At Banana Bathrooms, our designers work closely with clients across Newcastle and the Central Coast, and in our 2025 and early 2026 renovation projects, we are seeing clear themes emerge.
Updated January 2026 to reflect emerging bathroom design trends across Australia.
As leading bathroom renovators in Newcastle, our team sees firsthand how Australian homeowners are translating global design influences into practical, liveable spaces. Every insight shared in this guide is informed by real bathroom renovation projects, real budgets and real homes across our region.
Whether planning a complete bathroom renovation or looking to make impactful updates, these are the top bathroom trends to inspire your next project.
Designing Luxury with Lauryn: Inside Modern Bathroom Elegance
From a Bathroom Designer’s Perspective
Lauryn Abbo, Senior Design Consultant at Banana Bathrooms, believes a bathroom should be more than just functional. In 2026, the best Australian bathroom designs feel considered, layered and emotionally calming. Luxury now comes from thoughtful planning, refined materials and subtle details rather than excess.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation or new build, these are her five non-negotiables for a beautifully resolved bathroom.
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1. Storage with Purpose: All Drawer Vanities and Shaving Cabinets
Storage is no longer an afterthought; it is a core design feature. In our recent Newcastle bathroom renovation projects, drawer vanity units have been among the most requested upgrades for 2026. They offer complete visibility, easy access and a clean, streamlined look. Soft-close drawers with internal organisers keep everyday items hidden yet accessible, helping maintain visual calm.
Pairing the vanity with a recessed mirrored shaving cabinet enhances both function and space. The mirrored surface reflects light, making bathrooms feel larger and brighter while delivering practical storage without visual clutter.
2. Feature Lighting: Mood, Movement and Moments
Lighting has evolved beyond practicality. Layered lighting is now essential to modern bathroom design in Australia.
Subtle strip lighting along vanities or floors creates safe nighttime navigation and a luxury hotel feel.
Wall sconces near the bath or vanity soften the space and introduce warmth.
Thoughtfully placed lighting transforms the bathroom into a place to unwind, not just get ready.
Across our 2026 renovation projects, clients are increasingly prioritising lighting as a design feature rather than a finishing touch.
3. Underfloor Heating: Invisible Luxury in Australian Bathrooms
Underfloor heating remains one of the most requested luxury inclusions in Australian bathrooms for 2026.
In our experience, clients who include underfloor heating rarely regret the decision. It provides even, efficient warmth, helps keep floors dry to reduce mould and mildew, and supports minimalist design by removing the need for visible heating. It is a feature you do not see, but you feel every day.
4. Feature Tiles vs Large Format Tiles: Finding the Right Balance
Large-format tiles dominate shower areas in the 2026 bathroom design. Fewer grout lines create a seamless, sophisticated look that is easier to clean and maintain.
Feature tiles are best used in selected areas such as vanity walls, niches and behind built in baths. In our projects, this balanced approach keeps the shower calm and timeless while allowing personality and texture to shine elsewhere in the room.
5. Built In Baths with Flair
While freestanding baths remain popular, built-in baths are making a strong comeback in 2026 Australian bathrooms.
Finished with Corian or stone tops, built-in baths offer a bespoke, architectural look with fewer grout lines, easier cleaning and long-term durability. We are seeing increasing demand for this more tailored, integrated approach in both family homes and higher-end renovations.
Bathroom Layout: The Foundation of Good Design
While finishes and fixtures shape how a bathroom looks, layout determines how well it works. According to Jeremy Landers, Draftsman at Banana Bathrooms, bathroom planning is often underestimated, with layout decisions affecting comfort, efficiency and long-term durability.
Getting the layout right early is essential, as changes after waterproofing and tiling can be difficult or impossible.
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Key layout principles to keep in mind:
- Position the vanity or bath as the main focal point when entering
- Keep the toilet out of direct sightlines where possible
- Allow generous clearances for doors and walkways
- Avoid open showers facing vanities or doorways
- Use tile size, mirrors and cabinetry to suit ceiling height and room proportions
- Plan storage early so every item has a dedicated place
We will explore bathroom layout planning in more detail in an upcoming standalone guide.
Pantone Colour of the Year 2026 and Australian Bathroom Design
The Pantone Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, reflects a broader shift we are seeing across Australian bathroom renovations towards calm, softness and simplicity.
This soft off-white tone pairs beautifully with natural stone and timber, acts as a grounding base for warmer earth tones, and creates a sense of space, light and serenity.
