Many of the bathrooms I see as an editor are uninspired in many ways, whether it’s through color, layout, or pattern, but they still feel that way. the bathroom. I know you’re thinking, that’s the point! But in 2026, Bathroom trends Instead of a practical place to wash, the space is centered around making it feel as cozy as your living areas.
Founder of Burt and MayLee Thornley, has achieved that. As the founder of a tile company, I expected big things in terms of how Consider bathroom tile It’s used around her house, but I didn’t expect to find a warm, inviting space that felt more like a living room than a laundry room.
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(Image credit: Burt and May)
Bathroom trends for 2026 are quite different from what we have seen in previous years. When it comes to color, more is more – homeowners are becoming more and more confident in going bold Bathroom Color Schemes. In turn, this has made the bathroom a destination rather than just a functional room.
‘People want to delay. We are seeing bathrooms designed with sitting areas, dressing zones and fire or sauna facilities. The increase in size is not excessive, as the larger footprint allows light to flow in, materials to breathe and it deserves to be the focus of bath sculpture,’ Keeley Sutcliffe, Design Manager BC Design explains.
This couldn’t be more evident in Lee’s bathroom.
(Image credit: Burt and May)
With a large floor plan to work with, Lee was able to retain the quaintness and historic charm of his period property, while still having plenty of space for bathroom essentials.
‘We restored the fireplace and kept exposed original beams to celebrate the beauty of the building’s irregular shapes and features. This was not an easy task. We put a lot of time and care into this to reveal the beautiful bones of the house and honor the craftsmen who built it,’ Lee explains.
Located next to the dressing table, a dedicated space for the log burner turns the bathroom into a wellness experience, as well as feeling like an extension of the home’s living areas. It’s no longer just functional – it’s a place to spend time instead of running back to the rest room.
(Image credit: Burt and May)
This neutral, rustic feel forms the foundation of the bathroom design, but there are bursts of color that create a crisp separation between zones.
‘I wanted to make a bold and inviting statement in the shower cubicle, with a natural, rustic feel to the bathroom. My daughter’s brief was to create a ‘glamorous space’ and we paired up Green Herringbone Honed Marble Tile with geometric Fun tile Creates a rich, contemporary look in the room. I also wanted to ensure the space felt authentic and sympathetic to the period property, and the natural rich green tones of these tiles work well in the rustic interior,’ Lee continues.
(Image credit: Burt and May)
As with decorating any room in a period property, carefully considering the balance between old and new is how you can achieve a scheme that feels authentic. Lee has achieved this through clever use of color and tile patterns that combine contemporary and antique styles.
‘I bought from Washstand French House York. What I love about this vintage pine washstand is the wear color Which adds a sense of history to the piece. Uneven surfaces and visible imperfections add texture to the bathroom and complement hard surfaces and modern accents,’ adds Lee.
‘Choosing a palette of earthy tones against natural terracotta, limewash and real wood creates a fluid dialogue between the existing cottage and the new design elements.’
Shop the look
Burt and May
Green Herringbone Honed Marble Tile
This is the tile Lee used in the shower – it has a rich tone with tons of visual interest that adds dimension.
Burt and May
Navy Majadas Porcelain
Lee used this funky tile on her shower floor – it’s no longer available in green but makes a great look in navy.
La Redoute
Lunja solid pine double vanity unit
Vintage furniture can make a bathroom feel more homely – this La Redoute double vanity unit has a warm, rustic look.
Add warmth to the living room with a textured statement vase filled with pussy willow branches or pampas grass, like this seagrass version.
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Gold n. Premium wall bathroom mirror
This classic mirror shape adds subtle period charm to the bathroom.
Secret Linen Store
Amber 100% cotton waffle towel
Add some decadence to the bathroom with 100% cotton waffle towels.
A bathroom that feels like an extension of the rest of your home will make you want to relax – lots of natural materials, texture and color through the tiles will transform the space.
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