Top 7 Trends Defining Home Renovations in Toronto This Year

The dynamic landscape of Toronto’s housing market continues to influence how homeowners think about renovation. As more residents choose to update rather than relocate, the city is seeing a surge in tailored upgrades that reflect modern living needs, sustainable practices, and smart technology integration. From space-saving solutions in urban condos to high-efficiency overhauls in century-old homes, renovation trends are evolving faster than ever.

If you’ve been considering your own update, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s making an impact this year. And whether you’re modernizing a midtown semi or expanding a family home in the suburbs, home renovations in Toronto are being shaped by new priorities—and some surprising shifts.

Let’s explore the top seven renovation trends changing the way Toronto homes are designed, lived in, and loved.

1. Multifunctional Spaces Are the New Norm

With work-from-home continuing for many professionals, rooms now serve more than one purpose. Homeowners are reimagining underused areas like dining rooms, spare bedrooms, and even large closets into offices, gyms, and hybrid zones. Flexible design elements—such as sliding partitions, built-in desks, and modular shelving—make it easier to shift between tasks without compromising aesthetics.

Open concept still holds appeal, but the emphasis is shifting toward zoning—distinct areas that offer visual separation while preserving flow. It’s a subtle but powerful evolution in space planning.

2. Kitchens Designed for Social Living

Kitchens have long been central to Toronto homes, but today’s renovations are taking that idea further. Islands are growing in size and function, now featuring secondary sinks, wine coolers, and charging stations. Homeowners are opting for layouts that encourage mingling, whether for family dinners or entertaining guests.

The push for custom cabinetry, hidden appliances, and layered lighting is also growing, allowing homeowners to create seamless spaces that look like an extension of their living room.

3. Eco-Friendly Choices Lead the Way

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a foundational consideration for major renovations. In Toronto, where energy efficiency rebates and climate-conscious living are top of mind, eco-friendly choices are seeing a surge.

Triple-glazed windows, heat pumps, solar panels, and reclaimed materials are increasingly being used to future-proof homes. Low-VOC paints, bamboo flooring, and green roofs are also becoming more mainstream. Beyond saving on utilities, these upgrades demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility that resonates with today’s buyers.

For up-to-date rebates and energy-efficiency programs available to Ontarians, resources like Canada’s Greener Homes Initiative can be a great starting point.

4. Smart Home Tech Integration

It’s no longer just about adding a smart thermostat—Toronto homeowners are embracing whole-home automation. From app-controlled blinds and lighting to voice-activated appliances and integrated security systems, smart upgrades are on the rise.

New builds and major renos are seeing increased wiring for smart panels and hubs. Features like leak detectors, automated HVAC systems, and energy monitoring dashboards are now becoming standard in many full-scale renovation projects. The goal? Comfort, safety, and efficiency—all at the push of a button.

5. Bold Bathrooms with Spa-Level Comfort

Bathrooms are shedding their utilitarian past in favour of spa-like serenity. Designers are embracing deep soaker tubs, rainfall showers, and heated floors, creating personal retreats that rival boutique hotel experiences.

Homeowners are gravitating toward bold tile patterns, black fixtures, floating vanities, and backlit mirrors. Wet rooms—a fully waterproofed space combining shower and tub—are also gaining traction, especially in larger ensuite bathrooms. The result is a high-impact space that adds both function and flair to daily routines.

6. Heritage Homes Meet Modern Upgrades

Toronto’s rich architectural history poses both a challenge and an opportunity. Homeowners are increasingly balancing preservation with progress, blending original features like crown moulding, stained glass, and hardwood inlays with sleek new upgrades.

Rather than gutting interiors, many are choosing to restore and layer—replacing knob-and-tube wiring with smart circuits, installing high-performance insulation behind lath-and-plaster walls, or adding discreet ductless systems in place of invasive HVAC retrofits.

This fusion of old and new is creating timeless homes that honour their roots while offering modern comfort.

7. Outdoor Living Gets an Urban Makeover

With smaller lot sizes and a renewed appreciation for fresh air, Toronto homeowners are rethinking outdoor spaces. Rooftop patios, balcony gardens, and compact backyard zones are being reimagined as true extensions of the home.

Designers are using vertical gardens, built-in seating, and multifunctional furniture to turn even the smallest footprints into vibrant outdoor rooms. Covered pergolas, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens—once reserved for suburban backyards—are now being tailored for urban settings.

High-quality materials that withstand Canadian winters and minimal-maintenance landscaping options are also trending, making it easier to enjoy the space year-round.

Looking Ahead: Building for Life, Not Just Lifestyle

As the needs of Toronto homeowners continue to shift, so too does the definition of a well-renovated home. Today, it’s less about flashy finishes and more about lasting value, livability, and thoughtful design. Renovations are becoming deeply personal, tailored to not only current needs but future flexibility.

Whether you’re upgrading a downtown condo or restoring a detached house in the east end, staying in tune with the trends means more than just keeping up—it means creating a home that feels right for you now and for years to come.