Slow decor. Biophilic design. Neuroaesthetic color palettes. There are a whole lot of buzzwords floating around the interior design world, and you’re struggling to wrap your head around what they mean and how they align with your own style. Is there any way to ditch the elevated language and cut straight to the practical side of the top bathroom remodeling trends? There absolutely is.
At ZINTEX, we’re working with real homeowners just like you across eleven different states, and we’ve noticed a few straightforward design choices making waves this year. Let’s dive into the top trends that will make a splash in 2026 so you can start planning without the headache.
Table of Contents
- Homeowner-Focused Improvements
- Monochromatic Showers
- Primaries That Embrace Sharing
- Seamless Visuals
- Low-Maintenance Designs
Homeowner-Focused Improvements
It’s no secret that the housing market has been challenging to navigate for several years in a row. High mortgage rates, in particular, are stifling property sales and causing homeowners to hang onto their current homes longer. With this in mind, let’s talk about the first big trend we expect to see in 2026 bathroom remodeling: homeowner-focused improvements.
With a homeowner-focused approach to remodeling, you’re making changes based on your needs and desires, not what you imagine a hypothetical buyer would want. This might look like:
- Replacing your standard tub and shower combination with a relaxing whirlpool tub
- Changing the layout of your bathroom for functionality
- Installing safety and accessibility features like grab bars or shower benches
Ultimately, the idea is to invest in the changes that would take your run-of-the-mill bathroom and turn it into your dream space, regardless of things like buyer preferences and ROI.
The good news? Most bathroom upgrades will yield at least some ROI, even if it isn’t the maximum ROI possible. For example, luxury upgrades tend to yield an ROI of about 40%, as compared to the 73% you can recoup from a mid-range upgrade.
Monochromatic Showers
Depending on the age of your current shower and the materials it’s constructed from, you may have shower wall surrounds and a shower base that don’t quite match. For example, some tiled showers have an acrylic base. While the tiles might be one color, like pink or blue, the acrylic base is probably a neutral white.
While there’s nothing wrong with a mix-and-match design, it may be the reason why your bathroom looks a bit dated.
Now, we’re seeing more homeowners gravitate towards monochromatic showers, particularly when they opt for a walk in shower (rather than a tub and shower combo). A neutral white is the perfect way to brighten up a smaller bathroom, but you can still achieve that modern monochrome look with just about any color. Even a multi-toned pattern, such as a marbled design, can create this monochromatic look. The key is to make sure that your wall surrounds and base are an exact match.
Primaries That Embrace Sharing
Have you ever had the thought, “This primary bathroom isn’t big enough for the both of us?” As an extension of the homeowner-focused improvements, we’re also seeing a bathroom remodeling trend that makes primary bathrooms truly suitable for two people. This includes upgrades like:
- Standalone tubs or large walk in showers with dual showerheads
- Double sink vanities with separate medicine cabinets and drawers
- Privacy walls or partial enclosures around the toilet area
These changes don’t just enable each person to have their own designated space to store their belongings and organize as they see fit. They also make it possible for both parties to use the primary bathroom space at the same time. This is a great option for parents and dual-income couples. When you’ve got a jam-packed schedule, you need a bathroom that doesn’t require you to wait your turn to get ready for the day.
Seamless Visuals
Older bathrooms, particularly those on the smaller side, tend to have a closed-off feel. Tub walls and shower curtains close off the bathing area. Oversized vanities take up too much floor space. Surface-mounted light fixtures make the ceiling feel lower. Now, homeowners are looking for budget-friendly ways to open up their bathrooms, and seamless visuals are proving effective.
What do we mean by seamless? We’re talking about design choices that flow, rather than creating visual (or literal) barriers. For example, frameless showers use a fixed glass panel to contain water, rather than a shower door or curtain. This removes the barrier between your shower and the rest of your bathroom, visually opening up that extra square footage. Paired with low-threshold entries, these changes also increase your bathroom’s accessibility.
How else are homeowners creating seamless visuals in their bathrooms? We’re seeing a departure from heavy grout lines separating tile to create texture. Instead, homeowners are designing showers and baths with acrylic panels, solid surface walls, or larger tiles separated by narrow grout lines. In addition to reducing problems with mold growth, these design choices lend themselves to the minimalist aesthetic.
Low-Maintenance Designs
One thing is clear: homeowners are really considering their own personal wants and needs. This year’s top bathroom remodeling trends are less about specific aesthetics and more about function. One homeowner may have a passion for bright colors and bold patterns while another may gravitate toward warm, organic neutrals. What they probably have in common is the pursuit of the ultimate low-maintenance bathroom.
When we’re talking about bathroom maintenance, we’re talking primarily about your regular cleaning routine. The goal is to find materials and designs that are easy to keep clean, resistant to mold or water damage, and durable enough that you won’t pay a ton of extra money for professional servicing. To check all these boxes, we recommend upgrades like:
- 100% waterproof acrylic showers and tubs that are easy to wipe down
- Matte or brushed faucets and hardware that won’t show fingerprints
- LVP flooring that is easy to clean and won’t warp due to humidity
The goal is to design a bathroom that works for you and your family while cutting down on the time you have to spend deep-cleaning.
Blend Trends and Timelessness for the Perfect Bathroom Remodel
No, homeowner-focused improvements and low-maintenance designs may not sound as buzzy as slow decor or biophilic design, but that’s because they don’t need to. Real homeowners are gravitating toward the practical choices that make their bathrooms more attractive, functional, and practical, and now you know how to do that, too.
Before you start dreaming up your perfect bathroom, it’s important to think about your budget. At ZINTEX Remodeling, we strive to provide financing that makes remodeling accessible. Are there any tax deductions that come along with bathroom remodeling? Find out in our guide to bathroom remodel tax deductions.
FAQs About Bathroom Remodeling Trends
Q: How quickly do bathroom remodeling trends go out of style?
Oftentimes, the more specific a bathroom remodeling trend is, the shorter its lifespan. For example, that specific vanity mirror with the unusual shape that everyone is suddenly talking about on TikTok? It will probably be forgotten within the year. Lasting trends generally combine timeless elements with modern improvements, like the neutral-toned acrylic shower that uses new acrylic waterproofing technology to reinvent the classic white shower.
Q: Do bathroom remodels have a strong ROI?
Mid-range bathroom remodels that focus on practical upgrades can yield an ROI of up to 73%. You may not see an ROI as high if you incorporate a lot of unique or personal touches, like loud wallpaper or vintage cabinetry, but if you plan to stay in your current house for a long time, those personal touches are what can make you fall in love with your bathroom.
Q: Can you DIY your bathroom remodel?
A good rule of thumb is that you should only DIY what’s on the surface of your bathroom. That means that while you can certainly paint your own walls or change your own drawer pulls, you should probably hire a professional to repair your plumbing and install new appliances. Following this rule of thumb can reduce costly errors and safety hazards while potentially securing benefits like a lasting warranty and increased durability.
