Chesters Top 5 Bathroom Trends For 2026: Style, Colour & Aesthetics
Have you noticed that trends seem to be coming and going faster and faster every year? By the time I think I’m on top of a trend, it feels like its already faded! Trying to lock in what vibe I want to go for in my bathroom has me going round in circles – I want something that is trendy but won’t look dated straight away!
Design trends are constantly evolving, often mirroring the state of the world around us. As life outside becomes increasingly chaotic, our homes have transformed into personal sanctuaries; spaces that offer comfort and a reflection of who we are. In New Zealand, we’ve traditionally been followers rather than trendsetters, often taking on styles well after they’ve gained popularity in Europe.
Here is our top 5 up and coming bathroom trends for 2026, that will withstand the test of time:
1. Natural Elements
While we can be slow to adopt styles that gain traction overseas, our approach often involves adding a local twist - incorporating international design influence with Kiwi practicality and a love for natural materials. Kiwis have a particular affinity for timber — from timber floors and benchtops to furniture and cabinetry. If it can be made from wood, chances are it already has a place in a Kiwi home.
I asked Carey, our Chesters Silverdale Showroom Manager, and she agrees. She talked to me about the shift starting this year of customers wanting more textured timber for their cabinetry. “Customers are liking the vertical grooves or ribbed fronts and panels for their bathroom cabinetry. When done right, it adds so much interest to an otherwise minimalist space.”
2. Nature-Inspired Colours
Recently people have been stepping away from the classic white, grey and chrome bathroom aesthetic that Kiwis have stuck to and are embracing warmer and nature inspired designs. Earthy tones are on the rise, bringing a subtle pop of colour while creating a calm and warm atmosphere. Terracotta, sandy beige, warm taupe, and forest green will dominate, moving away from the purely white aesthetic.
What’s up with all the white? As rather late followers of the trend cycle, maybe we will be seeing Pantone’s colour of the year ‘Cloud Dancer’ come through more in 2027 or 2028 – Thanks, but no thanks. I will be sticking to my warm and earthy colours.
Carey also told me that at the beginning of this year there was a lot of grays with black accents. Over the course of the year, she has definitely noticed the shift towards warmer, more natural colours. Gun metal and brushed nickel are the most popular colours at the moment in her Showroom and this looks to carry on in 2026. These colours look good against the timbers, and natural earthy tones.
“Methven’s updated Waipori MK2 Range fits perfectly into this shift to nature inspired colours. Alongside the refined design, they’ve introduced a new Brushed Bronze finish, a rich brown toned hue that brings depth, warmth, and a touch of luxury to any bathroom space. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate earthy tones while keeping things modern and stylish.” - Brooke, Chesters New Lynn Showroom Consultant.
3. Textured Finishes
To enhance the natural vibe and earthy colour palette shaping 2026 bathroom trends, textured finishes introduce depth and interest to spaces that might otherwise feel sterile. Incorporate matte sinks or brushed tapware to achieve the look, or choose tiles that replicate natural finishes such as woodgrain or stone. Carey also told me that the clients she works with are bringing in multiple different tiles they are incorporating into the one space, rather than just sticking to the Kiwi way of having one tile for the walls and floors. The Waipori MK2 tapware collection incorporates the texture trend through their new ‘brushed’ range which comes in Brushed Nickle or Brushed Bronze, adding visual interest to the space. Waipori MK2 puts a twist on traditional tapware shapes.
4. Spa-Inspired Spaces
In the past, bathrooms tended to be more functional than anything else, but more people are looking to create a spa like sanctuary - especially as more people look for ways to unwind after a long day. Soft, calming colour palettes paired with natural materials like stone, marble, or wood can instantly elevate the space and bring in that serene, spa inspired atmosphere.
After speaking to Brooke, I’m convinced I need to create a spa inspired bathroom in my own home. “For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding a beautiful freestanding bath or upgrading your current setup with a rainfall showerhead, both can completely transform your daily routine”.
If you’re after the ultimate spa experience at home, the Waipori MK2 tapware collection delivers. Featuring Methven’s innovative Satinjet® technology, these showers create an immersive, full-body experience you’ll love by using twin jets that collide to form over 300,000 droplets every second. If you haven’t experienced Satinjet, visit a Chesters Showroom to feel the difference for yourself.
“For clients looking to make their bathroom feel like a daily spa, this tapware line truly supports that vision. Not only does it embody the emerging trends toward natural materials, but it also delivers on performance and has such a timeless appeal. For my clients looking to make their bathroom feel like a daily spa, this tapware line truly supports that vision.” Rebecca, Chesters Dunedin Showroom Consultant.
5. Creating Wet & Dry Bathroom Spaces
Putting thought into the layout of the bathroom by creating a ‘wet space’ and a ‘dry space’ in your bathroom plans is gaining popularity. This plays into the trend of moving away from bathrooms being purely functional to being a space people enjoy being in. Customers have done this by either having an open plan bathroom and having slanted floors in the wet area to catch all the water from the shower or bath, or fully screening in their shower and bath to a section of the bathroom.
I asked Gavin, our New Lynn Showroom manager, for his opinion on the rise in wet spaces for bathrooms. We discussed how designing your bathroom with separate wet and dry zones makes life easier for busy families - whether it’s kids splashing in the bath or dogs shaking off after a shower. With a fully screened wet area, say goodbye to those unexpected wet socks! Beyond aesthetics, it’s easier maintenance as you can hose down the whole wet area with ease, especially if you have glass screening between the wet and dry zones.
One of our customers is a plumber, and I got to talk to him about his bathroom as I knew he had recently renovated. He screened in the wet space with a glass panel and glass door – his wife loves it! When she takes a bath, it creates a steam room effect. If you’re into creating a ‘spa inspired space’ this is a layout you would definitely want to consider adding to your ‘bathroom requirements’ list.
To Sum It Up…
Trends may come and go, but these 2026 bathroom styles feel timeless, creating a space you’ll enjoy stepping into for years to come. If you want help to create a bathroom space that you will love or need some guidance getting started, book a free consult with one of our Chesters Showroom Team.