Grohe's Patrick Speck on the 3 key influences shaping modern bathroom design

Patrick Speck, leader, LIXIL global design, EMENA at LIXIL and GROHE UK, explores how timeless finishes, energy-saving technologies and easy-fit installation systems are shaping the design landscape, and what these developments mean for the future of the modern home.

MINIMAL INSTALLATION TIME, MAXIMUM IMPACT
Understanding how people want their homes to look, feel and function is essential in shaping the next generation of interior solutions. As lifestyles evolve and expectations rise, consumers are seeking spaces that not only reflect their personal style but also support their daily routines with greater efficiency, comfort and longevity. This shift calls for design and innovation that prioritise human needs first – solutions that blend seamlessly into everyday life while offering long-term value.

In 2026, we expect to see simplicity and speed become key priorities in bathroom design, driven by ongoing skills shortages, rising labour costs and a growing desire to minimise renovation disruption. Homeowners want projects completed quickly and with fewer trades on site, while installers and specifiers seek products that reduce complexity, limit the risk of errors and ensure consistent, reliable results. As a result, streamlined installation is becoming a defining factor in how bathrooms are planned and specified.

This shift is fuelling demand for pre-assembled, standardised and modular solutions that remove unnecessary steps and shorten fitting times. Our Rapido Shower Frame is a clear example of this direction. Engineered to simplify concealed shower installation, it offers pre-aligned pipework, factory leak testing, and a ready-to-fit structure that can cut installation time by up to 3 hours. For homeowners, this means less disruption and a quicker path to a finished bathroom, reducing stress and inconvenience. For installers and specifiers, it offers error-free 1installation, lower labour costs, and improved workflow efficiency, making it easier to deliver high-quality results on time.

Our QuickFix range also helps homeowners refresh their bathrooms quickly, affordably and sustainably – without the need for full-scale renovations. From swapping taps and showerheads to updating accessories, QuickFix products are designed for fast, straightforward installation.

As efficiency and reliability continue to guide renovation decisions, easy fit solutions will play an important role in how bathrooms are specified and delivered in 2026.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECH
Another trend leading the way in 2026 will be energy-saving technology to shift from an optional upgrade to a standard expectation in bathroom design. Rising energy costs and increased environmental awareness are encouraging homeowners to prioritise solutions that reduce consumption without compromising comfort. As a result, we expect to see a rise in demand for discreet, built-in technologies that deliver meaningful savings while integrating seamlessly into the overall aesthetic.

This trend places emphasis on products that combine intelligent engineering with practical everyday benefits – whether through reduced water usage, heat-recovery systems or efficient flow control. Homeowners are looking for ways to make sustainable choices that don’t necessarily require behavioural change but instead rely on well-designed technology doing the work in the background.

Innovations such as our EcoJoy, which reduces water use without compromising on comfort, make this easier than ever. These smart solutions help save water while still delivering the luxurious experience people expect from modern bathrooms. By balancing thoughtful design with everyday efficiency, they support a more responsible way of living that feels effortless and seamlessly built into daily routines. EcoJoy is available across a range of products, from water-efficient basin taps to rain shower heads.

TIMELESS FINISHES
In 2026, we expect the trend for timeless finishes to gain momentum as customers increasingly prioritise materials that balance durability with enduring style. Rather than responding to short-lived trends, people are placing greater value on creating spaces that feel calm, consistent and thoughtfully designed for the long term. This marks a broader shift in how homes are approached, with growing emphasis on quality, longevity and investment pieces that age gracefully.

As a result, consumers are seeking finishes that remain relevant even as tastes evolve. Neutral tones, warm metallics and softly textured surfaces are becoming more prominent because they complement a wide range of interior styles without dominating a space. These choices reflect a more considered approach to design, where subtle luxury and long-term performance are favoured over seasonal statements.

Our PVD finishes are well aligned with this demand. The collection includes tones such as Cool Sunrise, Warm Sunset, Brushed Hard Graphite and Polished Nickel. Together, they offer a versatile palette that caters to different interior styles while maintaining the durability required for everyday use, enabling the creation of sophisticated yet practical bathrooms where subtle luxury and long-term performance take precedence over seasonal statements. This perfectly reflects the integrated, timeless approach of the GROHE SPA x Buster + Punch collection.