are no structural issues (like cracks, chipping paint, or dents), making a front door look new is as easy as a stroll down the paint aisle of a local retailer.

Door knobs, hinges, door knockers, and house numbers can look worse for the wear after years of exposure to the elements. Removing old hardware and replacing it with upgraded new pieces can change a door's entire appearance. Consider replacing a traditional turn-style knob with a digital keyless entry model or swapping a numerical house number for one that spells the number out in an elegant script.

The Garage Door
As with the front door, homes with front-facing garage can benefit from a garage door replacement. Besides enhancing a home's overall appearance, an updated garage door can also differentiate the house from all the others in the neighborhood. Because old garage doors can be an eyesore when trying to sell a home, relators estimate the return on this investment usually exceeds the amount spent.

If a home's driveway is a straight line from the street to the garage door, planting a curved flower bed where the drive meets the front corner of the yard will create a pleasing sweeping effect that enhances the garage's overall appearance.

Windows
It may come as a surprise, but new windows can significantly improve a home's appearance, function and value. As windows age, they do a poorer job of insulating a house from the elements. Old windows often mean more allergens in the home, poor insulation, and higher energy bills. Consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient windows. The return on investment for window replacement is generally high, and prospective buyers will appreciate the upgrade when the home is put on the market.

Flooring
Probably no single element of a home's interior can impact its overall appearance more than new flooring.

In choosing flooring, keep in mind that different board widths create specific effects. Narrow strips (less than three inches wide) are the traditional choice and create the illusion of more space. Wider planks (more than three inches wide) give a room a more rustic appearance, while parquet floors, with their distinctive geometric design, suit formal spaces.

Hardwoods run the gamut from blond to black, depending on species and finish. Consider floors that complement a home's furniture and accessories when selecting colors and patterns. Hardwoods also vary in durability. Oak, maple, and cherry are used more often due to their hardness. Exotic woods like mahogany and Brazilian cherry aren't as durable but are prized for their striking appearance.

Hardwoods, such as red oak, will withstand wear and tear for busy households with pets and kids, while softer woods, such as pine, tend to show scratches. The choice between engineered and solid hardwood will most likely be determined by the location, subfloor, and preferred installation method. Keep in mind that choosing solid hardwood means scratches from a puppy's claws or dings from a toddler's toy can be sanded out and refinished over and over. Preventive care and proper maintenance can keep floors looking good for years.
 

By some estimates, new flooring can yield an average of upwards of 300 percent return on the investment when the home is sold.

The Kitchen
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where a family cooks, eats, socializes with guests, and spends quality time together. So, it makes sense to make this space as welcoming as possible. If appliances look a little dated or the layout is no longer practical, perhaps it's time to start from scratch with a brand-new look.
 

Replacing old appliances, including major ones like fridges and stoves, will make a kitchen more attractive and efficient and command a higher price when the home is sold. Recent surveys show that having to replace old and outdated appliances tops the list of turn-offs for potential home buyers.

Drawer pulls and cabinet handles made of metals that were trendy decades ago can make any kitchen look old. Popular metals used in modern kitchen design include matte aluminum, stainless steel, brushed gold, and copper. Installing new pulls and handles on existing cabinetry is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can make a huge visual impact.
 

Countertops are a large portion of any kitchen's landscape. While outdated kitchens may have tile-and-grout or cheap vinyl covering the workspace, the variety of countertop surface options now available is impressive. From solid surfacing varieties that consist of resin and polymers to natural stone varieties such as marble and granite, there's an option for everyone's style and budget. Over the last few years, designers have become increasingly creative and are using heavy-duty structural materials for countertops, such as brick, tile, soapstone and quartz.

Because the kitchen is typically the busiest area in a home and the place where people are most likely to congregate, adding an island, countertop, or breakfast bar with seating brings new life to the space. From families with children doing homework to parents entertaining friends while cooking, kitchen seating has become essential to the modern home.

Kitchen lighting, while often an afterthought, is essential for safety and ambiance. If a kitchen contains only one overhead ambient lighting fixture, consider installing recessed lighting with a dimmer switch for versatility while entertaining, cooking, or just relaxing for a midnight snack. Under-cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops and pendant lighting over a kitchen island are practical additions that also create a feeling of elegance.

The Bathroom
Over the past decade, homeowners and home-buyers have embraced the idea of the bathroom as a spa-like retreat from the world. But one needn't do an entire bathroom overhaul to help achieve that aesthetic.

Whether painting the walls or installing new tiles, choose soft, muted colors to establish a tranquil environment. Avoid high-contrast pairings, such as black and white or blue and orange, which often appear bold and energizing rather than calming. Pairing warm neutrals with nature-inspired colors like seafoam green or sky blue creates peaceful palettes that would look right at home in an upscale spa.

Create a bright, airy look by outfitting a bathroom with lots of shimmering reflective surfaces. Large-scale mirrors, chrome fixtures, and polished tile all produce a sense of lightness and brightness, which can lift one's mood.

Because tubs and showers are usually the focal points of any bathroom, replacing them can completely transform the space. A glass shower door lends a luxurious look to any bathroom, but the reason for installing one might not be all about looks. Because this shower lacks a ledge or lip to step over when entering the shower, it is an excellent choice for aging family members or anyone with mobility difficulties. As in a lavish spa, a seat in the shower will encourage relaxation, making it a fantastic minor upgrade. Tile the bench to match the rest of the shower, or add a bar made of a contrasting material like teak or glass.

Replacing outdated faucets, lighting, and bathroom accessories is a great way to refresh the space while tailoring it to one's personal style.

Does one's bathroom need more storage? Are family members tired of sharing one sink? Replacing the vanity is an excellent solution that improves a bathroom's functionality while enhancing its visual appeal.

Changing a bathroom's flooring or updating tiles can help create a customized look that will attract buyers when the time comes to sell a home.

A Fresh Coat of Paint
Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to bring a room back to life. It's also a great do-it-yourself project that won't cost an arm and a leg. Painting a room in neutral colors such as whites, grays, or creams creates the feeling of a larger and cleaner space.

Kitchens, in particular, can take on a dramatically new look by simply painting the existing cabinets. From white to blue to two-tone looks, color options are nearly limitless. Bring home samples and examine them in the light throughout the day. How does it look in natural and artificial light? Find a color that looks great in both and compliments current fixtures, appliances, and countertops. Painting cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer faces can be time-consuming (experts recommend setting aside three days for the task), but it is also one of the most noticeable and rewarding updates any homeowner can do.