Bathroom design trends 2026
This year, I travelled for you to Toronto and Milan, to the world’s leading interior design shows, to unearth the trends that will mark 2026. And I can confirm: we’re entering a new era.
The one where we finally forget the Farmhousewhite decor, gray walls and copy-and-paste paneling seen a thousand times on Pinterest. Bye bye soulless interiors.
Today, we want spaces with personality, rich materials, and above all, modern bathroom design that truly reflects who we are. Because we’re not meant to live in a white box, and I’m going to prove to you that you can create a clean, soothing, uncluttered bathroom without it being monochrome.
If you love bathroom decor ideas that are out of the ordinary, follow me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jessicalocasdesign/) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jessica.locas/): every week, I share my best tips and mistakes to avoid, taken directly from my projects in Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec. Welcome to my community, if, like me, you love warm, colorful and lively decors.
A trend towards more personality
The bathroom trends of 2026 all point in this direction: rich, expressive, decorative interiors. We’re now looking for spaces that look like no other, far from the looks copied from magazines.
We want tailor-made, authentic and with a hint of audacity.
My job, as a bathroom designer in Montreal, is to help my customers get out of their comfort zone. What my customers often say to me is:
“I want something different, but I’m afraid it’s too much.”
And that’s where my role comes into its own: I translate their personality into a unique, balanced, elegant décor – in short, a “wow” that’s just like them.
Certain trends identified in previous years continue to evolve:
- Chrome is back with a vengeance, but mixed with other finishes to avoid an overly matchy-matchy effect.
- Small tiles (1×1 or 2×2) are still very popular, especially on backsplashes and in showers.
- And wooden walls and natural textures continue to make their mark, warming up spaces.
👉 By the way, you can reread my articles on bathroom trends 2024 and 2025 to see how these styles have evolved :
Bathroom trends 2024
Bathroom trends 2025
1st bathroom trends in 2026: Le Bourgogne
Burgundy will be the leading color for high-end bathrooms in 2026. It’s a deep, sensual, enveloping hue that instantly creates a warm, inviting effect. moody and theatrical feel to the room. Used as a total look, it transforms a bathroom into a sophisticated cocoon, almost like a hotel suite in the heart of Milan. But for those who prefer a softer balance, Burgundy also marries beautifully with sandy tones, warm beige or natural stone textures.
It’s a color that gains in richness when combined with noble materials: veined marble, brushed brass or dark walnut. Together, these elements create a striking contrast that exudes refinement. In an alcove shower or on a custom vanity, Burgundy reveals all its depth and becomes the signature touch of the decor.
Personally, I love it for projects where my customers want a space that stands out from the crowd, a modern bathroom design with character and presence. Whether it’s a well-dosed accent or a full immersion, Burgundy leaves no one indifferent: it catches the light, warms the space and gives that impression of hushed luxury that we’re increasingly looking for in 2026.
2nd Bathroom Trends in 2026: The Alcove Shower
In 2026, the alcove shower is the new star of bathroom design. We’re moving away from large, all-glass showers, which look spectacular in photos but are much less practical in everyday use. They require constant maintenance, and limescale or water marks quickly become an irritant.
Nowadays, we prefer showers that are more enclosed, more intimate, with as little glass as possible. This approach creates an enveloping, almost cocooning atmosphere, transforming the morning routine into a moment of relaxation.
The alcove also makes it possible to integrate decorative wall niches, indirect lighting or patterned tiles without weighing down the design. Deep tones such as burgundy, sandy beige or even olive green lend themselves particularly well, especially when combined with natural materials like veined marble, wood or textured stone.
Inspired by European spas and boutique hotels, the alcove shower is as aesthetic as it is functional. It’s equally at home in small bathrooms or more luxurious spaces, while providing a warm, bespoke effect. In 2026, the trend is clear: we want spaces that exude comfort and personality, far from the cold, standardized look of the glass showers of yesteryear.
3rd bathroom trends in 2026: Limewash paint
In 2026, limewash paint is firmly established as a staple of modern bathroom design. This matte, nuanced, mineral finish is seductive for its artisanal rendering and subtle texture, which captures light in a unique way. It is increasingly adopted in high-end bathroom renovation projects, where the aim is to create a natural, elegant and timeless decor.
