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  • Tips & Inspiration

Bathroom Trends 2026: The Latest and Greatest

This year’s trending bathroom ideas and designs from around Australia

With many of us spending more time working from, or entertaining at home, creating a sanctuary where we can recharge helps us make the most of our downtime. A bathroom renovation can provide a much-needed retreat from our busy lives, offering space to relax and unwind. From adding textural elements to creating a spa-like haven at home, these bathroom trends for 2026 are about spaces that feel personal, yet practical, with a touch of luxury.

1. 2026 is all about you

When it comes to the latest in bathroom design, Melbourne homeowners are leaning towards a more personal touch. The most timeless bathrooms are shaped by elements of personal taste rather than fleeting trends, so whether that means mixing and matching different styles or keeping things simple, the goal is a space that speaks to you and reflects your personality. 

When design choices mirror your preferences and comfort, the result is a bathroom that remains uniquely yours, long after trends come and go. So make your bathroom all about what you love!

2. Ultra-modern aesthetic bathrooms

A bathroom has the potential to become a self-care sanctuary where you can unwind. Add a deluxe feel with practical yet elegantly appointed details. 

Greige bathrooms

2026 is all about the colour ‘greige’, a calming, neutral shade that combines grey and beige and works well in a variety of interior design styles. Greige pairs well with a variety of natural materials and textures, including wooden benchtops, marble flooring, brass tapware and woodgrain vanities, effortlessly complementing the natural elements in your bathroom.

Greige also reflects light, instantly brightening your bathroom and making it appear more spacious. This is especially helpful in smaller bathrooms or those with low light. 

Statement walls in darker colours create a greater sense of intimacy and can make an otherwise minimalist room feel sensual, cosy and luxurious. Use rich charcoals, deep blues and chocolate browns for a dose of drama while seamlessly complementing brass or black hardware, natural wood elements, mirrors and layered lighting.
Large-format tiles are the latest in bathroom design trends, adding a sleek, upscale look to spaces both big and small. Larger tile sizes work exceptionally well for both floors and walls, and minimise grout lines for a smoother, more indulgent finish.
More designers are embracing maximalism in bathrooms this year, with the spotlight firmly on colour, pattern and personality. Bold tiles, bright prints and unconventional colour combinations shine when paired with practical fittings and neat storage. Balancing high energy with simplicity makes the space expressive without being overwhelmed.

While showers have often replaced baths recently, freestanding baths are regaining their popularity in 2026. Add Victorian gothic flair with a claw-foot tub or choose an oval acrylic slipper bath for a spa-like feel. A tub in black stone resin adds a classic finish in a minimalist bathroom. Double-check that your floor can handle the weight before installation. 

When under-vanity storage is limited, exposed plumbing can be a convenient space solution. In front of black or white tiles, visible fixtures add a classic retro look and feel. When paired with a concrete sink, brushed tapware and a dark statement wall, exposed plumbing combines old-fashioned ambience with an avant-garde industrial vibe.
Fittings and arches with curves are dominating the bathroom design scene as consumers embrace softer, more organic shapes. Think curved shower and bath screens, arched mirrors and rounded-edge vanities. These elements bring a sense of fluidity and sophistication into the space.
2026 is the year of bathroom art, with minimalist line drawings on a white background framed in black, nude canvases and black-and-white photographic prints. Try framing bright wallpaper for an inexpensive way to add colour, or add a playful touch with bold or textured wallpapers. There are plenty of choices, from traditional prints to murals.
Bathroom floors and walls are the perfect place to start adding geometric tiles. Chevrons, pickets, honeycomb hexagons, pebbles, basketweaves and herringbones can add a brilliant yet classic touch.
Mounted directly to the wall, floating vanities create a light, airy feel while enhancing the spaciousness of your bathroom interiors. This type of vanity is practical, visually appealing and easy to maintain, making it an on-trend choice for bathroom renovations this year.
Instead of a standard double vanity, install individual sinks to create a more personalised experience. Consider adding another feature between the sinks for extra style, such as a bathtub or coat rack.

3. Future-proofed bathrooms

The current trend toward a stylish yet classically aesthetic bathroom involves blending functionality with architectural ingenuity and creative interior design.

Future-proof your Melbourne bathroom by installing a walk-in shower or wet room and a raised-height toilet, or adding smart bathroom technology such as a hands-free sensor-flush toilet. These additions will meet your changing needs and make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future. 

4. Tapware trends and design tricks

Today’s tapware isn’t only functional; it’s also becoming a statement piece in any cutting-edge bathroom and is easy to upgrade. Carefully positioned taps can save space while creating an attractive interior design feature. Wall-mounted fittings save space on your vanity, while separate hot and cold water taps add a vintage element to the overall aesthetic.

