Renovating isn’t only about fresh finishes or extra square footage; it’s about creating a home that makes life easier. The must-haves matter, but there are plenty of features you may not even know you ‘need’ that could make your home more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. 

We encourage homeowners to think beyond the basics and design a space that fits their lifestyle, not just their floor plan. And fair warning: by the time you’re done reading this, your wish list might be a lot longer (sorry, not sorry). Menno’s Renovation Toolkit helps you think through everyday frustrations and uncover solutions you might not have considered, like these: 

Kitchen Upgrades You’ll Love 

• Pot filler – Eliminate heavy lifting and fill right at the stove 
• Pop-up power towers – Hidden outlets that rise when needed 
• Walk-in fridge or cold pantry – A fully refrigerated food storage space 
• Dedicated coffee and beverage station –  Built-in espresso machine, sink, and storage 
• Cooktop & wall oven setup – A slick alternative to a traditional range
• Warming drawer – Keep meals hot without overcooking 
• Sink and prep area near the dining room – Perfect for entertaining 
• Built-in wine rack – Keeps bottles organized and within reach 
• Refrigerated drawers – Extra cold storage for drinks, produce, or snacks 
• Appliance garage – Keeps small appliances out of sight but within reach 
• Pull-out spice racks – No more digging through cabinets 
• Built-in compost bin – Easy, mess-free food waste disposal 
• Toe-kick vacuum – Sweep crumbs straight into the central vac 

Bathrooms & Laundry Rooms That Do More 

• Heated floors – No more cold feet on chilly mornings 
• Smart shower system – Digital temperature control, steam, and presets 
• Recessed shower shelf – Built-in storage, no clutter 
• Separate toilet area – Added privacy 
• Anti-fog mirrors with lighting – Clear mirrors after steamy showers 
• Towel closet with warming drawers – Heated storage for toasty towels 
• Zero-threshold shower – A sleek, accessible entrance 
• Motion-activated lighting – No more fumbling for switches in the dark 
• Built-in laundry sorting station – Separate hampers for lights, darks, and delicates 
• Pull-out ironing board – Tucks away when not in use 
• Fold-down drying rack – Wall-mounted to save space 
• Dog washing station with handheld sprayer – A game-changer for pet owners

Must-Have Primary Suite & Closet Upgrades 

• Rotating shoe/accessory carousel – Boutique-style organization 
• Customizable LED closet lighting – Motion-activated, adjustable settings 
• Pull-down closet rods – Brings high-hanging clothes to eye level 

Clever Storage

• Pull-out shelves in lower cabinets – Easy access to deep storage 
• Mudroom cubbies & charging stations – A place for shoes, bags, and devices 
• Mail station – Keeps letters from piling up on the counter
• Hidden pantry with revolving shelves – Maximize storage space 
• Under-stair storage drawers – Turns wasted space into storage 
• Laundry chute with built-in sorting system – Deposits clothes directly into hampers in the laundry room 
• Custom closet organization – Designed for your wardrobe 
• Built-in book nook – A cozy reading corner with shelving 
• Garage ceiling storage racks – Frees up floor space 
• Entryway cubbies with seating – Keep shoes and coats organized 
• Built-in laundry drying rack – Save precious floor space 

 Smart Home Upgrades 

• Hidden TV in a mirror – A space-saving entertainment option 
• Voice or motion-activated faucets – Hands-free water control
• Built-in wall safe or hidden compartments – Secure storage for valuables 
• Motion-sensor LED strip lighting – Perfect for under beds, cabinets, or stairs 
• Touchless toilet flush & bidet seat – Hands-free operation, heated seat 

Next Level Outdoor & Entertaining Ideas 

• Pass-through kitchen window – Connects the kitchen to your patio
• Built-in ice maker & drink station – Never run out of ice again 
• Retractable screens – Keep bugs out while letting fresh air in 
• Built-in beverage fridge on the deck – Cold drinks without running inside 
• Outdoor shower – Rinse off after the pool or a muddy hike 

Design Your Home for Your Life 

It’s easy to focus on the big picture when planning a renovation, but the little details make all the difference in how a home feels and functions. 

Let’s tailor your home to fit your life in ways you never even imagined! Send us a message and we can explore all the exciting possibilities for your renovation.