The One Bathroom Trend Designers Don’t Want to See in 2026

It’s been a long few years of hearing how millennial gray is officially over and never coming back. And we get it! It’s time to embrace color and personality in our spaces, and we wholeheartedly agree.

This is why it makes perfect sense, then, that another beloved trend has officially been declared over. Consider 2025 the official end of the all-white bathroom.

Why All White Bathrooms Are Out in 2026

According to designer Steven Graffam, this transition away from an all-white bathroom is long overdue.

“People finally realized an all-white bathroom is like a diet of plain toast,” he says. “It’s clean, yes, but where’s the joy?”

Unfortunately, while an all-white bathroom might look bright, breezy, and beautiful in a photo, it often feels far too cold and clinical in practice. 

“Our homes are meant to feel alive, not like a hospital,” says Graffam. “Adding color, texture, and personality turns a space from sterile to stylish.”

In addition to a stark and sterile feel, all-white bathrooms are a cleaning nightmare. 

“Every drip, splash, or stray mascara wand is on full display,” Graffam says.

Rather than feeling like zen escape, that means all-white bathrooms have become a bit of a stressor—and that’s the last thing you want.

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What to Do With an All White Bathroom

If you have an all-white bathroom and don’t know what to do now, don’t fret. There are plenty of small ways to keep this space from feeling too sterile.

Add Personality

You don’t have to do a major bathroom renovation to fix your all-white space. In fact, you don’t even have to bust out a can of paint. Graffam says all you really need to do to get started is add a little personality.

“Swap in a textured rug, some colorful towels, or a statement mirror,” he says. “A wood or wicker accessory here, a bold soap dispenser there.”

These steps alone should elevate the room to a clean, cozy, and chic space.

Mix in Multiple Colors

On your quest to fix your bathroom’s color palette, designer and futurist John Stivale warns against adding all one hue as an accent shade. In fact, he says going matchy-matchy the biggest mistake people make when fixing their all-white spaces. 

“Throw in a contrasting faucet, a sculptural light, or a textured tile, and suddenly the space pops,” he says. “It’s like giving a minimalist a quirky sidekick—they make each other look way cooler.” 

Rely on Textures

Don’t see your all-white bathroom as a mistake. See it instead as the perfect clean palette. With this in mind, Stivale says it’s a great idea to focus on adding texture just as much—if not more—than color.

This can also help you preserve the bright feeling you were chasing by going all-white to begin with. 

“Layer in subtle textures, unexpected materials, or soft accent colors to give these spaces warmth and personality—without losing their sense of clarity,” he says. “Essentially, it’s about evolving white from a uniform backdrop into a canvas for experience and mood.”

The New “All-White Bathroom”

As people shy away from this minimalist bathroom look, Graffam predicts they’ll move toward a space that feels like a true wellness retreat.

“Expect to see a shift toward nature-inspired palettes, textured materials, and multi-sensory experiences,” he says. “Think rich stone and clay tones, matte finishes, and integrated lighting that adjusts for mood or circadian rhythm.”

Moving into 2026, it won’t be purely about function. Graffam says our bathrooms will evolve into micro-retreats.

“[We’ll] blend wellness, technology, and design, almost like a private spa in your home,” he says.