And the story of the mint green sink that got away….
It was one of those perfect, sun-drenched afternoons when I was on a walk back to my car from a meeting downtown. And then I saw it. There, on the side of a quiet, tree-lined street, nestled near a pile of discarded household items, was a treasure. A mint green, retro sink, complete with its original chrome fixtures, gleaming in the afternoon sun. A little sign, hand-written in black marker, was propped against it: “FREE.”
Seriously, my heart did a little pitter-patter. I immediately called Nick, bubbling with excitement. “You have to come and get this sink,” as I was already picturing it in a future project, a little jewel of a powder room or maybe a quirky, vintage-inspired laundry room. But we had no flips planned, no design projects on the horizon that would be a fit for such a unique piece. So I let Nick talk me out of it. “Where would we even put it?” he asked, and I knew he was right. With a heavy heart, I drove away, leaving my mint green beauty. I still think about that sink about 4 years later, wondering where it ended up, what lucky person scooped it up and gave it the home it deserved. I gotta say that moment really sparked an even greater appreciation for the bold and unexpected in home design.
Four years later, I say we’re entering a renaissance of colorful plumbing fixtures as a major design trend of 2026. The era of the all-white, sterile bathroom is starting to fade, and in its place I’m predicting a return of colorful plumbing fixtures including sinks, tubs, and yes, even toilets, in all sorts of shades.
When Colorful Bathrooms Were (First) All the Rage
Believe it or not, our grandparents were way ahead of us on this trend. For a good chunk of the 20th century, colorful bathrooms were the standard. It all started in the 1920s when companies like Kohler decided bathrooms could be more than just functional, and introduced fixtures in soft pastels. The idea caught on, and from the Art Deco pastels of the 30s to the cheerful, candy-colored bathrooms of the 50s (I distinctly remember my grandparents perky pink bathroom and how fun it felt!), color was king. The 60s and 70s took it up a notch with earthy tones like avocado green and harvest gold, which, love ’em or hate ’em, were a bold statement in individuality. It was a time of design experimentation, and the bathroom was no exception.
And Then Everyone Went White and Beige
So what happened? Why did we spend 30 years in a sea of white and beige? Like all trends, the love affair with colorful bathrooms didn’t last forever. The wild colors of the 60s and 70s started to feel a bit dated, and by the 80s and 90s, a cleaner, simpler style was in. A big part of it was practical: people started thinking about resale value, and a bold, colorful bathroom felt like a risky choice. White was a safe bet. Plus, the whole ‘spa bathroom’ trend took off, with its focus on calm, neutral spaces. The once-vibrant world of colorful bathrooms became a distant memory, something you’d only see in old movies or at your grandma’s house.
Color is Back! Why We’re Loving Bold Bathrooms Again
So, after decades of playing it safe with white and beige, why the sudden return to color? It’s not just one thing, but a mix of a few key trends. We’re feeling a bit nostalgic, we’re more interested in showing off our personal style, and we’re realizing that the colors in our homes can actually make us feel better. It’s all about joyful aesthetic and I am loving it.
Nostalgia is a funny thing. What once seemed old and dated can suddenly feel charming and cool again. For a lot of us, those colorful bathrooms remind us of our childhoods, of our grandparents’ houses, of a time when things felt a little simpler. It’s nice to have things around us that feel familiar and comforting. Bringing back a bit of that retro color is a way to connect with our past and create a home that feels cozy and lived-in.
But it’s not just about looking back. The return to color is also about wanting our homes to be more US. We spend so much time scrolling through perfectly staged, neutral-toned homes on social media that it’s easy to feel like everything looks the same. I feel like we are all wanting to break away from that and create spaces that are unique and full of personality, don’t you feel it too? A colorful bathroom is a great way to do that. It’s a way of saying, “I like what I like, and I’m not afraid to show it.” It’s about designing our homes for ourselves, not for some imaginary future buyer.
And then there’s the wellness aspect. We’re all more aware of how our surroundings can affect our mood. The bathroom is where we start and end our day, so it makes sense that we’d want it to be a space that makes us feel good. Color psychology is a real thing. Soft blues and greens can be calming, while warm pinks and yellows can be energizing. Even a bold, dramatic color can make you feel pampered and luxurious. The return of colorful plumbing is part of a bigger movement towards creating homes that don’t just look good, but that also support our well-being.
