Decorating & Design
February 2, 2021
The Top 20 Renovation Trends For 2021
2020 was the year of rolling up our sleeves and finally working on all those projects we’d been putting off. And now it’s official: home renovations will ramp up even more in 2021. According to a survey by TD Bank, more than one-third of Canadians are planning big home renos or repairs, but what exactly are we upgrading? We polled our favorite designers and industry experts to find out what’s at the top of our reno wish lists this year. Scroll down!
Bathroom Sanctuary
The bathroom is the frontrunner for the most-popular room to renovate. Heated floors, wet rooms and freestanding tubs are some of the elements we’re prioritizing. “We’re building more features like steam rooms and adding spa details,” says designer Brian Gluckstein. The popularity of the bidet category, which includes bidet toilets and specialty toilet seats, is surging. “These products combine the well-being of a spa visit with advanced cleansing technology,” says Lixil spokesperson Erin McKay.
Touchless Faucets
The demand for touchless faucets has gone through the roof. “Products that offer worry-free, germ-free solutions are trending,” says Edyta Drutis of Blanco. For 2021, we’ll continue to tap into tech by offering hands-free and other smart faucets for residential kitchens.”
Home Gyms
Many of us are creating dedicated rooms to get moving indoors (eBay Canada’s treadmill sales are up a staggering 280 per cent). “Our clients want gyms in their leisure properties,” says designer Mazen El-Abdallah, who predicts a jump in home gyms with five-star facilities (post-workout sauna, anyone?).
Why Porcelain?
Numerous designers told us they’re spec’ing out counters and floors in porcelain, which absorbs just 0.1 per cent of bacteria. “It’s one of the safest materials,” says Kristina Panzera of Ciot. “Using extra-large format porcelain tiles instead of marble slabs is a very popular trend that’s also practical,” says designer Anne Hepfer.
The Return Of DIY
Based on a survey by OnePoll and Bernzomatic, we’ve been keeping busy in 2020, with the average homeowner taking on four different reno projects since March. We’re painting the house, retiling the kitchen and completing upgrades that we previously outsourced. “We’re seeing more people opt to install their own flooring,” says Cheryl Royer of Torlys.
Revisiting Open Concept
Though an open-plan layout is usually top of the reno wish list, this year we want separated spaces that better accommodate remote working and learning. “For young families, an open plan is great for keeping an eye on the kids, but people are appreciating the value of shutting a door for some alone time,” says designer Emily Henderson.
Craving Color
From bright basins to bold wallpaper and zesty kitchens, our appetite for color is inspiring daring design choices. “We’re finding more clients who are open to painted cabinets in colors other than just white,” says designer Aly Velji. Farrow & Ball brand ambassador Patrick O’Donnell predicts the popularity of calming tones from nature such as Sap Green (W56), and moodier hues like Stiffkey Blue (281).
Taking Back The Basement
When home is the place for both work and play, there’s no room for wasted space. “People are looking to maximize their rooms,” says designer Sam Sacks. “This means basements are the new priority.” Whether it’s digging down or renovating the space you have, the time to focus on your home’s lower level is now.
Built-In Storage
As we spend more time organizing our spaces, we’re adding more custom millwork in playrooms, closets and pantries. Busy parents and home cooks are asking for butler’s pantries, says designer Ami McKay of Pure Design Inc., “as a place you don’t mind hiding out from the kids, and hiding away dirty!”
Outdoor Rooms
Alfresco living might be commonplace in California but, this year, Canadians will be extending backyard season with pools, hot tubs, decks and more. “Outdoor spaces are going through expansive overhauls,” says designer Alexandre Blazys. “People want to be outside to watch things grow and morph as the seasons change.”
Home Offices
With many of us adopting a work-from-home schedule, the desire for a functional home office has only increased. “Not everyone has the space for a room dedicated solely to a home office and even if they do, they are making lots of upgrades to suit the reality of their new live-work environment,” says designer Luke Havekes.
Multifunctional Rooms
According to designer Tommy Smythe, rooms that do double or even triple duty for all the living we do at home nowadays will be popular this year. “We’re working on a guest room right now that is changing from an at-home hotel suite to an office/gym complete with IT conducive to yoga classes or zoom meetings.”
Designer Colette van den Thillart agrees: “I like it when people can live in jeans and gowns in any room with a laptop or a cocktail. This approach is working exceedingly well right now since our homes have become our entire world.”
Homes Away From Home
Due to travel restrictions, homeowners will be more inclined to purchase (and renovate) vacation properties including cottages, ski cabins and farms. “There is definitely a trend to having a vacation or country place within driving distance or a shorter flight within Canada,” says designer Philip Mitchell. “We’re thinking ahead to next summer and ski season and how they plan to spend their time at the cottage or chalet,” adds designer Erin Feasby, who alongside partner Cindy Bleeks is working on multiple leisure homes.
More Natural Light
Sun-drenched live-work spaces are key to boosting productivity and staying positive, so it’s no wonder windows and skylights are in the limelight in 2021. “We are also seeing more people opt to add blinds and automation to improve the comfort and daylight experience,” says Velux‘s Arethea Harris.
Natural Wood Finishes
Lighter woods like oak will continue to trend into 2021 as farmhouse and Japandi-inspired spaces take over, but oak flooring is losing a few inches. “Instead of the extra-wide planks that have been very popular in the past few years, there seems to be more movement towards medium, 5 to 6-inch width planks,” says Andrew Alexanian of Signature by Shelley.
Matte Black Finishes
This year, traditional chrome takes a backseat as matte black fixtures and tiles become more mainstream in bathrooms and kitchens. “People want the luxury and relaxation of a large tub and also the modernity of a matte black shower to draw attention to the room,” says Samantha Bock of Fleurco.
Entertainment Zones
In 2021, there will be a focus on creating bars, media rooms and outdoor entertainment pavilions where friends and family can safely gather. “These areas have become extremely important as we spend more time in our homes, especially in the winter months, to create a warm and inviting retreat,” says designer Jenelle Erickson of SmithErickson Designs.
Vinyl Flooring
“With full households staying home more often, there is a stronger need for family-friendly flooring that is durable and waterproof,” says Cheryl Royer of Torlys. Enter: luxury vinyl flooring. This hardwood alternative is easy to install and maintain, and is the perfect solution for homeowners experiencing flooding or looking to protect their floors from the daily wear and tear of wet boots.
Multigenerational Homes
If last year proved anything, it’s that togetherness and family are top of mind. This will continue into 2021 as more properties are adapted to comfortably accommodate grandparents, children and even grandchildren. “Families are living together separately to save money and have peace of mind when it comes to health care,” says Monique Fahey of Miele.
Soundproofing Spaces
Soft surfaces like carpeting are back in focus as we try to limit sound travel from the family room to the home office and the bedroom. Even the laundry room isn’t off soft-furnishing limits. “It’s a space not to be overlooked as we rely on good soundproofing to silence the washing machine while you’re on a Zoom call,” says designer Ami McKay.