These Are The Most Popular Renovations of 2018, According to Scott McGillivray

This trend emerged a couple of years ago, but now in 2018, it’s more popular than ever. Kitchens with integrated appliances, hidden charging stations, and smart technology are appearing in new builds and renovated homes across North America. Since the kitchen is the busiest room in the house, it stands to reason that it should also be the most efficient. This is a trend I expect to stick around for quite some time. See here for 15 smart home gadgets that will change the way you live.

More people are forgoing bathtubs in favour of luxury showers, and they’re also installing them in massive bathrooms. We’re talking showers with multiple jets, integrated speakers and even colourful lighting options. Now, I love a large and luxurious shower as much as the next guy, but be sure to keep at least one tub in the house. Not having a bathtub could negatively impact the resale value of your home in the future.

New builds are starting to include more (and bigger) windows than we’ve seen in the past. I’m a huge fan of this trend. Natural light is really important in a home, and having large windows creates a great connection to the outdoors. Given that so many new homes are open concept, large windows mean the entire house gets flooded with natural light all day long. It doesn’t just make things look better, having natural light in a home can actually elevate moods and make people feel happier (at least it does for me!). Here are 10 signs it’s time to replace the windows in your home.

This is one of my absolute favourite trends. While the jury’s still out when it comes to its return on investment, having an outdoor kitchen is a great way to spend time outside and entertain friends and family. And while an outdoor kitchen is not a new concept, we’ve seen a lot more integrated appliances, stone counters, and custom designs being incorporated into them this year. It’s not just about barbeques and beer fridges anymore.

Along with the trend of installing large windows comes a fondness for more natural, pared-back looks. Furniture is simple, colours are neutral, and textiles are soft and organic – not synthetic. A lot of people are opting for natural wood (or wood-look) floors, stone counters and other natural materials. This isn’t to say that we’re going back to the minimalism trend of the 90s, but people seem to be craving a more relaxed atmosphere that connects them to nature. Here are 14 inspiring ways to incorporate wood into your bathroom!

This is a trend I’ve noticed, but don’t particularly like. I have nothing against open-floor plans, but I don’t love that the traditional dining room seems to be disappearing. When I built my home I still included one because I like the tradition of formal family dinners every now and then. I can understand the reasoning behind doing away with them, namely – saving on floor space. But, I’m not ready to say goodbye to dining rooms just yet.

Have you noticed more quartz counters appearing in kitchens? I sure have. I used quartz throughout my home, and in a number of renovation projects this year. The countertop material is the hottest trend in kitchen renos this year, because it’s beautiful, durable and stain-resistant. While it’s certainly not the cheapest material around, it can offer a great return on investment when used in homes of comparable quality – even more than marble or granite, in my opinion. Here’s a breakdown of common kitchen and bathroom renovation costs.

Subway tile is out, and intricate (but still neutral) patterns are in. I still love subway tile (see here for 25 timeless subway tile backsplash ideas) for its simplicity and price, but I’ve noticed a significant shift in the last year or so. Whether it’s for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom floor, eye-catching tile patterns are all the rage.