While the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a lifetime ago, it’s still reaping its effects on many areas of life – even in regards to the home improvement industry. In fact, the United States is said to be in the middle of an “historic paradigm shift,” according to Kitchen and Bath Design News. Essentially, studies show that homeowners’ attitudes, lifestyles, purchasing decisions, and design preferences are significantly evolving in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The America at Home Study was first done when COVID was brand new; then, it was repeated at the pandemic’s peak and then again afterward. Key insights were revealed about how people feel about their homes and how they choose to spend their time in a post-pandemic society.

Study Findings

The study revealed that emotional wellbeing is the top concern of Americans, followed by financial wellbeing, mental health, and physical health and fitness. When posed with the word “home”, people tie this word more closely to feelings of personal health and wellness, more so than they did at the start of the pandemic.

A majority of respondents said their home is a place of refuge, comfort, security, reflection, and relaxation, and they cherish it as a spot for the family to gather.

The study pinpointed a strong correlation between personal wellbeing of a family and the physical requirements of a home. According to co-founder of the America at Home Study, Nancy Keenan, 80 percent of people’s health outcomes are related to their physical environments, and the increasing importance of all wellbeing elements are fueling a renewed motivation for desired physical spaces in our homes.

Emotional Well-Being Upstages Financial Security

It used to be that saving money was the #1 priority for Americans. While it’s still important, now there’s a bigger emphasis on implementing features in a home that are designed to improve health and wellness. In other words, Americans still crave having money, but they also value wellness in a holistic way – more so today than ever before.

That said, Americans aren’t feeling as “well” as they would like to. When asked in the study what features in the home that they wanted but were lacking, participants identified germ-resistant surfaces, more home technology, increased storage capacity, energy efficiency, and better-equipped kitchens.

People also identified that eco-friendly features were integral to their overall wellness. They also cited a need for:

• Private outdoor spaces or gardens
• Energy conservation
• Water conservation
• Elimination of chemicals and VOCs
• Energy-efficient windows
• Homes that minimize carbon footprints

Contact Neptune Kitchen and Bath

Need help with your next home improvement project? Want to incorporate more wellness features that make your life easier and more enjoyable? Look no further than our home improvement experts with specialties in kitchen and bath renovations. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation.