what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-forever-renter?-benefits-(and-drawbacks)-to-consider
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What Does It Mean to Be a Forever Renter? Benefits and Drawbacks to Consider

ByKristine Gill

Today, most talks of real estate center around when and whether renters can purchase their first home. But buying and owning property isn’t the only way to find secure housing and make a smart financial decision. In fact, many renters make intentional decisions not to buy a home.  “One of the most common misconceptions about ‘forever renters,’ especially among homeowners, is that they’re ‘throwing away’ their money on rent or that they’re paying their landlord’s mortgage rather than their own,” says Nick Pisano, a data writer for Clever Real Estate. “In reality, those who choose to rent have often made conscious decisions to embrace the benefits of the lifestyle, such as increased flexibility and lower upkeep requirements, trading the likely financial benefits of homeownership in the future for a more stress-free today.” In fact, sky-high mortgage rates combined with inflated home prices and low inventory make renting the smart choice in many cities.   “A recent analysis by Realtor.com found that it is more affordable to rent than to buy a home in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros,” says Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst with Realtor.com. “This means that in today’s market, households stand to save significantly by renting.” Not only does the forever renter enjoy a certain lifestyle, but they can also make smart decisions to set themselves up for long-term savings. Here, we talk to real estate experts about the pros and cons of the lifestyle.  What Is a Forever Renter? It’s common to begin renting as an adult while saving money for your first home purchase. But there’s also a trend in which renters choose to remain renters.  “‘Forever renters’ are those who’ve decided, either as a matter of preference, due to financial issues, or for other reasons, to forgo the idea of ever owning real estate and instead orient their lives toward renting instead,” Pisano says.  Some forever renters choose the lifestyle from the jump, while others have fallen into it after seeing how high the barrier to the housing market has become.  “Someone may choose to be a ‘forever renter’ because they live in a high-priced area in which they are unlikely to ever be able to afford homeownership, or because they enjoy the flexibility renting allows,” Jones says. “Lifestyle and finances are likely the two largest considerations for ‘forever renters’.” Agent Robert E. Elson of Coldwell Banker Warburg says it’s not a bad thing to be a forever renter, even if that means you’re fundamentally opposed to homeownership.   “Many people like this lifestyle because it may give them options homeowners do not have—freedom to move around whenever and wherever they choose, skipping major financial obligations like bearing a mortgage, and not having to worry about home repairs and the maintenance of appliances,” he says. Benefits of Renting Forever Like any type of living arrangement, there are pros and cons. And while it’s easy to come up with the perks around homeownership, there are similar advantages for renters.  Flexibility “What forever renters sacrifice in home equity, they get back in flexibility. Renting for the long term has both pros and cons,” Jones says. “It takes the pressure off of saving up for a housing purchase, it often means being able to afford to live in areas that would be out-of-budget for buying, and it allows renters to pick up and move as they wish, to some degree. Renters also often get to pawn off the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities to the owner, though likely with varying degrees of success.” Many forever renters choose this lifestyle to avoid feeling tied down. “There is a rather pervasive view that renting is ‘throwing away’ money. However, renting allows for flexibility that homeownership does not,” Jones says. “Renters are able to be nimble and adjust to changing life circumstances, such as losing a job or adding a new member to the family, without having to worry about selling/buying a new house.”  That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to moving frequently. “Of course, lease terms vary and renters may face the financial consequences of breaking a lease, but generally this cost will be lower than costs associated with selling a home,” Jones adds. “Homeownership can offer peace of mind and stability, but it is much harder to course-correct than it is when renting.” It’s also a great arrangement if you aren’t committed to living in one particular city. “Additionally, not being the actual homeowner likely makes it easier to move and not be tied to a specific location,” says Ann Cooper, a real estate broker with RE/MAX of Boulder. Less Time Spent on Upkeep If you’re someone who travels often or despises yardwork, renting an apartment or a home which the landlord maintains can be ideal.  “Even if you’re not a traveling salesperson, there are reasons to rent for the long term,” says agent Michael C. Weiner of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Some jobs require a lot of changes—think U.S. military personnel—while some people simply like to have a variety of homes in different locations over time​.” Fewer Expenses And even though homeownership is considered an easy way to build equity and wealth, it’s not always smooth sailing, and that’s where renting can be advantageous. “Financially, people typically assume that it’s better to own than rent,” Weiner says. “But, buying in a hot market can lead to much less gain over time, and expenses of ownership, including taxes