An elegant ensuite bathroom home renovation in Melbourne — showcasing sage subway-tile walls and a floating light-wood vanity.

Durable tapware

Many consumers are leaning towards ‘aged’, durable materials that complement their decor without losing functionality. Bronze, brass and brushed nickel will oxidise and naturally tarnish, adding a rustic yet striking element that creates a timeless look.

Bathroom

Chrome tapware

In 2026, chrome regained its spot as the go-to tapware material, as bathroom design trends again lean toward this safe choice, prized for its fresh, reflective shine, versatility across contemporary and classic styles, and ability to complement textured stone finishes, marble benchtops and earthy palettes. 

Chrome tapware blends the look and feel of spa-like retreats with heritage-inspired bathrooms, ensuring it won’t date again so quickly.

Bathroom

Coloured tapware

While monochromatic bathrooms remain popular, the latest bathroom trends are for coloured tapware. Toasty hues, such as rose gold, add depth, while muted tones, such as gunmetal grey, give an earthy feel. If you have a larger bathroom that can handle bolder colours, consider a shade that will contrast with your walls. 

5. Tactile textures

Incorporating a variety of textural elements is an imaginative way to add visual interest and depth to your bathroom.

Flooring ideas for your Melbourne home

Mix and match textures

A standout in bathroom design, Melbourne’s current obsession is blending matte and smooth finishes to create a distinctive visual experience. Mixing different textures also adds interest without overwhelming the room. For example, a wooden vanity injects texture and warmth into your bathroom, which is why it’s becoming a favourite. 

If space is limited, add a strip of texture to a wall panel, or textural elements such as a timber soap dish or patterned towels, providing depth at minimal cost.

Spacemaker Kew High Street South project bathroom

Unfinished wood

Reusing and reclaiming timber is very much on trend. Not only is it beneficial for the planet, but it also helps connect us with nature while indoors. Inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design, teak is ideal for its resistance to rot. Timber mirror frames or wall panels are more cost-effective options. Seek advice before using wood in a bathroom, as it must be sealed to prevent moisture and mould.

A powder room crafted during home renovations in Melbourne — showcases floral wallpaper in dusty pink, sage and charcoal.

Coloured concrete sinks

Concrete is very fashionable in bathrooms right now. While traditional concrete may appear cold and harsh, use coloured concrete for an unconventional way to add a pop of colour. Pastel shades can add subtle depth, while earthy tones instantly add a resort-like look and feel.  

Concrete sinks in bold colours are just as popular too, transforming the basin from a functional fixture into a stunning focal point in the bathroom.

Stone and wood-planked floors

While traditional tiles are popular for their versatility, timber-look tiles, stone and stone-look floors are the latest bathroom trend. This natural look is becoming increasingly sought after by homeowners who want to infuse their spaces with warmth and a sense of relaxation.   

Using natural materials as a base makes the space feel more like a personal retreat than a functional room of the house while bringing a touch of the outdoors inside.

A contemporary bathroom showcasing home renovations in Melbourne with sage-green tiles and a fluted white freestanding bath.

Terrazzo tiling

Terrazzo is a versatile, affordable and durable tiling solution that offers endless design possibilities. Think combinations of natural-looking colours and textures, including quartz, marble, granite, shell, glass and other materials polished smooth or left with a more natural texture.

Terrazzo tiles add a textural element and create a classy, distinctive appearance, making them a perfect option for modern bathrooms.

6. Showstopper shower trends

With apartment living on the rise and more people becoming environmentally conscious, newer bathroom designs favour showers rather than baths. But you don’t have to forgo bathing in luxury thanks to the varied range of shower options available.
Kew second storey extension & ground floor alterations - view of upstairs and stair case

Concrete walls

Concrete walls inject a raw, edgy look. Both smooth poured concrete and textural applications are slowly making their way into custom-built homes and residential bathrooms across Australia, beautifully emphasising height, width and visual continuity in large, modern and minimalist bathrooms.
Bathroom

Darker coloured grout

A practical alternative to white grout, which quickly stains, is dark-coloured grout. Dark grout is increasingly popular now because it’s easier to maintain and keeps tiles looking cleaner for longer with less scrubbing involved. Shades like charcoal, graphite and warm taupe help tiles maintain a cleaner appearance over time by reducing visible staining and complement the rest of your bathroom decor.
Bathroom

Rain, double and walk-in showers

Forfeiting your beloved bath does not mean compromising your relaxation. Rain showers are in high demand as they can have a therapeutic effect. Higher water pressure combined with a jet spray eases tension from tight muscles.

