Stefan Schmied, Leader IMEA, LIXIL International, notes that the bathroom has evolved beyond utility to become a personal retreat—one that supports both physical wellbeing and everyday balance

As 2025 draws to a close, a clear shift is shaping residential design across the UAE: the bathroom has become one of the most thoughtfully considered spaces in the modern home. Once defined primarily by function, it is now where wellness, lifestyle, and sensory comfort converge most naturally. This evolution has been gradual, driven by changing daily routines, a growing desire for calm at home, and a renewed appreciation for the moments of pause that begin and end in the bathroom.

According to Stefan Schmied, Leader IMEA at LIXIL International, the transformation is unmistakable. “The bathroom is no longer a space that homeowners design last or approach purely practically. It has become one of the most curated rooms in the home,” he explains. “People are looking for environments that support recovery, reflection, and a more mindful way of living. That mindset is clearly shaping design decisions in the UAE.”

One of the most visible changes is the move toward spa-inspired layouts. Bathrooms are becoming more open, both visually and spatially, with an emphasis on fluid movement, clean sightlines, and a sense of calm from the moment one enters. Natural light is maximised, partitions are softened or removed, and wall-mounted elements replace heavier built-ins to create visual lightness. Many homeowners are reworking existing layouts to achieve the long, uninterrupted lines associated with contemporary wellness architecture.

Material choices are evolving in parallel. The UAE market continues to gravitate toward warmer metallic finishes, champagne tones, brushed bronzes, and soft golds, offering understated luxury within a calming palette. These are paired with textured ceramics, matte surfaces, and discreet storage solutions that preserve a sense of order and serenity. As Schmied notes, “A bathroom today must support rushed mornings, relaxed evenings, and multigenerational living. It needs to deliver practicality without compromising comfort or design, because it is being used more intentionally than ever.”

Sensorial design is also playing a more prominent role. Homeowners are increasingly attentive to lighting, acoustics, and water experiences that influence mood and daily rituals. Soft, indirect lighting replaces harsh illumination, while improved acoustic control reduces echo and enhances calm. Water delivery systems have become more refined, with thermostatic mixers and advanced shower technologies allowing for consistent temperature, comfort, and personalisation, without unnecessary water use. “Water plays a central role in the bathroom’s emotional experience,” Schmied explains. “People want showers that feel restorative and natural, while remaining conscious of consumption. Technology now allows both.”

Looking toward 2026, accessibility is emerging as a defining design consideration. Inclusive design is no longer treated as a separate requirement but as an integral part of good bathroom planning. With more multigenerational households across the UAE, features such as level-entry showers, intuitive controls, and generous circulation are becoming standard, designed to offer ease and dignity without compromising aesthetics.

While these shifts reflect broader global movements, they take on a distinct character in the UAE. International design influences are balanced with a preference for warmth, comfort, and refined finishes that resonate locally. “The UAE absorbs global trends quickly, but it never adopts them without interpretation,” Schmied observes. “What we see is a thoughtful layering of global sophistication with designs that suit local lifestyles.”

The result is a space that has been fundamentally redefined. What was once purely practical has become deeply personal, a room that frames how people begin and end their days. As 2026 approaches, the bathroom stands out as the UAE’s most transformed, and most transformative, space: one where design, technology, wellbeing, and sustainability come together with quiet confidence.