3-steps-to-a-perfectly-lit-kitchen,-according-to-a-pro
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3 Steps to a Perfectly Lit Kitchen, According to a Pro

ByMaria Sabella

3 Steps to a Perfectly Lit Kitchen, According to a Pro A lighting expert shares must-know tips for designing a functional kitchen. Published on November 16, 2024 Photo: John Merkl The right lighting is one of the most important elements of kitchen design. It needs to provide enough illumination for a variety of tasks in multiple areas, while also adding a stylish touch and complementing the overall room design. To help you get your kitchen lighting just right, Kerry Cochran, senior merchandise manager for Lumens, shares three steps to follow for a functional—and beautiful—space. Whether you’re simply refreshing your space or planning a full remodel, implement these three expert-recommended lighting tips to create a perfectly lit kitchen. Read McKendree 1. Use the Principle of Three-Level Lighting “The modern kitchen serves more than one purpose, which necessitates a careful combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting,” Cochran says. While striking the right balance can be a challenge, she shares how you can create layers using the principle of three-level lighting. “A combination of independently-controlled ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting makes for an ideal blend of function and aesthetics, and helps create a smoother transition from day to night,” Cochran says. John Granen 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Styles and Materials People often get caught up in creating a matching lighting scheme, but Cochran says there is no hard and fast rule that says you need match all your kitchen light fixtures. “In fact, some of the most well-designed kitchens incorporate a thoughtful mix of both styles and materials,” she says. Don’t be afraid of mixing metals, because it can actually make a space feel more layered and dynamic, as long as they’re complementary in tone. “For example, pairing a warm-toned brass or copper with a cool-toned stainless steel or chrome can make a room sing, while two different metals that are similar in tone, like nickel and chrome, will clash,” Cochran says. As a general rule of thumb, she recommends sticking to two to three different finishes to avoid the kitchen feeling disjointed and haphazard. Elizabeth Howard 3. Add Personality Through Light Fixtures Light fixtures offer a great opportunity to infuse personality into your kitchen. Cochran compares choosing kitchen lighting to adding jewelry to an outfit. “It should reflect your personality and style, and complement your outfit—the kitchen—without overwhelming it or competing for attention,” she says. Focus on functional lighting first, such as track lighting over a kitchen island. Then, add in decorative pieces, like a flashy pendant light or colorful wall sconces.

5-kitchen-lighting-mistakes-to-avoid-for-a-functional-workspace
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5 Kitchen Lighting Mistakes to Avoid for a Functional Workspace

