Drop-In and Undermount Bathtubs
“We’re going to see a strong return to drop-in and undermount bathtubs in 2026. The freestanding tub absolutely had its moment, but clients are gravitating back toward function and beauty. An undermount tub can be paired with a generous ledge, which is the perfect place to style florals, candles, collected objects, or simply rest a book and a glass of wine. There’s something unmistakably ‘luxury hotel’ about that built-in silhouette, and I suspect people will be leaning into that quiet, cocooning glamour in the year ahead.” — Erin Hackett Nordholt, Hackett House Studio
Photo by: Amy Carruthers
Unique Architectural Features
“Instead of simple undermounts, we’re specifying carved stone sinks, integrated vanities, and freestanding tubs with soft curves. Bathrooms are becoming architectural moments instead of afterthoughts.” — Jen Dean, Jede Interiors
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Programmed Lighting
“We’re using layered, programmable lighting that shifts from bright morning light to warm evening glow. Think: sunrise to candlelight, all in one room. It’s a game-changer for how the space feels.” — Jen Dean, Jede Interiors
Enclosed Showers
“We’re moving away from the exposed glass cube in the corner and creating a separate ‘room’ for the shower. This helps the space feel more sophisticated while also minimizing the appearance of soap buildup on the glass. To ensure the space isn’t a dark, uninviting cave, there should be access to daylight through a window or skylight.” — Kevin Kaminski, Kaminski + Pew
Photo by: Jason Varney
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Steam Showers
“Steam showers are becoming one of the most requested spa features in home remodels and will continue to be a big trend in 2026. Homeowners love that they turn an everyday shower into a spa experience, reducing stress, soothing muscles, and even helping with dry winter air or clear stuffy nasal passages for chronic allergy sufferers.” — Yvonne Harty, Harty Interiors
LED Lighting and In-Drawer Outlets
“Expect LED lighting for medicine cabinets and electronics integrated into drawers. Functionally, LED cabinets are great for putting on makeup and other maintenance-related activities in the bathroom. Cabinets that also integrate a place for your hair dryer or electric toothbrush to plug in are also incredibly practical and are a big request from my clients.” — Nureed Saeed, Nu Interiors
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Statement Custom Cabinetry
“Interesting custom cabinetry will be a big bathroom trend for 2026 as homeowners have now become accustomed to seeing it in the world of design and want that type of unique look for themselves. This allows you to do all sorts of things, whether that is adapting the lines of an antique piece or customizing the color to coordinate with your tile.” — Caroline Kopp, Caroline Kopp Interior Design
Quiet Luxury
“Bathrooms in 2026 are all about quiet luxury—clean-lined but rich in texture. We’re seeing increased use of handcrafted tile, natural wood, and warm metal accents to bring softness and depth into the space. The result is a bathroom that feels serene and tactile—minimalist, but far from cold.” — Olivia Botrie, Dart Studio
Photo by: Valerie Wilcox
RELATED: Designers Say Zellige Tiles Are Making a Comeback
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Layered Lighting
“Lighting will be especially important. Forget a simple array of ceiling cans. Twenty twenty-six is going to be all about layering in different sources of lighting to create a compelling sense of ambiance as well as function.” — Jane Morgan, R. Jane Morgan Interior + Design
Wrapped Stone
“In 2026, we are seeing a huge push towards bathrooms wrapped in single, luxurious stone. From the floors to the walls to the vanity and shower, one singular moment highlighting a unique stone is a real showstopper. Here, we used porcelain slabs to create a spa-like atmosphere.” — Nicole Hirsch, Nicole Hirsch Interiors
Photo by: Jared Kuzia
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Saunas
“We’re seeing a growing trend of incorporating saunas into primary suites. As awareness around the health and wellness benefits increases—everything from stress relief to improved circulation—clients want these features to be easy and intuitive to use, not tucked away elsewhere in the home. Integrating a sauna into the bathroom or suite turns daily self-care into a seamless part of everyday life.” — Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors
Tile Drenching
“Tile drenching is hands-down one of the most impactful ways to create a dramatic and high-end feel in any bathroom. The secret to achieving this look is by mixing various tile sizes, shapes, and colors. With so many beautiful options available, this is the perfect opportunity to customize your space in an unexpected way, but what I love most about this trend is its practicality.” — Reanna Channer, Design to Elevate
Photo by: Emily Keeney
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Moody Color Palettes
“People want to feel warmth and safety, and the bathroom is a place to have that really resonate. Relaxing with a dark wall color or tile helps to bring us down from a chaotic day.” — Nureed Saeed, Nu Interiors
Photo by: Aimee Ryan
Heated Flooring
“Heated flooring is one of my favorite upgrades in a bathroom. They add everyday luxury, especially during colder months, and eliminate the shock of stepping onto cold tile first thing in the morning. It’s one of those nice-to-have features that you won’t ever want to give up once you have it.” — Yvonne Harty, Harty Interiors
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Warm Hardware
“Black faucets and hardware are going to sit this year out. They’ve had their turn to wow us with their dramatic contrast but now their classier older siblings are coming out to play, and they are less heavy. When selecting the ‘it’ metal choices for 2026, look for warmer metals such as polished nickel, aged unlacquered brass, and champagne bronze for a lighter touch.” — Lindsay Thornton, Cornerstone Design & Build
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
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Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
