As if we ever needed an excuse for a little home improvement, but with a new season upon us, it feels like the perfect time to make some positive changes. If the bathroom is at the top of your list, you’re in the right place. We asked our in-house bathroom designers at Drench - Samantha Lawson and Chloe Dicks - to share the trends they’re loving right now - and here are their top five.
1. Luxe palettes & colourful moods
Colourful accents and patterned surfaces have officially taken over the bathroom, and it’s not leaving anytime soon. The era of stark white bathrooms is on its way out, replaced by bold, expressive palettes that make colour and luxe detailing a central feature rather than a background note. What started with 2025’s “colour drenching” trend - coating walls, ceilings and even fixtures in one hue - has now evolved into “double drenching” and “colour bombing”, where multiple shades, patterns and effects play together in dynamic ways.
Sam says: “Colour isn’t just something we see in magazines or on Instagram feeds - it’s become a permanent fixture in bathroom design. Customers are being much more adventurous, whether that’s through statement pieces, patterned elements or painted finishes. Popular shades so far this year include greens, powder blues, yellow, orange, marble and pink. And as we move into autumn and winter, jewel-like tones - think deep blues, burgundy and rich coffee palettes - are taking hold.”
2. Textures that tell a story
If you feel like your bathroom is lacking in design then adding texture can really give it a lift. It’s all about surfaces with depth, tactility and character, offering a modern, affordable and exciting element to your bathroom.
Sam says that fluted features in particular are having a moment in the bathroom. She says: “Fluted vanity units are in high demand, especially our Drench Groove unit. This style is really useful for injecting warmth and adding different layers of texture to your bathroom design or adding a focal point of interest.”
She adds: “It’s easy to transform white spaces by adding attributes that create excitement. Fluted features are a perfect example of this. They elevate design and give a simple structure much more presence in the bathroom. We love how it can be adopted on shower glass, vanity units and even bathroom wall panels.”
Read more about fluted bathroom ideas.
The “statement wall” is also evolving: where once it was a bold painted accent, now it’s a full sensory experience, think textured tiles paired with indirect lighting to cast shadows and movement. Chloe explains: “Texture is what makes a bathroom feel finished. Whether it’s ribbed glass, handmade tiles or natural plaster, these details elevate the space from functional to a much more memorable and personal experience.”
3. Soft shapes & quiet luxury
Sharp edges are softening and bathrooms are embracing gentle curves and organic silhouettes. Pill-shaped mirrors, sweeping vanities, rounded tubs and curved shower walls all contribute to a calmer, more fluid environment. This shift pairs beautifully with the quiet luxury movement where design favours natural finishes, elegant schemes and timeless features over flashy and brash statements.
Chloe agrees: “We’re noticing more clients leaning towards distinctive mirror shapes, which add personality and create more engaging spaces. The bathroom is a space of retreat, so blending curves and organic forms introduces calm, while high-quality finishes ensure a timeless design.”
“Brushed brass is still our most popular metal finish,” adds Sam, “followed by brushed bronze. In fact, requests for matt black have steadily been declining in recent months.”
Choosing basin & bath taps for your bathroom is no easy decision as the look of your taps can really change the overall aesthetic of your space. In fact, just changing up your brassware is a great way to get a bathroom refresh without breaking the bank.
“Brushed brass offers a traditional and regal look to your space looking effortlessly expensive”, says Sam. “And with so much choice when it comes to style, every bathroom can benefit from this look!"
4. Spa-like wellness meets smart tech
Bathrooms continue their transformation into wellness retreats, and in 2026 that’s being supercharged with a futuristic undertone as technology in the bathroom sets to go mainstream.
Wellness features like hydrotherapy baths, steam showers and rainfall shower heads are now paired with Japanese style smart toilets, showers with UV lighting and smart heating ideas that go far beyond your towel rail and floor. Added to that integrated entertainment features such as Bluetooth mirrors and built-in TVs, the bathroom is fast becoming a fully immersive area to relax and unwind in.
“Wellness isn’t just a trend anymore, it’s a design requirement,” explains Sam. “Clients want bathrooms that restore them, and tech is the tool that makes that possible. Smart heating innovation really stands out - floors, rails, even drawers can be programmed or voice-controlled to fit your routine. These features combine everyday luxury with energy efficiency. The smartest systems learn your habits over time, so your bathroom is always warm when you want it, without wasting energy - the technology quietly does the thinking for you.”
While we may not all be ready to catapult our bathrooms into the future, Sam says there are other ways to create a more wellness-focused bathroom.
She adds: “Creating a space for wellness can be achieved through things like ambient lighting, soft and natural features and plenty of complementary greenery. This is really easy to incorporate into existing spaces and will not only look great, it helps us to feel great too.”
More neutral schemes are also popular, especially those with a Scandinavian theme. Scandi bathrooms embrace simplicity and function, characterised by clean lines and natural materials with wellness at the heart. See this amazing Scandinavian bathroom transformation from one of our customers.
5. Nature, sustainability & biophilic calm
Organic, grounded design is only going to get stronger as we move into 2026. Expect stone basins, warm wood vanities, natural clay tones and earthy terracotta palettes to dominate. Biophilic details - from potted plants to wallpaper - are being layered in for their calming, spa-like effect. At the same time, sustainability is no longer optional: water-saving fixtures, eco shower heads, recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting are standard in forward-thinking bathroom design.
Chloe adds: “People want their bathroom to feel connected to nature, but they also want to feel they’re making good choices for the planet. Eco-friendly design now goes hand in hand with luxury.”
Sam agrees: “Eco-friendly choices will remain at the heart of a lot of consumer decision making, so ethically sourced and long-lasting, efficient materials will be popular."
Look out for bathroom products that feature the latest and most innovative technology or features as these will have been designed with sustainability in mind, meaning they will save water and be more energy efficient overall.
In fact, the choices we make for the toilet, bath, shower, flooring, walls, lighting and even your cleaning products can all have a positive impact on the environment. Check out our full guide on how to have an eco-friendly bathroom.
Merging nature into everyday routines is becoming a more important element in bathroom design. Outdoor baths and showers where moments of bliss can be sought amidst the calming effect of nature are a trend to really watch as we move into 2026.
Read more outdoor bath ideas.
Sam and Chloe work with customers every day through our 3D Bathroom Design Service. The service allows you to see a visual representation of how your new bathroom will look, along with advice and tips on layout and product choices.
If you are not ready for a design just yet, you can also take advantage of our free consultation calls to get the answers you need to progress your project. Call our experts when it suits you on 01202 612 800. We're open 9:30am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.
