If there’s one thing we love dreaming about, it’s a renovation: A decor overhaul, a reorganized home, new blooms in the garden. Yelp's summer trend report serves to help the over 33 million users create and curate this new and improved type of space—for renovations of all sizes.
“Yelp’s latest home and outdoor trends report reveals a growing interest in remodeling current living spaces,” reads the company's press release. “People are turning to service professionals more than ever to help reimagine and enhance their current living spaces, recognizing they may be staying in their current homes longer than anticipated.”
In the last year, home renovation searches on Yelp increased by 184%. Specifically, home contractors went up by 83%, home additions by 32%, and searches for backyard remodels by 142%. And the searches weren’t just heralded by homeowners—Yelp reported that searches for apartment design increased by 455%.
Here's exactly what users are revamping this summer.
Ambient Lighting
One of the main trends Yelp highlights is saying goodbye to the big, overhead light—if you still have one, that is. Yelp users and seemingly everyone online is moving from harsh lights toward softer, layered lighting. Searches for ambient lighting increased by 106% in the last year, while searches for warm lights increased by 261% and dimmers increased by 508%.
“Lighting is one of the most accessible ways to improve the ambiance of a room—and it’s renter-friendly," Yelp trend expert Tara Lewis said in a press release. "Consider diversifying your lighting sources and their placement throughout a space. Try stylish paper lanterns, globe table lamps, or statement floor lighting. Pair them with soft, warm light bulbs to set the mood.”
JULIE SOEFER
Spa-Like Bathroom Upgrades
According to Yelp, searches for plunge tubs increased by 313%, sauna installation by 77%, steam showers by 38%, and bathroom remodeling went up 53%: all pointing to a desire for serene self-care stations. (After all, think of all the money you could save at the salon if you can get the same effects at home.) Maybe you want to change the lighting in your bathroom or go full regencycore—no matter what you choose, you likely won’t be the only person doing a bathroom remodel.
Sensory Gardens
Not surprisingly, Yelp found that we want to focus on our gardens this summer season: Searches for home gardening increased by 41%, focusing on sensory gardens—a trend that continues to grow. Consider your favorite colors, scents, edible herbs, and the pollinators you want to attract when planning your layout and choosing your plants.