2026 Bathroom Design Trends: Bigger Spaces, Wellness Focus, and Personalized Sanctuaries
Bathroom design is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting towards deeply personal and wellness-centered spaces according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA | KBIS) 2026 Bath Trends Report. The comprehensive study, based on surveys from nearly 700 industry experts including designers, manufacturers, remodelers, and architects, highlights how residential bathrooms are evolving to become more than just utilitarian rooms.
Embracing Personalization and Wellness
Beyond considerations like resale value, designers are now focusing on how spaces support a homeowner's individual rituals, preferences, and self-care routines, says Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. This perspective encourages creativity, niche trends, and designs that truly reflect how people live today.
The report reveals that 72% of respondents indicate bathrooms are getting larger to accommodate wellness-centered spaces, universal design considerations, and efficient storage solutions. This expansion allows for more spa-like features within showers, including steam options, saunas, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and integrated seating and shelving.
Color Palettes and Material Choices
When it comes to colors and materials, the trends show a clear preference for warmth and subtlety:
- 96% of respondents identified neutrals as the most popular bath colors
- Off-white, light brown/tan, and white are dominating over darker shades
- Brown-based greens like sage and olive are expected to gain popularity
- Transitional/timeless design tops the style list at 70%
Wood-faced vanities have overtaken painted ones in popularity, while for faucets, matte, brushed, and satin finishes are all more popular than polished finishes. Large format flooring with smaller or no grout lines is expected to be the most popular choice over the next three years, according to 80% of respondents.
Hospitality Inspiration and Custom Solutions
Tying bath design to a homeowner's hotel or resort experience is expected to be a popular practice, according to 77% of respondents. Golara Ghasemi, creative director and principal designer of Toronto-based Studio Golara Design, notes that homeowners are increasingly drawing inspiration from boutique or luxury hotels and resort retreats.
Smart technology integration is becoming crucial for achieving more individualized daily rituals and impacting overall well-being. Custom storage solutions with configurable modules are being integrated into vanity and cabinetry design, including:
- Built-in storage for hair tools, makeup, and medications
- Electrical integration and charging stations for electronic devices
- Custom dividers and organizers to maximize drawer efficiency
Aging-in-Place Becomes Mainstream
One of the most significant shifts identified in the report is the mainstream adoption of aging-in-place design elements. While 32% of those surveyed agree aging-in-place is now mainstream, 48% believe it's on its way to becoming a standard consideration.
Elegant aging-in-place design is becoming a major mainstream trend, says Ghasemi. The shift is that these features are now seamlessly woven into high-end aesthetics rather than feeling clinical or utilitarian.
Universal design fixtures now prioritize beauty alongside function, with grab bars, curbless showers, shower benches, barrier-free shower entries, and wider doors becoming subtle, crucial safety features that make primary baths look more luxurious and elevated. Additional standard features include non-slip porcelain tile, improved task and ambient lighting, lever-style or touchless fixtures, comfort-height toilets, and smart temperature controls.
The Future of Bathroom Design
The 2026 trends indicate a clear movement toward bathrooms as personalized sanctuaries that combine wellness, accessibility, and luxury aesthetics. As spaces continue to expand and incorporate more thoughtful design elements, homeowners can expect their bathrooms to become true retreats within their homes, reflecting individual lifestyles while accommodating changing needs over time.
