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Ready to elevate your bathroom game? Eric Goranson, an interior designer in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and host of The Around the House Show, just returned from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Florida to spot fresh inspiration in bathroom design. “This year is shaping up to be a bold year for bathroom design and functionality,” says Goranson. “Manufacturers showcased upcoming products that blend style, technology, and sustainability, making high-end features more accessible than ever.” Here are the standout bathroom trends that caught his eye, along with input from a couple of other interior designers as well.
1. Affordable Luxury
One of the most prevalent shifts in bathroom design is toward affordable luxury, putting premium features for everyday homeowners in reach, says Goranson. In previous years, items like a $35,000 bidet toilet were too pricey for most people, but now there are similar, high-quality units available from major retailers and Amazon for around $2,500. “This opens the door to enhanced hygiene and comfort without breaking the bank, appealing to those prioritizing health and wellness in their daily routines,” notes Goranson.
Showers have all sorts of nifty high-end additions, says Wendy Glaister, CEO, founder, and principal designer at Wendy Glaister Interiors in Modesto, California. “Chromatherapy (light therapy), steam units, heated benches, double product niches, double shower heads, and aromatherapy are all easy to access on the market today,” says Glaister. Also, some bathtubs now include hydrotherapy and a deck to make it easier to get in and out. “Heated floors are becoming more and more popular as well, with new developments coming from brands like Schluter that aren’t as pricey as they once were,” Glaister adds.
2. Larger-Format Porcelain Panels
Another trend that Goranson saw pop up at the expo is the increased popularity of large-format porcelain panel tiles in bathrooms, which create a luxurious look and are easier to maintain. “These slabs mimic natural stone and can cover walls, floors, and even ceilings with minimal grout lines, reducing cleaning time and enhancing durability,” explains Goranson. “They’re ideal for showers, offering an elegant, seamless aesthetic that’s both practical and sophisticated.” They can also make a small bathroom appear larger.
3. Health and Wellness Technology
Since COVID, we’ve seen a sharp increase in interest around wellness, with all kinds of innovative and fun products coming to market to support that overall goal, says Glaister. “I’ve started incorporating mini refrigerators to store skin care products and outlets in the toe kick for vibration plates,” notes Glaister.
Mesha Williams, creative director at id Designs & Co. in Tampa, Florida, has seen a spike in clients craving spa-like bathrooms no matter the layout of the space, with products like steam showers, hair detangling shower wands, and skin-smoothing filtration systems. “People are looking to create their own personal oasis to either start refreshed or decompress at the end of the day,” explains Williams.
Goranson was intrigued by some of the new technologies showcased at the expo. “Standalone sensors that clip onto your toilet rim can analyze waste and deliver real-time health insights via a companion app,” he explains. “These devices detect dehydration, blood presence, or other potential issues, automatically tracking metrics to help users stay proactive about their well-being.” This seamless integration of tech transforms routine habits into opportunities for personalized health monitoring.
4. Statement Hardware
Choosing some statement hardware pieces is a fabulous way to upgrade your bathroom and turn heads. It can add a luxurious or funky, cool vibe to bathroom designs. “These pieces are the standout detail you’re missing, almost like a stylish pair of earrings with a classic outfit,” says Williams. “Unique and artistic hardware can complement the bathroom design, helping to tie it all together.”
5. Vibrant Colors and Textures
Gone are the days of monotonous gray palettes, as 2026 bathrooms are embracing bold colors and rich textures. Plumbing fixtures now come in vibrant hues, while mixed metals on faucets and hardware add eclectic flair, says Goranson. “This trend encourages personalization, allowing homeowners to infuse their spaces with personality and warmth.”
Williams is also noticing bold statements through color and wallcovering choices. Many homeowners are becoming more adventurous with their design, especially in smaller guest bathrooms, says Williams. “For example, one of my clients wanted her guest bath to wow her guests, so we designed it with a rich, velvet nature-inspired pattern and moody wallpaper to create a dramatic statement,” she recalls. “Spaces like these are often perfect for people to step outside of their comfort zone and experiment with bolder colors and textures while still tying the design back to the overall style of the home.”
6. Water Conservation Innovations
Sustainability continues to be a top priority for bathroom products. One example includes innovative shower systems that recycle water. “These setups capture cleaner water from the shower, filter it, and recirculate it, potentially cutting water usage by up to 80 percent,” explains Goranson. “If the idea sounds unappealing, consider that it’s similar to bathing in a tub, but with the option to switch to fresh water for a final rinse.” This eco-friendly approach helps conserve resources without sacrificing comfort.
