With 2025 in full swing, the hardware and DIY industry is buzzing with optimism. New trends, creative solutions, and eager homeowners are setting the stage for a year of fresh starts. Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware, shares his thoughts on what will shape 2025.
Painting Takes the Spotlight
Painting has always been one of the most affordable ways to refresh a home, and it’s firmly in the spotlight for 2025. After a stretch of deferred maintenance, more people are tackling overdue projects. But painting is no longer just about sprucing up surfaces; it’s becoming a form of self-expression and creativity.
New products in the South African market are adding to this renewed enthusiasm. Duram’s RubberFlex, a rubberized waterproof coating, is gaining attention for its durability and flexibility, ideal for areas needing robust waterproofing. Meanwhile, Plascon’s Nuroof Cool is setting new standards for roof paint, offering technology that reduces surface temperatures and enhances energy efficiency—a perfect fit for South Africa’s sunny climate.
Adding a splash of personality to interiors, Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2025, True Joy™, is an uplifting yellow designed to bring creativity and optimism into homes. For those seeking sustainable options, Amoriguard Eco-Friendly Paint, made with recycled fillers, is making waves as an environmentally friendly solution.
“Painting is about more than just maintenance,” says Luis. “It’s a creative outlet that can breathe new life into a home.”
Solar Takes the Spotlight
Despite a rocky year in 2024, solar is back in focus for 2025. With electricity prices set to rise in April, homeowners are turning to solar panels and energy-saving appliances – like the Taurus water cooler that uses ice cubes to cool the water reservoir where the air circulation blows through – to cut monthly bills and reduce reliance on the grid. Many retailers are rolling out promotional deals, making now an excellent time to invest in sustainable energy solutions.
“Solar technology keeps improving,” says Luis. “Panels are more efficient and increasingly affordable, making solar a worthwhile long-term investment. As financing options become more accessible, these solutions are poised for serious momentum.” Even small-scale products—solar-powered outdoor lights or rechargeable gadgets—are growing in popularity.
DIY Fencing and Cladding Trends
Fencing and cladding are capturing homeowners’ attention in 2025. Nutec Fibre Cement Wendy planks, for example, are popular for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and textured wood grain finish, the ideal cladding for perimeter fencing and gates and even the exterior walls of your home.
“This is about more than good looks,” says Luis. “Homeowners want low-maintenance, long-lasting, and budget-friendly options. Fencing and cladding can boost a property’s curb appeal while enhancing security and functionality.”
Increasingly, these materials are being used indoors. Homeowners are creating feature walls, adding texture to living spaces, or using cladding as a stylish option for high-traffic areas like hallways or mudrooms. The versatility of products like Nutec Wendy’s planks allows them to seamlessly transition from outdoor to indoor aesthetics.
Cordless Power Tools Lead the Charge
“Cordless tools are evolving every year,” says Luis. “We’re seeing more heavy-duty options for construction, plus new cordless gardening tools like hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws.”
A notable milestone is the introduction of a 40V Makita brushless cordless tool range for engineering and construction—powerful enough for big jobs without the hassle of cables. Brands like DeWalt have launched advanced cordless tools, including the 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw and the 5-inch Orbital Sander, designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Brights Hardware is expanding its in-house tool selections under Total, Stallion, and Brights Brands, reflecting a broader shift toward cordless technology. “Excitingly, Total Tools have a new range of 20V Cordless Li-ion power tools and appliance combo kits that feature five tools in a carry case that all work off the same battery platform.”
International trends in gardening tools are also making waves. Ryobi’s 36V Cordless Leaf Blower, featuring Whisper Fan Technology, delivers powerful yet quiet performance and is available locally. Greenworks’ 60V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower offers extended battery life, though its availability in South Africa remains limited. Meanwhile, the Aiper IrriSense Smart Irrigation Sprinkler highlights future smart gardening trends with app-controlled precision irrigation.
“Battery tech just keeps getting better,” Luis notes. “Cordless tools are transforming how we approach construction, renovation, and gardening.”
Hot Temps, Cool Solutions
Cooling products—such as fans, air conditioners, and watercoolers—are set to remain household essentials. These items also improve productivity in home offices and shared spaces. New energy-efficient air conditioners, like LG’s latest AI-driven cooling systems, are hitting the market, improving performance while minimising energy use.
Meanwhile, looming water restrictions mean water-saving products like tanks and pumps are gaining traction. Products like the Dropula system, now available for home use, monitor water consumption in real-time, helping households identify waste.
For refrigeration, Samsung’s hybrid cooling refrigerators blend traditional compressor technology with cutting-edge Peltier modules to keep food fresher for longer, though they’re not yet available in South Africa. Portable evaporative coolers from brands like Honeywell offer eco-friendly heat relief, accessible through international shipping.
For outdoor enthusiasts, shaded pergolas, misting systems, and UV-protective gazebos—such as those from Coolaroo—are essential for staying comfortable under the sun. Solar-powered cooling systems are gaining traction as sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Outdoor Living Steps Up
As more homeowners see their yards as extensions of their homes, Brights Hardware is meeting the demand with a 400-square-metre open-air display at its Brackengate store, featuring landscaping solutions, stylish pots, and eco-friendly plants. “People want to make the most of their outdoor areas, whether for entertaining or relaxation,” says Luis. “Our new display will inspire customers to bring those ideas to life.”
2025: The Year of Smarter Projects
Whether updating your fence, going cordless, or embracing solar power, 2025 is about smart, stylish, and sustainable choices. “If you need inspiration or advice, the team at Brights is always here to help,” says Luis. Brights Hardware stores are located in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Richmond Park, Plattekloof, Stonewood, Brackengate, and Sunningdale.
The online store at www.brights.co.za offers delivery across South Africa, including same-day delivery in the Western Cape for online purchases.
