Renovating your Canberra home is a big decision. Between the planning, approvals, climate considerations, and the cost of materials, it’s not something that you would dive into lightly. But it can also be one of the most rewarding investments you will have to make. Whether you’re improving comfort, boosting value, or simply making your space feel more “you.”
So if you’ve been thinking about starting a renovation in 2025, you’re not alone. Local builders say demand has stayed steady even after the COVID renovation boom. More homeowners are choosing to update what they’ve got instead of moving into a tougher property market. The question is: what kind of renovations are people actually doing in Canberra this year?
So to help you with that, we’ve pulled together the biggest trends shaping renovations in 2025, which is grounded in what’s happening locally, from ACT Government sustainability rules to what designers and homeowners are sharing across Canberra.
It’s not surprising that in a city where winters bite and summers sizzle, Canberrans are prioritising comfort and lower bills. With new builds now needing a minimum 7-star energy rating,homeowners doing renovations are following suit.
That means:
One Curtin homeowner recently told The Canberra Times that after upgrading to double-glazed windows and new insulation, “the house finally holds its warmth and our power bills have dropped, and the place just feels calmer.”
The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme has made this shift easier, offering loans and incentives to help cover the upfront costs.
Why it matters: Energy upgrades aren’t just trendy, they’re also practical, future-proof, and save you money over time.
The pandemic gave us the home office. By 2025, it’s evolved into the multi-functional flexi-space.
Instead of a single-purpose study, homeowners are creating rooms that can shift roles a home office by day, a guest bedroom at night, or even a study nook tucked into the corner of a living space.
Canberra families, especially in suburbs like Gungahlin, where houses need to work harder for growing families, are asking builders to design smarter layouts with sliding doors, fold-away desks, and clever storage.
Why it matters: Energy upgrades aren’t just trendy, they’re also practical, future-proof, and save you money over time.
If you’ve noticed more timber, stone, and greenery in Canberra interiors lately, you’re not imagining it. Designers are calling this look the “Bush-Modern” a blend of clean, modern lines with natural materials that echo the landscapes around us.
Local firms in Canberra are leading the charge with warm timber finishes, earthy colour palettes, and generous windows that frame the outdoors. One Watson homeowner who renovated last year described it perfectly: “We wanted the house to feel calm, connected, and natural it’s less about luxury and more about balance.”
Why it matters: This style feels uniquely Canberra. It grounds your home in its bush setting while still looking fresh and contemporary.
Bathrooms are stepping up from purely functional to deeply indulgent. Think walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, and floor-to-ceiling tiles. Local renovators say Canberrans are especially drawn to wet-room designs where the shower and bath share a waterproofed space. It’s not just stylish; it’s practical for families and ageing-in-place.
Pair this with underfloor heating (a lifesaver in Canberra winters), and you’ve got a bathroom that feels like a retreat.
Kitchens are always renovation hot spots, but in 2025 the trend is streamlined functionality.
Rather than big, bulky appliances on show, homeowners are choosing integrated fridges and dishwashers, hidden storage, and neutral palettes with textural accents.
According to local designer Vibrant Kitchens, Canberra clients are leaning toward “warm earthy tones paired with natural stone or timber,” moving away from stark all-white finishes.
Why it matters: The kitchen is still the heart of the home, but now it’s about being both beautiful and easy to live in day-to-day.
If there’s one thing Canberra does well, it’s blending indoor and outdoor life. Renovations in 2025 are making backyards more functional, with covered decks, outdoor kitchens, and even fire pits that extend their use into colder months.
Builders report a rise in requests for pizza ovens and BBQ zones, reflecting our love of entertaining at home. Bi-fold doors are another favourite, creating a seamless flow from the inside out.
Why it matters: Outdoor spaces are lifestyle boosters – they add value and give you more usable square footage without extending the footprint of the house.
Many suburbs in Canberra have mid-century and character homes that homeowners don’t want to strip back entirely. Instead, renovators are restoring original features like timber floors, brickwork, or quirky archways while modernising performance with insulation, efficient lighting, and fresh layouts.
It’s a “best of both worlds” approach: you get the nostalgia and beauty of heritage details, plus the comfort and functionality of a new build. Putting It All Together The biggest takeaway for 2025? Renovations in Canberra are less about chasing trends and more about making your home work for your lifestyle, your climate, and your long-term comfort.
If you’re considering a renovation this year, start by asking:
With the right builder or designer, you can combine inspiration with practicality so that your renovation isn’t just stylish for 2025 but adds lasting value to your home.
At Paramount, we’ve guided countless Canberra homeowners through this exact journey, from first ideas to the final finishes. If you’re ready to explore some trendy home renovation in Canberra, then contact our team today and let’s turn your vision into a home that truly works for you.
0451 804 517
contact@paramountcreations.com.au
3/31 Lorn Rd, Queanbeyan NSW 2620