ByMaria Sabella

Lighting is a key design element in any space, but it’s particularly important in a kitchen. Get the lighting just right and it can elevate the entire kitchen—but get it wrong and it’ll ruin the whole space. To help you nail your kitchen design, Kerry Cochran, senior merchandise manager at Lumens, is sharing the most common kitchen lighting mistakes to avoid. The list consists of both practical and visual mistakes, including disproportionate light fixtures, a lack of under-cabinet lighting, and an excess of recessed and accent lights. Cochran also points out that while people spend a lot of time selecting the right light fixtures, they tend to completely overlook the lighting controls, which deserve just as much attention. Whether you’re rewiring your kitchen or designing it from scratch, Cochran shares the biggest kitchen lighting mistakes to avoid. 1. Lack of Under-Cabinet Lighting “One of the biggest mistakes we see is a lack of under-cabinet lighting,” Cochran says. She explains that whenever you have a kitchen counter beneath a set of wall cabinets, the cabinets will block the overhead light and cast shadows on your workspace, preventing proper illumination. “Adding dimmable under-cabinet lighting will make your countertop workspace more functional and brighten up the corners of your kitchen,” Cochran says. 2. Too Many Recessed Lights Installing too many recessed lights is another common kitchen lighting mistake, as it makes the space feel too sterile. “While recessed lights are necessary to provide ambient lighting, they do not illuminate walls, so we mustn’t rely on them as the only source of light in a space,” Cochran notes. She shares that the general rule of thumb for installing recessed lights is to use one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling space. “For a more exact formula, divide the height of your ceiling by two; With an 8-foot ceiling, recessed lights should be about 4 feet apart,” she says. 3. Disproportionate Light Fixtures Scale plays a huge role in creating visual balance, and Cochran says one of the most common mistakes she sees in kitchens is disproportionate light fixtures. “Picture a sprawling kitchen island with a single, small-scale pendant light above it, or a massive chandelier hanging over a tiny breakfast nook, and you’ll understand how this can upset the overall proportions of a room,” she says. To avoid this mistake, pay attention to the size of your kitchen and its components, such as counters or an island to select scale-appropriate lighting. “For a kitchen island or table, for example, select a lighting fixture with a diameter that is about one foot smaller than the narrowest part,” Cochran says. 4. Excessive Number of Accent Lights “Equally important is knowing the right areas of your kitchen to highlight, as too many accent lights can compete with one another, causing visual clutter that cheapens the effect,” Cochran says. To create a successful lighting plan for your kitchen, view the space as a whole instead of multiple individual areas. This will help you strike the right balance and avoid the mistake of going overboard with accent lights. 5. Overlooking Lighting Controls While the size, style, and positioning of light fixtures is important, don’t make the mistake of overlooking a key practical element—lighting controls. “People often get caught up in selecting the perfect light fixture, so it can be easy to overlook the importance of lighting controls”, Cochran says. She recommends dimmers over switches, and says they should be used wherever possible to best control the lighting for any task or activity. “If you are rewiring or designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure that the most critical ambient fixtures can be controlled from each of the room’s entry points,” Cochran adds.

hot-trends-in-home-heating:-electric-wallpaper
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Hot Trends in Home Heating: Electric Wallpaper

