The Bold Bathroom Feature That's Having A Big Resurgence In 2026

Bold designs go in and out of style from year to year. Some styles gain popularity after successful marketing campaigns or new research that promotes the benefits of the design, only to earn the "outdated" label a few years later, never to be seen in homes again. Other styles remain popular for years, fading out of style only when they begin to feel tired. There's nothing wrong with these old styles, but they may feel out of place among modern design trends. In 2026, as we do away with sterile home designs, close off open-concept rooms, and bring comfort and personality back into the home, there is one such outdated trend that is making a big resurgence, and it may surprise you. Colored bathroom features, including sinks and bathtubs, aren't just for old-fashioned powder rooms anymore.

In 2026, homeowners are taking back their homes. Instead of Instagram-ready room designs that feel more like a luxury office space than a home, designers and homeowners are looking for ways to design with wellness, comfort, and artistic expression in mind. Colored sinks, bathtubs, and toilets are just the thing to get you started on that bathroom renovation. Not to mention, they blend seamlessly with other 2026 bathroom design trends like incorporating natural materials and earthy colors.

Why this once-outdated trend is coming back (and is it here to stay?)

Colored bathroom fixtures aren't a new design concept; they have been a design staple for over a century, dating back to the popularization of powder rooms in the 1920s. They went out of style in the 1980s when design trends started favoring bright, reflective surfaces and a "clean" aesthetic. But over the past few years, we've been keeping an eye on the trend, wondering if it's time for colored bathroom fixtures to come back in style. In 2026, we can finally say for certain that not only are colored fixtures back on trend, but it's looking like the style might stay around for years to come. 

At the 2023 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, the trend was reintroduced by Kohler , the same company that popularized it in the early 1900s. But one company promoting a featured line of products doesn't make a trend. We've been watching interest in the trend build since then, and it's finally taking off. Now, designers aren't the only ones paying attention to colorful fixtures. Realtors have also begun to see a rise in homes with colorful toilets, sinks, and tubs. In a 2025 interview with Realtor, real estate agent Ebonee Johnikin said, "With many homeowners choosing to stay put, we are seeing a shift toward renovating for comfort and personal joy rather than resale. Aging in place or simply making a home feel more 'you' could be driving bold design choices — like colorful toilets or statement tile."

The best colors for bathroom porcelain features in 2026

When selecting your colors for bathroom porcelain features to stay on trend for 2026 (and beyond), avoid bathroom color options that will make your space feel smaller than it is. These include the oversaturated neutral shades white, black, and gray. Instead, seek out bolder hues that complement your bathroom's color scheme. If you're feeling really ambitious, choose a toilet, bathtub, and sink in a trendy color and redecorate your entire bathroom around the fixtures.

According to Fast Company, over 100,000 participants in an online Kohler poll voted to bring back the brand's retro colors Peachblow and Spring Green in 2023. Throwback hues like these are exactly what the colored bathroom fixture trend is all about. "These elements offer a bold way to be adventurous in a space while still honoring history," interior designer Alicia Hassen explained to Southern Living.

Kohler's other unconventional color options include Aspen green and teal. But it isn't the only company selling colored bathroom fixtures. Shop around for different playful bathroom color trends and see what you find. Earth tones like greens, terracotta, deep browns, pale pink, and blues are huge for 2026 bathrooms. The most important thing is to create a cohesive color palette that brings harmony to the space.

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