Forecasts about trends you’re destined to see in home design and home decor for the upcoming new year are abound.

Timeless and classic but with a twist, will allow a modern meets traditional take on the details of the design itself that won’t feel old or outdated and that will have guests guessing as to what year your home was actually built.

Stained Cabinetry

Depending on the stain specific color depth and undertone used, stained cabinetry can add a significant amount of warmth and ambiance to a bathroom space. Stain also allows the wood species detail to shine as seen in our primary bathroom renovation above, adding texture and pattern as opposed to painted cabinets. Bonus points also go to stained cabinets which tend to be more durable and require less long term touch ups than their painted counterparts.

Wallpapers in powder baths and in some areas of primary and secondary baths like open storage areas, toilet rooms, and around the bath vanity (but above a backsplash to protect from water at the sink).


Bottom line if you’re looking to make a statement in your bathroom, wallpaper is a wonderful way to add a powerful punch of color, texture, and pattern to the often ignored walls in a bathroom.


Wallpaper


Wallpaper is a great way to add a WOW factor in any room. That said, there is a but for me when it comes to using wallpaper in a bathroom…but, you must be careful, as a word…. water. While there are some wonderful wallpapers that can stand up to high moisture areas like vinyl wallpaper, it would not be advisable to use it in kids bathrooms or bathrooms where there’s a steam shower.


Better and Bolder When it Comes to Backsplashes


Thankfully designers have been pulling contractors and builders along into modern times when it comes to backsplashes. They have been willed into submission and saying goodbye to the old standard 4 inch back and side splashes on three sides of a sink surround and hello to better details. Backsplashes today range from carrying the same countertop material right up the wall, to curves and scallops and all sorts of stunning, intricate shapes to set one’s design apart. Bottom line on backsplashes: go bold or stay boring, you decide.

Twist on Traditional Tile


2026 predictions are that bold colors for tile and trim will take center stage in bathroom design. Depending on your source, you might be misled into thinking that all white bathrooms, and kitchens for that matter, are on their way out (that my friend will never happen). Again, timeless and classic.

When it comes to tile in a bathroom, you can do every which way but loose when it comes to your preferred color of choice. I say go with what you love (as long as the undertones of the other hard finish surface materials and paint are complementary) but always keep resale in mind before you finalize your design decisions.


Pattern play will also continue to have its say in the new year, allowing a wonderful twist on traditional when it comes to tile. For instance, an elongated modern white subway tile for both the shower and tub wall surround in a half offset pattern. So timeless and classic subway tile but with a modern twist when it came to tile size. Another twist that can be added is , turning the layout along the base of the wall to a row of straight soldier stack for a special trim treatment. There’s so much you can do when it comes to tile as far as size, color, finish, trim, the only limit is your imagination….and your desired budget.

Storage Solutions

When it comes to storage solutions, functionality and organization will always be a top priority. The focus on finding storage solutions that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the space will be a consistent theme next year as will the rise of boutique-inspired designs that cater to individual style and maximize organization.


From custom-built cabinets to unique or hidden storage solutions, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a personalized and organized bathroom. These solutions not only help keep the bathroom clutter-free but also add a touch of individuality to the space. In this primary bathroom renovation, we opted for open shelving to minimize the imposing storage cabinet look, showcasing the gorgeous reeded detail on the wood shelves that mirror the detail on the custom bathroom vanities.


Start thinking about how you can incorporate some of these “trends” into your own bathroom and make it truly one-of-a-kind. After all, a well-designed bathroom is not just a space for your daily routines to get ready for your day, it should be a sanctuary of self-expression that you retreat to for relaxation at the end of a long, long day.