Abode is providing expert advice on the most popular bathroom trends influencing both home and lifestyle in 2026. Dave Boddy, product manager at Abode has identified three top trends for the basin, bath and shower zone next year, and these include:
1. Off-white: Move over all-white sanitaryware as next year, the bath and basin will shift in colour to introduce bolder fixtures and fittings in all shades of grey. Now a popular method for coordinating with other products like the brassware, furniture, and accessories that can hang your bathrobe or serve practical functions like grooming, dark and light grey sanitaryware is now the most sought-after colour when compared to white. Proving that furniture is no longer the principal source for introducing colour into the bathroom, 2026 will welcome a range of coloured basins and baths so you can create a bold statement, which either blends or contrasts with your style of bathroom décor.
2. Textural Layering: As texture continues to change how we view the bathroom in terms of sight and touch, it’s no surprise that the latest products are presenting more tactile qualities to bring the surface of your tap and basin to the fore! From fluted design elements such as grooved wall panelling and straight-knurled lever handles across the brassware to natural materials in accents of metal and stone, these types of textures are being used to create bathrooms which are rich in detail, deeply personal, and in tune with nature. Texture is being applied across all elements of the bathroom as a way to personify the space, and fluted design elements are considered the top choice in 2026 for adding depth, and providing a direct contrast against smooth surface areas like the basin and bath, and wall and floor tiles.
3.It’s all about the finish: As we continue to enjoy defining our own personal style in the home, next year is all about the finish! From classic and bright to matt and modern, the bathroom will enjoy a range of special finish options and surface treatments in 2026, with the most popular taking inspiration from trending interior styles such as Japandi, and the Biophilic design trend. Look out for distinct metallic finishes in warm and cool tones with stand-out tap and shower designs moving towards tactile finishes that look as good as they feel. Whether polished, brushed or antique, brass remains a prime pick but in 2026, this enduring tap finish will be combined with key elements in matt black and white to provide a fresh take on using brass in the bathroom. We are also noting a growing desire for darker finish options in the bathroom with gunmetal emerging as the new favourite. Considered both a cool and warm metallic thanks to its charcoal blue undertones, gunmetal is deeper than traditional chrome to offer a sleek, industrial vibe in the bathroom and shower room, which is perfect for pairing with ultra-modern grey sanitaryware!
German bathroom and kitchen furniture brand, Rotpunk, shares the top trends for the contemporary bathroom space in 2026, as the UK housing market shows growing curiosity for personalised interiors that blend natural materials with a minimalist design style.
Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt says, “Going beyond surface-level aesthetics, bathrooms are now prioritising greener design concepts, with the most popular product choices revolving around user intimacy to encourage a greater connection between the space and the user. Encompassing the master bathroom, en suite, guest bathroom, shower room and downstairs cloakroom, the most sought after products continue to take a less is more approach so no matter the size or category of space, the focus always comes back to the essential items.”
Find out what Rotpunkt says are the hottest furniture trends impacting bathroom design next year:
INTERIOR STYLE: Warm minimalism offers lasting appeal in the contemporary bathroom, with a focus on sleek furniture, clean lines and natural design cues in 2026.
Typically known for its visually calming aesthetic, minimalist design continues to lend itself to the contemporary bathroom, but in 2026, this popular interior style is rekindled as the trend for warm minimalism grows. In fact, the warm minimalism trend is shaping the bathroom into a personal sanctuary with modular furniture providing clean lines, added depth and dimension, and ample storage options with the latest must-haves including wall-hung vanity units, mirrored cabinets, and handleless cabinetry with soft-close mechanisms and hand-selected interior storage to house everyday essentials and keep vanity tops clutter-free. To finish, fully integrated smart lighting is being used to not only enhance safety but also set the mood with layers of soft, warm lighting hidden in recesses, cupboards, and drawers, as well as overhead and underneath to cast light over a wider area or simply illuminate key areas around the basin, bath, and shower.
