Home design is becoming less about eye-catching novelty and more about everyday living. Zillow’s Home Trends Report, based on millions of for-sale listings, highlights seven design shifts showing buyers prioritizing comfort, flexibility, and durability alongside personal style in 2026. Epoxy flooring is one way to meet the new design shift.
1. Color-Drenched Rooms
Bold, immersive color is one of the most noticeable design trends of 2026. Zillow reports a sharp rise in listings featuring color-drenched rooms, where walls, trim, ceilings, floors, and even furniture share a unified palette. Epoxy flooring can complement this trend with cohesive color options and decorative finishes that stand up to daily use.
2. Cozy Reading Nooks
Homeowners are carving out quieter corners designed for rest and focus. Cozy reading nooks and personal retreats are appearing more often in listings, reflecting a desire for calm within busy households.
3. Resilient Homes
Resilience is becoming a major priority for buyers. Zillow notes increased mentions of flood and fire protection.
4. Sustainability With Staying Power
Sustainability continues to shape home upgrades in 2026. Buyers are favoring efficient, long-life improvements, with mentions of zero-energy-ready homes up 70%, whole-home batteries up 40%, and electric vehicle charging up 25%. Descriptors like “sustainable” or “green” are also appearing 21% more often.
5. Self-Care at Home
Wellness-focused design remains strong, particularly in spa-inspired bathrooms and practical utility spaces. Easy-to-clean surfaces are a key part of these environments. Epoxy flooring fits naturally here by offering a seamless surface with moisture mitigation that supports cleanliness and low maintenance in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
6. Recreation Spaces Take Center Stage
Traditional “man caves” are giving way to activity-focused spaces. Zillow reports rising mentions of home gyms, golf simulators, and flexible rec rooms.
In Maryland homes, basements and garages are often central to this shift. Waterproofing basements helps transform lower levels into dry, comfortable living space, while professionally installed garage floor coatings create durable foundations for fitness and hobbies. A proper 2-day garage floor coating process with moisture mitigation helps ensure long-term performance.
7. Personalized Spaces With Character
Finally, homeowners are embracing artisan, vintage, and whimsical touches that reflect individual style, adding warmth and personality throughout the home.
Zillow’s report also points to what’s fading in 2026: overly themed rooms, high-maintenance finishes, and upgrades that don’t last. That shift explains why epoxy flooring continues to appeal to homeowners seeking surfaces that balance design with durability.
If you’re exploring how epoxy flooring, basement waterproofing, or garage floor coatings can help your home align with 2026 trends, Garage Floor Coatings of Maryland can help you identify solutions designed for real life.
