
Bathroom Design Trends to Inspire Your Next Project
Published on March 5, 2026
Posted in Inspiration
by MKM
3m 54s min read
Are you planning a bathroom refresh? If you're looking for inspiration for your next project, you've come to the right place. We’ve been diving deep into what homeowners and designers are searching for, and we’re excited to share the bathroom trends shaping bathroom projects.
Thinking about a new bathroom is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation. It’s a chance to create a personal sanctuary. But with so many choices, it can be tricky to know where to start. Should you go for a light and airy feel, or embrace a darker, more dramatic look?
This guide will walk you through the key styles, materials and features that continue to influence bathroom design, helping you create a space that’s not just beautiful, but perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
Furniture: Natural, Modular & Sustainable
The right furniture sets the tone for your entire bathroom. The focus is on creating spaces that feel both natural and highly functional. While neutral tones remain a popular choice for their calming effect, there’s a growing move towards richer, more complex colour palettes.
Check out our modular furniture collection online or in our brochure.
Dark Woods & Mixed Materials
Get ready to embrace the dark side. Darker wood finishes have made a strong comeback, offering warmth and sophistication that feels luxurious. Think deep walnuts and rich oaks that add depth and character to vanity units and cabinets.
Another key design trend is the mixing of materials. A sleek, dark wood vanity paired with a matt lacquer front creates contrast and visual interest, turning furniture into a real focal point.
These looks are perfectly reflected in the Walcot and Faber bathroom furniture collections from Roper Rhodes at MKM, both featuring rich walnut finishes that bring depth and elegance to modern bathrooms. Paired with lighter surfaces or contemporary fittings, they create a balanced, high‑end feel.

Smart, Space‑Saving Designs
As more homeowners work with smaller bathrooms and ensuites, the demand for compact and fitted furniture continues to grow. Clever, space‑saving solutions allow you to maximise storage without compromising on style.
Fitted, modular units can be configured to suit your exact space and storage needs, helping you make the most of every square inch. It’s an ideal way to achieve a bespoke look without the cost of full custom joinery. Speak to your local MKM branch about how they can help with free bathroom design.
A Focus on Sustainability
Eco‑conscious design is no longer a niche concern. Sustainability now plays a central role in how many people approach home renovations, including bathrooms.
There’s increasing interest in furniture made from more sustainable and recycled materials, helping homeowners create spaces that look great while reducing environmental impact. Choosing more sustainable options is also a smart way to help future‑proof your home.
Finishes: Timeless Taps & Tactile Textures
Fixtures and finishes have the power to elevate an entire bathroom design. The emphasis is on finishes that are both stylish and built to last, with growing attention on texture and feel.
Brushed brass and matt black remain firm favourites. Brushed brass adds warmth and a classic touch, while matt black offers a bold, contemporary statement.
There’s also rising interest in mixed‑metal combinations. Pairing brushed brass with polished nickel, for example, creates a layered, sophisticated look that feels timeless rather than trend‑driven.
Textured and satin finishes are becoming increasingly popular too. These surfaces add subtle luxury, feel great to the touch and are more practical, showing fewer fingerprints and water marks than high‑gloss alternatives.
Discover our full range of taps in branch or online.
Spa Bathrooms: Calm, Comfort & Digital Detox
As daily life becomes increasingly busy and connected, bathrooms are evolving into places to properly switch off. Spa‑inspired designs continue to grow in popularity, with a focus on calm colour palettes, tactile materials and soft, ambient lighting.
Natural finishes combined with subtle luxury help create a relaxing atmosphere. A great example pairs the Faber Vanity Unit in Sand Oak with a Loop Illuminated Mirror, featuring dimmable LEDs and colour control to set the right mood. Finished with a Bianco marble countertop, Pill basin and a brushed bronze dual‑function shower, the look is elevated with textured tiles and soft‑toned walls for a truly tranquil retreat.
Finished with textured tiles in soft, neutral tones, the space feels calm and considered. Stone‑effect and marble‑inspired tiles add depth without overwhelming the design, while matt finishes help create a more soothing, spa‑style atmosphere.

Mirrors: Soft Shapes & Smart Features
Mirrors are no longer just practical additions; they’re key design features that can transform a space.
Soft, curved shapes such as rounded, arched and capsule‑style mirrors are increasingly popular, helping to soften the straight lines often found in bathroom layouts and creating a more welcoming feel.
Frameless mirrors are also making a return, valued for their clean, minimalist look that works beautifully in modern bathrooms.
Technology continues to integrate seamlessly into bathroom design. Backlit and smart mirrors with features like adjustable lighting and built‑in demisters add both practicality and atmosphere. The Roper Rhodes Loop backlit mirror is a great example, combining task lighting with a soft ambient glow.
Sanitaryware: Eco‑Friendly & Easy to Clean
Sanitaryware may be practical, but it’s ungoing meaningful innovation. Modern designs focus on improved hygiene, ease of cleaning and water efficiency.
Rimless toilets are growing in popularity thanks to their easy‑clean design, eliminating hard‑to‑reach areas where germs can build up. The Roper Rhodes Faber sanitaryware range also includes hush‑flush technology, reducing noise without sacrificing performance. Paired with efficient flushing systems, these features make modern toilets a smart choice for busy households.
Ready to Create Your Dream Bathroom?
Today’s bathroom trends are all about personalisation with a practical edge. It’s about creating a space that reflects your style while remaining functional, sustainable and built to last. From dark wood furniture and tactile finishes to smart mirrors and eco‑friendly sanitaryware, there are endless ways to design a bathroom that works for you.
Feeling inspired? Starting a renovation can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Visit your local branch, book a free design appointment, or download our brochure to explore your options.