TONE & TEXTURE: Durable materials in wood, glass, and stone dominate the modern bathroom in 2026, while breathing new life into the neutral colour palette.
Whether you prefer light or dark, warm or cool, the neutral colour palette of white, black, and grey with earthy tones in beige and brown continues to steer the best-dressed bathrooms towards textured surfaces next year. Helping to introduce tone and texture across the furniture and sanitaryware, tactile materials are now replacing the once popular high-gloss cabinet to create a richer, more inviting bathroom space that evokes emotion. Top solutions in 2026 include smooth or grooved oak furniture in every shade of brown, monolithic-style basins in natural grey stone, mirrored glass door fronts and accessories to encourage more light, along with essential components in black, white, and grey to complete the look.
LAYOUT: Bathrooms will focus on flow and function in 2026, with simple layouts helping to support user comfort, create atmosphere, and achieve an efficient flow of movement.
A well-designed bathroom is only as good as its floor plan. Next year, the most in-demand room layouts are designed around flow and function to create ergonomic bathroom environments that emphasise both design and user experience. The goal is to ensure moving throughout your bathroom feels as natural as possible, and so placement is key to achieving a user-friendly furniture arrangement. In 2026, minimalist wall-hung bathroom furniture, up to two vessel-style basins or a fully integrated washbasin, is being used to blend seamlessly with the furniture and create a sense of space, alongside frameless shower enclosures, and contemporary fixtures and fittings in tactile finishes to increase durability, heighten comfort levels, and boost overall efficiency in the bathroom.
Rotpunkt 2026 bathroom innovations are available from 1st January 2026: priced from £6,500+vat. Please contact Rotpunkt UK by email info@rotpunktuk.com or visit www.rotpunkt.co.uk (rotpunktkuechen.de)
archiSENSE studio has led the transformative renovation of House O in Jumeirah 3, Dubai, turning a tired, impersonal home into an elegant, modern residence. The design intent was clear: to create a home that blended functionality with beauty, where each space catered to family life while maintaining a seamless flow between the interior and exterior. The result is a light-filled, spacious home where the boundaries between inside and outside are elegantly blurred.
The original structure lacked character, so the redesign focused on clean lines and refined aesthetics. The exterior was given a fresh look with a uniform, bright white plaster finish, which contributes to a timeless, sophisticated appearance. Inside, the rooms were carefully curated to become “living tableaux,” where every element contributes to an inviting and balanced atmosphere. Open-plan spaces, natural materials, and expansive arched windows work in harmony to create a sense of openness and serenity throughout.
The integration of architecture and landscape is a key feature of the renovation. The open-plan design ensures that each area of the home feels connected, while also allowing for clear distinctions between shared and private spaces. Large, arched windows frame views of the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of calm and intimacy, while ensuring that natural light flows freely through the home. The living room, kitchen, and garden are all seamlessly linked, allowing for easy interaction with the outdoors.
Particular attention to detail is evident in the choice of finishes. In the wellness area, Ritmonio’s Taormina taps in a Brushed Dark Bronze finish were selected for their sophisticated design and refined versatility. The taps’ gentle, organic curves and dark, textured finish create an elegant contrast with the light tones and natural materials that define the interior. The dark hue of the Taormina series adds a touch of richness to the space, elevating the design while remaining understated.
The renovation of House O successfully achieved its goal of transforming an outdated home into a modern, bright, and functional space. Every aspect of the design, from the layout to the finishes, was considered with quality in mind, resulting in a home that feels both luxurious and welcoming. In a city like Dubai, where luxury and exclusivity are highly prized, Ritmonio’s solutions bring an additional layer of elegance to the home, making it a true standout in the world of high-end residential design.
Pantone has named Cloud Dancer, a pure, confident white, as the Colour of the Year for 2026. This shade speaks of calm, clarity, and timeless elegance, and it’s influencing everything from bathroom wellness to dining aesthetics.
