The new year is a time to reset and refresh and when it comes to interiors, that inevitably brings to mind bathroom design. We’re kicking off 2026 with a look at the state of this restorative space now.
Designer: Max Dignam; Photographer: Ollie Tomlinson
Similar to our survey on kitchen design last month, we’ve asked a group of interior designers to reflect on what matters most in bathroom design today. Not surprisingly, homeowners are seeking spa-like spaces that go beyond mere function to serve as deeply personal sanctuaries for rest and revitalisation. One could argue it’s the zenith of the post-pandemic me-space. Here, designers share specifics on what clients have been asking for and what’s on their radar for the coming year:
Sign of the Times
“With bathrooms, we find that clients want them to feel distinctly domestic and more personal, so artwork on the walls, an armchair to lounge in, vintage wall lights. They want the space to be more than simply functional—to act as a sanctuary.” – Max Dignam, London
“Lately, we’ve been asked to create bathroom–wardrobe combinations, which has been great fun, though it often means sacrificing a bedroom to make space. Clients are embracing decorative finishes, bespoke wallpaper, and detailed joinery to make these rooms feel truly special.” – Amanda Flood, Ben Pentreath Studio, London
“Bathrooms have evolved into private retreats; people are prioritising calm, spa-like environments that still have a strong sense of character. Statement marbles, painted joinery and vintage lighting often feature.” – Nicole Salvesen & Mary Graham, Salvesen Graham, London
Designer: Salvesen Graham; Photographer: Christopher Horwood
“Clients are increasingly asking for bathrooms that feel warm, inviting, and personal. There’s a desire to create environments that feel cozy and layered rather than clinical.” – Elizabeth Hay, Berkshire & Singapore
“More simplicity in terms of palette when it comes to the hard fittings—sanitary ware, tiles, flooring, marble. I think they are all wanting to have a strong base that leans more classic than of the moment and save the strong personality elements for wallpaper, fabrics, lampshades, etc.” – Max Sinsteden, New York
Designer: Max Sinsteden; Photographer: Max Kim-Bee
“Bathrooms are becoming the last truly private spaces in the home. We design them to feel cocooning and restorative...almost spa-like, but still personal. We've been using a lot of statement stone, sculptural lighting, and layouts that feel indulgent without being showy.” – Zoe Feldman, Washington, DC
“In bathrooms, though not always used every day, the bath has really become the focal point, as a moment of ritual and relaxation, whether built-in or freestanding. It’s something clients are prioritising, often sitting at the heart of our design. Life is so busy, so having somewhere that encourages you to pause, feels more important than ever.” – Lonika Chande, London
Designer: Lonika Chande; Photographer: Milo Brown
Delightful Additions
“There is an appetite for originality, and I think that will lead to some exciting design opportunities. Clients are more open to unique commissions, be it for mosaic, custom tiles or in one instance, a rather risqué painted mural which is still in development… the sketches make my inbox a little more colourful on a Monday morning.” – Max Dignam, London
“I’ve been excited to see clients embracing more artisanal finishes — particularly hand-painted tiles. For a long time, marble was seen as the ultimate luxury in bathrooms, but now clients understand that a hand-painted tile can be just as luxurious, if not more so, because of the depth, character, and craft of the material. There’s a growing appreciation for the beauty of imperfection and the charm that comes from something made by hand, and that shift has opened the door to more expressive, atmospheric designs." – Elizabeth Hay, Berkshire & Singapore
Designer: Elizabeth Hay; Image courtesy of Elizabeth Hay
“In bathrooms, I’ve been thrilled with how many clients are open to fabric and texture, whether it’s a cotton rag rug, a fabric shower curtain, or a patterned upholstered chair. It makes the space feel so much more inviting, completely changing the atmosphere.” – Lonika Chande, London
“Cold plunge tubs are something we have been asked to incorporate into projects this year. One of our team has a penchant for cold water immersion but is yet to convert me to the cause. We have been seeing more innovation though in smaller models for both cold plunge tubs and saunas as clients look to incorporate more wellness features into their homes.” – Max Dignam, London
“I get really excited when clients want to bring different eras or styles into their bathrooms. To make these spaces feel a little less utilitarian and incorporate more furniture pieces and the sentimental or quirky.” – Meta Coleman, Utah
Designer: Meta Coleman; Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn
“We have had clients ask for wrap around wall treatments, for example tiles on all walls and ceiling, and even floor. We have loved doing this as it gives the illusion of space and makes smaller rooms like bathrooms feel larger. Also, depending on the glaze on the tile, you can get light dancing throughout the space, reflecting on all surfaces.” - Olivia Outred, London
“I’ve loved seeing clients embrace color and personality in these spaces again. For years, the default for so many was an all-neutral bath. Now we’re layering in rich hues, wall treatments like limewash, and vintage furniture pieces, like a freestanding chest as a vanity.” – Zoe Feldman, Washington, DC
“In our smartphone era, loo roll holders with a spot to perch your phone seem to be in demand.” – Max Dignam, London
Designer Wish List
“We’re always interested in innovations that enhance comfort without compromising aesthetics. Invisible extraction systems, steam showers or general technical showering systems, are great examples. We also love integrating clever lighting solutions that highlight craftsmanship and materials it’s all about layering light beautifully.” – Nicole Salvesen & Mary Graham, Salvesen Graham, London
“I would really like to use the 3-dimensional tile art pieces like the Botanica collection from Riwal Ceramika.” – Meta Coleman, Utah
“Warm earthy colours and materials. Stone with movement, plaster paint effect that has a hand feel, and hand cut or hand painted tiles. Materials which have a bit of softness and irregularity to them, as they bring warmth and character to a room. We’ve used Balineum’s mottled tiles recently and I’ve always loved the colour, the glaze, and the depth they bring, and the sense of history. They are incredibly special and really embody what we are responding to right now.” – Lonika Chande, London
“I’m loving deep, moody greens and earthy, red-based browns—they pair beautifully with marble, brass, and natural wood. I’ve also been drawn to veined stones in unexpected colors that feel like art.” – Zoe Feldman, Washington, DC
“A wood-burning fireplace, a long bath, a deep armchair, maybe even fully carpeted — creating a room you actually want to spend time in and as inviting as any other room in the house.” – Amanda Flood, Ben Pentreath Studio, London
Designer: Ben Pentreath Studio; Image courtesy of Ben Pentreath
“Always and forever unlacquered brass that we train the housekeeping team to properly keep polished. It looks so wonderful after it’s been hand polished one hundred times—reminds me of Georgian doorknobs in Ireland, or Park Avenue awning posts.” – Max Sinsteden, New York
“We have a reference image of an excellent black and white tiled bathroom pinned to the cork board in the studio at the moment. It is of the Mexican home of the late American painter, James Brown. There is a very pleasing symmetry and balance to the space that has an instantly calming effect, and the tiled tub sits perfectly poised at its centre. We are waiting for the right project to use this as our starting point.” – Max Dignam, London
“We feel there is a gap in the market for chic bath pillows. Following extensive research, there are one or two plain options out there but there is space for some more colourful or patterned options. They would make a good gift too.” – Max Dignam, London
Designer: Ben Pentreath Studio; Image courtesy of Ben Pentreath