Bathroom Trends in the UK: What’s Big in 2026

Bathrooms are no longer just practical spaces — in 2026, they’re becoming personal retreats. Across Sussex and Surrey, homeowners are looking for rooms that combine comfort, style, and a sense of calm, turning everyday routines into moments of relaxation.

At Opus Bathrooms, we’ve been bringing these ideas to life for clients in Brighton, Horsham, and beyond, focusing on thoughtful design, high-quality craftsmanship, and installations that feel effortless.

Here’s a closer look at the bathroom trends we think will shape 2026.

1. Spa-Inspired Bathrooms: Bringing Everyday Luxury Home

Calm, restorative spaces are increasingly popular. Many clients want bathrooms that feel like mini-spas — somewhere to unwind after a long day.

Some features that really bring the spa feeling include:

• Freestanding baths as a statement piece

• Rainfall or digital showers

• Underfloor heating and heated towel rails

• Soft, layered ambient lighting to create atmosphere

• Minimal clutter for a serene look

In Sussex, we often adapt these ideas to the home’s layout — for example, using clever storage solutions to keep the space feeling open. The result is a bathroom that’s both luxurious and practical, designed to be enjoyed every day.

2. Colour and Tiles: Warm, Welcoming, and Full of Character

The all-white or Grey bathroom trend is fading. In 2025 going into 2026, clients are embracing warmer tones and richer colour palettes that give spaces personality without feeling overwhelming.

Popular colours include:

• Natural shades like sand, clay, soft taupe, olive green, and terracotta

• Deep blues or forest greens for feature walls

Tile trends:

• Textured or fluted tiles for added depth

• Geometric or patterned designs

• Artisanal finishes with subtle vintage touches

Decorative Finishes:

• Bespoke floral or geometric wall papers

• Pastel coloured decorative finishes like micro-cement and lime washed paints

• Textured wall panels

Our approach at Opus Bathrooms is to combine bold choices with proportion and flow, ensuring the design feels timeless. A striking tile wall in a mid Sussex home, for example, can become a talking point without dominating the room. Check out Mandarin Stone for tile ideas that are bang on trend https://www.mandarinstone.com/

3. Natural Materials and Biophilic Design

Bringing the outdoors in is another trend that continues to grow. Materials like wood-effect cabinetry, stone tiles, and natural finishes help create a calming, balanced atmosphere.

Adding a few well-chosen plants or wooden accessories can make a bathroom feel warmer and more inviting. Our team works with clients to integrate these elements seamlessly, so the space feels cohesive rather than cluttered.

4. Mixed Metals and Thoughtful Hardware

Chrome is no longer the default. In 2026, many homeowners prefer softer, more characterful finishes like:

• Brushed or satin nickel

• Muted brass or bronze

• Dark, textured or patinated metals

Rather than matching everything perfectly, mixing metal finishes adds depth and personality. In practice, this might mean pairing a bronze tap with a nickel showerhead — a subtle detail that elevates the overall design

5. Smart, Sustainable Bathroom Design

Sustainability is more important than ever. Water-saving taps, dual flush toilets, energy efficient lighting, and smart showers are becoming standard.

Clients increasingly want technology that improves comfort without compromising style. Touchless taps, smart toilets, digitally controlled showers, smart mirrors or ambient lighting are popular options.

At Opus Bathrooms, we guide homeowners in Sussex on how to make eco-friendly choices that fit their budget and their bathroom’s overall aesthetic.

6. Personalised Bathrooms with a Homely Feel

Bathrooms are starting to feel more like living spaces. Features that make a difference include:

• Softer lighting and layered textures

• Bespoke storage to keep essentials hidden but accessible

• Decorative elements, artwork, or seating

We always tailor designs to the homeowner, combining current trends with personal style. A bathroom in Brighton & Hove, for example, might have a heritage-inspired bath and shelving while still incorporating modern touches like underfloor heating or a statement tile wall. Or a modern bathroom in Horsham may indulge in a soft taupe & sage Green colour palette with a lowered shadow gap ceiling.

Bringing 2026 Bathroom Trends to Life

Across Sussex and Surrey, homeowners are looking for:

• Calm, spa-like spaces

• Warm, natural colour palettes

• Statement tiles and refined finishes

• Sustainable, smart technology

• Personalised, high-quality installations

At Opus Bathrooms, we combine local knowledge with expert craftsmanship to make these trends a reality. Every project is designed to be enjoyed for years to come, rather than just following the latest fad.

Get in touch if you want a perfectly defined bathroom that doesn’t just look good but meets your needs for many years to come!