The climb in the prices of homes is pushing all but the well-heeled out of the home-buying market. This includes older homes as well as the new custom-built variety. Because of this reality, and the wish to stay within familiar surroundings, there has never been a greater movement to renovating.

One of the hardest questions to consider when planning a remodel is "Will this ____ be redundant in three years?" It doesn't matter what you put in the blank – bathroom, kitchen, patio, color, drapery – they all cost money and nobody wants to be left with the "1970's olive-green, shag carpet effect." In other words, we want the bloom to last as long as possible. And this is especially true when , and if, the homeowners want to relocate. In other words, the home has to be appealing to a prospective buyer.

Trends That Last

We have all seen the "latest thing" fizzle as fast as it peaked and this goes for clothing as well as as remodels. Rather that get to the store quickly for the Spring fashions the smart buyer goes for classic looks that will last and form the anchor for the wardrobe. Then, instead of buying full outfits, this buyer chooses seasonal accessories that are inexpensive but show a flair for the present fashions.

The same idea applies with remodeling. If the core renovation is timeless then the decorator items -paint, wallpaper, hardware -can be changed out out easily and at a small cost compared with a total renovation just to keep up with the times.

1. Lasting Beauty in the Kitchen

Countertops: Stone and granite are extremely hot right now, however they are porous and their propensity for staining and chipping can make them less than appealing in 5 years. New products like engineered stone, a stone and epoxy composite, are making inroads in the countertop industry. You can place a hot pot on the surface or spill spaghetti sauce and it won't stain or show a blemish.

Cabinets: The fashion is for solid colors but don't toss your wooden cabinets away so soon. Oak and other busy woods may have a shelf life right now but the softer-grain woods like beech are still popular.

Also, l ook for more useful accessories when you buy cabinets – like easy-access, in-cupboard aids. Another thing to remember is that hardware is to the kitchen like chrome trim and detailing is to an autombile. The whole look of the kitchen can be changed easily just by changing out cupboard pulls and taps.

Pantry: Because a lot of people now buy in bulk at big box stores the pantry is becoming an indispensable part of the kitchen. And, as gas prices rise, quick trips to the supermarket will be a thing of the past. The price of gas will also affect food prices. More people will buy in bulk so storage will be a large part of kictehn design. Therefore see a large pantry area as a plus.

Flooring: Tile and sealed-wood floors are fashionable in kitchens and should stand the test of time. Even hi-end linoleum is making comeback, and this is a product which can be changed easily and cheaply for a new look.

Appliances: Many people think stainless is out but it is still the benchmark in the kitchen. Beware of "hot" colors because we went through that in the 1970's (remember the chocolate-brown fridge?). White is always the safest bet.

2. The Bathroom is Bigger

Spa: People will still be in "spa mode" in 2013. That is, they will want large soaker tubs or whirlpool baths, as well as rain forest, steam shower cabinets. Two sinks are mandatory and the basin-style will still be a factor because designers are still coming out with new and exciting models.

Tile is the Style: Normally reserved for the floor, tile is now climbing the walls and can make up as much as 75% of the wall and floor space in a bathroom. And they are big! Look for 16" tiles to dominate the bathroom décor. Under the tile is the heat source: electric or radiant. This will make the bathroom warmer and more avante garde bathrooms have towel warmers.

Lighting: For the effect that it has on a room there is no better investment than lighting. Track lights and small spots are used in conjuction with sconces for a well-balanced area. Specialty lights around the spa include chroma therapeutic lights which are becoming very popular.

3. Patio

Patios are becoming the new living area and homeowners are cooking, reading and entertaining in this space more days of the year that they once did. This is because of outdoor heating like large fireplaces and firepits and large, gas-fired grills and ovens.

4. Landscaping

In conjunction with a well-laid-out patio a beautiful landscape is timeless. However, the buzzword is "low-maintenance" so pick varieties of vegetation that do not require daily watering and excessive clipping. Features such as fountains and ponds are also sought-after and don't forget the lighting out here, either. There are hundreds of ideas for pre-programmed lighting so that the backyard can be transformed into a different setting every night.