Homeowners are rethinking what makes a home truly livable. Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report, based on millions of for-sale listings, highlights seven design shifts showing buyers prioritizing comfort, flexibility, and long-term durability alongside personal style. These trends reveal a clear move toward homes designed for real life, not just first impressions. And epoxy flooring meets the needs of the design shift.
1. Color-Drenched Rooms
Bold, immersive color is one of the most visible trends of 2026. Zillow reports a sharp increase in listings featuring color-drenched rooms where walls, trim, ceilings, floors, and even furniture share a cohesive palette. Epoxy flooring can complement this look with cohesive color options and decorative finishes that hold up to daily use.
2. Cozy Reading Nooks
Homeowners are carving out quieter corners meant for rest and focus. Cozy reading nooks and personal retreats are appearing more frequently in listings, reflecting a desire for calm and balance within busy households.
3. Resilient Homes
Resilience is becoming a top priority for buyers. Zillow notes increased mentions of flood and fire protection.
4. Sustainability With Staying Power
Sustainability continues to shape design decisions, with mentions of zero-energy-ready homes up 70% and electric vehicle charging up 25% in listings. Broad descriptors like “sustainable” or “green” are also appearing more often.
5. Self-Care at Home
Wellness-focused design remains strong, particularly with spa-inspired bathrooms. Easy-to-clean surfaces are essential here. Epoxy flooring fits naturally in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other utility spaces by offering a seamless surface with moisture mitigation that supports cleanliness and low maintenance.
6. Recreation Spaces Take Center Stage
Traditional “man caves” are fading as homeowners reimagine rec rooms as active spaces. Basements and garages are perfect for this shift. Waterproofing basements helps transform lower levels into a dry, comfortable location for your home gym setup, while moisture-mitigated garage floor coatings create durable foundations for workouts and hobbies.
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.
If you’re exploring how epoxy flooring, basement waterproofing, or garage floor coatings can help your home in 2026 and beyond, Garage Floor Coating – The Great Lakes can help you identify solutions built for real life.