Planning a home renovation in Victoria in 2026? As an experienced custom home renovation contractor, we’re seeing clear shifts in how homeowners are choosing to update and expand their living spaces. In 2026, home renovation trends are being shaped by a growing focus on wellness, sustainable materials, and warm, character-driven design, while smooth drywall, stark minimalism, and all-white kitchens are quickly falling out of favour. Curated, personality-driven designs are replacing matchy-matchy spaces. In this article, we explore the top home renovation trends gaining momentum in Victoria for 2026 and what they mean for your next renovation project.
Flexible Living Spaces for Home Renovations in Victoria
Many homeowners in Victoria, Oak Bay, and Saanich are choosing to add flexible living spaces to accommodate remote work and multi-generational living. As the way we live continues to shift, flexible living spaces that retain function for multiple uses are on the rise. Multi-generational living is becoming increasingly common in Canada, with 1 in 10 children growing up in such a home. Plus, because of remote work, some people are spending a lot more time at home. As a result, there’s a demand for more flexible spaces for work, leisure and family time.
In 2026, we’ll start to see more built-in home features that provide adaptable space for the whole family. That includes everything from shelving and bookcases to window benches, media centres, custom cabinetry and home office setups.
Custom home additions and extensions are also on the rise as homeowners make room for children, grandparents, recreation space, and private home offices. A home addition is a strategic way to build in added space and functionality without needing to move and upsize. If you’re considering a home addition, Horizon can help determine the feasibility and legality of your project before you get too deep down the rabbit hole.
Smart Home Tech
As homeowners prioritize energy efficiency and security, smart home technology continues to grow in popularity with no signs of slowing down. Today, smart home tech is mainstream, with homeowners leaning into smart security systems, smart lighting and appliances, and smart climate control.
Smart safety and security are a big part of the smart home wave. Traditional locks are being replaced with keyless, remote entry systems. Smart sensors are being installed at entry points to detect motion, smoke and water leaks. Home monitoring is also on the rise thanks to security cameras and video feeds, two-way audio communication systems and video doorbells.
Climate control and energy management are another significant piece of the smart home tech space. Lighting can be controlled with remote switches and set up on schedules to preserve efficiency. Smart thermostats can observe your lifestyle to automatically adjust heating and cooling when needed. Smart plugs are being installed to empower otherwise non-smart appliances, and smart blinds can be added to automatically manage natural light and indoor temperatures.
Dedicated Wellness Spaces
As the culture continues to shift towards proactive self-care and wellness, we’re noticing an increase in home features and dedicated spaces for relaxation and recreation. Luxurious, high-end home features are influencing design choices in custom home builds and renovations, similar to kitchens and bathrooms.
Home gyms and fitness studios are raging in popularity. People have been installing home fitness equipment in their homes for decades – think treadmills and ellipticals – but everything is being taken to the next level in 2026. Instead of a piece of cardio equipment, homeowners are building out entire home gyms with weights, racks and benches or workout areas for yoga or Pilates. Instead of tucked into a second bedroom or office, these are thoughtfully designed spaces that are appropriate for a range of fitness activities. These spaces have all the bells and whistles, including custom flooring and added ventilation.
Going into 2026, spa-like bathroom renovations are becoming one of the most popular upgrades for Victoria homeowners.. It starts in the bathroom with deep soaking tubs and steam showers, and spills out into other areas of the home with detached saunas and cold plunge pools. Connectivity is also important with seamless transitions from the master bedroom or to outdoor features such as hot tubs and pools being factored into home and renovation designs.
Finally, there seems to be a desire for nature. Homeowners are hungry for a reconnection with nature, recognizing its powerful ability to affect mood, energy and wellness. Also known as biophilic design, natural elements are being welcomed into the home, including natural light, plenty of plants, and organic textures.
Sustainable Materials
Driven by a desire for sustainability and Canada’s climate goals and Green Buildings Strategy, the use of sustainable building materials for custom home builds and renovations is booming.
Mass timber is a leading building material for this shift. As an alternative to concrete and steel, wood captures and stores carbon dioxide while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wood is also naturally biodegradable and renewable.
Another alternative making a name for itself is Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), due to the fact that it’s lighter and faster to install. But it’s also more sustainable. This material is often made from recycled materials like fly ash, while the porous structure provides higher thermal insulation and reduces the need for heating and cooling.
As demand for different materials shifts and government policies and incentives are introduced, there is more interest brewing for renewable, plant-based alternatives. Bamboo is a versatile material that works great for flooring. Cork and hempcrete have strong insulative properties. Even reclaimed wood is being used for an added layer of character.
Horizon Pacific Contracting is a member of BUILT GREEN CANADA, which advocates for and educates about sustainable building materials and practices. A BUILT GREEN® certified home is sustainably built and offers a variety of benefits beyond the build. Find out more about BUILT GREEN® certification here.
Warmer Interior Design
The trend of minimalism and a more staged appearance is coming to an end. This aesthetic is still popular in multi-unit buildings and is often favoured when a home is on the market. But homeowners are after something more now. We’re in the era of interior spaces that are warmer, personalized, comfortable and inviting.
Colour is one of the first things you’ll notice. In replacement of white, grey and muted taupe, new neutrals have taken centre stage. Richer neutrals like clay, olive, various browns and terracotta are providing a level of depth and blending nicely with custom trim like stone and wood. Icy pastels, burgundies and greens are also emerging as fun colours to replace the blandness.
Homeowners are also fully embracing character and texture on walls. Rather than the traditional smooth textures that favour resale value, renovations are incorporating Venetian plaster, troweled finishes, limewash and other decorative detailing. While many textures are inspired by classical building styles, they can be seamlessly incorporated into a modern aesthetic.
Ready to embark on your home renovation project? We’ve completed home renovation projects across Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, View Royal, and the West Shore, helping homeowners modernize and expand their living spaces. Horizon Pacific Contracting is one of Victoria’s most experienced home renovation contractors, specializing in full-home remodels, home additions, and heritage home restoration. Contact us today to inquire about your project.