White bathrooms are not going out of fashion, but the stark, clinical all white bathroom is. Designers are moving towards warmer, more personal spaces built on earthy palettes, natural stone and timber, with bathrooms becoming more grounded and restorative [1]. Warm whites, creams and soft neutrals are replacing brilliant white, a direction reflected in Dulux's 2026 Elemental palette of warm whites, golden browns and warm greys [2]. Honed stone, timber vanities, selective feature tiles and layered, warmer lighting all help a bathroom feel like a retreat. Practical details still matter: natural stone needs care in wet areas, timber needs the right finish, and good ventilation protects every surface [3]. A well designed white bathroom can still last for decades, and sometimes a new vanity, mirror or lighting is enough to refresh one.
- The shift: designers are leaving behind stark, all white interiors for warmer, more personal bathrooms [1]
- Mood: bathrooms are becoming more grounded and restorative, with spa like qualities [1]
- Materials: natural stone and timber paired with warm, earthy palettes [1]
- Colour: warm whites, neutrals, golden browns and warm greys anchor Dulux's 2026 Elemental palette [2]
- Vanities: joinery increasingly reads like bespoke furniture, with gentle curves and fluted or ribbed detail [1]
- Ventilation: under NCC 2022 condensation rules, exhaust must discharge directly to outside air [3]
Great bathroom design isn't about what's fashionable today. It's about creating a space you'll still love tomorrow.
From clinical white to warm and personal
| Element | The clinical white bathroom | The 2027 bathroom | Easy way to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | Brilliant white everywhere | Warm whites, creams, sage, clay, taupe [1][2] | Repaint in a warmer white |
| Surfaces | Glossy white tiles | Honed stone or stone look porcelain [1] | Feature wall or vanity top in stone |
| Cabinetry | White gloss vanity | Timber vanity that reads like furniture [1] | Replace the vanity only |
| Tiles | Uniform large format | Selective handmade look or textured feature tiles | Tile one niche or one wall |
| Lighting | Cool, single overhead light | Layered, warmer lighting | Change globes and add mirror lighting |
Bettini & Co's summary of the direction of Australian bathroom design. Every bathroom should be assessed for its size, light, ventilation and use.
Is the clinical white bathroom on its way out?
The clinical version is, but white itself is not. For decades, white tiles, white vanities, white basins and chrome fittings were the safe choice in Australian homes. Designers say they are leaving behind the stark, all white interiors of recent years in favour of warmer, more personal rooms [1].
In place of brilliant white tiles, glossy surfaces and cool lighting, designers are using warmer whites, creams, soft beige and natural stone. The aim is a bathroom that feels less like a functional room and more like a personal retreat. Even small changes, such as warmer lighting or a timber vanity, can transform the atmosphere.
Which colours are replacing white in bathrooms?
Earthy, nature inspired colours. Sage green, olive, terracotta, muted clay, warm taupe and soft sandstone add character without overwhelming the space. Designers describe a move to warm, earthy palettes in bathrooms [1], and Dulux's 2026 forecast includes both a calm palette of warm neutrals and golden browns and a softer palette of gentle greens, mauves and blush [2].
These tones suit Australian homes, where natural light and landscape shape interiors. Across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, from coastal homes in Bondi and Bronte to established residences in Woollahra and Bellevue Hill, warmer palettes complement a wide range of architecture. The key is restraint: one carefully chosen colour often has more impact than a room of competing finishes.
Is natural stone a good choice for a bathroom?
Yes, with the right selection and care. Marble, travertine, limestone and stone look porcelain bring texture, warmth and depth, and designers are pairing natural materials with clean ceramic and porcelain, using stone as refined accents [1]. Honed and matte finishes create a quieter look than highly polished white surfaces.
Natural stone has individual character, but porosity, maintenance and suitability for wet areas must be considered, particularly in showers. Porcelain can achieve a similar look with easier upkeep.
Can you use timber in a bathroom?
Yes, and it is one of the most effective ways to add warmth. American oak, walnut tones and lighter natural timbers contrast beautifully with stone, porcelain and neutral walls. Designers note that vanities increasingly read like bespoke furniture, with tactile finishes, gentle curves and fluted or ribbed detail [1].
Floating timber vanities are especially useful in small bathrooms, creating a sense of openness while adding storage. The right construction materials, moisture resistant finishes and good ventilation are essential so the timber lasts.
