COLUMBUS, OH - Consumers are buying more home improvement products with an anticipated 6.9 percent growth from 2014 to 2015, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. With the growth of social networks, home improvement shows and magazines, and video tutorials, more consumers are doing projects on their own.

Designers forecast 2014 design trends will include a variety of materials and textures. The best design can be driven by a single piece that signifies something about the designer. For example, familiar pieces displayed in a unique way can be a conversation piece for many homes.

In addition, many baby boomers with changing lifestyle needs are choosing to stay in their current homes rather than purchase a new place. Hence, more aging homeowners are making their current homes functional for their lifestyle without sacrificing design. For this older demographic, this can include featuring sleek, universal design-driven products to bathrooms and kitchens while enhancing lighting throughout the house. Many larger families also are concerned with function and motivated to declutter by creating attractive storage space.

“People are finding ways to bring an element of surprise to functional pieces,” according to designer, KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms. ”Taking utilitarian items and helping them live a new, more beautiful life will enhance any space this season.”