As we look ahead to 2026, Brisbane homeowners are embracing bathroom designs that feel calming, natural, and timeless. At Hunter Bathrooms Brisbane, we’re seeing a clear shift away from the stark, minimalist looks of years past, with clients wanting warmth, comfort, and practicality built into every corner.
Here are the top bathroom trends set to define Brisbane homes in 2026.
1. Earthy Tones Are Replacing White and Grey
For years, crisp white and cool grey dominated bathroom palettes — but not anymore. In 2026, earthy tones are taking the lead. Think warm beiges, soft browns, muted greens, and natural textures that bring the outdoors in.
Wood-textured vanities paired with stone benchtops are particularly popular, offering a grounded, organic feel without sacrificing durability. This combination creates a beautiful focal point and brings that natural element homeowners are craving.
2. Niches Still Work, But Ledges Are the New Statement
Shower niches have long been the go-to solution for built-in storage, and while they remain popular, a new contender is emerging: the feature ledge.
A ledge with matching coloured edging can create a striking visual line through the room, adding both interest and practicality. However, it’s important to note that ledges only work in certain layouts — specifically along the back wall in a walk-in shower at the end of the room. For many Brisbane bathrooms, especially smaller ones, this layout isn’t always achievable, making niches the more flexible choice.
3. Walk-In Showers Remain a Favourite (When Space Allows)
Walk-in showers with no doors continue to be one of Brisbane’s most requested features. They look stunning, are easy to clean, and give the bathroom a luxurious, open feel.
However, they do require generous space to prevent water from escaping into the rest of the room. Many typical Brisbane bathrooms simply don’t have the room for a true walk-in design, so it’s important to consider layout early in the planning process.
4. Large Format Tiles for a Timeless Look
Large tiles, especially 600×600, are dominating bathroom renovations in 2026. Keeping the entire space to one tile selection — with no feature walls — is a trend driven by simplicity and longevity.
A single-tile bathroom doesn’t date quickly, maintains a cohesive and modern look, and becomes a blank canvas for accessories. Homeowners can then easily refresh the space with towels, décor, or plants in any colour they like.
5. Creating a “Sanctuary Necessity”
A phrase we hear often during design consultations is “Sanctuary necessity.”
Homeowners want their bathroom to be more than just functional — they want a peaceful retreat where they can escape the daily grind. Soft lighting, warm tones, natural textures, and clutter-free surfaces all help create this spa-like environment. It’s about balancing beauty with practicality while delivering a deeply relaxing space.
6. Above-Counter Basins and Wall-Mounted Tapware
Above-counter basins paired with wall-inlet tapware are adding sophistication to Brisbane bathrooms. This combination elevates the vanity as a design feature and creates a cleaner, more elegant aesthetic.
It’s a subtle shift, but one that makes the bathroom feel instantly more high-end.
7. The Rise of Biophilic Bathroom Design
Another word we’re hearing more often is biophilia — the concept of bringing natural elements indoors to create a stronger connection with nature.
In bathrooms, this trend is being expressed through:
- timber benchtops
- wood-look tiles
- natural grains
- earthy colour palettes
- plant-friendly spaces
A great example is a project we completed in East Brisbane last year, featuring green wall tiles paired with a timber benchtop — a perfect mix of modern style and natural warmth.
8. Bidet Toilets Are Becoming More Popular
Travelling Aussies are returning from Japan with a newfound appreciation for bidet toilets, and the trend is growing here in Brisbane.
However, installing a bidet toilet is not as simple as swapping out a standard suite. They require both plumbing and electrical connections, and only approved bidets can be installed to prevent contaminated water flowing back into the drinking supply.
If the bidet doesn’t include an air gap or non-return valve, an RPZD valve must be installed by a plumber — costing around $2,500, plus mandatory annual inspections. These requirements can scare some homeowners off, but those who commit absolutely love the upgrade.
9. Toto and Caroma Smart Toilets
Toto remains the most popular manufacturer in the smart toilet space, but their suites typically start from $6,000+.
A more budget-friendly option is the Caroma Urban, priced around $3,000, offering a simpler but still effective bidet-cleaning experience.
As technology becomes more mainstream, we expect smart toilets to appear in more Brisbane homes over the coming years.
10. Smarter Storage for Smaller Homes
With many Brisbane homes — especially workers’ cottages — short on space, practical storage is a growing priority in bathroom design.
Tallboys, recessed cabinetry, and clever vanity configurations are all gaining traction. The goal is simple: maximise storage without crowding the room, especially in compact bathrooms.
Ready to Renovate Your 2026 Bathroom?
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Brisbane and want a space that feels fresh, natural, and truly calming, Hunter Bathrooms Brisbane can bring your vision to life.
From earthy palettes and biophilic features to clever layouts and luxury touches, we design bathrooms that stand the test of time while giving you that “sanctuary necessity” you’ve been dreaming of.
Get in touch with our team today to start planning your 2026 bathroom transformation.