Design Trends Coming Out of the 2021 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Awards

Each year, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association recognizes the cutting-edge work done by builders, renovators, designers, and marketers across Canada through the prestigious CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

And this year, RenoMark members claimed over 75% of the finalist accolades in the renovation categories, a huge accomplishment for RenoMark renovators across the country.

With over 730 entries across 53 categories, the 2021 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence showcase Canada’s evolving home and design trends. Here are some of the trends we noticed from RenoMark members:

Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands reigned supreme in this year’s competition, acting as the showpiece in those open-concept kitchens that have become such a desired feature. RenoMark renovators continue to design and build the functional and beautiful island that homeowners desire. Kitchen islands today are often one height to maximize work space – whether it’s cooking or homework – and include seating so that friends and family have a place to congregate.

RenoMark member Twin Lions Contracting, North Vancouver, BC: “80’s Makeover” with TLG Millwerks Ltd. – Finalist for Best Kitchen Renovation – $70,000 – $100,000

RenoMark member OakWood, Ottawa, ON: “A Touch of Walnut” – Finalist for Best Kitchen Renovation – Over $100,000

RenoMark member Ultimate Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Walnut Wonder Kitchen Renovation” – Finalist for Best Kitchen Renovation – $70,000 – $100,000

RenoMark member Enzo Design Build Inc., West Vancouver, BC: “The Gemini” – Finalist for Best Whole Home Renovation – Under $200,000

Home Offices & Flex Spaces

As many homeowners move to increasingly flexible work schedules and working from home, cross-functional spaces in the home are key. Renovators in this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence squeezed out every ounce of square footage available to create functional environments for working or learning from home.

RenoMark member Aquarian Renovations, Edmonton, AB: “House on the Links” – Finalist for Best Whole Home Renovation – $400,001 – $600,000

RenoMark member Tyrrell Projects Inc., Vancouver, BC: “Berkley Library” – Finalist for Best Renovated Detail

Natural Wood Accents

Wood beams, cedar walls, oak mantels, oh my! It’s no secret that RenoMark members are hopping on the natural wood train – almost every single finalist project in the renovation categories feature some sort of natural wood accent. We LOVE it and homeowners clearly do too.

RenoMark member RDC Fine Homes, Whistler, BC: “Mountain Retreat” with Sofo Kitchens Ltd. – Finalist for Best Kitchen Renovation – Over $100,000

RenoMark member Morgan Quality Homes, Ottawa, ON: “Cedar Tranquility Spa” – Finalist for Best Bathroom Renovation

Sprawling, High Performance Windows

Who wouldn’t want their home feel like a tranquil extension of outside’s natural environment? Not only are large, high performance windows great for panoramic views and natural light, they often result in year-round energy savings.

RenoMark member Lupi Luxury Homes, Calgary, AB: “Modern Classic Home” – Finalist for Best Whole Home Renovation – Under $200,000

RenoMark member Amsted Design Build, Ottawa, ON: “CARLING – Walkout Makeover” – Finalist for Best Renovated Space

Stark Contrasts

There’s nothing like a little light and dark to capture attention. RenoMark members played with this eye-catching juxtaposition and the results were gorgeous – think light cabinets with deep toned islands and bright white paint against a moody accent wall.

RenoMark member Creek Stone Fine Homes, Okotoks, AB: “Mercier Residence – Kitchen” – Finalist for Best Kitchen Renovation – Under $70,000

RenoMark member Alair Homes Aurora/Newmarket, Aurora, ON: “Jennifer 2.0 Renovation/Addition” – Finalist for Best Whole Home Renovation – $400,001 – $600,000

Free-Standing Tubs

Is a bathroom really complete without a spa-like tub? Free-standing soakers were the go-to for RenoMark members aiming to create the perfect relaxing bathroom oasis.

RenoMark member Reborn Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Modern Makeover” – Finalist for Best Bathroom Renovation

RenoMark member My House Design/Build Team Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Simplicity” – Finalist for Best Whole Home Renovation – $400,001 – $600,000

Find a breakdown of all finalists in the renovation categories in the 2021 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence here. A full list of finalists in all categories can be found on the CHBA’s website here.

To tune into the awards ceremony on May 7th, sign up here [link to landing page].

For more home and design trends, visit the RenoMark blog or follow @renomark_ca on Instagram.