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    Home»Bathrooms»Designers Have Spoken: Here Are the Top Bathroom Design Trends for 2026
    Bathrooms

    Designers Have Spoken: Here Are the Top Bathroom Design Trends for 2026

    James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMIBy James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMIDecember 30, 2025No Comments6 Mins Read
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    Designers Have Spoken: Here Are the Top Bathroom Design Trends for 2026
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    Like any other high-traffic space in your home, your bathroom design should be the perfect blend of style and function. While features like ample storage and good ventilation are non-negotiable, there’s a lot more to consider if you’re set on crafting a luxurious space. Aesthetics come into play as well—think choosing the right tile, color palette, light fixtures, you name it.

    That’s why we checked in with multiple pros to find out the top bathroom design trends for 2026. From statement sinks to medicine cabinets equipped with LED lighting, use their predictions to inspire your own setup, whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a quick budget refresh. And for even more inspiration, it’s also worth browsing the biggest interior design trends for 2026.

    Drop-In and Undermount Bathtubs

    “We’re going to see a strong return to drop-in and undermount bathtubs in 2026. The freestanding tub absolutely had its moment, but clients are gravitating back toward function and beauty. An undermount tub can be paired with a generous ledge, which is the perfect place to style florals, candles, collected objects, or simply rest a book and a glass of wine. There’s something unmistakably ‘luxury hotel’ about that built-in silhouette, and I suspect people will be leaning into that quiet, cocooning glamour in the year ahead.” — Erin Hackett Nordholt, Hackett House Studio

    Photo by: Amy Carruthers

    stylish bathroom featuring a bathtub a vanity and decorative elements

    Amy Carruthers

    Unique Architectural Features

    “Instead of simple undermounts, we’re specifying carved stone sinks, integrated vanities, and freestanding tubs with soft curves. Bathrooms are becoming architectural moments instead of afterthoughts.” — Jen Dean, Jede Interiors

    stone washbasin and golden faucet

    Volodymyr Kalyniuk – Getty Images

    Programmed Lighting

    “We’re using layered, programmable lighting that shifts from bright morning light to warm evening glow. Think: sunrise to candlelight, all in one room. It’s a game-changer for how the space feels.” — Jen Dean, Jede Interiors

    modern bathroom interior with subway tile and black fixtures

    Ekaterina Demidova – Getty Images

    Enclosed Showers

    “We’re moving away from the exposed glass cube in the corner and creating a separate ‘room’ for the shower. This helps the space feel more sophisticated while also minimizing the appearance of soap buildup on the glass. To ensure the space isn’t a dark, uninviting cave, there should be access to daylight through a window or skylight.” — Kevin Kaminski, Kaminski + Pew

    Photo by: Jason Varney

    RELATED: 18 Bathroom Design Mistakes, According to Designers

    modern shower space with marble tiles and a towel

    JASON VARNEY

    Steam Showers

    “Steam showers are becoming one of the most requested spa features in home remodels and will continue to be a big trend in 2026. Homeowners love that they turn an everyday shower into a spa experience, reducing stress, soothing muscles, and even helping with dry winter air or clear stuffy nasal passages for chronic allergy sufferers.” — Yvonne Harty, Harty Interiors

    luxurious modern bathroom with marble walls and glass shower.

    Wirestock – Getty Images

    LED Lighting and In-Drawer Outlets

    “Expect LED lighting for medicine cabinets and electronics integrated into drawers. Functionally, LED cabinets are great for putting on makeup and other maintenance-related activities in the bathroom. Cabinets that also integrate a place for your hair dryer or electric toothbrush to plug in are also incredibly practical and are a big request from my clients.” — Nureed Saeed, Nu Interiors

    contemporary bathroom vanity with modern fixtures and decor

    Aimee Ryan

    Statement Custom Cabinetry

    “Interesting custom cabinetry will be a big bathroom trend for 2026 as homeowners have now become accustomed to seeing it in the world of design and want that type of unique look for themselves. This allows you to do all sorts of things, whether that is adapting the lines of an antique piece or customizing the color to coordinate with your tile.” — Caroline Kopp, Caroline Kopp Interior Design

    a bathroom with a wood cabinet and tiled backsplash.

