When you want to make improvements to your home, it is important to find out what the latest Trends are. This is the best way to ensure that you keep your home up to date and ensure that it keeps its value for years to come. Choose trends that are going to last for several years into the future so that they do not become obsolete in just a few years. Here are the top 8 home improvement trends for 2017 that you can incorporate.

1. Bring the Outside in

This trend isn't completely new, but this year bringing the outside is going to be a massive trend. Inside and outside spaces are blended so that they are seamless and the colours used inside are a match to the ones that can be seen in the yard. Home lovers and those who enjoy their garden love this trend because it means that they can have all of the natural light that they want.The trend this year is aluminum bi-fold doors that can be closed or opened to let in more light.

2. Stylish Doors

If eyes are the window to the soul then doors are the soul of your home. Stylish front doors are getting the nod from many homeowners who want to dress up their home and add curb appeal. The average homeowner of today enjoys taking and sharing pictures of their home if they are proud of it and oddly enough, the focal point of many homes is the front door. Front doors seem to be an obsession with most people because they make a definitive statement to those who pass by, approach or enter a home. More than this, front doors are available in a wide range of colours and are now designed to be completely Energy efficient.

3. Outdoor Kitchens

The party always gravitates to the kitchen and people enjoy having an open kitchen with plenty of space, so it just makes sense to have an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor landscaping has always been the top project that homeowners undertake, but pizza ovens and in-built BBQs are a must-have. Additionally, have you considered an outdoor sink? It's the perfect way to really bring your kitchen outdoors. Take a look at our videoon how to make this possible.

4. Colour Splashes

White is out and a lot of homeowners are choosing items in new and exciting colours for bathroom vanities, sinks and tubs. A black stainless finish is a very popular choice in appliances whether they are built in or free standing. If you don't want to completely redo your home painting, consider purchasing some vibrant towels for your bathroom, bright coloured throw pillows for your living room, or investing in a trendy rug.

5. Quick Clean Up

No one enjoys cleaning, so a big trend is to install countertops with natural stone and flooring that is sleek and easy to clean. Carpet is not a popular choice anymore as it requires too much maintenance and can look old and disheveled quickly.

6. Home Automation

From having the heat turned up and lights on when you get home to starting your dinner and having it ready, home automation is a growing trend and can be a good investment. It can also save a lot of money by turning off things that are not in use so that utility bills are reduced.

7. Bathroom Remodelling

The bathroom is always a good place to spend money and make a solid investment. Whether you add more storage or update the room, bathrooms are a place where everyone spends a lot of time. Some of the current trends include touchless faucets and natural stone countertops. If you find that you really have the need for an additional bathroom, take a look at our article on how to create a new bathroomin surprising places.

8. Energy Efficiency

Updating your home with renovations that make it energy efficient can help to save money in the long run. Thermal insulation, upgraded windows and doors that retain heat, updated wiring and mechanical systems and ventilation are the main improvements that can stop your money from literally flying out the window. Most of these upgrades pay for themselves in a very short amount of time. Another way to ensure that your house is energy efficient is to invest in solar power.

With the cost of electric energy rising exponentially, many homeowners are interested in upgrades that can help to save them money. Solar shutters are an amazing option as they block out the sun and collect energy from it at the same time. There are photovoltaic panels on the louvers which supply energy to an inverter that will return power to your electrical system.

No matter what you decide to invest in, taking on at least one home improvement project annually can help to retain and increase the value of your home if you want to sell it in the future. It is a great idea to keep apprised of current trends so you know which one will be a good option for your home.

Clarissa is passionate about home decorating and often spends hours trawling Pinterest searching for the latest trends. She enjoys Scandinavian home style, is a dedicated organiser and tries really hard to keep her house plants alive.