How to turn your bathroom Into a luxurious spa

The bathroom of 2025, heading into 2026, is less about function and more about atmosphere. Despite its modest size, the so-called “wet room” has become one of the most desirable spots in the house; a place to relax, recharge and reset. Consumers are looking for emotional depth and natural materials, paired with technological innovation and personal aesthetics.

The leading trends reflect a blend of creative design with a holistic twist, merging practicality with emotional resonance.

The dominant wall covering design of recent years is only gaining momentum: natural tones, soft textures and finishes that mimic marble or natural stone.

“There’s been a significant rise in demand from interior designers and customers for light-colored, stone-look bathroom tiles,” says Hadas Twizer, co-owner of Topaz Ceramics and brand manager.

“The standout trend this year is the use of travertine tiles in shades of white, light gray and greige (a blend of gray and beige), which together create a sense of warmth and luxury.”

Alongside the popular large-format tiles, typically 100-by-100 centimeters or 120-by-120 centimeters, there’s growing interest in ultra-thin, oversized tiles measuring 120-by-280 centimeters. These offer a cleaner, more seamless look with fewer grout lines.

In addition to traditional tiles, innovative coverings like polymer boards and flexible stone are entering the market, especially suited for quick, affordable upgrades in rental units or subsidized housing projects.

Gidi Halevi, VP marketing at Premium design ALL in Wall, explains: “Polymer panels, 3 to 4 millimeters thick with antibacterial properties, can be applied directly over existing tiles, no demolition required. It’s fast, cost-effective – up to 60% cheaper than standard tiling – and offers a smooth, uniform finish. These have been in use for about six years and receive high customer satisfaction.”

Another new material making its way into bathrooms is flexible stone, a thin layer of natural stone powder on a flexible backing that creates a minimalist, ultra-slim surface resistant to moisture and humidity, with almost no visible seams.

Yarden Kaminsky, co-owner of Slate Lite, explains: “Its advantage lies in the natural look and tactile feel; no grout, no complex cutting, and much simpler installation.”

That said, Kaminsky notes that while flexible stone and polymer panels don’t fully replicate the appearance of traditional tiles, they offer a stylish, affordable alternative, especially in cases where a full infrastructure renovation isn’t necessary.

Magnetic tiling: An Israeli innovation

Magnito’s magnetic tiling system is an original Israeli development pushing bathroom innovation forward.

“It’s a hidden panel system just 1 millimeter thick that transforms a porcelain granite wall, or other surface, into a smart wall that can hold a variety of magnetic accessories. It’s dynamic and adjustable, with no drilling, dust or screws,” says Mati Dana, founder and head designer at the company.

Smart water systems, once found mostly in spas and hotels, are now entering private homes. These include concealed wall systems (known in Israel as interputz) that offer precise temperature control and a smooth appearance.

“Our smart wall systems allow users to preset water temperature and pressure, making showers safer for kids and seniors, and more pleasant overall. They don’t require electrical connections and don’t affect water pressure or temperature elsewhere in the house.

They’re beautifully designed and very easy to use,” says Gali Oron Ben Haim, VP of marketing at Hamat Group.

We also see that ceiling-mounted rain showerheads continue to grow in popularity, offering a resort-like feel in everyday showers. Faucet finishes such as brushed, graphite and rose gold, currently trending, add a jewelry-like touch to the bathroom.

One of the leading trends is the integrated sink, in which the basin is molded into the countertop as a single seamless unit.

These sinks, often made from materials like Corian or porcelain, are easy to clean and offer a uniform, high-end look.

Trough-style sinks are also making a comeback, some crafted from natural stone, this time with modern finishes that highlight their quiet elegance.

“In recent years, porcelain tiles have become a preferred material for bathroom countertops and integrated sinks,” says Moli Ben Aharon, showroom manager and head designer at Zahavi Atzmon. “This trend offers a smooth, minimalist and elegant appearance, while remaining highly practical. Thanks to advanced technology, porcelain is extremely resistant to water, scratches and cleaning agents, and can convincingly mimic natural materials like marble, terrazzo or concrete.”

Even in modern homes in the dense, bustling city, there’s a growing desire to reconnect with nature. That’s why we’re seeing an increased use of wood or wood-look materials in bathroom design.

The hottest trend is fluted wood. It’s often paired with greenery and nature-inspired accessories. This combination of smooth technology and warm materials creates a sense of harmony and ultimately helps users feel more relaxed.

Mineral plaster, a decorative, natural wall finish with a soft, tactile feel, is gaining popularity in private bathrooms, not just as an exterior or accent wall covering.

“Mineral plaster breathes, helping regulate moisture in wet rooms and preventing mold buildup. It’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” explains Yosef Amara of Bottz Group, which supplies natural mineral plasters.

“Not all types of mineral plaster are suitable for use inside the shower itself, but in the surrounding bathroom space, they’re excellent for managing humidity. They pair beautifully with natural, Mediterranean, soft modern or warm minimalist styles, creating a unified, serene look with excellent durability”, adds Amara.

One of 2025’s leading bathroom trends is precision tiling, down to the smallest detail, including the flush buttons. While such buttons once protruded from the wall, the current trend favors zero-edge installations for a seamless, minimalist appearance.

The company Edplit offers a 3D-printed flush button cover made of moisture-resistant carbon. The cover allows a matching tile to be custom-cut and affixed to the flush plate (tailored for professional tilers and installers).

The product is compatible with concealed cisterns from Geberit and Grohe, although the manufacturers themselves do not guarantee installation using third-party parts.

Jacky Toledo, owner of Water Dekor, which imports the Edplit product to Israel, says architects and designers are already integrating it into local projects. “The cover fits a range of cistern models, and the flush mechanism comes with a 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind for customers,” he says.

However, Ofir Biton, head of product management and marketing at Geberit, clarifies: “Our Sigma line includes especially flat flush plates, and we also offer custom-design options, including tile integration.

The cutting and installation are the responsibility of the professional installer. What’s important is that choosing our products ensures full warranty coverage for the cistern.”

Therefore, for those seeking a smooth, perfectly uniform look, the zero-edge flush button is an attractive option; still, it’s essential to know that the manufacturer’s warranty coverage depends on using a combination of the flush plate and the cistern, as approved by the manufacturer.

Forget perfectly round or square mirrors. This year’s bathroom mirrors come in freeform, asymmetrical shapes.

Designs range from LED-lit framed mirrors to frameless floating mirrors with perimeter lighting.

These mirrors serve both practical and aesthetic purposes: they open up the space and reinforce the overall sense of calm and elegance.

“I love incorporating unique mirrors into bathrooms; they elevate the space and give it that hotel-suite elegance,” says interior designer Meital Yaakov. “A mirror in the bathroom is more than just a functional piece; it can be a design focal point that adds luxury and a clean look.”

Atmospheric lighting is another key trend. Designer Tamar Zak explains: “Lighting plays a crucial role in bathroom design. I always try to include at least one standout light fixture that enhances the overall ambiance.”

Designer Dorit Pines adds: “Beyond the LED backlighting often seen around mirrors, we’re seeing more side-mounted light fixtures near the sink to create a softer, warmer atmosphere.

The newest development is lighting made from special materials that mimic thin stone or marble, allowing the fixtures themselves to be softly lit from within.”