Home Improvement Trends for 2026

As we move toward 2026, the home improvement landscape is changing in meaningful ways. Homeowners are looking for projects that combine comfort, efficiency and design while adding lasting value to their homes. With more people choosing to renovate instead of relocate, the upgrades expected to grow in popularity are those that help homes function better, feel better and connect more seamlessly with the outdoors.

Below are the most important home improvement trends for 2026 and how they naturally relate to better choices for your home.

A Strong Year Ahead for Home Renovation

The renovation outlook for 2026 is positive in North America, but the Canadian market in particular is showing signs of renewed momentum. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, homeowner remodelling spending is expected to reach 524 billion dollars in early 2026. This growth is reinforced by similar patterns seen in Canada, where shifting economic fundamentals are creating stable conditions for renovation and construction activity.

Recent insights from Altus Group highlight that Canada’s housing and construction markets are beginning to rebalance as inflation moves closer to target and borrowing costs gradually ease. Economic growth is expected to reach approximately 1.4 percent in 2026, which supports healthier consumer confidence and long-term planning among homeowners.

Slower population growth and changing demographics are influencing how Canadians renovate, leading them to focus on improving existing homes rather than entering a competitive resale market. While new home sales have softened, construction pipelines and material demand remain strong, which signals steady activity across the renovation sector. Renovation spending is also rebounding, reinforcing its role as a major contributor to Canada’s housing economy.

This is especially relevant given that much of Ontario’s housing stock is aging. Many homes built several decades ago are now in need of improved insulation, better windows and doors, updated layouts and stronger energy performance. Projects that offer meaningful returns, such as window and door replacements, upgraded building envelopes, kitchen improvements and outdoor living additions, are becoming top priorities for homeowners across the province.

For those planning ahead, early preparation and booking remain important. Window and door installations continue to experience seasonal demand, so securing a preferred spot ahead of the busy spring period helps ensure smoother timelines and project certainty.

1. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Lead the Way

Energy efficiency continues to be one of the most important drivers for home improvements in 2026. Homeowners are prioritizing products that help reduce heating and cooling costs, improve insulation and support more sustainable living. This includes everything from energy-efficient appliances and solar-ready roofing to smart thermostats and eco-friendly building materials.

Windows and doors play a major role in these goals. Many older homes still have outdated units that lose heat in winter and bring in unwanted warmth during summer. Modern options like energy-efficient vinyl windows and well-insulated entry door systems help regulate temperature more effectively and can significantly reduce energy use over time. These upgrades also improve comfort, creating a home that feels more stable and inviting throughout the year.

2. Biophilic Design and Natural Light Continue to Grow

Biophilic design will continue shaping home interiors in 2026 as homeowners look for ways to reconnect with nature. Spaces that incorporate natural textures, greenery, organic colours and abundant natural light are showing measurable benefits for wellbeing. Homes designed around daylight can feel larger, calmer and more uplifting, especially during winter months.

Windows and doors play an essential role in achieving this effect. Larger openings, cleaner frame profiles and floor-to-ceiling glazing make it easier to welcome in natural light and maintain visual connections to gardens and outdoor views. For homes with smaller rooms or limited daylight, even modest upgrades like expanding existing windows or swapping a traditional back door for a glass one can make a meaningful impact.

3. Warmer, Earthier Colour Palettes Take Over

Designers, based on the ELLE Decor article, are predicting a shift toward colours with depth and warmth in 2026. Browns, sage greens, earthy neutrals, terracotta shades and softer jewel tones are becoming more popular as homeowners move away from stark whites and greys. These palettes introduce comfort and character and pair well with natural materials such as wood, stone and textured fabrics.

Front doors and window frames are also reflecting this shift. Warm wood stains, muted greens and charcoal-infused blacks are expected to dominate exterior colour trends. These tones can refresh curb appeal and help older homes adopt a more modern, grounded look without major structural changes. Choosing the right combination of steel entry doors, fiberglass doors and updated window finishes gives homeowners the chance to align their exterior with these emerging colour stories.

4. Interiors Focus on Comfort, Texture and Character

Interior design trends are moving in a warmer, more expressive direction. Homeowners are turning toward rooms layered with natural textures, patterned fabrics, curved furniture and architectural details like mouldings and built-in millwork. The emphasis is on spaces that feel inviting and lived in rather than minimalistic or crisp.

