The Playful Bathroom Color Trend You'll Be Seeing Everywhere In 2026

With all that's going on in the world these days, it's no surprise that more and more people are wanting to design their homes to be mood-boosting environments — so much so that dopamine decorating, which started trending on social media in 2023, has only risen in popularity since. If you haven't heard the term yet, dopamine decor means prioritizing design choices that bring you joy and make you feel happy at home. Heading into 2026, the interior design movement is set to show up in whimsical ways, particularly through candy-like color palettes in the bathroom.  

Combinations of pinks, oranges, and greens will be especially favored. Adding to the upbeat, high-energy feel of the trend, we can expect to see these shades show up in room-brightening textures. According to Decorilla, "Surfaces appear in gloss-lacquered finishes of rose, mint, and tangerine, ranging from gently saturated pastels to medium-rich shades." Another great thing about this color trend is its flexibility. If you're aiming for a bold, statement-making bathroom, you can still lean into rich, vibrant hues. Instead of feeling childish, these palettes are being applied with a grown-up lens — clean lines and elegant hardware will elevate this look to joyous rather than kitschy. Bathrooms don't always have to be neutral to feel elevated; sometimes a hit of color is exactly what gives a small space its personality.

If you're intrigued by the candy-colored bathroom trend but don't know how to start incorporating it, there are plenty of ways to achieve the look. When you're starting a bathroom redesign and working with a blank canvas, consider basing the space around two candy-inspired colors to keep things simple. Try out a bubblegum pink-and-pistachio pairing, or give your apricot bathroom color scheme a twist with minty accents. Once you've settled on a color combination, you can start thinking about placement. One option is choosing one color for your tile and another for your walls and cabinetry. Or, for something a little more intricate, consider using both colors as a patterned tile backsplash, such as a checkered pattern — a bathroom tile trend you don't want to skip in 2026 — or a candy pinstripe to lean even harder into the trend. 

Of course, if you already love your bathroom and aren't up for a full redesign, you could still bring the whimsical look into your space through simpler updates like repainting the walls or hanging a patterned wallpaper or a peel-and-stick wall mural. Even small details like wall art and bath mats that include a few of the whimsical, candy-inspired shades we've mentioned can liven up the room and help it feel like a happier space overall. And to make those colorful accents feel intentional, carry the palette through with towels, cloths, and other accessories in coordinating shades.