In the spirit of Filipino hospitality and family-first values, the idea of home has always been more than just a place to live—it’s where we gather for birthdays, karaoke nights, lechon feasts, and late-night chats over taho and tea.
This deep appreciation for meaningful togetherness is being reflected in Australia’s top home renovation trends, which are as much about increasing property value as they are about creating spaces for bonding and connection.
And with the rising cost of living and property prices in Australia, more families, especially multigenerational households, are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. They’re transforming their homes into personalised sanctuaries where memories are made and relationships are strengthened.
Here are the top 10 home renovation ideas that not only boost the value of your home but also support the Filipino-Aussie way of living: warm, close-knit, and full of love.
1. Open-Plan Living
Removing dividing walls and opening up kitchen, dining, and living areas can instantly make a home feel larger and more connected. For many Filipino families, the kitchen is the heart of the home, where stories are swapped while cooking sinigang or lumpia.
An open-plan space allows for salu-salo (shared meals), spontaneous karaoke nights, and play areas where bunso (the youngest family member) can roam while the titos and titas catch up over coffee. It’s a simple structural change with a big impact on both lifestyle and resale value.
2. Kitchen Upgrades
The Filipino kitchen is often bustling with activity. From early morning pan de sal (buns) preparations to full-blown handaans (feasts) during holidays, it’s a space that’s always filled with delicious aromas and heartwarming stories.
Upgrading to a functional kitchen island and adding bar stools, larger bench tops, and ample cabinetry make the space more efficient and more inviting.
Trendy updates include energy-efficient appliances, natural stone finishes, and built-in beverage stations. All of which encourages more time spent cooking together and socialising.
3. Home Sauna
Yes, Filipinos love gimiks (socialising) and laughter. But we also appreciate quiet, restorative moments. Adding a home sauna is a growing trend in wellness and an investment you should consider making to improve both your health and family life.
According to a study by SDS Australia, the premier custom sauna builders, home sauna installation projects in Australia are on the rise. An average $10,000 two-person sauna can pay for itself after just 91 uses.
Imagine this: after a stressful week, your home sauna becomes a space for solo reflection. You can also share it with your parents to unwind or, for you and your siblings, to catch up in peace with ultimate privacy.
In a culture that prioritises wellbeing and caring for family members, a home sauna aligns perfectly with Filipino values. The added benefit is that it also increases your property’s appeal to health-conscious buyers and renters—key advantages to have when you’re planning to sell or, if you’re renting out your home on weekends for extra cash.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces
With Australia’s great weather and the Filipinos’ love of outdoor dining, upgrading your outdoor space makes perfect sense. Trends worth checking out include al fresco kitchens, pergolas, and weatherproof lounges. These additions make your outdoor space ideal for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and regular Sunday brunches.
Whether it’s a simple picnic table on a deck or a full-blown outdoor entertaining area, these upgrades allow you to invite the whole barkada (group of friends) over without cramping your indoor space.
5. Granny Flats or Guest Rooms
Multigenerational living is common in Filipino households. Adding a self-contained granny flat or an extra guest bedroom is a renovation that reflects this lifestyle beautifully.
Whether you’re welcoming parents or hosting visiting relatives from the Philippines, extra accommodation adds incredible flexibility and real value to your home.
6. Home Office and Study Nooks
With more Filipino-Australians working from home, dedicated workspaces are a must. Flexible home offices that double as homework corners, creative studios, or side-hustle HQs are becoming essential.
These thoughtful upgrades not only boost productivity but also carve out areas where family members can pursue personal growth while remaining connected under one roof.
7. Bathroom Retreats
For hardworking Fil-Aussies living in extended family homes, sometimes the bathroom is the only quiet escape available in the house. Consider adding home spa upgrades like rainfall showers, freestanding tubs, soft lighting, and aromatherapy-ready vanities.
It’s a chance to give the family’s quiet heroes—the breadwinners who can be mum and dad, ate (older sister) or kuya (older brother) their own little haven to enjoy for a few hours every day.
8. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Solar panels, double-glazed windows, and water-saving fixtures may not be glamorous, but they help slash utility bills. These upgrades help free up your budget for more important things, like plane tickets to visit family back home or saving for a child’s education.
In fact, properties with energy-efficient upgrades are seeing higher resale values across Australia, making this a practical and future-forward renovation choice.
9. Curb Appeal and Entryway Improvements
Filipinos are known for being warm and welcoming. That starts with the front door. Improving your home’s exterior—from repainting and landscaping to adding pathway lights—creates a welcoming entrance that says, “You’re home.”
After all, it’s not just about impressing buyers down the line. It’s about making every cousin, kumpare (male friend), and kumare (female friend) feel special whenever they come to visit.
10. Biophilic Design
Indoor plants, natural timber finishes, and large windows that flood the space with sunlight—these are hallmarks of the biophilic design trend. They’re also the kinds of elements that help create a calm, healthy environment for the whole family.
Whether it’s a simple indoor herb garden or a living room filled with greenery, these touches make your home feel bright, cheerful, and alive. These elements create the perfect ambiance for shared breakfasts, heartfelt talks, and Sunday naps.
Final Thoughts: Build More Than a Home – Build Memories
For many Filipino-Australian families, home is the centre of everything. It’s where milestones are celebrated, challenges are overcome, and relationships are nurtured.
Smart renovation choices aren’t just about ROI. For Filipino home renovations, it’s about creating spaces that truly reflect who we are: family-first, community-oriented, and always ready to welcome loved ones with open arms and a plate of food.
By embracing these trends, you’re not only adding market value to your house – you’re building a home full of meaning, warmth, and lasting memories.