Double showers are a favourite and are convenient for larger families, especially during the morning rush to get ready, while walk-in showers offer greater accessibility. 

Fluted glass

Say goodbye to old-fashioned shower screens and hello to ribbed-glass screens and dividers. Fluted glass adds a contemporary aesthetic to your bathroom, while also ensuring privacy without sacrificing light. Add black edging to fluted glass screens to further enhance their appeal and complement your bathroom’s overall design.

Shower benches and seats

Shower seats and benches can store toiletries and provide a comfortable spot to sit while you’re grooming!  Low-level shower benches or floating seats also offer extra storage space. In contrast, a portable stool or ottoman-style bench adds a modern feel.  

7. Maximising space in small bathrooms

If your bathroom is small, these space-saving tips are the latest in bathroom design this year.

Backlit mirrors

Backlit mirrors give the illusion of more light and space and add a luxe powder room feel, particularly when mounted on a dark statement wall. For a sleek look, try integrating backlit mirrors with creative use of wall and ceiling lighting.

Not only are skylights a huge trend for house extensions in Melbourne right now, but they can create a greater illusion of space in your bathroom. Allowing more natural light in can also help you feel more connected to nature.

While modern magic moisturisers can help solve your ageing woes, owning a lot of beauty products can create a storage problem in your bathroom. Organiser baskets are not a new solution, but they are experiencing a resurgence, complementing your decor while adding extra space for toiletries.
In-wall toilets are increasingly popular, especially for smaller bathrooms. They blend into the space without sticking out, and the plumbing is concealed.
Natural timber bath caddies offer a convenient place to hold your book or glass of wine during a long soak, and provide a practical spot for your towels or a room diffuser when the bath is not in use.

Shelving that stretches from wall to wall maximises space, looks good and is versatile. Add shelves to your living room, bathroom and master bedroom renovation or extension to create a cohesive look throughout the home. Stylish vertical shelves offer more bathroom storage, discreetly divide a wall or room and reduce clutter.

8. Wellness at home

Among the most popular trending bathroom ideas is focusing on physical and emotional well-being, with homeowners investing more in home health and wellness. Bathrooms are the perfect space to incorporate features that promote calmness and tranquillity while improving health and hygiene.
Bathroom

Organic surfaces with character

This 2026 trend features warm, natural tones and tactile finishes that celebrate variation over perfection. Textured tiles, timber elements and muted metals add depth and warmth, creating a bathroom that feels grounded, yet effortlessly designed. 

Smart toilets

Traditional toilets often take  up a lot of space, whereas smart toilets are more streamlined. With features such as sensor toilet flush buttons, self-cleaning nozzles and automatically opening seats, smart toilets are a convenient way to improve hygiene while being kinder to the environment.

A luxurious twin-shower ensuite home renovation in Melbourne — showcasing sage-green tiles paired with terrazzo stone.

Green bathrooms

Embrace the serenity of nature by using soft sage and deep forest tones to create a cosy retreat that feels like a breath of fresh air. Starting your day surrounded by calming, natural tones can help you feel rejuvenated and energised.

Creating the perfect parents retreat, a Spacemaker specialty

Spa-like designs

With the renewed focus on health in recent times, bathroom designs with spa-like features to improve well-being are becoming popular. Saunas, hydrotherapy baths, steam showers and spa baths give you the ultimate wellness retreat experience in the comfort and convenience of your home.
Port Melbourne Spring street demolition, renovation and extensions - sliding doors opening up from the bedroom

Blur the lines between the interior and exterior

There’s an increasing trend to combine indoor and outdoor spaces. Flooring that transitions from the indoors to outdoor decking creates a unified look for alfresco dining. Natural materials like stone or terracotta, paired with muted earthy colours, are an ideal choice.

If you are undertaking a single-storey home extension project with a new bathroom, consider an outdoor shower, or even a timber-encased bath, for a natural ambience.

Bathroom

Marble materials

Marble is still a very much loved material in interior design, especially for bathroom suites. Bold marble and natural stones are trending and give your bathroom a classic, long-lasting elegance. Marble showers, tiling and flooring can also add a soft, natural touch to your spaces.

Spacemaker: Custom-built homes where practicality meets style

Are you considering a home renovation or designing a house extension to suit your lifestyle? Spacemaker Home Extensions is here to help! Build a brilliant bathroom, create a magnificent master bedroom or elevate your living spaces with a trusted custom home builder. Our professional team gives expert advice to ensure every room in your home combines the practicality you need with the luxury you deserve. Fill out our contact form or call us on 03 8873 7800 to request a quote and get started on bringing your dream bathroom to life today. 

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