Home Building & Renovation Trends We Saw In 2024
We’ve been in the custom home building and renovation industry since 2010, and over that time, we’ve seen some pretty interesting trends come and go. While we’re glad that some are no longer around, we do wish that some of them had stayed a bit longer.
But that’s how trends work, and if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that they will cycle back around at some point in the next few years. For one, we’re expecting fluted glass to be making a comeback soon.
In this post, we’re going to discuss some of the trends we saw our clients follow in 2024 that may inspire you:
1. Green or Sustainable Materials
As sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority for both our clients and municipalities, we’re seeing more requests for eco-conscious projects that include locally sourced materials, have a low carbon footprint, and place an emphasis on repurposing and upcycling.
To achieve these goals while aligning with the aesthetic vision our clients have for their custom home or renovation, we use a combination of meticulous planning, precise craftsmanship and purposeful sourcing of materials.
For our Burnage Net-Zero Ready project, we used Structural Insulated Panels and installed a pre-insulated ICF foundation to minimize thermal bridging. Combined with triple-glazed windows, the house is fully insulated meaning that little-to-no energy is wasted to heat the home.
2. Wallpaper’s Back
Painted walls have been the go-to choice for lots of our clients, but in 2024 we definitely noticed an uptick in requests for wallpaper over paint. This is a fantastic way for clients to liven up their interiors with bold patterns and fun colours to express their personal style and add a personal touch to their new living space.
Our Leovista renovation was a project in which our clients played an integral role throughout the entire process—and it truly shows in the end result. This beautiful home contains a myriad of unique design features: from a custom-built integrated dog food station in the kitchen to the dedicated luxury his & hers vanities in the bathroom. In the living room, we applied a stunning floral wallpaper to the coffered ceiling turning the living room into a statement piece with a roaring fireplace and bold lighting fixtures.
3. Coloured Cabinetry and Tile Backsplashes
We do a fair bit of custom cabinetry for our clients with our partner Millwerks. Although we get a lot of requests for wood finishes that give a wonderful warm tone to any room, we noticed this year that lots of people are opting for coloured cabinetry, accents and tile backsplashes to add a bit of colour or texture.
Our Mountain Highway renovation comes to mind, where the kitchen was at the heart of the project. The client wanted us to create an open living space to bring the family together. So to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for everyone to connect in, a soft green finish was chosen for the cabinetry. Green can evoke feelings of peace, refreshment and security, and choosing to paint the cabinets in this colour balanced out the white countertops and tile backsplashes which may have felt a bit sterile otherwise.
We love this trend, and we hope to see more coloured cabinetry in 2025!
4. Technology
Did you know that smart homes have been around since 1975? Neither did we until we looked it up—but smart technology has evolved massively over the last 50ish years, and as a result, smart homes have become more widespread than ever (in fact they almost feel like a new standard at this point).
While smart devices in homes were first purely about convenience, these days with advanced data and connectivity people are using smart technology in their renovated or custom homes to save energy and money.
One example was on our West 14th project where we repurposed multiple structural beams from the old home into the new home. Not only were they purposeful, but also added a cool look and story. On our Berkley project we utilized the lumber from the trees we removed in the front yard to build their beautiful floating staircase.
5. Wainscotting
Decorative wooden panelling—or wainscotting—was a popular design choice in older homes. These panels typically take up around one-third of the wall, and are a great way to add a touch of colour or texture to your home.
Although we love a clean minimal aesthetic, it can be easy to push things too far and end up with spaces that can feel a little empty or plain. Wainscotting is an excellent choice to add a little visual interest without compromising the overall vision you had for the interior design of your home.
6. Mudroom Benches
In our opinion, benches are a must-have in any mudroom. Not only do they make life easier when entering or leaving the house, but they also provide a convenient space below them for shoe storage (especially for bigger families).
Our West 23rd dream home project featured a functional and sleek mudroom complete with a bench, integrated coat hangers and a washing machine (perfect for throwing those muddy post-hike clothes straight in for a clean).
That wraps up our trends for 2024! In 2025, we’re expecting to see some things that were popular in the late 2000s, so stay tuned for next year’s recap to get the latest updates and inspiration.
Thinking about renovating or building your dream home? Get in touch with us for a free consultation to discuss your vision!
