Now we are part way through 2026 here are our thoughts on trends that are staying strong from last year, what you might see more of and what you should consider for your new bathroom.
2026 Trend 1
The Antique Brass Revolution
Antique Brass has skyrocketed in popularity lately, and honestly? It’s about time. It’s softer than the high-contrast look of matt black, but warmer and more soulful than chrome or gunmetal. I truly can’t see a time this wouldn’t stay around.
The Frustration: You can find gorgeous antique brass light fittings, sockets, and furniture handles, everywhere. But for some reason, the bathroom market is lagging behind. Finding a full suite of antique brass bathroom brassware is still harder than it should be—which, quite frankly, drives us mad. But trust us, the hunt is worth it for that lived-in, luxury feel.
With that being said it’s very easy to cross the line from “custom” to “cluttered” when every tiny piece is trying to be a statement.
By letting the functional elements—like the trims and the flush—recede into the background, you allow the intentional design choices to actually breathe.
Why “Blending In” Works
When you match your trims to your tiles and your flush to your porcelain, you reduce visual noise.
- The Trims: Using a matching trim creates a seamless transition, making the room feel larger because the eye isn’t constantly hitting “stop” points at every corner or edge.
- The Flush: A white flush on a white cistern effectively “disappears,” which is exactly what you want for a utility item. A gold or black flush can sometimes look like an accidental “dot” on an otherwise clean surface.
2026 Trend 2
The Art of Mixing Metals
Mix your metals! To do this effectively without it looking like a hardware store clearance aisle, most designers follow a 70/30 rule:
- The Primary (70%): This is your dominant finish. Use this for your “feature” items—taps, showerheads, and maybe the main vanity hardware.
- The Accent (30%): Use a secondary metal for smaller details like light fixtures, mirror frames, or even a soap dispenser.
Pro-tip: When mixing, try to vary the undertones. For example, a cool-toned metal (like Matt Black or Polished Nickel) often pairs beautifully with a warm-toned accent (like Antique Brass). Mixing two metals that are too similar (like Chrome and Brushed Steel) can sometimes just look like a mistake rather than an intentional choice.
2026 Trend 3
Red is (Still) on the Rise
We called this one last year, and we’re happy to say we were right. Red and terracotta tones are having a massive moment. It’s not about bright, “fire-engine” red; it’s about those deep, earthy, clay-like pigments that make a room feel grounded.
- The Palette: Think terracotta, burnt orange, and—similarly—deep chocolate browns.
- The Vibe: These tones are replacing the cold neutrals of the past, proving that “cozy” and “modern” can absolutely live in the same room.
2026 Trend 4
Personalise (Without the Tacky)
We all want our homes to feel like us, but there’s a fine line between “curated” and “cluttered.” No one wants to see a chunky, faded canvas of a holiday photo from ten years ago hanging over the toilet.
The Golden Rule: Keep it subtle. Personalisation should show up in the small touches—a unique ceramic vase, a embroidered hand towel, a vintage mirror or frames that tell a story. It’s about character, not a photo dump.
2026 Trend 5
The “Hospital Light” Intervention
If there is one hill we will die on, it’s this: Stop using your “big lights.” This isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle. You can spend thousands on a renovation, but if you’re using harsh, overhead LEDs, your bathroom will still feel like a clinical exam room. No one wants to walk into a “hospital-lit” bathroom when they’re tired and trying to unwind.
How to actually light a bathroom:
- The “Big Light” is for Cleaning: Keep the overheads for when you’re scrubbing the tiles, then flip them off.
- Layer Your Light: Use sensors for low-level night lighting (no one wants to be blinded at 2 AM).
- Wall & Hanging Lights: These add height and architectural interest.
- Mirror Magic: Back-lit mirrors create a gorgeous ambient glow, while front-lit mirrors are actually functional for your morning routine.
