2026 Bathroom Trends: NKBA | KBIS Report Highlight

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS) recently released its 2026 Bath Trends Report, and all signs point to the bath design landscape in a state of flux. The evolution of technology is particularly driving shifts, with the report identifying three areas of growth:

· Technology in Design Inspiration: Younger homeowners are turning to AI for design inspiration that integrates smart features, sustainability, and style.

· Technology in Fixtures: Smart home integration is expanding rapidly through intelligent showers, lighting, and energy systems.

· Technology for Wellness: Health-oriented features, stress-reduction tools, and aging-in-place innovations are becoming mainstream.

In addition to technology, personalized tastes and lifestyles are continuing to be the driving force behind color, style, and materials selection, as well as storage configurations and bath layout.

Insights from the report come from nearly 700 industry experts, including designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects, and more. Additional key findings include the following.

Colors and Materials Trends in the Bath

Light neutrals and wood-faced vanities are a couple of the colors and materials trends identified in the 2026 bath report.

· Light Neutrals: In near total agreement, 96% of respondents identified neutrals as the most popular bath colors, with off-white (58%), light brown/tan (54%), and white (40%) earning the dominant responses.

· Shades of Green: Brown-based greens, like sage (64%) and olive (43%), are expected to be popular choices, while bolder hues, like teal/turquoise (19%) and emerald/juniper (16%), received far less attention.

· Timeless Design: Transitional/timeless design tops the list, with 70% of respondents naming it as a popular style in the next three years. The style is followed by organic/natural (65%) and contemporary/modern/minimalism (57%) designs.

· Removing Fine Lines: Homeowners are looking for smaller or no grout lines on the floor, according to 89% of those surveyed. Additionally, 91% agree that durability and practicality to minimize upkeep is the top consideration for choosing a flooring material, supporting 80% who believe large format flooring will be the most popular over the next three years.

·​​​​​​​ Natural Materials: Wood-faced vanities (62%) have overtaken painted (53%) in popularity as biophilic design continues to be prioritized in the bath.

·​​​​​​​ Polished Is Out: For faucets, matte (54%), brushed (51%), and satin (46%) were all more popular than a polished finish (39%), pointing to organic, natural design cues.

The Bath's Footprint Is Growing

Larger bath spaces are making way for spa-like amenities as homeowners prioritize personalization and well-being.​​​​​​​

The overall bath footprint will increase to make room for wellness-centered spaces, universal design considerations, and efficient storage solutions, according to 72% of respondents.

The space allocation in the primary bath is a top priority according to 89% of respondents. More than half say a larger shower size is more important than having a bathtub, which allows for more spa-like features and amenities within the shower, including steam options, saunas, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and integrated seating and shelving.

Bath Design Looks to Hospitality for Wellness Inspiration

Tying bath design to a homeowner's hotel or resort experience is expected to be a popular practice, according to 77% of respondents.

The report reasons that this isn't due to one feature like a smart toilet (though 51% agree smart toilets will rise in popularity over the next three years) or a new tile color (patterned and textured tiles are gaining prominence, according to 66%). Instead, it's a fundamental shift in how we perceive and use the primary bathroom, moving from a purely utilitarian space to a sanctuary dedicated to physical and mental well-being, while also being smart and environmentally conscious.

Layers of Light in the Bath

Lighting quality is a top consideration when it comes to bath design, according to 91% of respondents. In practice, this means prioritizing layers and levels of lighting:

· ​​​​​​​Task Lighting: 92% agree that task lighting should always be included in the primary bath.

·​​​​​​​ Mood Lighting: 51% predict mood lighting in shower will gain prominence.

· ​​​​​​​Time-of-Day Lighting: 80% are including nighttime-specific lighting, and 88% list natural lighting as a top priority.

·​​​​​​​ Aesthetic Lighting: 47% favor integrated lighting in mirrors over the next three years.

Custom Bath Solutions

More and more, smart technology is being integrated into the bath to customize daily rituals and improve well-being. Custom storage solutions are also being thoughtfully integrated into vanity and cabinetry design.

Item-specific storage includes built-in storage for hair tools, makeup, and medications, electrical integration, custom dividers and organizers to maximize drawer efficiency, and charging stations for electronic devices within vanity cabinetry.

Accessibility Is Elegant

Aging-in-place design elements have become so mainstream that in addition to function, these universal design fixtures prioritize beauty as well. Grab bars, curbless showers, shower benches, barrier-free shower entries, and wider doors are subtle, crucial safety features that, according to the report, also make a primary bath look more luxurious and elevated.

Of those surveyed, 32% agree that aging-in-place is now a mainstream trend; 48% agree that it’s on its way to becoming one.

How to Choose OVS Bath Products that Match These Trends?

·​​​​​​​ Want a stylish bathroom? Choose OVS's smart toilets, where technology and design enhance your experience, making each use convenient and comfortable.

·​​​​​​​ Love minimalist style? Consider OVS's one-piece or wall-hung toilets. Their streamlined design and clean lines make spaces appear more open, effortlessly blending into modern home aesthetics.

·​​​​​​​ Seeking durability and low maintenance? OVS toilets undergo rigorous quality checks for long-term stability and easy cleaning, keeping your bathroom tidy.

· ​​​​​​​Interested in accessibility? OVS's ADA toilet is designed for comfort and convenience, catering to all household members, especially those needing special care.

·​​​​​​​ Need flexible space solutions? OVS provides a range of wash basins, bathroom cabinets, and faucets in various sizes and configurations to maximize every inch of your bathroom.

The 2026 bathroom design trend will focus on the combination of practicality and artistry. Modern homeowners desire bathrooms that enhance their quality of life while showcasing their unique style. OVS bathroom products are the ideal choice to align with these trends: a minimalist and elegant design combined with smart features and refined finishes, allowing every detail to reflect exceptional quality and modernity. Choose OVS to effortlessly realize your dream bathroom space.