Bathroom Trends Forecasted for 2026
- Nancy Lane
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Everywhere and all around the design world as of late, I keep seeing forecasts about trends you're destined to see in home design and home decor for the upcoming new year.
When I dream of designs, whether its for clients or for my own home, my goal is to tell the story of the inhabitants of the space I'm designing, taking into account their preferred aesthetic and their home. I prefer to use materials that are timeless and classic but with a twist, allowing a modern meets traditional take on the details of the design itself that won't feel old or outdated and that will have guests guessing as to what year your home was actually built.
So while I've never been one to follow the crowd or to do trendy for the sake of keeping up with what everyone else does in design, it tickles me to see certain bathroom trends forecasted for 2026 that I've been incorporating into my designs for a long time.
Bathroom Trends Forecasted for 2026
Stained Cabinetry
Depending on the stain specific color depth and undertone used, stained cabinetry can add a significant amount of warmth and ambiance to a bathroom space. Stain also allows the wood species detail to shine as seen in our primary bathroom renovation above, adding texture and pattern as opposed to painted cabinets. Bonus points also go to stained cabinets which tend to be more durable and require less long term touch ups than their painted counterparts.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is one of my favorite ways to add a WOW factor in any room. That said, there is a but for me when it comes to using wallpaper in a bathroom. So let me start again... wallpaper is one of my favorite ways to add a WOW factor in any room but I do believe one be careful when using it in a bathroom. In a word, water.
While there are some wonderful wallpapers that can stand up to high moisture areas like vinyl wallpaper, I would personally not use it in kids bathrooms or bathrooms where there's a steam shower or for clients who tell me they love nothing more than to take long luxurious super hot showers in their primary bathroom.
But, here's that word again, I love using wallpapers in powder baths and in some areas of primary and secondary baths like open storage areas, toilet rooms, and around the bath vanity (but above a backsplash to protect from water at the sink).
Bottom line if you're looking to make a statement in your bathroom, wallpaper is a wonderful way to add a powerful punch of color, texture, and pattern to the often ignored walls in a bathroom.
Better and Bolder When it Comes to Backsplashes
Thankfully designers have been pulling contractors and builders along into modern times when it comes to backsplashes. We've willed them into submission and saying goodbye to the old standard 4 inch back and side splashes on three sides of a sink surround and hello to better details. Backsplashes today range from carrying the same countertop material right up the wall, to curves and scallops and all sorts of stunning, intricate shapes to set one's design apart. Bottom line on backsplashes: go bold or stay boring, you decide.
Twist on Traditional Tile
Next year predictions are that bold colors for tile and trim will take center stage in bathroom design. Depending on your source, you might be misled into thinking that all white bathrooms, and kitchens for that matter, are on their way out (that my friend will never happen). Again, I refer you to the words timeless and classic.
When it comes to tile in a bathroom, you can do every which way but loose when it comes to your preferred color of choice. I say go with what you love (as long as the undertones of the other hard finish surface materials and paint are complementary) but always keep resale in mind before you finalize your design decisions (see my previous statement about all white baths always being "in").
I say pattern play will also continue to have its say in the new year, allowing a wonderful twist on traditional when it comes to tile. For instance, we used an elongated modern white subway tile for both the shower and tub wall surround in a half offset pattern in the project below. So timeless and classic subway tile but with a modern twist when it came to tile size. We added another twist, turning the layout along the base of the wall to a row of straight soldier stack for a special trim treatment. There's so much you can do when it comes to tile as far as size, color, finish, trim, the only limit is your imagination....and your desired budget.
Storage Solutions
When it comes to storage solutions, functionality and organization will always be a top priority. The focus on finding storage solutions that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the space will be a consistent theme next year as will the rise of boutique-inspired designs that cater to individual style and maximize organization.
From custom-built cabinets to unique or hidden storage solutions, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a personalized and organized bathroom. These solutions not only help keep the bathroom clutter-free but also add a touch of individuality to the space. In this primary bathroom renovation, we opted for open shelving to minimize the imposing storage cabinet look, showcasing the gorgeous reeded detail on the wood shelves that mirror the detail on the custom bathroom vanities.
Hopefully this post inspired you to start thinking about how you can incorporate some of these "trends" into your own bathroom and make it truly one-of-a-kind. After all, a well-designed bathroom is not just a space for your daily routines to get ready for your day, it should be a sanctuary of self-expression that you retreat to for relaxation at the end of a long, long day. If you're not sure where to start or if you have zero design bones in your body, never fear. Reach out here to schedule a discovery chat and learn more about how Nancy Lane Interiors can help you with your own home's unique and personalized transformation!
