Preparing Your Florida Home for the Trends Ahead

October 11, 2024

Whether you’re planning to make small improvements or considering a major renovation, following
these trends can help you keep your Florida home stylish and functional. By integrating sustainable
materials, embracing outdoor living, or by adding smart home features, you’ll create a beautiful well-suited
space to the Sunshine State lifestyle. Thinking about tackling some home improvement projects
this year? Let First Coast Renovations help you bring these updated trends into your home!

Resilient Home Features

In Florida, extreme weather events like hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rains are a reality, making
resilient home features essential for homeowners. Upgrading to hurricane-rated doors and impact resistant
windows, which are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, can significantly
reduce the risk of damage during storms. Reinforced roofing materials, such as metal or architectural
shingles, offer greater durability and can help prevent costly leaks. Flood-resistant landscaping, like
using permeable materials for driveways and elevating flower beds, helps manage heavy rainfall and
reduce the risk of water intrusion. Installing backup generators is also becoming more popular, as they
provide a reliable power source during outages, ensuring critical systems like refrigeration, medical
devices, and air conditioning remain operational. By investing in these resilient features, Florida
homeowners not only protect their properties but also potentially lower insurance premiums, making
these upgrades a smart, long-term investment.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces have become a hot topic for Florida homeowners who want to take full advantage of the state’s warm
climate, which allows for outdoor entertaining nearly all year long. To seamlessly blend indoor and
outdoor living, many homeowners are incorporating outdoor kitchens complete with grills, pizza ovens,
and refrigerators, making outdoor cooking and dining more convenient than ever. Fire pits and
fireplaces provide a cozy atmosphere for cooler evenings, while covered patios or pergolas offer much needed
shade during the hotter months, making these spaces more usable throughout the day.
Incorporating durable, weather-resistant materials such as composite decking, aluminum pergolas, and
high-quality outdoor furniture ensures that the space can withstand Florida’s sun, rain, and salty air.
Homeowners are also integrating elements like retractable screens, outdoor sound systems, and smart
lighting to enhance comfort and ambiance, creating outdoor retreats that are just as functional and
stylish as their indoor counterparts. With the right design, these outdoor living areas become ideal spots
for entertaining guests, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a bit of relaxation in the fresh air.

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades

Kitchens and bathrooms continue to be top priorities for Florida homeowners who want to modernize
their spaces. In kitchens, multifunctional islands are taking center stage, offering extra seating, storage,
and prep space to meet the needs of busy households. Walk-in pantries are also gaining popularity,
providing ample room to keep essentials organized and out of sight. For a stylish touch, mixed material
finishes like combining quartz countertops with wood accents bring a unique, custom look to the space.
The trend toward open shelving allows homeowners to display decorative pieces, while concealed
storage solutions help maintain a clutter-free environment.

In bathrooms, the focus is on luxury and relaxation, with large walk-in showers featuring frameless glass
doors and multiple showerheads becoming a sought-after feature. Freestanding bathtubs add a touch of
elegance, creating a focal point for the space. Natural stone elements like marble or travertine bring a
timeless appeal, adding both texture and visual interest. Warmer metal fixtures, such as brushed brass
and copper, offer a sophisticated contrast to neutral tones and enhancing the overall spa-like
atmosphere. These upgrades not only improve functionality but also add value and appeal to the home.