Canadians have distinct tastes when it comes to what they’re looking for in their homes. These styles have been continually evolving over the last 10 years or so, beginning with a transition to open concept living, which has become more popular than ever.
Ease of Entertaining
Buyers prefer spaces where they can easily maintain contact with other family members and guests. When the kitchen, living room and dining room are opened up to create one large space, it improves the home’s flow, making it easier to converse with one another. Moving around in these spaces is uncomplicated, as well. Homeowners said adieu to the boxy bungalow long ago.
The Kitchen Is More Popular
Even though the kitchen has always been the hub of a home, it has become even more so over the years, leading homeowners to spend big bucks for kitchen updates. Popular these days are granite countertops, elegant backsplashes, creative lighting, lots of drawers and cupboards with rich looking hardware, in addition to kitchen islands that add even more storage. Two-tiered islands have gone by the wayside, while pantries have made a strong comeback.
Low Maintenance
Homes fashioned with materials that don’t take a lot of care are a hit. Long gone are the days when you had to plan to spend hours on end scrubbing and waxing the floors. Today’s floors are made of durable materials, and even hardwood floors are easy to care for. Wall-to-wall carpets that were fashionable in the ’70s have been replaced by more organic materials like wood, laminate, cork and ceramic, among others.
Bathrooms Have Become Spa Rooms
The ensuite bath is almost a given in any new home today. And they’ve become places for relaxation and meditation with ornate bathtubs and shower stalls befitting of kings and queens. Homeowners pay special attention to the small details in their bathrooms today, choosing just the right lighting, fixtures and flooring for the perfect ambience.
Goodbye Formal Dining Room
Decades ago, almost every home had a formal eating space, a trend that’s decreased in popularity over the years. Homeowners are opting for larger kitchens rather than dining rooms today. Many people are choosing to eat their meals with less pomp and circumstance and are even gathering around the kitchen island to share a meal.
The Outdoors
Easy-clean vinyl windows have replaced sash windows of old. In fact, anything that’s maintenance-free gets extra points. Even decks and railings are being made of composite materials rather than wood.
