I'm an interior designer... here's how to elevate your bathroom without breaking the bank
- Andrea Clewett revealed simple but effective ways you can boost the room
- She said bathrooms are becoming spaces of self-care and personal style
- More, Property stager shares mistakes preventing the sale of your home
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An interior designer has predicted that 2026 will be the year of the bathroom - and has revealed how to elevate yours without breaking the bank.
Andrea Clewett, co-founder of custom printed bathroom panels brand Showerscape, which has worked with artists, hotels and residential properties, said the humble room once used purely for freshening up is set to take center stage as a home sanctuary.
Out is the idea of bathrooms being purely functional, and in is curating a space for self-care and personal style.
'Homeowners are increasingly viewing their bathrooms as private retreats, a place to recharge and escape, rather than simply a room to get washed and ready in,' she explained during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail.
'From statement shower panels and freestanding baths to bold imagery and textured surfaces, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where bathrooms are finally given the attention and creativity they deserve.
'In fact, this often overlooked space is set to be transformed into a wellness hub for the home.'
Thankfully, she has broken down the simple but effective ways that you can boost your bathroom... from adding a touch of color to using lighting to set the mood.
Add a touch of color to make the room pop
Interior designer Andrea Clewett (seen with her husband) has predicted that 2026 will be the year of the bathroom - and has revealed how to elevate yours without breaking the bank
She explained that adding a touch of color to the room can add immense 'personality'
While for a long time interior designers have favored white bathrooms for a chic and modern look, Clewett said that mindset is so last year.
She explained that adding a touch of color to the room can add immense 'personality.'
'We're seeing a move away from all-white, clinical spaces toward warm, organic tones that make a bathroom feel inviting and calm,' she explained.
'Earthy neutrals such as sandy beige, terracotta and warm taupe are going to dominate [in 2026], along with natural materials including stone and wood.
'Softer pastels - pistachio greens, pale pinks and muted blues - are playful and serene, while dramatic shades like forest green and navy - and even matte black - are perfect for statement pieces such as freestanding baths, basins or feature walls.'
Patterned floors and textured surfaces can also add some extra pop to a room.
Use artwork to show off your personality
According to Clewett, a simple but easy way to elevate your bathroom is by adding a dramatic piece of art to the wall.
According to Clewett, a simple but easy way to elevate your bathroom is by adding a dramatic piece of art to the wall
'Just as you would have landscape views, idyllic photos or works of art hanging in your living room, this is now carrying across into the bathroom,' she said.
She said many people are creating feature walls in their bathrooms as of late, which brings a touch of 'personalization' to the room and gives you a chance to get creative.
'Feature walls are now the focal point of many modern bathrooms,' she dished.
'These walls, often adorned with bold colors, unique tiles or artistic panels, draw the eye and set the tone for the entire room.
'This can transform a bathroom, as it adds character and individuality in a way that feels stylish but not over the top.'
Set the mood with lighting
Another easy way to upgrade your bathroom is by updating the lighting.
Clewett pointed out that most bathrooms have 'harsh, overhead' bulbs - but according to the expert, you can use lighting to 'create the right atmosphere and mood.'
Another easy way to upgrade your bathroom is by updating the lighting
'Lighting can completely change how a bathroom feels - turning a functional space into a personal sanctuary,' she said.
'When considering how to light your bathroom, think along the lines of backlit mirrors, illuminated countertops, and even halo-lit ceiling reveals or cornice uplighting - as these are all becoming dramatic styling features.
'Be thoughtful in the lighting used so it's intentional - think about the mood you want to create rather than the purely functional in the room.'
Focus on furniture that makes the space feel open
Simple changes to your furniture that make the space feel more open can go a long distance, Clewett said.
'Floating vanities, curved mirrors and frameless showers make even small bathrooms feel open and elegant - and work especially well in compact spaces,' she told the Daily Mail.
'Freestanding tubs, rounded vanities and arched mirrors - these all soften hard lines and create a pleasing aesthetic.'
Simple changes to your furniture that make the space feel more open can go a long distance, Clewett said
Clewett recommended furniture with 'natural materials,' such as 'stone basins, bamboo vanities and clay-toned tiles.'
But always stick to your own personal style, as she added, 'It's about creating a room you actually want to spend time in, and that makes you feel good.'
Invest in a good bathtub and embrace technology
Over the last year, Clewett pointed out that there was a shift away from bathtubs towards larger shower areas.
But she believes that in coming months the bathtub is going to make a return as a top 'status symbol.'
So if you can only afford to update one thing in your bathroom, she suggested you focus on the tub.
'It's all part of creating a room that feels indulgent, and somewhere to switch off,' she explained.
Clewett believes that in coming months the bathtub is going to make a return as a top 'status symbol'
'Declaring that you have the freedom to take luxurious baths is a statement that's worth making a fuss about. That's where the personalized bathtub comes in.'
Her favorite tub features include 'metallic accents, steps leading to the tub and floating tubs.'
Clewett also stressed the importance of embracing technology in your bathroom as she pointed to the rise of smart toilets, app-controlled showers, and heated floors or mirrors.
Don't go over the top
Lastly, Clewett warned that it's important not to go over the top when you're redecorating.
'Don't go color crazy - your bathroom shouldn't feel like a rainbow exploded in there,' she urged.
'Mix textures, but within reason: Stick to two or three complementary materials. If every surface competes, your bathroom will come across as confused.
'Less is more. A couple of plants, candles or towels will add personality, but don't add too many as you'll end up spending more time dusting.'
