5 Home Renovation Trends on the Rise

In the luxury and waterfront home markets, staying ahead of design and renovation shifts is key. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply upgrading, here are five major trends we’re seeing on the rise:

1. Defined Rooms Over Open Concept

• The open-plan explosion is slowing. Expect more homes to reinstate distinct spaces (think: home offices, cozy libraries, formal dining).
  
• For luxury & waterfront properties, this means:
  • A dedicated office with a view or sliding glass doors for privacy
  • A separate media / lounge space that complements the main living area
• Why it matters: Buyers are seeking quiet, function and separation rather than wall-to-wall openness.

2. Wellness & Lifestyle-Driven Amenities

• Home gyms, saunas, meditation or recovery rooms are increasingly built into high-end homes.
• For waterfront/luxury listings:
  • Spa-quality bathrooms with soaking tubs or steam showers
  • Indoor/outdoor spaces that support wellness (yoga on the patio, lakeside meditation)
• Why it matters: These features support daily living and enhance long-term lifestyle value which is important in a luxury market.

3. Richer Color Palettes + Personal Expression

• The cool-white, grey, taupe era is evolving. Think warm terracotta, clay, olive, rich browns. 
• Actionable ideas:
  • Accent walls in warm neutrals in a lakeside great room
  • Natural wood or stone trim to tie in luxury finishes
• Why it matters: High-end buyers aren’t just looking for resale-safe neutrals; they want homes with character and comfort.

4. Seamless Stone & Large-Format Materials

• Fewer small tiles/back-splash mosaics; more large stone slabs or engineered surfaces from counter to wall.
• For your listings:
  • Kitchens where the backsplash flows into the countertop, creating a clean luxury aesthetic
  • Bathrooms with monolithic stone walls, minimal seams
• Why it matters: These finishes reflect high craftsmanship, low maintenance and upscale appeal.

5. Build for TODAY, Not Just Tomorrow’s Sale

• Homeowners are staying longer in their homes thanks to market dynamics — so design is increasingly about living now, not only resale.
• For waterfront/luxury homes:
  • Invest in finishes that elevate your daily living quality
  • Choose upgrades that you will enjoy for years (rather than chasing the “next” trend)
• Why it matters: In luxury real estate, authenticity and lifestyle matter as much (or more) than resale staging.

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Bottom Line from Slater Realty Group:
Whether you’re buying a waterfront retreat or upgrading your luxury property, keeping an eye on these five trends can help you make informed choices, for both everyday enjoyment and long-term value. As always, Jim and Danielle are here for whatever you need, from listing strategy to renovation guidance.

If you’d like to talk more about how these trends apply to your property or neighborhood, let’s connect.

Source

The Spruce