Torbay Home Improvement Trends: What’s Popular in 2026

In 2026, home improvements in Torbay—covering Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham—are driven by a unique blend of coastal lifestyle needs, energy consciousness, and a move toward “purposeful” design. As the “English Riviera,” property trends here often focus on maximizing the relationship between the home and its maritime environment.

The following trends define the Torbay market this year:

1. The “Zoned” Open-Plan

While the “one big room” trend dominated previous years, 2026 has seen a shift toward “Broken Plan” or zoned layouts.

• Why it’s popular: Homeowners are using internal glass partitions, differing floor levels, or furniture “islands” to create distinct areas for working from home, cooking, and relaxing without losing the airy, coastal feel.

• Key Feature: The rise of “hidden rooms,” such as concealed pantries and tucked-away home bars that disappear behind bespoke cabinetry when not in use.

2. “Coastal-Proof” Energy Retrofitting

With the 2026 emphasis on running costs and EPC ratings, Torbay residents are investing heavily in the “invisible” parts of their homes.

• Triple Glazing & Marine Grade Frames: High-performance triple glazing is now the standard for seafront renovations. Homeowners are specifically choosing Marine Grade powder-coated aluminium to prevent salt-air corrosion.

• Solar Integration: Solar PV panels paired with battery storage are trending as residents look to capitalize on the region’s higher-than-average sunshine hours to offset energy costs.

3. “Wellness” Bathrooms (The Spa-at-Home)

Bathrooms have overtaken kitchens as the top room for a “glow-up” in 2026.

• The Aesthetic: Harsh white lines are out. The trend is “Midimalism”—a blend of minimalist function with maximalist textures like fluted tiles, rounded mirrors, and natural stone basins.

• Smart Features: Digital showers with temperature presets and app-controlled lighting are being integrated to create a personalized, spa-like experience.

4. Outdoor “Rooms” and Biophilic Design

In a town famous for its outdoor lifestyle, the garden is no longer just a lawn; it’s an extension of the floor plan.

• Indoor-Outdoor Continuity: Using the same flooring material inside the kitchen and out onto the patio to create a seamless transition.

• Living Walls: To combat the “cliff-like” and vertical nature of many Brixham and Torquay gardens, homeowners are installing vertical herb gardens and moss panels to add greenery where ground space is limited.

5. Heritage Maximalism

Torbay’s extensive stock of Victorian and Edwardian villas is being renovated with a trend called “Heritage Maximalism.”

• The Look: This blends historical motifs (arched windows, ornate cornicing) with bold 2026 color palettes like Pistachio Green, Mocha Mousse, and Terracotta.

• Materials: A resurgence of dark wood tones like walnut and mahogany is replacing the pale oaks of the early 2020s, providing a sense of warmth and permanence.

Comparison of Popular 2026 Upgrades

Why Renovate Now?

The Torbay property market in 2026 prizes “Turnkey Homes.” Buyers are currently steering away from major structural projects due to renovation costs, meaning that properties with these modern, efficient improvements already in place are commanding a significant premium.