Bathroom Tile Trends 2026 Australia: Simple, Bold and Personal
Tiles continue to define bathroom character in 2026, with homeowners embracing bolder choices while still prioritising longevity and balance.
According to Rose Gosper, Sales Manager at Tile Warehouse Warners Bay, there is a clear shift toward statement tiles that deliver personality and impact while maintaining the durability required for everyday Australian bathrooms.
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Key Tile Trends for 2026
Large format statement tiles
Oversized tiles with a natural-stone look create drama with minimal grout lines.
Earth tones are the new neutral
Pale clays, soft ochres, beige and off-white combinations are replacing cool whites.
Darker mid century influences
Mid-century American styling is emerging, featuring darker timbers, strong geometry, and earthy mosaics.
Natural stone with character
Viola Calcatta with purple veining and rich maroon stones are gaining popularity.
Pattern and shape
Checkerboard layouts and curved, arched tile shapes inspired by the 60s and 70s are making a comeback.
Click the following link to read Rose’s in-depth article on tile trends:2026 Australian Tile Trends.
Bathroom Product and Style Predictions for 2026
Shelley Wylie, Product Development Manager at Banana Bathrooms, says mid-century-inspired design continues to influence Australian bathrooms, with 2026 bringing a more playful, expressive take on colour and form.
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Shelley’s Bathroom Predictions for 2026
- Increased use of iconic mid century colours such as teal, mustard and chartreuse
- More organic shapes in vanities, basins and feature tiles
- Continued preference for darker woods and tactile finishes
Bathroom Product Hot List for 2026
- Gun metal tapware and accessories
- Handheld showers for sleek functionality
- Bidet units for enhanced comfort
- Back to corner freestanding baths
- Hob-mounted tapware for spa-inspired bathrooms
Supporting Local: Featured Bathroom Products We Love for 2026
In recent bathroom renovation projects across Newcastle, one of the strongest shifts we have observed is a move toward locally made, bespoke products. Homeowners are moving away from mass-produced finishes and instead choosing craftsmanship, sustainability and design that feels personal and built to last.
At Banana Bathrooms, we proudly work with local Newcastle and regional suppliers who share our commitment to quality, longevity and thoughtful design. While we are fortunate to have access to incredible makers right here in our backyard, this trend applies across Australia.
In the Instagram post below, we highlight the beauty of working with local makers like Mahalia Ceramics and East Coast Timber Co. From handcrafted ceramic basins to custom timber vanities, these pieces bring warmth, texture and individuality that mass-produced products simply cannot match. In our Newcastle renovation projects, we are seeing more clients choose this level of craftsmanship, investing in bathrooms that feel personal, considered and built to last.
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Why Trust Banana Bathrooms for 2026 Bathroom Design Advice?
With decades of combined experience designing and building bathrooms across Newcastle, our team understands what works not only visually, but practically over time. We manage every stage of the renovation process, from design and demolition to waterproofing, tiling and final finishes.
The trends we share are informed by hands-on renovation experience, supplier partnerships and direct client feedback from Australian homes.
See These Trends In Person at Our Newcastle Showroom
Trends are best experienced, not just read about. Visit our Newcastle Bathroom Showroom Experience Centre to explore complete bathroom displays, compare materials side by side and speak directly with our design team about how these 2026 trends could work in your home.
Seeing finishes in person helps ensure your renovation decisions feel confident and considered.
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Final Thoughts on Bathroom Trends 2026 Australia
Bathroom trends in Australia for 2026 focus on spaces that feel personal, calm and built to last. From smart storage and layered lighting to expressive tiles and refined finishes, the emphasis is on bathrooms that elevate everyday living.
At Banana Bathrooms, we translate these trends into beautifully designed, practical bathrooms tailored to Australian homes and lifestyles.
Bathroom Trends 2026 Australia: FAQs
In our recent Newcastle renovation projects, large format tiles, earth-toned palettes, built-in baths and layered lighting have been the most requested features by homeowners seeking both comfort and long-term durability.
Pale clay, ochre, beige, maroon, rust and deep green are popular choices.
Yes, particularly back to corner designs, although built in baths are gaining momentum.
Underfloor heating, layered lighting, all drawer vanities, recessed shaving cabinets and natural stone finishes.
In 2026, personal style leads, with homeowners prioritising long term enjoyment over resale neutrality.