This shade of white – light, airy and balanced between warm and cool nuances – provides the perfect stage for contemporary bathroom design: an expression of balance, serenity and conscious design. High-quality materials and tactile surfaces are key, with matt ceramics, velvety textures and finely crafted details help transform the bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Matt ceramic surfaces like the soft Stone White from Villeroy & Boch and flowing designs such as those in the Antao collection convey the tranquillity of white tones in a contemporary way. Ceramic forms like Linda-X and Ipalyss by Ideal Standard are prime examples of how bathroom objects can achieve an almost weightless lightness through minimalist design and subtle materials.
Shades of white on the dinner table: elegance, lightness and originality
While porcelain in shades of white has a classic look, experimenting with new textures can bring a whole new look to your table.
The Afina porcelain collection, by Villeroy & Boch, is the epitome of elegance and lightness. The inwardly offset base gives the impression that the porcelain is floating above the table, giving a new visual depth.
The Manufacture Rock blanc collection, on the other hand, celebrates originality. Its characteristic matt, almost raw stone surface is a step-change when it comes to tableware. Every uneven ridge is inspired by nature and is achieved through precision craftsmanship, elevating the white tone to a more tactile experience.
Both tableware collections demonstrate what white tones can achieve when paired with different, striking finishes and textures.
Harrison Bathrooms has announced the launch of its refreshed and expanded Scudo Fitted Furniture Collection, designed to offer retailers a simplified, design-led and great-value fitted solution that meets growing demand across the UK market.
The collection now features three distinct ranges: Serene for minimal elegance, Maison for timeless character, and the brand-new Willow, created in response to the surge in popularity of slim-shaker door styling.
Developed to meet demand for the minimalistic shaker trend dominating kitchen designs, Willow introduces a modern heritage aesthetic and is available in five on-trend finishes: Cashmere, Antique Rose, Heritage Green, Marine Blue and Natural Oak. These colours have been curated to reflect the latest interior design preferences, giving retailers a well-rounded offer that appeals to a wide range of homeowner tastes.
Manufactured in the UK, the Scudo collection is built to exceptional standards. All door and drawer fronts are constructed from robust 18 mm-thick material for quality and longevity, while simplified fittings ensure the range is easy to specify, install, and order. Every piece is backed by a lifetime guarantee, offering complete reassurance for retailers and end consumers.
The relaunch supports Harrison Bathrooms’ commitment to providing fitted furniture that is both design-led and accessible. By streamlining the component structure and expanding the finish options, the range is intentionally crafted to suit all budgets without compromising quality.
Shaun Corcoran, commercial director at Harrison Bathrooms, comments: “Our fitted furniture collection has long been a strong performer, but we saw a clear opportunity to elevate it. The refreshed range combines trend-led finishes with simplified components, making specifying and installation easier than ever. The response has been exceptional, confirming strong demand for high-quality, great-value fitted solutions.”
The updated Scudo Fitted Furniture Collection is available now, featuring three coordinated ranges and a choice of trend-led finishes. Designed to help retailers deliver cohesive, high-quality fitted bathroom designs, the collection offers some of the most competitive prices on the market — not only on the furniture itself, but also across all essential components, including worktops, basins and handles, with perfectly matched brassware available from a single supplier.
Retailers can view the whole collection in the new online brochure. Printed copies can be requested via the Harrison Bathrooms sales office or through regional area managers.
On the outskirts of Eifel National Park, six ecological microhouses have been developed with sustainability, mindful living, and high-quality design at the fore. KEUCO’s products were selected for their functionality, durability, and timeless design.
Designed by mlab.design with a brief to create spaces where people feel comfortable and rejuvenated, the microhouses’ interiors draw inspiration from nature. High-quality materials, lots of wood, natural colours, and carefully selected details characterise the atmosphere.