ByGemma Johnstone

Early feedback suggests that electric wallpaper could be an eco-friendly, efficient and affordable alternative to traditional heating systems. We spoke to a leading electric wallpaper manufacturer to understand more about the encouraging results of the product’s pilot trials and how this new technology could benefit your home. What Is Electric Wallpaper? Electric wallpaper is typically installed on ceilings. It contains thin strips of copper and graphene, which utilize infrared technology to produce heat. Michelle Ansell, Project Manager for electric wallpaper manufacturer NexGen, explains that this low-level, invisible-to-the-naked-eye light works similarly to how the sun provides warmth. Traditional convection systems heat the surrounding air, but infrared heats people and objects directly. “The energy from infrared sinks directly into us humans first,” Ansell explains. “Then it’s absorbed into and stored within the furniture and fabric of the building. So walls, floors, and everything you touch has a comfortable, even temperature.” Ansell explains that the NexGen investors wanted to tackle fuel poverty and provide a low-cost, low-carbon, efficient and green heating technology. “Currently, in the UK, we’re targeting social housing,” she says. “We’ve got pilots running up and up and down the country.” One of the major pilots involves a collaboration between researchers at Strathclyde and Glasgow Universities, Glasgow City Council and the West of Scotland Housing Association, with funding from Scotland Beyond Net Zero. Scotland has an ambitious target to reach net zero greenhouse gases by 2045. Given 84 percent of Scottish homes use gas heating, clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels are a priority. The trials are focusing on social housing in old, poorly insulated, mold-prone tenement buildings in Glasgow, and so far, the feedback and results have been positive. Benefits of Electric Wallpaper Below are some reasons why silent, inconspicuous electric wallpaper has the potential to be a viable alternative to traditional home heating methods. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly Electric wallpaper is an energy-efficient, low-carbon home heating option that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. Hooking the electrics up to roof solar panels makes it even more eco-friendly and cuts your heating bills further. Electric wallpaper heats rooms quickly (within minutes), and because the heat sinks into the objects, the room retains warmth well after you switch it off. Electric wallpaper also covers a large surface area, producing a consistent temperature across the room. Ansell says this avoids those cold spots you get from convection heaters, making it especially useful for hard-to-heat homes. “Every time you open a window or a door, that warm air is not escaping because we’re not heating the air,” she says. “The efficiencies also come because you don’t have to heat the whole home,” Ansell says. “Each room becomes its own targeted individual zone.” Protects against mold Mold thrives on damp surfaces prone to gathering condensation. Because the infrared technology of electric wallpaper generates warmth on and within the surfaces of your home, it can effectively wick away mold-encouraging moisture. Ansell explains that smart technology monitors humidity levels. “If it senses you’re at a point where condensation, damp and mold can form, there is an override switch that can automatically kick in to raise the room’s temperature,” she says. Affordable to buy and install Exact prices are not yet available in the U.S. However, despite electric wallpaper being a new-to-the-market product, you don’t have to worry about it costing an arm and a leg. “In the UK at the moment, we are cheaper than an air source heat pump in terms of physical product and installation,” Ansell says. “We are on par or cheaper than a gas boiler.” Easy to install You don’t want to DIY install electric wallpaper unless you’re a licensed electrician. However, it’s usually easier and quicker to install than a gas boiler or furnace. A decorator can install the rolls of wallpaper to your ceiling with a standard adhesive, and then an electrician will wire it in. “When we install it, all the cables get hidden behind coving or trunking in rooms, just to tidy them away,” Ansell says. You can then paint the ceiling as you would normally. “The only caveat is you can’t put black paint on it,” Ansell says. “It affects the efficiency of the infrared energy coming into the room.” Low-maintenance Another cost-saving and convenient benefit of electric wallpaper is that it’s low maintenance. Ansell describes it as “fit-and-forget.” “We give a 15-year guarantee, but really, it’s the lifetime of the house because there are no moving parts to it, and it’s out of reach,” she says. “The paper is fireproof and water-resistant as well.” Space-saving Electric wallpaper can be beneficial in small, multifunctional rooms with limited wall space. Ansell says the ceiling installation gives people back the space in front of the radiators. Drawbacks of Electric Wallpaper While the trial results are encouraging, electric wallpaper is a new product. Data on true longevity, running costs, and efficiency are still being scrutinized. Plus, if you’re installing electric wallpaper in an existing home rather than a new build construction, you need to factor in the costs associated with removing the existing heating system, and you’ll also need a water heating system. Ansell explains that, with the ceiling installation, electric wallpaper is less prone to damage. However, she cautions, “If you’re moving tall furniture around that might scrape the ceiling, that might damage it.” Is Electric Wallpaper Available in the U.S.? Electric wallpaper isn’t currently widely available in the U.S. However

these-were-the-top-7-home-renovation-trends-of-2024,-according-to-pros
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Top 7 Home Renovation Trends of 2024

