Bathroom Design Trends 2026
April 5, 2026
Interior design is undergoing a bold transformation. Just as fashion silhouettes have shifted, so too have the shapes, geometry, and materials we use in our homes.
Bathrooms are following suit and changing character. Gone are bland and clinical spaces. Out are the 40 x 60 tiles that dominated the market for years. Large-format porcelain is no longer the favourite.
Instead, we are welcoming new features that define modern bathroom design:
1. RICH TACTILE TEXTURES
We can see a strong tendency to use exciting marble varieties, often mixed with handmade tiles or wood.
Other appealing surface choices are
- fluted and ribbed fronts
- honed stone finish
- brushed or patinated metals.
Fittings are no longer limited to brass, chrome or nickel. Most manufacturers now offer extensive alternative finishes—from brushed black to warm bronze—whose durability has survived a test of time, giving you the freedom to choose what truly suits your space.
These layered, tactile finishes are at the core of luxury bathroom design today.
2. WATERPROOF WALLPAPER
An easy and affordable way to infuse your bathroom with personality, waterproof wallpaper is no longer confined to traditional powder rooms. Bold botanicals, scenic murals or on-point geometrics – the selection is only limited by the boundaries of your comfort zone.
Used behind a vanity, around a freestanding bath, or on a single feature wall, wallpaper can completely shift the mood of a contemporary bathroom.
3. FREESTANDING BATHS
Always a strong focal point and an architectural statement, the freestanding bath is finding its way even into small bathrooms. It is a perfect option to add a luxurious feel to a master en-suite.
The focus is shifting from generic white ovals to:
- sculptural asymmetric forms
- coloured or textured finishes
- stone, resin, glass or metal
The bath is treated as a centrepiece, carefully positioned beneath a window, aligned with an architectural feature, or framed by a niche. Even if it isn’t used daily, a well-chosen tub contributes strongly to the overall sense of retreat and spa-like calm.
4. ARCHES
Arches are a powerful new design trick that transforms bathroom architecture. This trend appears in:
- arched shower openings
- rounded niches
- curved mirrors and vanities
Curves balance the straight lines of tiles and joinery, giving bathrooms a gentler, more inviting atmosphere. Used sparingly, an arch can create a focal point and subtly zone different areas of the room – for example, separating the shower, vanity and bath areas in a small bathroom without adding visual clutter.
5. COLOURED SANITARYWARE
Not for the faint-hearted. It is still not unusual to see a 1970s coloured set in an old, under-loved property. But contemporary coloured sanitaryware offers a wonderful expressive opportunity for designers and brave homeowners.
You don’t have to get the whole suite. A coloured basin, for example, can work harder to create a design message while the bath and loo can stay conventionally white. Used thoughtfully, colour here feels intentional and modern rather than retro.
6. ZELLIGE TILES
Affordable, tactile, subtle but demanding attention – Zellige tiles have firmly entered the design scene. Their appeal lies in:
- an irregular handcrafted look
- tonal variation within a single colour
- a soft, reflective glazed finish
Zellige tiles add depth, soul, and a sense of age and longevity. They also pair wonderfully with other textures like marble or timber, making them a favourite choice for characterful, artisan-style bathrooms.
Creating a Bathroom That Feels Personal and Enduring
Today’s most successful bathroom designs are defined by unusual combinations of materials and styles—marble with handmade tiles, Zellige with warm metals, sculptural baths framed by arches.
The aim is no longer perfection or a hotel-like showroom finish. Instead, it’s about achieving a layered, lived-in elegance that reflects the people who use the space every day.
By embracing texture, colour, curves, and craftsmanship, you can create a bathroom that feels both current and timeless—one that will still feel inviting and relevant for years to come.
If you are looking for more ideas, follow me:
Get in touch if you have any questions or would like assistance with your bespoke design:
Images for the blog are sourced online