Designers Say Every Stylish Bathroom Will Look Like This in 2026

The designers who took part in Apartment Therapy’s 2026 State of Home Design survey had plenty to say about many aspects of home design. But one of the surprising places the group was most opinionated about, in my opinion? The bath! Many pros had several hot takes on what we can expect to see this year in terms of tub design, bathroom walls, and, yes, even toilets! 

The following five elements continuously bubbled up in the survey as characteristics of a well-styled bathroom in 2026. Read on if you’re renovating or refreshing your bathroom — or if you’re just curious about where bathroom design is headed.  

Ideal even for smaller baths, alcove tubs, which are often part of a tub-shower combo, can still add a spa-like feel to the home without taking up too much square footage. “I’m excited to see shower and bathtub alcoves make a comeback,” says designer Lindsey Gregg of Big Sky Interiors. “They’re fairly simple to build as far as structure is concerned but make such an impact once the room is complete. There are so many ways to dress them up or add practicality, too.” 

Although alcove tubs are often shallower than drop-ins, they’re a great compromise. Don’t be afraid to go a little old-school with one in your bath. You can dress it up with marble tile, or make it more contemporary by adding in pops of bold color as shown here.

Bidets are still on the rise, and appearing more and more in American homes and hotels. While these units can run the gamut in terms of price, they’ve become a fan favorite among designers and consumers alike, and they’re eco-friendly, too (less toilet paper use!). 

Designer Ryan Kirk Kopet of the Miles and Kirk design firm has been using a lot of bidets in her projects, specifically ones built in to the toilet seat. “I make a point to put heated toilet seat with bidet function in every primary bathroom,” she says. Many designers are following suit. So if you want the bells and whistles of a designer bath, start here with this fairly easy retrofit.

Who says bathrooms have to be boring? Today’s designers are all about expressing personality in these utilitarian spaces via colorful tile and plumbing fixtures. “More colorful fixtures, please!” designer Susie Prince of Susie Mae Design says. “Pink and green toilets? Yes!” Designer Lesley Myrick agrees wholeheartedly. “I love a bold-colored clawfoot tub,” she adds.

It’s time to think beyond the basics by embracing eye-catching fixtures that add visual pop to these teeny spaces. So how about a pretty green faucet, teal clawfoot tub, or a light blue vessel sink? And don’t forget the toilet either. “It sounds wild, but retro shades from the ’70s add charm, fun, and personality,” says designer Paige W. Dick of Paige Designs. “And honestly, I’m here for it.

Wallpaper has experienced a major resurgence in recent years, and it’s important to remember that it’s not just for spaces such as dining rooms and bedrooms — it can work in the bath, too! That’s exactly what designer Samantha Tannehill of Tannehill Interiors says you’ll be seeing all 2026 long. “Wallpaper in bathrooms is back — and I mean real wallpaper, not just in powder rooms,” she explains.

You’ll want to find something compatible with high-humidity environments to prevent peeling and bubbling. But plenty of designs are bath-friendly and striking. Go ahead and create a jewel box-like look for your loo — you won’t regret it! 

I’m not talking about anything too funky here. But it’s safe to say you’ll soon be seeing more toilet seats that go beyond the basics (think: black and wood options). Designer Sarah Montgomery specifically singled out wood as a controversial bathroom feature poised to return.

These little tweaks make it easy to make your bathroom appear more luxe and custom without breaking the bank. You can find many great options starting at $30 to $40 a pop.