Tap into top bathroom trends
30 April 2026
Bathrooms are often one of the first spaces people will renovate to improve comfort and style, or add value for sale. Our customer research shows that bathroom renos are the project homeowners are least confident taking on themselves. That means they’re looking for expert support, even when they’re keeping an eye on costs.
Whether you’re dealing with a small room refresh or a high-end luxury development, knowing the latest trends and options will help you have more informed conversations with homeowners and give you a strong portfolio of winning bathrooms to attract more business in future.
Bathrooms on a budget
In more budget-conscious jobs, including rentals and holiday homes, recommending just one or two updates like a new vanity, tapware or shower enclosure can dramatically change the look of a room for less.
Although tiled showers are increasingly on-trend, acrylic showers remain the most cost-effective option. These are often now designed with features to give a more upmarket look than basic models. Suggest options with metal finishes, tile-look acrylic walls and low profile or coloured trays if homeowners are seeking a custom look without the price tag. For whole-room renovations, PVC and composite board wall panels such as the DumaWall or Seratone AQUA PLUS ranges provide the premium tiled look at a lower cost and can be installed straight over old tiles (check manufacturer’s instructions).
Maximising smaller spaces
With townhouses on smaller sections becoming the default for urban builds, it’s increasingly important to maximise limited bathroom space. Slim-depth and floating vanities, mirror cabinets, compact heated towel rails and showers with sliding, bi-fold or inward-swinging doors can all help make a small bathroom work harder without feeling cramped. As a selling point for smaller spaces and higher-density developments, also consider soft-close shower or vanity doors to minimise noise. You can even get quiet-flushing toilets, like the Propel Torrent.
In renovations, bulky drop-in acrylic baths are often being removed in favour of larger showers, to give the feel of more space. Where there is more room and budget, however, suggest swapping a built-in tub for a free-standing one to provide a sophisticated focal point.
Favourite finishes
In terms of style, lighter bathrooms are still leading the way, but this doesn’t mean stark white. Scandi, coastal and country vibes are right on trend, featuring white and pale woodgrain vanities balanced by warmer, earthier tones like beiges and greens on the walls or tiling. Brushed nickel tapware is all the rage right now, and brushed gold and copper are increasingly appearing in higher-end bathrooms.
Product rule changes
Whatever tapware you go with, it’s essential to be aware of the Building Code changes. From May 2, you can no longer use Amendment 13 of Acceptable Solution G12/AS1. Copper-alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water must now contain no more than 0.25% lead, and water supply components must also be dezincification resistant. This applies to pipe fittings, valves, taps, mixers, water heaters and water meters.
Mitre 10 has updated its product range to align with these requirements, but make sure to check Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 Water Supplies to confirm you’re compliant with the Building Code. For more information, visit the Building Performance website.