BySophie Flaxman

Over the past year, homeowners focused on creating environments that nurture well-being, provide comfort and serenity, and reflect their personal values. The home renovation trends of 2024 were all about creating intentional and personalized spaces. Whether it was enhancing the home with wellness features, embracing nature and the simplicity of Japanese-inspired interiors, or crafting spaces for family fun and relaxation, these trends emphasize a shift towards meaningful, mindful living. Drawing on insights from experts at the leading design platforms like Houzz and Pinterest, we reveal how the top trends are shaping the future of home interiors and how homeowners are transforming their living spaces into personalized retreats. Annie Schlechter Organic Modern Style In 2024, organic modern emerged as the design style of choice, seamlessly blending modern simplicity with nature-inspired elements and materials. By incorporating elements like stone, wood, and organic fabrics, organic modernism fosters a calming, cohesive, and well-balanced space. “With searches on Houzz for ‘organic modern bedroom’ jumping nearly 3.5x year-over-year, homeowners may be looking for a soft place to land at the end of a long day,” says Mitchell Parker, senior editor of Houzz. But it’s not just the bedroom where this style shines. Organic modern is also trending across dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, underscoring its versatility and widespread appeal. Japanese Design Influence “Japanese design, which embraces simplicity, natural elements, and harmonious living spaces, is experiencing a resurgence, reflected in notable increases in searches related to kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms,” Parker says. Searches for ‘Japandi living rooms’ (a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality) have risen 48% on Houzz, while Pinterest searches for ‘Japanese living room design’ are up by 135%. Popular Japanese concepts like wabi-sabi and zen gardens also saw notable search growth, suggesting homeowners seek peaceful, sanctuary-like spaces inside and outside their homes. Better Homes & Gardens Leisure Spaces The pursuit of work-life balance is reshaping how we use our homes, with homeowners carving out dedicated leisure spaces. Searches for ‘listening rooms’ have more than doubled on Houzz, and interest in ‘living room pianos’ is up by 39%, reflecting a trend towards creating spaces for music and relaxation. Social areas for group activities have also gained momentum, with searches for ‘bowling alley,’ ‘game room,’ and ‘bocce court’ increasing as well. These areas enable homeowners to enjoy downtime with family and friends, enhancing the home’s role as a haven for entertainment and connection. Wellness Features Wellness remains a priority in home renovations as homeowners strive to create spa-like retreats within their living spaces. Searches for cold plunge pools, indoor saunas, home spas, and steam showers surged on Houzz in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in transforming bathrooms into sanctuaries of relaxation. Shower rooms, which offer an enclosed, intimate space and feature steam and sauna capabilities, are increasingly popular. According to Parker, homeowners are tapping professionals to bring nature indoors in subtle yet impactful ways, such as increasing natural light with large windows and skylights to support wellness and align with circadian rhythms. Ali Harper Dark and Moody Color Palettes Deep paint colors reigned this year, as we saw with many of the 2024 Colors of the Year. Searches for ‘moody living room’ and ‘moody kitchen’ more than doubled on Houzz compared to the year prior, signaling a shift away from light grays and whites. “Designers on Houzz use dark and moody colors to help make spaces feel cozy and intimate or bold and dramatic,” Parker says. According to Pinterest’s Autumn 2024 Trend Report, searches for ‘moody purple bedroom’ and ‘dark green bathroom’ rose by 350%, highlighting these spaces as focal points for exploring more daring, experimental, and personal color preferences. Even ceilings are joining the trend, with searches for ‘dark ceiling’ on Houzz more than doubling, proving that the fifth wall is now a canvas for homeowners looking to make a statement. Kids’ Zones Creating playful, personalized spaces for kids is another trend that took hold in 2024 as parents sought inspiration to cater to their children’s evolving needs. On Houzz, searches spiked for ‘Jack-and-Jill bathrooms’ and ‘teen lounge.’ These searches reflect a desire to design spaces where kids can express themselves and feel a sense of ownership within the home and a forward-thinking approach to home renovation.  Cameron Sadeghpour Outdoor Kitchens Dining al fresco took on an entirely new meaning in 2024, with homeowners expanding their outdoor kitchens far beyond the classic grill. According to the  2024 Houzz U.S. Outdoor Trends Study, nearly 9 in 10 homeowners include a grill in their outdoor remodels, but new additions like pizza ovens, smokers, kamado-style barbecues, and Argentinian-style gaucho grills have also become increasingly popular this year. This shift reflects a deeper commitment to alfresco living, with homeowners creating versatile spaces that cater to diverse cooking styles and outdoor gatherings.