The 2026 Bathroom Forecast: Calm, Curated & Quietly Luxurious

I've been noticing something odd about bathroom renovations lately.

People are spending a fortune to make their bathrooms look... exactly like everyone else's.

Same marble. Same gold fixtures. Same subway tile.

Don't get me wrong – those bathrooms look fine.

But "fine" shouldn't be the goal when you're spending $25,000+.

Here's what's actually interesting about bathroom design in 2026:

There's no single "right" direction.

Instead, we're seeing multiple strong trends that work for completely different people and spaces.

Which means your job isn't to copy everything.

It's to figure out what actually makes sense for you.

Before I share what I'm seeing, here's the filter I use:

Does this actually work with my space and light?
Am I drawn to it because I genuinely love it, or because I've seen it 97 times this week?

Those two questions will save you from expensive mistakes.

So let's talk about what's shaping bathrooms right now...

The Spa Treatment (Finally Coming Home)

Smac Studio (left) & West One Bathrooms (right)

Bathrooms are no longer purely functional.

People want spaces that restore them. Natural stone that grounds the room. Warm timber that softens the edges. Textures you want to touch.

And the really interesting bit?

Home saunas are becoming normal.

Steam showers aren't just for luxury hotels anymore.

These aren't flex features. They're genuine wellness additions that people are prioritising over, say, a second living room they'll never use.

Microcement Is Having Its Moment

That seamless, velvety surface taking over your design feeds?

It's not just hype.

Microcement gives you the handcrafted, softly sculpted look without grout lines screaming at you from every corner.

It's minimalist, but with soul.

The kind of finish that makes a bathroom feel calm instead of clinical.

Lighting Got Interesting

Photo by Anson Smart (left) & Nightworks Studio (right)

Remember when bathroom lighting was just "bright enough to see your face"?

Those days are gone.

Now we're seeing:

Interesting pendants
Sculptural sconces creating actual ambiance
Table lamps on vanities (yes, really, the portable waterproof kind)

This shift matters because it's part of making bathrooms feel curated. Considered.

Not just slapping downlights in a grid and calling it done.

TikTok (left) & Cathy Nordstrom (right)

Cool Metals Are Back

Gold had its run.

Brass dominated for years.

But chrome, stainless steel, and polished nickel are quietly stepping back in.

Especially with the softer, more organic colour palettes we're seeing now, these cooler tones bring a crispness that just works.

They feel fresh again.

Tiles Are Getting Bold Again

If microcement isn't your thing, tiles are having fun.

After years of flat neutrals everywhere, people are embracing colour and pattern again.

Vintage-inspired designs. Tone-on-tone layering that adds interest without chaos.

And texture matters now:

Handmade tiles with subtle reliefs. Tactile surfaces that catch the light differently throughout the day.

Photo by Eve Wilson (left) & Christopher Horwood (right)

Smart Tech (But Make It Invisible)

The smart home is creeping into bathrooms.

But not in that gadgety way you're thinking.

We're talking:

Lighting that shifts temperature throughout the day
Motion sensors
Showers that remember your exact preferences

The goal isn't futuristic.

It's frictionless.

Technology that disappears into the background and just makes your life easier.

Here's What This All Means

These aren't directions you need to follow.

They're options worth considering if they solve actual problems in your space.

Pick what works for how you live.

Ignore the rest.

Because the best bathroom isn't the most trendy one.

It's the one you actually want to use every day.

👇 Planning a bathroom renovation? Don’t make these common design mistakes.

Cheers,
Reynard