KEUCO products are installed in the bathrooms of each microhouse and were selected in their matt black variant to fit perfectly into the calm, modern colour concept of the houses.
KEUCO IXMO SOFT sink mixer taps and KEUCO PLAN Blue thermostatic shower mixer taps are among the products used in this project. The bathroom fittings are complemented by a selection of KEUCO PLAN Accessories – including hair dryers and waste bins, toilet paper and spare roll holders, toilet brush sets, and towel holders. Thanks to the KEUCO shower shelf and shower wiper, the shower tray stays tidy, and the shower glass is drip-free.
The interplay of the products creates a calm, clean aesthetic that is a perfect parallel to the architectural vision of the microhouses. The uniform design, wood and high-quality workmanship create a bathroom ambience that is both functional and relaxing.
At the World Architecture Festival in Miami, GROHE SPA and Buster + Punch unveiled an integrated bathroom concept. This curated collection blends solid metal hardware, lighting, and bathroom fixtures to create coherent, seamless interiors
The collaboration debut includes four of GROHE SPA’s timeless finishes – Brushed Warm Sunset, Brushed Cool Sunrise, Phantom Black and Supersteel – mirrored across Buster + Punch’s iconic cabinet and door hardware, lighting, sockets and switches. Shared design cues – like both brands’ signature knurling – heighten tactility and ensure perfect harmony across elements.
“To elevate your look in spas, wet rooms, and bathrooms, it’s essential to combine detailing, brassware, and lighting in one seamless finish. This is one of the key reasons why this collaboration came about and is so powerful – the collection has everything a designer or architect needs to level up these spaces effortlessly,” explains Massimo Buster Minale, founder and creative director, Buster + Punch.
Paul Flowers, leader of LIXIL Global design and chief design officer, adds: “This collaboration is born from a shared obsession with colour, material, and finish – every surface, every detail considered to elevate bathrooms and redefine expressive interiors. Recognising that designers and architects often struggle to create perfectly coordinated interiors across different brands, we combined Buster + Punch’s bold craftsmanship with GROHE SPA’s expertise in water and experiential luxury to offer a fully integrated suite of products where every element aligns, with nothing left to compromise. The result is a space that invites emotional interaction and turns bathrooms into immersive experiences.”
The collaboration was unveiled at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), held at the Miami Convention Center from November 12–14, 2025. As a founding sponsor, GROHE continues to value WAF as a key platform for innovation and exchange in architecture and design. “WAF continues to be an invaluable platform for GROHE,” says Paul Flowers. “It’s where we present our brand and engage in conversations that shape the future of how we live.”
Whether it’s a new build or a remodel, carefully designed, resource-efficient shower solutions will prepare your bathroom for the future, combining sustainability with lasting comfort.
We can expect a bathroom to last 15 to 20 years on average, so it’s important to keep the future in mind when planning today. For expert guidance, this means looking at sustainable solutions as a whole — from planning an accessible design and using long-lasting materials to overall efficiency in everyday use. Within the shower area, in particular, you can find a variety of different ways to combine functionality with environmental responsibility.
Sustainability starts with planning and smart product choices
An accessible, floor-level shower area is comfortable, convenient, and allows independent use even with physical limitations. The self-supporting Sustano shower tray, with its extremely low overall height of only 1.2 inches (30 mm), enables flush-mounted installation even in remodel projects with low floor heights. In addition to the low-profile, edge-free design for installation flush with the floor, the shower tray range comes in a variety of sizes for small and large bathrooms alike.
Sustano also has an attractive entry-level price and comes in six colour options for creative, individual bathroom design; it is especially suitable for remodel projects. DuroCast® Nature, a recyclable mineral composite material, offers a range of excellent features: it is lightweight and easy to handle and cut during installation, whilst being durable, easy to clean, pleasant to the touch, UVresistant, and slip-resistant on matte finishes.
