When it comes to home design, change is the only constant. Trends come and go, but every so often, a new wave of ideas sweeps through, promising to redefine the spaces we live in. As 2025 draws to a close and the world looks ahead to 2026, the bathroom—often the most overlooked room in the house—is poised for a transformation. Simultaneously, some of the year’s hottest decorative accents are already fading into obscurity, leaving homeowners to ponder what truly stands the test of time.
According to Southern Living, 2026 will be the year bathrooms finally get their moment in the design spotlight. No longer relegated to bland, utilitarian spaces, bathrooms are now becoming canvases for creativity and self-expression. Three interior designers—Ashley Hunt and Savannah McPartland of Haddy House Interiors in Houston, Texas, and Emily "Bird" Lambert of Bird’s Eye Design in Atlanta—shared their insights on the trends set to shape bathroom design in the coming year.
One of the most eye-catching developments is the rise of picture-frame tile molding. "It’s a great way to frame a vanity wall, highlight a shower niche, or create definition in a space without relying on heavy trim," Hunt and McPartland explained. This technique, which has been gaining traction in other areas of home design, is now making its way into bathrooms, adding an architectural, tailored touch that feels both modern and timeless.
Stained cabinetry is also making a comeback, with Meg Lonergan, founder of Meg Lonergan Interiors in Houston and Austin, championing its durability and warmth. "Not only are stained cabinets more durable than painted, the texture and tone provide an additional layer of warmth to the space that makes a bathroom feel rich and timeless," Lonergan said. This shift towards stained finishes reflects a broader desire for materials that age gracefully and add depth to interiors.
But it’s not just about cabinetry. Tile is taking center stage in new and unexpected ways. Lambert is convinced that 2026 will be all about creative tile play—think playful stripes in a kids’ bath or a shower door framed with tile trim for a polished, bespoke finish. "Even the very same material can create subtle but striking details," she noted, emphasizing how inventive layouts and trims can achieve a custom look without the commitment (or risk) of bold colors or clashing finishes.
Wallpaper, too, is enjoying a renaissance in the bathroom. Hunt and McPartland insist, "Wallpaper is making a big return in bathrooms, offering the perfect chance to add personality and pattern." The beauty of this trend is its versatility—there’s a wallpaper for every style, from dramatic powder bath statements to subtle, textured looks in a primary suite. It’s a simple way to inject character into a space that’s often overlooked.
Lambert, for her part, is ready to bid farewell to the all-white bathroom—a mainstay for years. "Clients are asking for moody colors paired with dark woods, warm metals, and stones full of movement," she described. The result? Bathrooms that feel cozy, intimate, and, as she put it, "a little bit sexy." For those looking to make a bold statement without a major renovation, Lambert recommends dramatic paint colors such as Milkshake or Barberry by Benjamin Moore, applied to walls, trim, and even ceilings for instant impact.
Another notable shift is in backsplash design. According to Hunt and McPartland, backsplashes are moving well beyond the standard four inches, extending much higher up the wall. This approach "not only offers better protection but also creates a striking design element, especially when paired with bold tile or stone," the designers said. The expanded backsplash is both practical and visually impactful—a win-win in any busy household.
While bathrooms are set to embrace color, pattern, and architectural details in 2026, some of 2025’s most popular trends are already losing their luster elsewhere in the home. As reported by House Digest, marble chain links—once the darling of shelf styling—are now being labeled as dated and overdone. Earlier in the year, these chunky, sculptural accents were touted as a must-have for any stylish living room. But as the months ticked by, their appeal faded.
One reason for their decline? Authenticity—or rather, the lack of it. While marble is a luxurious, timeless material, many of the chain link accents flooding the market are made from artificial marble. As sustainability and genuine natural designs take center stage, these mass-produced, inauthentic pieces are falling out of favor. The chain link shape itself, once seen as a clever minimalist accent, is now criticized for feeling "obviously unnatural," especially as the trend has become ubiquitous in the past year.
Designers are encouraging homeowners to swap out marble chain links for more unique, one-of-a-kind objects with personality and sculptural interest. The argument is simple: why settle for something trendy and hollow when you can display a piece that tells a story or brings genuine character to a space? As House Digest put it, "Professionals encourage people to aim for more one-of-a-kind designs, rather than a trendy shape that lacks personality." The push is towards soulful, meaningful decor—items that feel timeless rather than fleeting.
This shift away from mass-produced trends is part of a broader movement in interior design. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their spaces feel personal and enduring, rather than simply following the latest fads. The lesson of the marble chain link is clear: just because something is everywhere doesn’t mean it’s here to stay. Instead, designers suggest investing in pieces that offer practical value, unique attributes, or a story worth telling.
As the new year approaches, the message from design professionals is one of balance. Embrace the bold, the colorful, and the creative in spaces like the bathroom, where a splash of personality can go a long way. At the same time, be wary of fleeting trends that may leave your home feeling dated before the paint is even dry. Opt for authenticity, craftsmanship, and designs that reflect your own taste and story.
In the end, the homes that stand out—and stand the test of time—are those that blend the best of what’s new with the enduring appeal of the classics. Whether you’re planning a bathroom overhaul or simply swapping out a shelf accent, the key is to choose what feels right for you. After all, a truly beautiful home is one that evolves, reflects its inhabitants, and never feels like it’s trying too hard to keep up with the neighbors.
