Lifestyle Choices

A softer housing market and rising cost of living is feeding into the ‘improve, don’t move’ mentality and continues to give DIY a lift; particularly when combined with a flood of inspiration and support on social media. The DIY Boom has continued, from outdoor kitchens to pergolas and planters, online search queries around do-it-yourself garden projects are soaring and the market holds serious growth potential.

If you hadn’t considered expanding your offer with DIY lines before, now is the perfect time to plan a visit to the brand-new DIY sector at Glee 2023 (27th – 29th June, NEC Birmingham) to explore the opportunities this category can present to your business.

With lockdown and furlough a thing of the past, some predicted an end to the DIY boom the pandemic created. However, whilst sales may have dipped below the dizzying heights experienced temporarily during Covid, consumers are still very much engaged with DIY projects in their home and garden, spurred on by social media inspiration and the need to save a penny during the cost-of-living crisis.

A newfound love for tackling home improvement projects – with the bonus of keeping costs down – has spawned a new breed of younger DIYers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. The beauty of the digital age also means that, even without skills passed down through the generations, these DIYers can simply go online and watch a video tutorial from a host of influencers. Convenience is key, so if your business can offer a one-stop-shop with everything they need to tackle an outdoor DIY job, you can foster loyalty and guarantee repeat custom from this demographic.

The dedicated DIY sector at this year’s Glee is perfectly geared towards helping garden centres tap into the increasing trend for garden DIY and create further opportunities with targeted products that will complement and enhance your existing offer.

Whilst there has been caution around spending, it’s interesting to see what consumers have prioritised. Cutbacks on non-essential spending have mostly included activities like eating out, whilst households have continued to splash out on DIY projects; even dipping into savings, if they have to.

A recent report by KPMG found that, amongst those who have spent savings on major purchases so far this year, the most common reason was for home improvements (22%). Home improvement was also revealed as the most common savings spending intention for the rest of the year, according to a third of respondents; coming in ahead of plans to go on holiday.

Pandemic sales spikes saw online sales of home improvement and garden retail products grow by record numbers, whilst DIY retailers reported soaring profits and millions of new customers. They were unprecedented times and sales inevitably returned to normal levels but consumers had caught the DIY bug. The worldwide home improvement market was valued at $763billion in 2020 and is expected to surpass the trillion-dollar mark by 2027.

A look at online activity reveals more than 43,000 posts under the hashtag #gardendiy on Instagram, whilst the same hashtag on TikTok has had 282.6million views. Meanwhile, Google Trends highlights rising search queries in the UK over the past 90 days that include ‘DIY planter’, ‘DIY outdoor kitchen’, ‘DIY pergola’, ‘DIY building supplies’ and, in top searches, ‘DIY near me’, and ‘DIY garden ideas’.

There is a wealth of opportunities for garden centres looking to tap into this appetite for garden improvements by providing a local supply of DIY products for projects, along with the plants and finishing touches.

Leading trend forecaster and partner of the 2023 show, TrendBible has identified significant changes in consumer behaviour, including the emergence of what it describes as ‘Resilient Homemakers’. These consumers have a recessionary mindset and fully embrace self-sufficiency, which TrendBible says is driving a DIY culture boom.

The trend specialist is seeing a rise in fearless DIYers and consumers ‘hacking their lives’ to make them more organised and easier, using things like clever, attractive storage inspiration to transform mundane areas, such as sheds and garages.

It also includes what the TrendBible team dubs ‘female upskilling’, with an increase in self-taught female DIYers on social media, showcasing what they have learnt or built and providing inspiration for others. TrendBible has seen a rise in DIY amongst Gen Z (those born 1997-2012), revealing that this is reaching younger consumers, whilst a love of ‘reclaimed DIY’ is seeing people use what they have to create what they want and celebrating that reclaimed look, whether it’s greenhouses made from old doors and windows or garden furniture made from wooden pallets.

Improving your home with a new bathroom is one of the most popular home renovation projects for homeowners. Not only does a new bathroom increase the value of your home, but it can also provide a more comfortable and luxurious space for you and your family to enjoy.

Here are some tips on how to improve your home with a new bathroom:

Consider Your Needs: Before you start planning your new bathroom, it’s important to think about your needs. Do you need a bathtub or just a shower? How much storage do you need? Do you want a double vanity? Knowing what you need will help you design a bathroom that works for you.

Choose the Right Materials: Choosing the right materials for your bathroom is important to ensure that it lasts for years to come. Consider using materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles, which are durable and easy to clean. Also, consider using water-resistant materials like vinyl or fiberglass for your shower and bathtub.

Plan the Layout: The layout of your new bathroom is important for both functionality and aesthetics. Make sure that your bathroom is well-lit, and that there is enough space to move around. Also, make sure that your bathroom fixtures are well-placed, and that there is enough space for storage.

Install Energy-Efficient Fixtures: Installing energy-efficient fixtures like low-flow toilets and showerheads can help you save money on your utility bills. You can also consider installing a tankless water heater, which heats water on demand, rather than storing it in a tank.

Hire a Professional: While some home renovation projects can be done by homeowners, a bathroom renovation is best left to professionals. A professional contractor will be able to help you design and plan your new bathroom, and ensure that the work is done correctly.

Focus on Lighting: Lighting is an important aspect of any bathroom. Consider installing multiple light sources, including overhead lights, wall sconces, and even dimmer switches to create a relaxing atmosphere. You can also add natural light by installing a skylight or larger windows.

Add Storage: A bathroom with limited storage can quickly become cluttered. Consider adding built-in storage options like shelves, cabinets, or drawers to keep your bathroom organised and functional.

Choose a Focal Point: A focal point can give your bathroom a unique and stylish look. Consider choosing a focal point like a statement piece of tile, a unique bathtub or shower, or a stunning vanity.

Select the Right Color Scheme: The right color scheme can make all the difference in creating a relaxing and inviting bathroom. Consider selecting a color scheme that complements your fixtures and accessories, and creates a cohesive look.

Don’t Forget the Details: The small details can make a big impact in your bathroom. Consider adding finishing touches like a framed mirror, decorative towel bars, or stylish hardware to complete the look of your new bathroom.

A new bathroom is a significant investment that can improve your home’s value and your family’s comfort. By focusing on lighting, storage, a focal point, the right color scheme, and the details, you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.