We begin and end each day in the bathroom. It is the first place we step into as the day unfolds and the final retreat before rest, a space where light, texture and stillness hold quiet influence over our mood. More than functional, it sets the rhythm of daily life: a room designed to soothe, reset and inspire, offering a moment’s pause in a world that rarely slows.
Brooke Boman, one of our Interior Design Team Leaders, has her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s ahead. “Our customers are increasingly putting more thought and investment into planning that space, really focusing on self-care,” Brooke shares. “Bathrooms are becoming much more of a sanctuary, with an unmistakable day-spa feel.”
Warm tones
In 2026, bathrooms will embrace a richer, more enveloping palette. For decades, crisp whites and cooler neutrals dominated the bathroom space. Now, tones that echo nature’s warmth are stepping into the spotlight. Think the dusky blush of travertine, the peach-kissed softness of terracotta, and the mellow depth of earthy greens.
“Warm bathroom tones are on the rise, creating a beautifully temperate atmosphere.” Brooke says. These tones are also filtering through in tile design, where darker, textural finishes introduce movement and depth to walls and floors alike. Brooke suggests that soft furnishings, such as towels in complementary hues, can layer warmth into the scheme with effortless ease.
Stone finishes
Stone continues to anchor bathroom design, but the coming year is about surfaces that feel alive. Veined stone, or even porcelain alternatives that mimic its character, lend a natural rhythm to the space - suggesting quiet energy in motion.
“We are trying to bring a lot more natural elements into the bathroom, helping it feel welcoming and grounded,” Brooke explains. “It doesn’t even have to be real stone, with many stone-look tiles now offering beautiful alternatives.” The subtle veins of a stone benchtop are particularly resonant. “It’s such a classic look that will stand the test of time,” Brooke adds, noting that stone carries both permanence and poetry.
Curves
Curves will be everywhere in 2026, softening the bathroom’s harder edges and creating a sense of gentle flow. Rounded joinery, arched mirrors and softened stone benchtops bring an organic ease to the space, ensuring no surface feels overly rigid.
“Curves can be introduced in the smooth lines of joinery or in stone benchtops finished with a bull nose edge,” Brooke suggests. “They can also be worked into mirror shapes and lighting - choosing curved forms that bring a subtle softness to the overall design.”
Tile formation
Tiles remain one of the most expressive tools in a bathroom’s design language, but in 2026, the story is as much about how they are laid as it is about the tile itself. Playing with formation can elevate even the simplest surface into something compelling.
“Even on a budget, you can select an entry-point tile but then experiment with the way you lay it,” Brooke explains. “Herringbone, vertical offset or basket weave designs instantly give the tile more presence and personality.” The result is a space that feels considered and dynamic - and sometimes even larger than it really is.
Grout colour
As tiles evolve, so too does grout. Once a default, grout colour is now a design decision with real impact. A grout shade that melts seamlessly into the tile creates subtle harmony, while a stronger, more deliberate hue can turn the joints into a graphic feature.
“Grout colours have a huge impact on the look and feel of your bathroom,” Brooke says. “You can opt for something tonal and blended, or go the other way and use it to create bold definition.” While white grout still has timeless appeal, Brooke notes that practicality is worth keeping in mind in such a high-traffic environment.
Tapware
Tapware is where functionality meets ornament, and in 2026 the brushed finishes we know and love remain firmly in vogue. Brushed brass, bronze and nickel continue to dominate, with gunmetal also holding its ground.
“I particularly favour nickel,” Brooke shares. “It’s understated yet versatile, able to complement both warm and cool palettes. It can be quietly refined or a hero feature, depending on how you style the space.”
Storage
As bathrooms evolve into sanctuaries, storage becomes a design feature in its own right. No longer hidden or utilitarian, storage solutions now balance elegance with efficiency.
“Having adequate storage is a no-brainer, but clever solutions can completely transform the space,” Brooke says. “Think power points concealed inside wall-mounted cabinets, drawers divided into smaller compartments, or open shelving replacing shower niches.” These details bring daily rituals into harmony, allowing beauty to coexist with practicality.
Lighting
Lighting, too, has a profound effect on mood. In 2026, illumination is all about sensitivity - layered light that works as hard at dawn as it does at night.
“It’s essential to have gentler task lighting positioned well for everyday use,” Brooke advises. “LED strips under vanities or behind mirrors create atmosphere, while wall sconces are having a major revival, lending character and charm.” Thoughtful lighting transforms the bathroom into a space that not only functions but flatters.
Greenery
And finally, greenery remains a perennial favourite - a reminder that no bathroom sanctuary is complete without a connection to nature. A simple fern or trailing plant can shift the mood, restoring calm and balance.
“That brings us back to where we started, capturing that sense of serenity that nature brings,” Brooke says.
For more inspiration on modern bathroom design, check out Metricon's stunning display homes and get ready to create your dream space.