Windows and doors support this shift by acting as intentional design elements. Larger windows, whether they are aluminum windows or premium vinyl windows, become focal points that frame outdoor scenery the way artwork would, while window treatments play a bigger decorative role by layering textures and colour. Even the style of door panels or the finish of hardware can help reinforce a home’s overall character, especially when paired with collections like GEM Classic or GEM Contemporary.

5. Kitchens Prioritize Function, Natural Materials and Light

Kitchens in 2026 are expected to be both warm and highly functional. Wider drawers, improved organization, natural wood tones and multi-purpose islands are now standard considerations. Warm neutrals, natural stone, handmade tiles and textured finishes help kitchens feel more personal and inviting.

Windows are a major part of this change. Larger kitchen windows in general improve natural light, make food preparation more enjoyable and reduce the reliance on artificial lighting. Many homeowners are also creating small indoor herb gardens near windows or incorporating patio doors to connect the kitchen to outdoor dining or grilling areas. This direct link between the kitchen and backyard not only supports entertaining but also strengthens the connection to nature that many households now value.

6. Bathrooms Evolve into Wellness Spaces

Bathrooms continue moving toward spa-inspired design with an emphasis on relaxation and wellbeing. Features such as rainfall showers, microcement finishes, deep soaking tubs, built-in seating, aromatherapy elements and larger tiles help create calming, restorative retreat spaces.

Windows support this emphasis on wellness by bringing in natural light while still maintaining privacy through textured or frosted glass. Positioning a bathtub near a window or enlarging an existing bathroom window are small changes that significantly enhance the retreat-like feel of the space. Carefully chosen glazing and window styles also help manage ventilation and privacy without sacrificing light.

7. Outdoor Living Becomes More Architectural and Connected

Homeowners continue investing in outdoor living areas and treating them as true extensions of their interiors. This includes redesigned patios, bioclimatic pergolas, outdoor kitchens, improved landscaping and multipurpose lounging zones.

Large openings make this trend possible. Sliding patio doors, folding systems and other solutions for large openings create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas and help integrate the overall design of the home. These features also enhance resale value by making homes feel larger and more connected to outdoor space.

8. Smart Home Features Become Standard

Smart home upgrades will become even more common in 2026. Homeowners are integrating lighting controls, whole home monitoring, automated window coverings, energy dashboards and smart security systems.

Windows and doors are part of this evolution. Automated shades that respond to sunlight, entry systems with smart locks and sensors and improved security glass all help create a more connected and safer home environment. Many of GEM’s fiberglass doors and steel entry doors can be paired with modern hardware and multi-point locking options that support these smart home priorities.

9. Curb Appeal Prioritizes Personality and Warmth

Exterior design trends for 2026 favour inviting colour palettes, natural landscaping, stone and wood combinations and expressive entryways. The front door is becoming a major design focal point, with muted greens, rich wood tones, deep blues and softened blacks leading the way.

Upgrading windows and entry doors is one of the most effective ways to enhance curb appeal. Modern window styles, slim frames and updated glass designs can transform the overall look of a home while improving performance. A refreshed front door colour or a new door style, such as a contemporary steel entry door or a woodgrained fiberglass door, can instantly modernize an older facade and tie together the rest of the exterior design choices.

10. Wellness Focus and Aging in Place Remain Priorities

Many homeowners are renovating with long-term living in mind. Features that support wellness, accessibility and safe navigation are becoming standard considerations in projects.

Windows and doors contribute significantly. Easy-to-operate window styles, wider door openings and no-step entries help create safer, more inclusive spaces. Improved natural light also supports wellness, mood and daily comfort. Thoughtful choices around vinyl windows, entry door systems and even hardware styles can make it easier for people to comfortably remain in their homes as their needs change over time.

Planning Ahead for 2026 Home Improvement

Whether you are renovating to increase comfort, boost value, improve efficiency or refresh your home’s aesthetic, windows and doors play a crucial role in almost every major trend for 2026. Larger openings support biophilic design, high-efficiency glass helps reduce energy use, modern frames improve curb appeal, and well-chosen door systems enhance both security and accessibility.

For homeowners planning updates in the year ahead, early preparation is key. Our team is ready to help you explore options, understand performance benefits and choose the right solutions for your home. Visit our showroom at 1590 The Queensway, Etobicoke or start your project online with a quote request.

Contact us today to begin planning your 2026 home upgrades here at GEM Windows & Doors.