Are statement tiles making a comeback?
Yes, used selectively. After years of large format neutral tiles, smaller decorative formats are returning: handmade look tiles, subtle geometric patterns, textured surfaces and vertical layouts. Rather than covering every surface, designers place feature tiles behind a vanity, inside a shower niche or across a single wall, adding individuality while keeping the design cohesive.
Why does lighting matter so much in a bathroom?
Because it changes how every surface looks. The same stone or tile can appear completely different depending on the quality and colour temperature of the light. Layered lighting, combining practical light around the mirror with softer ambient light, lets a bathroom move from busy mornings to relaxing evenings. Natural light is just as valuable, balanced against privacy and ventilation.
What practical details protect a new bathroom?
Ventilation and moisture control. Under the National Construction Code 2022 condensation rules, bathroom exhaust must now be discharged directly to outside air rather than into a roof space, and a fan that doesn't run continuously must keep running for at least 10 minutes after the light is switched off [3]. Good ventilation protects timber, stone and paint, so confirm the requirements for your project with your builder or certifier.
Should you renovate your white bathroom?
Not necessarily. A well designed white bathroom with quality materials, balanced proportions and thoughtful detail can stay beautiful for decades. Rather than asking which colours are fashionable, consider how the bathroom relates to the rest of the home, how it is used and whether the materials will stay appealing.
How to refresh a white bathroom without a full renovation
- 1. Warm up the lighting. Swap cool globes for warmer ones and add soft lighting around the mirror.
- 2. Change the vanity. Replace a white gloss vanity with timber that reads like furniture [1].
- 3. Add one feature. Introduce textured or handmade look tiles in a niche or behind the vanity.
- 4. Bring in natural texture. Add a stone vanity top, timber shelf or linen and ceramic accessories.
- 5. Check the ventilation. Make sure the exhaust works well, so new materials stay in good condition [3].
Frequently asked questions
Are white bathrooms going out of fashion in 2027?
Not entirely. Stark, clinical white is fading as designers move to warmer, more personal bathrooms, but a well designed white bathroom remains timeless [1].
What colours are popular for bathrooms now?
Warm whites and creams, plus earthy tones such as sage, olive, terracotta, clay, taupe and sandstone [1][2].
Is marble a good idea in a bathroom?
It can be, but natural stone is porous and needs sealing and care in wet areas. Stone look porcelain is a lower maintenance alternative.
Can I have a timber vanity in a bathroom?
Yes, with moisture resistant construction and finishes and good ventilation. Timber vanities are a key direction in bathroom design [1].
How can I update a white bathroom without renovating?
Warmer lighting, a timber vanity, a new mirror, a feature tile or natural accessories can refresh it without a full renovation.
Bettini & Co's view
Interior design should never be dictated entirely by fashion. A bathroom is a significant investment, and the most rewarding spaces combine beautiful materials, intelligent planning and a clear understanding of the people who use them. Whether the preference is classic white marble, earthy natural stone, contemporary porcelain or a bolder palette, every decision should add up to a cohesive, lasting result. The idea that every bathroom must be white to be timeless is being challenged, and the bathrooms of 2027 are about warmth, individuality and comfort.
Great bathroom design isn't about what's fashionable today. It's about creating a space you'll still love tomorrow.
Planning a bathroom? Contact Bettini & Co to start the conversation.
About Bettini & Co
Bettini & Co is a Sydney interior design studio led by founder and managing director Taylah Bettini, working across Bettini & Co. Interiors and Bettini & Co. Projects. The studio designs bathrooms, kitchens and full interiors across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and beyond, from Woollahra and Bellevue Hill to Bondi and Bronte. See our recent projects or get in touch to start the conversation.
Sources
[1] Home Beautiful (21 January 2026). "Bathroom design trends 2026." Teneal Zuvela. https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/home-ideas/bathroom-design-trends-2026/
[2] Dulux Australia. "Dulux Colour Forecast 2026." https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-trends/2026-forecast/
[3] Victorian Building Authority. "Introduction to Condensation Management NCC 2022." Christian Williams, Senior Technical Advisor. https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/169691/08.23_building_PES_intro-condensation-management-webinar-V2.pdf
All sources accessed 26 October 2026. This article is general information only. Building requirements, including waterproofing and ventilation, depend on the project, so confirm them with your builder or certifier.
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