It’s official – we’re now well into 2026.
That means we’ve had enough time to see what kind of changes and new trends in bathroom design are taking over this new year, especially when it comes to the colour palette.
And it’s not what you expect. Well, not exactly. What does that mean?
The general direction and foundation remain the same. Organic and sustainable. Aesthetic and functional. But not so safe anymore. Minimalism is still in, but it’s becoming warmer. More human.
If you’ve been waiting for a time when the whole spa-like grey, white and eggshell only days are finally over – it seems this is it. This year brings more character, bolder hues, and more variety; all rooted in colour psychology.
What colours work for 2026 and which ones are a thing of the past?
Why Colour Matters More Than You Think
Before we go into specifics, we simply have to mention the colour theory. Because – even though we usually don’t think about it – there is an actual science behind it. And that means the colour you pick matters more than you realise.
How?
Research in environmental psychology shows that the colours surrounding us have measurable effects on our nervous system.
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Cool tones – blues, greens, soft greys – lower blood pressure and heart rate. That’s why they’ve been such a spa staple.
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Warm colours like terracotta and soft yellows promote comfort and optimism.
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Soft neutrals – beige, taupe, off-white – create a calming and stable backdrop that helps balance more vivid accents.
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Bold accent colours – reds, fuchsias, cobalt – stimulate energy, creativity, and social interaction when used sparingly.
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Earthy greens & natural wood tones – associated with nature, these colours enhance feelings of relaxation and well-being.
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Soft pastels – lavender, powder pink, mint – reduce tension and gently uplift mood, often used in bedrooms or reading corners.
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Deep blues – improve focus and concentration, making them suitable for home offices and study areas.
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Muted oranges and warm browns – evoke warmth and sociability, ideal for living and dining areas.
Colour experts Carl Johan Bertilsson and Sonny Ren presented their 2026 research at Milan Design Week last year, identifying four distinct 'trend worlds':
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Quietude – Soft, muted shades and gentle neutrals define this palette, creating spaces that feel calm, serene, and restful. Perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any corner of the home where relaxation and quiet focus are the goal.
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Homecoming – Warm, earthy tones like terracotta, clay, and soft yellows evoke comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. This trend emphasises personal, lived-in spaces that feel cosy, inviting, and rooted in home life.
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Symbiosis – Balanced blues and harmonious natural tones reflect a connection between nature, technology, and human experience. Spaces in this style aim to feel thoughtful, restorative, and in tune with both wellbeing and sustainability.
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Renegade – Bold, expressive colours like bright reds, magentas, and vibrant accents energise and provoke creativity. This world is all about personality, daring choices, and making social spaces lively, exciting, and visually dynamic.
Each one represents a specific mood we want and need in our most intimate spaces. The research is fairly solid, and it explains why certain palettes feel right whilst others – off.
Hues of the Past – What’s Not Working Anymore?
High-contrast black-and-white bathrooms feel harsh and unwelcoming now.
They had their moment – sleek, minimal, very Instagram or Pinterest-friendly – but they focused more on visual impact rather than comfort.
That cool, minimal, and clinical (slightly lab-like) aesthetic is no longer in.
The cool grey era is perhaps not exactly over, but it’s definitely changing. Those bluish-grey tones that felt so modern five years ago now may look a bit too cold.
Even glossy navy and inky cobalt – once the height of sophistication – are starting to feel slightly heavy-handed. Blue's still in (we'll get to that), but it's evolved quite a bit.
Bathroom Colours Dominating 2026
Earthy Greens
If there's one colour family defining this year, it's green. Soft sage, moss, eucalyptus, muted olive. Everywhere.
Green hits that sweet spot between colour and neutrality. It's calming without being boring, natural without tipping into rustic. These plant-inspired tones fit right in the biophilic design – our innate need to connect with nature – which research shows reduces stress and improves wellbeing.
In bathrooms with good natural light, sage and eucalyptus create airy, spa-like atmospheres. In smaller or darker spaces, deeper olive and forest greens add sophisticated warmth without feeling overwhelming. Pair them with warm wood vanities, natural stone, and brushed metal fixtures.
Texture matters enormously here. The soft pile of a loop organic cotton bath mat against cool tiles creates that layered, tactile quality that makes a space feel curated rather than just decorated. Natural materials highlight the biophilic aesthetic without being obvious about it.
Warm Neutrals
Neutrals aren't really dead – they've just got warmer. Out with icy whites and cool greys; in with warm beiges, clay tones, sun-bleached stone colours.
These draw from natural materials: weathered limestone, terracotta clay, sand. They create quiet luxury – that understated elegance everyone's chasing.