Taps and showers that save water and energy
Whether designing a new bathroom or updating an existing one, innovative water-saving solutions are the preferred choice. They contribute to sustainable water use in the bathroom without compromising comfort. They also help lower your water and energy bills. Duravit’s MinusFlow feature can reduce water use by up to 40% with the overhead shower and up to 60% with the hand shower.
Modern thermostatic taps actively help reduce energy consumption by keeping the water at a constant temperature. The integrated HeatLock function, with a safety lock at 100°F (38°C), helps prevent energy waste and reliably protects against scalding.
Available in a variety of designs and finishes, Duravit’s shower systems feature a thermostat that is seamlessly integrated into the shower tap. They are also available with the MinusFlow feature, providing a resource-efficient, all-in-one solution that is easy to install — an appealing choice for bathroom remodels.
Pictured top: Built for the future: A shower space that combines comfort, accessibility, and timeless design, guaranteeing many years of use and embodying sustainability in the truest sense.
Pictured middle:Recyclable: The self-supporting Sustano shower tray, with its extremely low overall height of only 1.2 inches (30 mm), enables flush-mounted installation even in remodel projects with low floor heights.
Pictured bottom: The easy-to-install Shower System Shelf 1050 features a thermostat built directly into the shower faucet, and the showers are available with the water-saving MinusFlow feature.
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.
According to Greenmatch, approximately 39% of UK households embraced home technology in 2024. Furthermore, the UK smart home market reached a staggering £3.1 billion in 2025, a 7% increase from 2023. As expected, water and energy conservation are leading the march, but consumers are also in the midst of a love affair with technology that enhances convenience and efficiency.
For house builders, developers and the design community, the smart money is on smart technology. Incorporating cutting-edge smart-home features into new builds can significantly boost property value. Homeowners, too, are reaping rewards – studies show a potential increase in property value of up to 5%*, a noteworthy margin in the highly competitive UK real estate market.
In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from intelligent WC’s and showers to next-gen lighting and mirror solutions.
Connect & reflect
Sensio Luka Smart Mirror
The integration of smart bathroom technology is a game-changer for architects and designers, as it requires the creation of spaces that are seamlessly connected, enhancing functionality and elevating the overall user experience. As today’s consumers continue to embrace the ‘Age of Alexa’, smart-enabled devices have become an integral part of everyday life. Put simply, the way we interact with our homes has undergone a transformation in recent years.
Karl Hallam, head of marketing at Sensio Lighting, explains, “Home automation is nothing new. It’s been around for almost 10 years now. What has changed is our behaviour and attitude towards smart-enabled homes.
“Smart technology and devices are far more mainstream. At Sensio Lighting, we’ve seen a demand shift in recent years, with our smart-enabled products almost doubling in sales. Lighting is no longer just on/off, with users now expecting to change between task and ambience lighting with simple voice command or home automation. This industry shift is exciting to be a part of, especially in an innovative, design-led business.”
The Luka Smart Mirror is more than just a mirror; it serves as a hands-free portal to a connected world. This mirror seamlessly integrates Amazon’s Alexa into your bathroom routine, with integrated LED lighting and touch-sensitive controls. The Luka Smart Mirror is also available as a bathroom cabinet and is designed in the UK, sold exclusively from Sensio.
The smart choice
Duravit SensoWash
Smart toilets are truly making their mark in the world of bathroom innovation and intelligent technology. The once-humble loo is now a frontrunner in bathroom technology, offering an array of features that deliver wellness and accessibility – think heated seats, bidet functions, self-cleaning capabilities, night lights, and even app integration.
On top of all that luxury, many smart toilets are designed with sustainability in mind. From an environmental perspective, they help conserve water thanks to adjustable flush settings and water-efficient systems. It’s a win-win for both comfort and the environment.
