NKBA 2026 Bath Trends

02/05/2026 Sofia Feeney

Once a purely functional space, bathrooms have entered a period of transformation, evolving into personal sanctuaries. The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2026 Bath Trends Report, drawing on insights from nearly 700 industry professionals, shows how technology, wellness and thoughtful design are reshaping the bath into a space that nurtures daily rituals and inspires the way we live.

Technology shapes inspiration, function and wellness from the early stages of bath design through daily use. Technology holds a stronger influence now than ever before. Younger homeowners are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to visualize bathrooms that integrate smart features, sustainability and style. This shift is accelerating the adoption of intelligent fixtures and systems, including smart showers, lighting and energy solutions that allow for greater customization.

Wellness-focused technology is also becoming more common. Health-oriented features, stress reduction tools and innovations that support aging comfortably at home are moving into the mainstream, reinforcing the bath’s role as a restorative space rather than a purely utilitarian one.

Colors, materials and timeless design are still favored. Despite rapid innovation, aesthetics remain grounded, with early colors like neutrals, greens and blues positioned to dominate in 2026. Neutral colors remain prominent in the bathroom, with off-white favored by 58%, light brown and tan at 54% and white at 40%. Continuing momentum from 2025, shades of green are maintaining favorability in the space and brown-based greens are fast-emerging as a 2026 staple, gaining significant attention and traction. The report results favored sage by 64% and olive by 43%, while bolder greens such as teal, turquoise, emerald and juniper reported far less interest.

These color preferences extend beyond paint and wall finishes, increasingly shaping material and product choices throughout the bathroom. Hardware finishes, fixtures and surfacing are embracing softer, earthy tones that reinforce a broader design narrative centered on comfort, wellness and a connection to nature. Matte finishes, natural stone tilework and organic color palettes support the report’s prediction that Mediterranean and coastal-inspired interiors will play a growing role in shaping bathroom design, translating relaxed, outdoor-influenced living into more serene and restorative bath environments.

Transitional and timeless designs lead the way, with 70% of respondents identifying transitional or timeless design as the most popular style over the next three years, followed by organic and natural design at 65% and contemporary or minimal styles at 57%.

The primary bath grows in both size and purpose. Baths are getting bigger, with the overall bath footprint expanding to accommodate wellness-centered layouts, universal design features and storage that doesn’t quit. The report finds that 72% of respondents expect the bath footprint to increase, while 89% identify space allocation in the primary bath as a top priority.

More than half of respondents say a larger shower is more important than having a bathtub, a shift that lends itself to spa-inspired features such as steam, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, integrated seating and shelving to become central to the bath experience.

Hospitality is inspiring wellness. Residential bath design is increasingly influenced by hotel and resort experiences, as the report details that 77% of respondents expect designers to draw inspiration from hospitality environments, merging wellness, technology and sustainability into a cohesive design approach. Smart toilets are part of this evolution, with 51% predicting increased popularity, alongside growing interest in patterned and textured tile at 66%.

Lighting, customization and accessibility are priorities. Lighting quality remains essential, cited as a top consideration by 91% of respondents. While task lighting is largely considered necessary, mood lighting in showers, nighttime-specific lighting and natural light are increasingly prioritized. Integrated lighting in mirrors and vanities is also expected to grow, helping create curated, functional environments.

Customization drives storage and organization decisions, including configurable cabinetry, built-in electrical integration, charging stations and item-specific storage such as hot tool organizers. Accessibility continues to gain ground, with 32% of respondents agreeing that aging-in-place design is already mainstream, while 48% say it is on its way, with features such as curbless showers and benches now designed to enhance both safety and aesthetics.

Clients are looking for a bathroom designed for life. The 2026 Bath Trends Report signals a major shift in how bathrooms are designed, specified and delivered. Technology integration and wellness-driven features are expected by homeowners, prompting designers and manufacturers to prioritize durability, flexibility and long-term performance. The bath is evolving into a space defined not by short-term trends but by how people live over time, creating opportunities for innovation, collaboration and differentiation across the kitchen and bath industry.

By Tricia Zach is the Director of Research at the National Kitchen and Bath Association. She can be reached at tzach@nkba.org.