BETHLEHEM, PA — The bathroom design landscape is currently “in a state of flux,” with rapidly evolving residential technology marking “an impending shift” in the lifestyles of homeowners.
That is the key finding of the 2026 Bath Trends Report, a comprehensive study that provides insights into current and emerging trends in residential baths. The report, issued by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, was based on a survey of nearly 700 kitchen/bath designers, dealers, remodelers, product suppliers, architects and others, according to the Bethlehem, PA-based NKBA.
Among the findings of the NKBA report is a trend among younger homeowners turning to AI for design inspiration that integrates smart features, sustainability and style. At the same time, smart-home integration is expanding rapidly through “intelligent” showers, lighting and energy systems, while health-oriented features, stress-reduction tools and aging-in-place innovations are becoming increasingly mainstream, the NKBA said.
Bath footprints will also increase to make room for wellness-centered spaces, universal design considerations, and efficient storage solutions, the NKBA observed. More than half of those polled also reported that a larger shower size is more important than having a bathtub, allowing for spa-like shower features and amenities, including steam options, saunas, aromatherapy, chromotherapy and integrated seating and shelving.
Among other key findings:
- Smart technology is increasingly being integrated in bath design “to achieve a more individualized daily ritual and as a tool to impact overall well-being,” the NKBA reported. Custom storage solutions with configurable modules are also being integrated into bath vanities – including built-in storage for hair tools, makeup, and medications, electrical integration, custom dividers and organizers, and charging stations.
- Aging-in-place elements such as grab bars, curb-less showers, shower benches, wide doors and barrier-free shower entries “have become so mainstream that in addition to function, these universal design fixtures prioritize beauty as well.”
- Neutrals are the most popular bath colors, with off-white, light brown/tan, and white earning the dominant response ahead of dark brown, black, and dark gray/slate. Brown-based greens such as sage and olive are expected to be popular color choices, while bolder hues like teal/turquoise and emerald/juniper will receive far less attention.
- Transitional/timeless design tops the list of style choices, followed by organic/natural and contemporary/modern/minimalism designs. Wood-faced vanities have overtaken painted in popularity, as biophilic design continues to be prioritized in the bath.
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