7 key trends in home renovating for 2025

Want to know the latest trends in home renovating to inform your client convos? Here’s a sneak peek at what homeowners will be Googling in 2025.

In this Article:

Discrete technology is key

Home cinemas boom – get the popcorn out!

And just how smart can a kitchen be?

While everyone wants to add their own personal stamp to a home, most renovators are keen to find out what everyone else is doing, too. If you can advise clients on the latest electrical must-haves, you’ll be giving them valuable insights and setting yourself up as the town trendspotter to boot. Here are seven for your Pinterest board.

Home renovating trend #1: Discreet tech

Fact: As homes become smarter, they also get more cluttered. One solution that’s gathering fans is a move towards discreet design, which foregoes shiny silver gadgetry in favour of a look that blends in with a home’s overall decor.

“At Trader, we do a lot of listening. When we hear similar feedback from around the country, we act,” says Alex Beltrame from Trader.

“The market is always asking for low profile and less clutter. We are seeing a nice demand for our USB charger power points installed under kitchen island benches and floating shelves in bedrooms. Renovators love that we have made these available in our slim Clouded Leopard, Leopard and Flat Cat ranges in a new auto-switched design (no switch mechs) to keep the plate clean. We’ve made multifunction look discreet.

“In 2025, expect us to answer the need for more multi-gang power outlets. People just can’t get enough of these but are put off by how bulky they look. We are obliging with various new styles to match our Trader ranges.”

Home renovating trend #2: Multifunctional spaces

The walls have come down over the past few years and renovators are playing catch-up with the new-build trend of zoned spaces rather than rooms. The success of open plan lies in giving each area its own sense of purpose, while creating a streamlined flow from zone to zone.

“The type of lighting can differ from kitchen to living areas if they are separate. However, if they’re zoned in a single area, LED downlights are the best solution,” says Haneco’s Craig Soper.

“With traditional, basic downlights, glare is the issue. In order to provide functional, glare-free lighting, a premium downlight should be used that has a low glare rating of >19 (UGR>19) and a high CRI (Colour Render index) of 85-90 (CRI>90) so the colours are displayed faithfully.

“The Haneco Dular range is perfect for this as it meets both the glare and colour render brief and is available in a fixed, trimless style that is very much on-trend, as well as an adjustable gimbal style for pitched ceilings or highlighting key features of a space.”

Home renovating trend #3: Smart kitchens

Do air fryers and toasters talk to each other? Only when you’re not looking. The hottest smart kitchen appliances include intelligent fridges that track the sell-by dates of groceries, smart ovens that can be turned on from the office and voice-activated dishwashers. Smart kitchens also have zoned lighting, fans and multiway switching for maximum convenience.

“Here at Trader, we’re hearing homeowners talking about the trouble they have remembering what each switch controls, especially in large open-plan kitchen areas,” says Alex.

“Our friends at Zimi have come up with Senoa Designer where customers can order cover plates with laser-etched labels and picture symbols. It’s very cool, personalised tech.”

Home renovating trend #4: Sanctuary bathrooms

No longer just functional, bathrooms now represent an escape from the rigours of daily life. One trend that is growing in popularity is combining a closet and bathroom to maximise space. Bathrooms can get humid, so good airflow is key.

“Ventilation is crucial in the growing trend of combining an ensuite with a walk-in robe to prevent moisture from spreading and damaging clothing and accessories or creating mould,” says Yianni Polydorou from Fantech.

“Proper airflow helps maintain a comfortable environment and protects the integrity of both spaces. Installing a low-profile, high-performance exhaust fan like the Rapid Response bathroom fan that blends seamlessly into the ceiling is recommended for those who value the aesthetics of their bathroom, down to the finest detail.

“Positioning an exhaust fan near the moisture source (such as above the shower) ensures maximum efficiency while maintaining the sleek, open look that complements modern ensuite-robe designs."

Home renovating trend #5: Statement lighting

What a difference a feature light makes. Once upon a time, this meant a chandelier – the bigger and brighter, the better. In more recent times, a modern pendant or standalone lamp would have been the go to. In 2025, narrow beams and backlighting are taking centre stage.

“Feature lighting as opposed to task lighting is used to highlight a certain area and create a feeling of depth and perspective,” says Craig.

“A higher intensity of light can be achieved with a narrow beam angle or specific direction of light, as well as brightness of the luminaire. Smaller, narrow beam downlights such as the Stellar 60 are ideal for niches and feature an adjustable gimbal to highlight a piece of art or painting. External downlights are also all the rage now for highlighting a building façade. The Detail range is ideal for this because it is IP65 dust- and moisture-proof.”

“Aussie renovators and new-home builders are getting very bold in their use of LED backlighting,” adds Alex from Trader.

“We’re seeing backlit mirrors, basins and stair rails contrasting with dark-coloured and textured walls. Our Senoa range with colour-changing LED indicators suits this trend nicely. It has even surprised us how stunning this can look!”

Home renovating trend #6: Integrated outdoor living

Outdoor areas are becoming ever closer to indoor living spaces with cosy seating, stylish rugs and statement lighting. But don’t let your clients forget about the practicalities!
“You’ll be lounging outdoors comfortably all year round with a great outdoor heater,” says IXL’s Monique Cheung.

“The IXL CoziHeat Outdoor Patio Strip Heaters are a sleek, modern outdoor heating solution that feature innovative Horizon Heat™ technology to rapidly warm you in the cooler months. The larger CoziHeat 3200W can heat an outdoor covered area of up to 17.5 square metres and can be easily wired in — mounting accessories included — to provide long-lasting warmth all year round.

Or add that extra warm glow with a fire pit. “We recommend the Australian-made IXL Pit n Grill Deluxe Kit,” says Monique. “It’s a fire pit, grill and rotisserie-capable unit that lends real warmth and ambience to your outdoor area.”

Home renovating trend #7: Home cinemas

Thought that private screening rooms were just for the rich and famous? Not anymore.

“With the price of big screen TVs coming down, home theatre rooms are all the rage right now,” says Craig.

“Lighting in these areas can be tricky, as many of these rooms have dark walls and ceilings."

Haneco now has several offers in the space; the Detail and Dular ranges come in black, and the new Astral range comes in white and black, with a choice of silver, white or black baffle reflectors to complement any décor.

“LED strip lighting also plays an important role as an indirect light source that can highlight joinery beautifully.