According to the National Home Show, a home and garden consumer show owned and operated by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), three housing trends will impact how Canadians live this year.
Technology that makes life easier and more efficient is the first housing trend noted for 2016. Technology-integrated design will be showcased in the Best Buy Smart Home, a 900-square-foot connected space that incorporates technology to simplify a homeowner’s life. It includes the ability to lock and unlock the home from anywhere, create virtual keys and be notified of who enters and leaves the home; smart LED personal lighting; and a Wi-Fi-enabled LCD smart fridge that supports web browsing and access to applications on the fridge door.
Multigenerational living is expected to continue gaining popularity in 2016 and onward, due to an aging population and record-high home prices. This leads to home renovations by homeowners who are looking to maximize the usefulness of their home. Renovations include adding mobility, such as ramps, into a home, or building a nursery for a new baby.
Outdoor spaces will be getting more attention this year with the trend of creating a space that homeowners will want to use year-round. Outdoor space can be maximized by using artificial turf to create a low-maintenance alternative to grass, while patios are increasingly being hardscaped for durable beauty.
The National Home Show runs from March 11 to 20, 2016 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto.
