Best New Home Upgrades of 2024

As we wrap up a year full of exciting new home builds in Ottawa, it’s time for our version of Spotify Wrapped—but for home upgrades!

We love seeing our clients add their personal flair to our homes, and every floorplan offers a chance to do just that. These are the top four new home upgrades that our clients had on repeat in 2024. 

2024 has been all about self-care, and our clients are leading the charge! From creating spa-like bathrooms to carving out spaces that feel like personal retreats, the focus has been on designing homes that don’t just look great but feel great too. It’s the year of treating yourself, and honestly, we’re here for it.

In the spirit of self-care, the most popular upgrade of 2024 is a custom-designed glass shower that screams “treat yourself”!

With big families, busy schedules, and endless to-do lists, our clients know the value of a space where they can have those zen moments—whether it’s gearing up for the day ahead or washing it all away at night. We’re thrilled to see our clients investing in showers that don’t just rinse but rejuvenate. Designing these luxurious little sanctuaries? Yeah, that’s our happy place too.

The kitchen is undeniably the heart of the home so it’s no surprise that one of the top upgrades of 2024 is extended-height cabinets. Why settle for awkward dust-collecting gaps when you can go for sleek, modern storage? 

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, helping with homework, or sneaking a midnight snack, the kitchen is always in view—from the family room, dining area, or even the patio. That’s why so many of our clients focus on creating a space that’s both functional and visually impressive.

Extended-height cabinets tick all the boxes: extra storage for those “someday” appliances, a clean and polished aesthetic, and an added sense of height that makes the whole space feel open and airy. Practical, elegant, and a little bit show-stopping—what’s not to love?

One of our favourite upgrades this year? Floating shelves in the kitchen! It’s a small detail that brings a ton of personality.

For years, kitchens have leaned into that clean, unified look: matching cabinets, islands, and countertops so spotless they could double as a dance floor. And don’t get us wrong, we love that tidy, everything-has-a-home vibe. But sometimes, it feels like your kitchen is hiding all the fun stuff behind closed doors.

Enter floating shelves: the perfect way to put your most meaningful items front and center. With so much of life’s traditions (and best memories) centered around food, every family has treasures that belong in the kitchen. Whether it’s a beloved cookbook from a distant homeland or your grandmother’s slightly lopsided cookie jar – some things just weren’t meant to live behind closed doors! 

We’re obsessed with how floating shelves bring warmth, personality, and just the right touch of “wow” to the heart of the home. Plus, they finally give that vintage teapot its moment in the spotlight!

The staircase works harder than almost anything else in your home—except maybe your Wi-Fi. It’s not just about practicality, it’s also about making a statement.

Think of your staircase as the centerpiece of your home’s décor—a giant piece of furniture that everyone sees the moment they walk in. It’s like the red carpet of your house, but, you know, less “Hollywood” and more “hardwood.” That’s why so many of our clients invest in a timeless, durable material like oak.

We love designing oak staircases that tie together the vertical flow of the home, echo the rich tones of the flooring, and complement other design details. Our clients love how this upgrade gives their home a polished, cohesive look—and the peace of mind that oak will outlast everything. Classic, stylish, and built to last? It’s a win all around!

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These four upgrades may be the headliners of our 2024 Spotify Wrapped: Home Edition, but they’re just the beginning! Depending on your floorplan, you can customize everything from a single shelf to an extra bedroom—or even drop the mic with a three-car garage.

The best part? Your home will be uniquely you. When your design hits all the right notes for your family, we know we’ve done our job right. Ready to start curating your own greatest hit? Register to claim our $25k decor bonus at Pathways Findlay Creek and start building the home of your dreams.