Unlike traditional paint, limewash paint breathes, making it a particularly suitable choice for damp rooms. It regulates humidity, limits mold formation and gives the bathroom a healthier, more soothing atmosphere. It’s a living material that evolves over time, bringing a real soul to the space – exactly what we’re looking for in the 2026 bathroom trends, which focus on comfort and durability.
The color palette is inspired by nature: sand, taupe, light terracotta, sage green and warm beige dominate. These shades blend perfectly with natural materials such as blond wood, veined marble and textured stone. Together, they create a modern bathroom décor that’s both warm and contemporary.
For customers who want a contemporary bathroom design without going all-out, limewash paint is an excellent option. It blends perfectly into a custom design in Montreal, whether on walls, in an alcove or even to cover a ceiling. It’s also an ideal choice for a cocooning bathroom, where every detail contributes to creating a soft, comforting ambience.
In my projects as a bathroom designer in Montreal, I often use it to transform an ordinary space into a highly personalized place for relaxation. In 2026, it asserts itself as a true chic bathroom inspiration, halfway between craftsmanship and modernity-a perfect signature for lovers of bespoke design and 2026 decor trends.
4th bathroom trends in 2026: patterned tiles revisited
After an era of almost ubiquitous neutrality, patterned checks are back to restore character, but always with finesse. On my Pinterest board Bathroom trends 2026 (https://ca.pinterest.com/jessicalocas/tendance-salle-de-bain-2026/)In the bathroom, we see examples where these motifs become real artistic accents without invading the space.
They’re now adopted on an accent wall, on the floor or inside an alcove shower, to create a refined focal point. In 2026, geometric patterns with soft lines, patterns inspired by reinvented zellige, stylized (but not kitschy) floral designs, and handcrafted textures (such as cement-like textured tiles or subtle 3D reliefs) will be in the spotlight. These choices fall somewhere between decorative décor and minimalism, exactly in the spirit of modern bathroom design with personality.
A little designer advice for contemporary bathroom design: choosing a strong, focal motif in the space is more than enough – don’t overdo it. A single accent wall, niche or floor panel with a well-balanced pattern balances the decor without overloading it. The result is a modern, expressive and perfectly controlled bathroom décor that remains chic and timeless.
5th Bathroom trends in 2026: The comeback of modern beige
Beige is back with a vengeance in 2026, but in a completely different form from the builder beige of the 2000s. Forget the bland, characterless hue: we’re now talking about rich, deep, nuanced beiges, sometimes with a pinkish, grayed or golden sandy subtlety.
This color creates an enveloping, soothing atmosphere, ideal for spa-style bathrooms or spaces that emphasize softness and serenity. Modern beige pairs perfectly with natural materials such as blond wood, veined marble, microcement or textured stone. Together, these materials create a decor that is elegant, warm and timeless.
It’s also an excellent alternative to white: it retains luminosity, while adding a visual warmth that makes all the difference in a modern bathroom design. This makes beige the perfect color for a high-end bathroom renovation that inspires calm, comfort and balance.
Bathroom trends 2026 celebrate boldness, personality and warmth.
We’re moving away from staid backdrops and creating living, textured, deeply human spaces.
Colors like burgundy and beige dominate, lime paint and patterned tiles add character, and the alcove shower turns routine into an experience.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation this year, remember to integrate these elements with coherence and balance. And if you don’t know where to start, that’s exactly where I come in.
It will be my pleasure to guide you towards a bathroom that is truly unique, elegant and durable.
I design custom bathrooms throughout the greater Montreal area, with a team of trusted contractors and cabinetmakers.
And for those who live further away, like my client in Chibougamau recently, I also offer a complete virtual design service: you provide me with the measurements, and I take care of the rest, including plans, renderings and material selection.
We offer turnkey bathroom design services in the greater Montreal area, and on request across Quebec, with a team of friendly contractors and cabinetmakers. We work with all budgets and styles. Tell us about your project, and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you – and don’t be shy!