What makes these different from previous neutrals is the warmth. They don't just recede into the background; they wrap the space in comfort. Pair them with honed marble, textured plaster, limewash finishes.
A diatomite bath mat works brilliantly with this palette – like a chef’s kiss. Its natural stone-like aesthetic fits right in, and goes far beyond pure looks. Perfect combination of chic and functional.
Moody Blues
Blue is still very much alive and well. But in a more mature way. Slate blue, midnight navy, deep denim instead of icy aquas.
These richer shades bring depth and drama without being overwhelming. Use them strategically – a feature wall behind a freestanding tub, across fitted cabinetry – and they can create a perfect environment to kick back and relax.
Balance is everything with darker blues. Pair them with crisp white quartz, warm wood accents, soft neutral tiles. Matte or satin finishes enhance the depth without swallowing the space. Good layered lighting adds a bit more warmth and a homey feel.
Soft Pastels
Pastels are back, but not the ones you're thinking of. They got more elegant and sophisticated.
Think dusty blush, mineral peach, foggy sky blue, soft lavender.
They add personality but do so quietly.
Brilliant for people who love colour but worry about longevity. Paired with natural stone, brushed brass, quality white ceramics, they balance contemporary with timeless.
Soft pink tiles with warm timber and clean white sanitaryware work beautifully. The sustainable angle matters too – a set of bamboo towels over conventional cotton is a far more fitting choice for the whole aesthetic.
Rich Browns
This one can come off as a bit of a surprise, but brown is back.
And it looks stunning.
Not the dated browns of the early 2000s. These are refined, complex: chocolate, coffee, warm caramel. They bring grounding and luxury that cooler palettes can't touch.
Benjamin Moore's 2026 Colour of the Year, Silhouette AF-655, is a strong example: a sophisticated blend of burnt umber (or a rich espresso) and charcoal that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Dark wood vanities, brown-veined marble, painted walls in these tones – they create bathrooms that feel enveloping and remarkably chic.
Making It Work in Your Space
Following trends and choosing colours is one thing. Making them actually work is another. You have to think about your space (and also preferences), not blindly listen to designers and experts.
Start Small
If you're nervous about committing to a whole new colour palette in your entire bathroom, start with accessories and textiles. Start with a set of sage green towels to see how they feel – just to test the waters a little. A side note: regardless of the colour palette, it’s much better to go for functional staples that work with anything – like a stone bath mat, or bamboo towel rack. When the foundation is versatile, you can only worry about the walls, not redecorating your entire space. And these small upgrades can go a long way. You can start small – and stop there.
Light Matters
Natural light dramatically changes how colours appear. Bathrooms with good daylight can handle deeper, moodier tones – that midnight blue or forest green will look sophisticated, not heavy. Low-light bathrooms benefit from lighter, warmer hues that reflect whatever light exists.
Layer Textures
The best bathrooms combine colour with varied textures. Smooth painted walls against rough stone. Glossy tiles beside matte plaster. Even something simple like a stone bathroom mat against cool tile flooring creates a more tactile contrast that makes a space feel balanced and inviting.
Think Long-Term
The best bathroom designs balance current aesthetics with timeless appeal. Choose colours you genuinely respond to, not what Instagram's pushing this month. The earthy greens, warm neutrals, soft blues dominating 2026 have staying power because they're rooted in human psychology rather than the fickle mistress that is fashion.
The Sustainability Thread
There's another layer to these 2026 trends worth mentioning: sustainability.
The shift towards natural, earthy palettes isn't purely aesthetic. It reflects changing consumer values.
We're drawn to materials and products that align with environmental consciousness. Natural stone, reclaimed wood, mineral-based finishes – these aren't just design choices. This is the message we send on how we want to live.
How we choose the products makes a genuine difference. Quality items that last – and that are produced responsibly – can transform your bathroom both aesthetically and ethically. It's the opposite of fast fashion applied to interiors.
Soft Revolution
The bathroom colour trends of 2026 represent more than aesthetic preference. They signal a shift in how we think about our homes, especially our private spaces. And it’s pretty clear.
We’re seeing more character, more personality, more variety, bolder hues, natural colour palette.
Karl Johan Bertilsson, as we mentioned before, claims that it’s “a return to the human element in design.” And it’s hard to argue with that.
With all the new technologies, the rise of AI, that desire for warmth and nature is perhaps getting stronger – that’s why we‘re seeing minimalism evolve in a big way.
It’s less clinical. Warmer. Softer. More forgiving.
This is already a revolution – just a soft one.