Martin Carroll, managing director, Duravit UK, agrees, “Smart toilets are redefining bathroom design – combining hygiene, sustainability, and tech-driven comfort. With features like touchless operation, personalised wash settings, and minimal water use, they offer a more efficient, eco-conscious alternative to traditional fixtures. Integrated dryers and rimless flushing enhance cleanliness, while app connectivity and user profiles bring a new level of convenience.
“Once a luxury, they’re now a smart lifestyle choice – meeting rising demand for wellness, design innovation, and connected living in residential and hospitality spaces.”
The Duravit SensoWash® range can be controlled via an app on your mobile. Engineered for comfort and connectivity, it offers intuitive features that elevate everyday routines from user-ID recognition to activate personalised wash settings (Rearwash, Ladywash, Comfortwash) to programmable seat heating.
Look on the light side
ZUMA LED Lights with speakers
Installing ambient lighting in the bathroom space helps promote a sense of well-being, whilst delivering a touch of luxury. The latest tech-driven innovations are designed to seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality, delivering an immersive experience alongside sophisticated illumination.
Zuma manufactures LED lights with integrated premium speakers that can be installed flush into your ceiling. The Zuma app includes ambient lighting controls with intensity and colour options. Zuma also lets users tune into their circadian rhythm with an added light feature that tracks the sun throughout the day. The system also streams music, podcasts, and audiobooks, and it has an IP65 rating to ensure safety in the bathroom.
Perfect persona
Aqualisa Quartz Shower Range
The UK bathroom industry accounts for a significant share of domestic water use, with bathrooms alone estimated to use 30-40% of a household’s total water use. Recent innovations in smart shower technology allow homeowners to monitor and calculate their water usage, providing an opportunity for developers to incorporate these technologies into new builds. And, the latest personalisation features mean users can create individual profiles for each family member, adding safety and convenience at the touch of a button.
Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing at Aqualisa, comments, “The smart home is now part of everyday life, yet many people don’t realise how quickly this technology is transforming the bathroom. Smart showers are bringing precision, personalisation and sustainability together, offering greater control over water use and energy consumption. With features like app connectivity, voice activation and usage monitoring, smart bathrooms are enhancing comfort and convenience while supporting more efficient, environmentally responsible living. It’s an exciting evolution for both homeowners and the industry.”
Aqualisa’s latest smart showers deliver precision, personalisation and safety. The industry-leading Quartz range is simpler than ever to use, featuring an updated app that lets each household member create an individual shower profile. It can be voice-activated via Alexa or Google Assistant, or operated using a remote control, ensuring water is always at the desired temperature and flow rate.
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Atlanta Bathrooms’ design-led Signature Collection is exclusive to displaying retailers and features the Herrington series of traditionally styled painted vanity units. Complemented by coordinating sanitaryware, countertops, and brassware, the collection is showcased in a dedicated Signature brochure.
The Herrington range boasts a refined selection of vanity units that balance enduring style with contemporary quality. Available in Baltic Blue, Kielder Green, and Dove Stone, each piece is accented with elegant hardware and classic profiles.
Vanity unit options include curved designs, door or drawer options, and an open shelf design. For maximum personalisation, customers can select from solid surface countertops with ceramic undermount basins, ceramic sit-on basins, or vessel basins. Finishing touches include handles in chrome, black, or brass, complemented by matching taps, overflow rings, and wastes, creating a perfectly coordinated aesthetic.
Julian Pearson, commercial director, comments: “The Signature Collection is designed to combine timeless elegance with everyday functionality. It’s bathroom furniture with character, crafted to last.”
Atlanta promises to deliver high quality, ease of assembly, and fast delivery (3–5 days), and is proactively dedicated to supporting UK retailers who care about design and quality as much as they do. The company says this is why it is offering Signature by Atlanta, exclusively to displaying retailers.
The Atlanta show van will soon be touring the UK, showcasing the collection. To make an appointment to view or to speak to one of our team about becoming an exclusive Signature retailer, contact your Atlanta area sales manager or call 0191 428 3104.