    Joe Hendrickson – Getty Images

    Quiet Luxury

    “Bathrooms in 2026 are all about quiet luxury—clean-lined but rich in texture. We’re seeing increased use of handcrafted tile, natural wood, and warm metal accents to bring softness and depth into the space. The result is a bathroom that feels serene and tactile—minimalist, but far from cold.” — Olivia Botrie, Dart Studio

    Photo by: Valerie Wilcox

    RELATED: Designers Say Zellige Tiles Are Making a Comeback

    modern bathroom interior featuring dual sinks and elegant fixtures

    Valerie Wilcox

    Layered Lighting

    “Lighting will be especially important. Forget a simple array of ceiling cans. Twenty twenty-six is going to be all about layering in different sources of lighting to create a compelling sense of ambiance as well as function.” — Jane Morgan, R. Jane Morgan Interior + Design

    luxurious gray and gold modern bathroom interior with elegant fixtures and bright light

    Plan A Office – Getty Images

    Wrapped Stone

    “In 2026, we are seeing a huge push towards bathrooms wrapped in single, luxurious stone. From the floors to the walls to the vanity and shower, one singular moment highlighting a unique stone is a real showstopper. Here, we used porcelain slabs to create a spa-like atmosphere.” — Nicole Hirsch, Nicole Hirsch Interiors

    Photo by: Jared Kuzia

    modern bathroom featuring marble walls and a freestanding tub

    Jared Kuzia

    Saunas

    “We’re seeing a growing trend of incorporating saunas into primary suites. As awareness around the health and wellness benefits increases—everything from stress relief to improved circulation—clients want these features to be easy and intuitive to use, not tucked away elsewhere in the home. Integrating a sauna into the bathroom or suite turns daily self-care into a seamless part of everyday life.” — Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors

    modern bathroom design with sauna. home spa interior design.

    Ilija Erceg – Getty Images

    Tile Drenching

    “Tile drenching is hands-down one of the most impactful ways to create a dramatic and high-end feel in any bathroom. The secret to achieving this look is by mixing various tile sizes, shapes, and colors. With so many beautiful options available, this is the perfect opportunity to customize your space in an unexpected way, but what I love most about this trend is its practicality.” — Reanna Channer, Design to Elevate

    Photo by: Emily Keeney

    gray tile bathroom

    EMILY KEENEY

    Moody Color Palettes

    “People want to feel warmth and safety, and the bathroom is a place to have that really resonate. Relaxing with a dark wall color or tile helps to bring us down from a chaotic day.” — Nureed Saeed, Nu Interiors

    Photo by: Aimee Ryan

    modern shower area featuring geometric tiled walls

    Aimee Ryan

    Heated Flooring

    “Heated flooring is one of my favorite upgrades in a bathroom. They add everyday luxury, especially during colder months, and eliminate the shock of stepping onto cold tile first thing in the morning. It’s one of those nice-to-have features that you won’t ever want to give up once you have it.” — Yvonne Harty, Harty Interiors

    minimalist black and white bedroom with open concept bathroom and modern design accents

    tulcarion – Getty Images

    Warm Hardware

    “Black faucets and hardware are going to sit this year out. They’ve had their turn to wow us with their dramatic contrast but now their classier older siblings are coming out to play, and they are less heavy. When selecting the ‘it’ metal choices for 2026, look for warmer metals such as polished nickel, aged unlacquered brass, and champagne bronze for a lighter touch.” — Lindsay Thornton, Cornerstone Design & Build

    the interior of a bathroom in a modern house

    Gayrat Tolibov – Getty Images

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    James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI
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    James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI, is a recognised industry analyst and consumer-protection writer specialising in the UK home-improvement and trades sector. With over two decades of experience in business management, trade standards, and local-service markets, James brings a trusted, evidence-based voice to homeowners and professionals across Sussex and the wider UK. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, James is committed to promoting best practice, transparency, and fair pricing within the trades industry. His Chartered Manager status reflects his long-standing work advising SMEs, independent tradespeople, and emerging digital platforms on sustainable growth and customer trust. James serves as the Lead Research Editor for Sussex Trades Mag, where he writes in-depth guides, trade comparisons, expert reviews, and consumer advice designed to help both homeowners and trades make confident decisions. He is also a key contributor to MyTradeLinks, offering insight into digital transformation, local trade discovery, and community-driven service platforms. Across all of his work, James focuses on three principles: clarity, accountability, and empowering the local workforce. His articles aim to cut through jargon, expose industry myths, and highlight the standards that genuinely matter when choosing a tradesperson. When he isn’t analysing market trends or writing for Sussex Trades Mag, James mentors small business owners, supports community development projects, and continues his research into how technology can strengthen trust between homeowners and local trades.

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