The design landscape for next year is already taking shape, and it’s about creating a highly personalized experience that merges wellness, technology, and bold style. Here are the bathroom trends we see moving into 2026.
1. The Spa at Home: Crafting a Wellness Sanctuary
This trend is about elevating the bathroom from a utility space to a personal wellness retreat. Don’t we all need a little relaxation these days? The focus is on sensory experiences and ultimate relaxation.
A warm towel, a sweet smelling aromatherapy dispenser, tile that feels luxurious underfoot, a vanity that’s easy to wipe down after a steamy shower. These conveniences are what will keep us from a midweek meltdown.
For Cabinets & Vanities: Think natural, calming materials. Light wood tones like white oak create a serene foundation. Cabinet styles will be clean and minimalist, often featuring flat-panel doors and integrated pulls to reduce visual clutter.
The goal is storage that hides mess, keeping countertops clear and the mind at ease. Open shelves can keep simple items within reach, adding to the clean airy feel of a spa.
And More: This is where the experience comes to life.
Fixtures: Rainfall showerheads, steam showers, and deep soaking tubs are central.
Technology: Integrated chromatherapy (color-changing lights) in showers, heated floors, and smart towel warmers.
Ambiance: Incorporate plants that thrive in humidity, like snake plants or ferns. Add a waterproof Bluetooth speaker for calming music or podcasts.
2. Mixed Materials: A Blend of Textures and Finishes
Say goodbye to the standard “trendy” bathroom. 2026 will be about creating depth and interest by courageously combining different textures, sheens, and materials.
While organic materials still dominate, a mixture of finishes and textures like smooth glass, meandering wood grains, and porous stone will come together in unique ways. Vary the texture on each surface to fully incorporate this trend.
For Cabinets & Vanities: This is where you can have fun. Consider a vanity with a wood-grain base and a sleek quartz or dramatic marble countertop. You could also see two-toned cabinetry, such as sleek satin finishes paired with wood. Cabinet door inserts using reeded glass, metal mesh, or cane webbing will be popular.
And More: How to bring the mixed material trend to the whole space.
Walls & Floors: Combine large-format porcelain tiles on the floor with textured plaster or limewash on the walls. A feature wall might use glossy tiles behind the vanity.
Metals: Don’t be afraid to mix metals. For example, use matte black faucets with brass cabinet hardware and light fixtures. The key is to maintain a consistent finish (e.g., all brushed or all polished) if you mix colors.
3. Maximalism and Personality: Your Story, Your Space
This is the antidote to years of stark minimalism. It’s about injecting the bathroom with bold personality, color, and curated items that reflect the homeowner’s unique style. Maximalism has been picking up steam, and not going anywhere for 2026.
For Cabinets & Vanities: The vanity becomes a statement piece of furniture. Think bold, painted cabinets in deep emerald greens, rich navy blues, or warm terracotta. Furniture inspired built-ins and vintage inspired cabinets will continue to be on trend. You can pick a few features to add whimsy like door profile, vanity legs, or hardware.
And More: Adding more of what you love to your home.
Walls: This is the perfect place for a dramatic, large-scale print wallpaper or hand-painted mural.
Tiles: Patterned encaustic cement tiles on the floor or in the shower make a huge impact.
Decor: The space is finished with gallery walls of art, quirky mirrors, and collections displayed on open shelving.
4. AI and Smart Features: The Intelligent Bathroom
“Turn on my spa playlist”. Convenience is part of our everyday lives. Smart technology is becoming seamlessly integrated to create an efficient, personalized experience.
For Cabinets & Vanities: Integration is key. You’ll find vanities with built-in charging stations (USB-C) inside drawers, integrated LED lighting that turns on when a drawer is opened, and even refrigerated compartments for beauty products.
And More: Choosing features that add to your life.
Mirrors: Smart mirrors are a centerpiece, offering adjustable lighting, anti-fog technology, and digital displays for weather, news, and calendar alerts.
Toilets & Showers: Smart toilets with bidet functions, heated seats, and auto-cleaning are becoming standard. Voice-activated digital showers allow you to set the precise temperature and flow before you even step in.
Health: Some smart mirrors and scales can even track health metrics, bringing wellness monitoring into the daily routine.
5. Curves, Arches, and Rounded Elements: Softening the Edges
This trend moves away from the hard, straight lines of modern design, introducing organic shapes that feel softer, more natural, and welcoming. Any element of your bathroom can be softened, the mirror, tile, vanity, or accents.
For Cabinets & Vanities: Vanities with rounded corners or fluted cabinet fronts with vertical rounded details add texture and softness.
And More: Balance clean lines with rounded corners.
Mirrors & Fixtures: Pill-shaped or perfectly round mirrors are a must. They are often paired with gooseneck faucets that have a gentle curve.
Architecture: If renovating, incorporating an arched doorway, a curved shower wall, or an alcove for the tub can be a beautiful architectural statement.
Tiles: Scalloped or “fish scale” tiles are a popular way to bring this trend to a backsplash or shower wall.
- Accents: A round stool or organically curved display tray can bring softness to a space.
