2026 Renovation Trends: What WA Homeowners Should Know

30 Dec 2025

As Perth’s property market continues to evolve, we are seeing a clear shift in how homeowners are choosing to invest in their homes. Rather than building new, many are opting to renovate, extend or reimagine the homes they already love, particularly in established, high-equity suburbs where land is increasingly scarce.

According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Western Australia continues to be one of the country’s strongest markets for renovation activity, particularly for larger-scale projects such as extensions and substantial home upgrades. This momentum is being driven by limited land availability, rising relocation costs and homeowners choosing to invest in the long-term value of existing properties rather than building new. For homeowners, staying ahead of trends is no longer about aesthetics alone. It’s about long-term value, daily liveability and making informed decisions that will still feel relevant in five or ten years’ time.

According to Chelsea Kendrick, Addstyle’s in-house Interior Designer, here are the key home renovation trends 2026 that we expect will shape WA homes.


The Renovation Trends Shaping WA Homes in 2026

Trend A: Earthy, Natural & Textured Materials

This Addstyle project in Fremantle incorporated warm, neutral tiling and timbers.

There is a clear return to warmth and tactility in interiors. Natural timbers, terracotta, clay finishes and layered textures are replacing cooler, overly minimal palettes. Influenced by Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, soft neutrals are now being paired with richer accents such as chocolate brown, terracotta and deep navy.

Why it’s gaining traction:
Post-pandemic, homeowners are prioritising comfort and authenticity. Chelsea notes a move away from the overly “perfect” look in favour of spaces that feel warmer, more lived-in and more personal, with texture doing much of the heavy lifting.

What it means for Perth homes:
This trend is particularly well suited to Perth’s coastal lifestyle and character housing stock. Alfresco spaces, extensions and renovated living areas benefit enormously from natural materials that respond well to light, climate and indoor–outdoor living.

Addstyle tip:
Introduce warm timber flooring or flat-faced timber cabinetry, explore textured ceiling treatments, and use natural stone in outdoor extensions to create continuity between inside and out.


North Perth Second Storey & Rooftop Terrace

This Addstyle project in North Perth incorporated a large skylight that opens to a roof top terrace.

Trend B: Smart, Sustainable & Wellness-Driven Builds

Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’. In 2026, smart design and wellness-focused renovations are becoming standard expectations, not upgrades. Energy efficiency, low-VOC materials, passive design principles and smart home integration are driving renovation decisions.

Why it’s gaining traction:
Climate awareness, rising energy costs and evolving expectations are influencing homeowner priorities, alongside a growing focus on wellbeing at home.

What it means for Perth homes:
In WA, sustainability must be climate-responsive. Designing for breezes, shade and solar orientation is critical, particularly in coastal areas where durability and maintenance also matter.

Addstyle tip:
Speak with your builder early about solar integration, smart lighting and climate control, durable coastal materials and low-maintenance finishes that perform over time.


Mount Hawthorn Second Storey & extension

A modern-architectural second storey addition by Addstyle in Mount Hawthorn is striking and functional.

Trend C: Extensions and Space Optimisation as Land Tightens

With land supply tightening across Perth’s inner and coastal suburbs, more homeowners are choosing to renovate or extend rather than move. Second storey additions and intelligent extensions are becoming the preferred way to unlock space and value.

Why it’s gaining traction:
Rising property prices and limited availability are making relocation less attractive than maximising existing homes.

What it means for WA homeowners:
Building up or reworking existing layouts allows families to stay in the suburbs they love while adapting their homes to changing needs.

Addstyle tip:
Explore second storey additions or cleverly designed extensions that improve flow, light and functionality without compromising the character of the home.


North Perth Makeover

This North Perth project by Addstyle incorporates curves, bold colour pops and warm timber features.

Trend D: Bold Colour & Statement Design — Beyond Minimalism

The era of strict beige minimalism is fading. In its place, we’re seeing a move toward warm, curated maximalism including layered textures, expressive artwork and confident use of colour. Chelsea also predicts bolder tile choices (including hand-painted, character-rich tiles) and a shift toward flatter, simpler cabinetry profiles, with timber grain and texture providing the interest.

What it means for Perth homes:
Even coastal and heritage homes can embrace colour and character without feeling overdone.

Addstyle tip:
Consider curved joinery, accent walls, warm timber paired with coloured cabinetry, or a statement tile moment that adds personality while remaining timeless.


Wembley Renovation

This Addstyle extension in Wembley used feature doors and windows to bring the outside-in.

Trend E: Indoor–Outdoor Living & Outdoor Rooms

Indoor–outdoor living remains fundamental to the WA lifestyle, but in 2026 it’s evolving into fully considered outdoor rooms rather than simple alfrescos.

What it means for Perth homes:
Outdoor spaces are now designed as extensions of the home, with seamless transitions, durable materials and thoughtful shading.

Addstyle tip:
Plan outdoor areas early in the design process, ensuring continuity in materials, natural ventilation and protection from sun and weather.
This project in Wembley uses statement joinery to bring the outdoors-in.


What These Trends Mean for Perth Homeowners

Together, these trends point to a more considered approach to renovation. Budget is being allocated not just to finishes, but to structure, performance and long-term usability. Material selection is increasingly driven by climate suitability and durability, while design decisions balance individuality with future resale appeal.

In Perth and across WA, homeowners must also navigate heritage considerations, coastal conditions and council approvals. The most successful renovations are those that respond intelligently to these local factors while still delivering spaces that feel contemporary and personal.

Thinking ahead is key. Trends come and go, but well-designed renovations that prioritise comfort, flexibility and quality will always hold their value, particularly when delivered by experienced teams undertaking home renovations in Perth.


How Addstyle Helps You Capture These Trends

At Addstyle, we specialise in high-end renovations, extensions and second storey additions throughout Perth. As WA’s most awarded home renovation and extension company, we bring decades of experience to every project.

Our design-and-build approach ensures trends are not applied superficially, but thoughtfully integrated into your home’s architecture, structure and lifestyle needs. From material sourcing and smart home integration to complex extensions and alfresco transformations, we guide our clients through every decision with clarity and care.

We don’t simply build homes, we partner with homeowners to create spaces that deliver lasting value, performance and enjoyment. Read what our clients say about us.


Looking Ahead

2026 presents a compelling opportunity to renovate. Whether your goal is to improve liveability, enhance value or future-proof your home, today’s renovation trends are about making smarter, more meaningful choices.

If you’re considering a renovation or extension, we invite you to explore our recent project case studies /projects) or speak with our team about how these trends can be tailored to your home.

If you’re researching home renovations Perth or looking for experienced home renovation builders Perth, Addstyle offers a considered, quality-driven approach that stands the test of time.

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