Every year, certain home renovations cement themselves as trends. These projects will not only make rooms and areas of your house feel newer, but they'll also increase the property's value.

As 2016 quickly approaches, now is the perfect time to start planning for the new year. Whether you plan to stay in your house the rest of your life, or move out as soon as the kids are off to college, these home renovations will help in the present and the future, and are worth exploring.

Sustainable and healthy living

For various reasons, more homes are being built with renewable energy in mind. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but homeowners may even save money on utility bills. One state in particular, California, is even enforcing reduced water usage and energy use in building codes.

Not all sustainable projects have to be grand in scale. In fact, minor changes will go a long way toward making your house more environmentally friendly. LED light bulbs last longer and consume less energy. For new paint jobs, green paints, such as those offered from Benjamin Moore, are healthier to breathe in. Even replacing your current faucet with one that is hands free will reduce water waste.

Home automation

With each passing year, smarthome technology is becoming accepted on a larger scale, according to a survey from Icontrol. A majority of respondents to its 2015 State of The Smart Home Report cited family safety as their highest priority with regards to smart home automation.

Luckily for homeowners, it's never been easier to control your house from the palms of your hand, due in part to smartphones. This integration allows you to turn lights on or off, set the thermostat in the dead of winter and set the alarm as you walk out the door.

Home automation can also help you cut down on utility bills, such as heating usage. Already, smart thermostats can learn your habits and will lower the heat when no one is home during the day, but will then turn it up so you can arrive to a toasty home and relax after a long day at the office.

Modern day designs

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, contemporary designs are the dominant philosophies of today's home accessory manufacturers. Contemporary can be likened to minimalist designs, as everything is very clean-looking and easy to maintain.

Technology and home designs have seemingly blended together. If you're looking for new kitchen appliances, consider swapping out your existing sink for one that is low-maintainance and place a premium on user-focused design. Just remember to call a home inspection services to ensure everything works properly, especially if you gut an existing room.

While the weather's still cold and as the holidays come to a close, take the time to map out some home renovation projects you'd like to complete in 2016. Incorporate ideas and trends that are proving to be helpful today and in the future. Some of these designs include a greater reliance on home automation and contemporary housing accessories.