Kitchen remodels transform the way we see and use our homes, but bathroom remodels can feel like a new lease on life.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel this year or next, start dreaming big. Today, we have a glimpse of shower inspiration to expand your design horizons. Keep scrolling to see enclosures, built-ins, and tilework that will be dominating 2026.
2026 reframes the way we approach shower doors.
Half-doors control water while providing easy access. They’re also easier to clean and help smaller bathrooms feel roomier. While many are choosing frameless glass doors, there’s something to be said about frames that actually contribute to the overall design.
The matte black metal creating a paneled look in the bath above looks sleek and ultra contemporary.
Modern concepts that age well.
In a world of large format marbleized patterns, smaller, geometrically-shaped tiles set walk-in showers apart. They’re a subtle call back to earlier last century, when detailed tilework was the sign of a well-appointed, higher-quality washroom. Add built-in shelving, and it’s a bathroom for the ages.
Fixtures and hardware ground the design in 2026. Angular, almost masculine lines with a brushed, low-shine finish are as good for hiding the odd hard water spot as they are updating the design.
Current conveniences don’t wash decorative touches down the drain.
That modern inclination toward larger marble tiles has plenty of benefits. The narrow joints mean less scrubbing and struggling with grout. And the cooler gray and white patterns feel appropriate in bathrooms, even when they fall in and out of fashion in other rooms.
The shower floor is an ideal place to assert something slightly different. Black and white patterned floors are timeless, from a grid of dots to checkerboard to Dalmatian.
Tying tile and wood together through color and texture.
Coordinating the shower to the rest of the bathroom isn’t a must. On the contrary, showers are the best place for a new expression of your design vision. Still, there’s something genius about unexpected partnerships between materials.
Take the case above. A custom wood floating vanity isn’t just essential bathroom furniture. It becomes shower inspiration, with grain-effect beige tiles arranged in a chevron pattern.
In 2026, we’re tossing tubs that don’t make sense.
If you’re not a fan of regular baths, don’t burden your small bathroom with it. Get floor-to-ceiling visibility by going all-in on a shower stall.
The bathroom above did even more to maximize space by elongating the sink and doubling the average mirror size. All of that reflectivity and expansion is what allows them to pull off dark wood and patterned borders in a tight space.
Building a jewel box of a shower.
Jewel box bathrooms are easier to pull off in half-baths. With all of their statement wallpaper, vintage lighting, and fussy fixtures, it may not be your first pick for daily living.
A jewel box shower, on the other hand, is perfect for everyday whimsy. A frilly tiled accent wall and polished gold-tone fixtures and hardware can be a magical way to start and end your day.
Adding interest to recessed shower shelving.
Penny tiles, varied orientations, patterns, textures–recessed built-ins are a design opportunity as well as a practical feature. Expand on color palettes and add dimension to shower stalls.
These are the sort of personal touches that make spaces feel like home without threatening resale value.
Stretching showers into shape.
Vertical tiles make showers feel sky-high. Take it bathroom-wide for enhanced length all around. Oblong mirrors and tubular sconces just feel smart here. Add dark hardware reminiscent of tech devices to go full science fiction, or stay on planet Earth with classic polished chrome.
Visit a showroom for more shower inspiration
Get up close and personal with exceptional tiles, countertops, hardware, and vanities you’d struggle to find anywhere else. Find a Designery location nearest you.
Shower remodel FAQ
Can you renovate just a shower?
In most cases, yes, you can focus solely on renovating the shower while keeping the rest of the bathroom as it is. However, you may not be able to change the placement of some critical plumbing without a full reno.
Do shower niches add value?
Recessed shower niches or shelves don’t have a definite monetary value during resale, but they are generally a plus to potential buyers. Bathroom storage and considerate details like niches add to a favorable impression of a property and help justify asking prices.
What is the least expensive way to remodel a shower?
The most affordable way to remodel a shower is with a prefabricated insert. On top of being low-cost, they can be installed quickly. However, they typically aren’t as durable as something like custom tile, and may not increase your home’s value. Design options are also rather limited.
