Minimalism has undeniably reigned as a top way to create luxury in your bathroom over recent years. But did you know that a surprising number of homeowners now regret following that trend?
Of course, minimalism has its place but, in the bathroom, where you’re supposed to feel calm and cosy, stripped back styling isn’t always best. Hence, this year has seen a real rise in a more maximalist approach to bathroom styling.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to opt for wacky wallpaper and ornaments on every shelf. But it does mean you could add a little more life to your bathroom in general if you were willing to make this switch. However, before you can do that, you’ll need to break up with bathroom minimalism for good. And we’ve got a few top tips to help you do it.
# 1 – Bring Colour Onboard
It’s official – bathroom neutrals are most definitely out for 2026. Instead, we’re seeing a notable rise in the use of colour in this previously bland space. And, joining that trend is the best first step towards shifting away from minimalism at last.
Admittedly, the extent to which you jump into colour depends on your personal tastes. Many stylists say that bright bathroom colours are having a moment, and this is certainly evident across the use of jewel tones like sapphire blue, and even playful pastels in some cases.
However, for the most part, you’ll want the reintroduction of colour to be a more subtle affair. In 2026, that particularly looks like incorporating earthy tones, such as sage green or terracotta. You can use these on your walls or within your furnishings, but you can bet they’ll bring a much-needed pop of colour which still manages to look subtle, sleek, and well-blended with the rest of your bathroom design.
# 2 – Incorporate Texture
If we had to pick one key trend that’s taking bathrooms by storm this year, it would have to be texture. Luckily for you, this is a style focus that comes directly out of the shift away from minimalism, and it could be a great way to start making your bathroom more interesting right off the bat.
But how do you begin bringing texture into a bathroom that, until now, has probably relied on entirely smooth surfaces? The answer largely lies in the materials you use. Whether you’re thinking about new floor or wall tiles, or are simply bringing new fixtures into the fold, leaning towards natural materials is a particularly great way to make sure texture comes to the fore.
After all, natural stone tiles are automatically matte, bumpy, and glorious for giving your bathroom some interest. Meanwhile, natural wood can work really well for adding depth, detail, and yet more texture, whether it features as wall cladding or simply within bathroom furniture. Brushed metals are also an option here, with choices like brushed nickel proving especially popular across everything from towel racks to showerheads and beyond.
# 3 – Why Not Put Some Plants Around?
While plant life is actually a fixture of minimalism, it tends to be a very controlled partnership, with perhaps one or two plants in each space. But, in keeping with the natural theme, it’s worth noting that a more extreme kind of biophilic bathroom design is also becoming popular this year.
This effectively means scrapping the one-plant policy of minimalism in place of a far more heavily plant-based space. This can work especially well in a large bathroom, where you can get away with additions as wild as living walls or miniature trees. Even in a smaller bathroom, hanging plants can be a fantastic way to adorn your shelves, and should be incorporated lavishly.
Bear in mind that, considering bathroom conditions, you will want to think carefully about the plants you invite into this space. Ideally, you want pretty hardy additions that thrive in damp environments, such as ferns, spider plants, and so on. Then, simply stock up on some decorative pots that suit your bathroom style, and start popping them around the place for a more fulfilling, filled-out bathroom image.
# 4 – Seek Fixtures for Warmth
Hands up if you’ve fallen for minimalist trends like a total lack of bathroom furniture, or modernistic wall-mounted options? We’ve all been there, and don’t get us wrong when we say that these choices can both look great in their own right. But if you’re shaking those minimalist shackles, then you might also want to shake your fixtures up a little.
Far from a lack of fixtures, a more maximalist bathroom means leaning into everything from additional shelving to full-blown double basin vanities that can serve to fill all of that blank space you’ve been wasting until now. When bringing any of these additions onboard, simply ask yourself: Is this bringing warmth to the space?
Because that’s ultimately what you want. Blank floors and bare walls just don’t serve the best purpose when you’re trying to kick back in a warm, comforting bathroom. You’re far better off choosing a large, freestanding vanity made from warming natural woods, or well-selected and carefully positioned shelves that make you feel surrounded by loved items, rather than left out in the cold.
# 5 – Make the Most of Visible Storage
Let’s be honest, minimalism isn’t about invisible storage so much as it is about ridding your bathroom of belongings altogether. But we’re moving away from that this year with visible storage that you’re sure to love.
Admittedly, too many decor additions in your bathroom can look messy, even within a maximalist design, but you can still have fun with open shelving or cabinets on display. Simply be sure that all items here serve a practical purpose, such as attractive bottles of bubble bath or body products, rolled towels in a striking basket, and so on.
Trust us; you don’t need to make do with a minimalist bathroom anymore. These top tips are just the things to help you move on.
