New year, new you—something we’re still hearing even though January is almost over. The start of new calendar spurs people into making the changes they were too busy to make the year before. It’s a great time to start thinking about renovating your home.

If your home is need of a little TLC, or if you’re looking for a change, why not use 2017 to tackle those home renovation projects?

But where to start? We’re taking a look at the seven biggest home renovation trends that going to be popular in the GTA this year.

Add a Laundry Room

It may not seem like to first place to invest your renovation budget, but there is something to be said about having sleek, functional spaces no matter their purpose.

Smarter storage, and fun add-ons are making homeowners recognize that a room you spend so much time in might as well be well-designed and beautiful.

A laundry room is also a wonderful remodelling project to undertake. Custom cabinets, clothing robs, counter space and cubbies can make the mundane task of doing laundry a breeze.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year

Pantone recently released its 2017 colour of the year, Greenery. A bright, lush colour that might be a bit too much for an entire room, Greenery is the perfect accent colour.

Alternatively, homeowners should consider darker shades of green for interiors. Navy blues are a thing of the past—a rich, wintery green helps to bring the outdoors in.

A Contrasting Kitchen Island

Looking for a place to add in that pop of Greenery? Why not add a colourful kitchen island to the mix?

To get this trend right, be sure to choose a modern colour pairing. If you kitchen is full of cool tones, opt for an island that is more on the warm side of the colour spectrum.

Matte Finishes

Shining stainless steel and high polished granite have been the name of the game for years. From appliances to counter tops, homeowners have opted for high shine. But 2017 will be the year of matte finishes.

Appliance manufacturers are helping to make this trend happen. With more accessible price points for appliances made with black stainless steel, designers like Nate Berkus touting matte finishes as the next big thing.

Matte finishes are also popping up on fixtures and surfaces during home renovations. From faucets and sinks to counter tops, matte finishes are taking over kitchens and bathrooms in the GTA.

Built-in Bars

2016 was the year of the bar cart. But this year we are kicking it up a notch with the built-in bar trend.

The perfect addition for anyone who loves to entertain, a built-in bar in the kitchen makes it even easier to entertain in what is already the hub of the home. The additional storage space is an added bonus, giving you somewhere to store everything from cocktail mixes and highball glasses to shakers and your favourite drink.

Stand-Alone Showers and Bathtubs

We’re all used to the bath and shower combo—most of us grew up with it, and even have it in our homes right now.

Ushering in a new trend, 2017 is the year of the separate bathtub and shower spaces. While most won’t be willing to give up one for the other, stand-alone showers take advantage of multiple sprays, jets, and our favourite the waterfall shower head.

The bath of 2017 also has a new look—instead of built-in tubs, freestanding tubs are making a comeback.

The 2017 Basement Remix

If you are still thinking of basements as dark, dreary storage spaces, think again.

In 2017, your basement will be your escape. From a work-from-home office to a place for out-of-town guests, basement renovations should focus on brighten up the space. Paint the ceilings white, keep the wood floors light and try to take advantage of any natural light there is.

Our Building Blocks

7 Home Renovation Trends Hitting The GTA