How to Add a Pop of Color to Your Bathroom (Without Going Overboard)
So, you’re thinking about adding some color to your bathroom? I’m proud of you! The best part is, you don’t have to go all-in to make a big impact. If you’re a color lover or you just want to dip a toe in the trend, there’s a way to make it work for you.
Start Small with a Single Piece:
If you’re not ready to commit to a full set of colorful fixtures, a single statement piece can be just as effective. A colorful sink in a powder room, for example, is a great way to make a statement. Imagine a small powder room with a cool wallpaper and a bright, colorful sink. It’s a fun way to experiment with color in a small space. Or, what about a freestanding tub in a soft color to create a relaxing vibe in your master bath? Picture a clawfoot tub in a soft, buttery yellow, placed under a sunny window. It’s a look that is both cheerful and inviting. The key is to let that one colorful piece be the star of the show. Keep the rest of the room fairly simple so the color can really shine.
Go All Out with a Monochromatic Look:
If you’re feeling bold, a monochromatic bathroom can be a real showstopper. This means using different shades and tints of a single color for everything – the sink, the tub, the tile, the walls. It’s a big commitment, but when it’s done right, it can look incredibly chic. The trick is to use a mix of textures and shades to keep it from feeling flat. For example, a glossy, deep green tub could be paired with a matte, lighter green tile and a soft, sage green on the walls. This creates a layered look that’s both cohesive and interesting.
Mix and Match for a Playful Vibe:
Who says you have to stick to just one color? For a more eclectic, fun look, you can mix and match different colored fixtures. A pink sink with a green tub? Why not! The key to making this work is to choose colors that go well together and to tie them in with a neutral element, like white tile or a wood vanity. This is a great option for anyone who wants to create a space that is truly one-of-a-kind. For example, a bathroom with a mint green sink (my heart just fluttered again!) and a soft pink tub could be tied together with a classic black and white checkerboard floor and chrome fixtures. The result would be a look that is both playful and stylish.
The Two-Tone Option:
Another way to get in on the trend is with a two-tone fixture. This is a great option if you want a pop of color but don’t want to go all out. Many companies are now making fixtures that are colored on the outside but white on the inside. A freestanding tub with a black exterior and a white interior, for example, can look amazing in a modern bathroom. Or, a sink with a colored base and a white basin is a more subtle way to bring in some color. It’s the best of both worlds – the classic look of white porcelain with a fun, colorful twist.
The New Color Palette: It’s Not Just Avocado Green Anymore
While I’m seeing a comeback of colorful plumbing, the colors themselves are a bit different this time around. I’m not just talking about the avocado green and harvest gold of the 70s. The new colors are a little more sophisticated, a little more subtle, and a lot more versatile. Here’s a look at some of the colors that are trending right now:
Heritage Colors are Back:
Leading the pack are the heritage colors, the soft, muted pastels that started it all. To celebrate their 150th anniversary, Kohler has brought back some of their most popular colors from the past, like Spring Green, a soft, minty color from 1927, and Peachblow, a warm, rosy pink from 1934. These aren’t the super-sweet pastels you’d see in a nursery. They’re more complex and have a timeless feel. They can look both vintage and modern at the same time. Other heritage colors that are making a comeback include a soft, buttery yellow, a pale, sky blue, and a delicate lavender. These are easy colors to live with, and they create a calm, relaxing vibe.
Rich Jewel Tones:
On the other end of the spectrum are the rich, saturated jewel tones. I’m talking emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. These are bold colors that can make a bathroom feel dramatic and special. A freestanding tub in a deep emerald green, for example, can be a stunning focal point in a master bath, while a sapphire blue sink can add a pop of drama to a powder room. These colors aren’t for everyone, but if you’re willing to take a risk, they can create a look that is unforgettable.
Earthy and Grounded Colors:
If you prefer a more understated look, there’s a growing trend towards earthy, natural colors. Terracotta, rust, and olive green are all popular choices. These are colors that are inspired by nature, and they create a warm, calming feeling. A terracotta sink, for example, can give a bathroom a bit of a Mediterranean vibe, while an olive green tub can make it feel like a spa retreat. These are colors that are both sophisticated and down-to-earth, and they’re easy to work with.
The New Neutrals:
Even neutrals are getting a colorful update. The stark, cold white of the past is being replaced by a new generation of neutrals that are warmer and more inviting. Think creamy off-whites, soft grays, and warm beiges. These colors have a hint of color to them, which gives them a warmth and depth that pure white can lack. They’re the perfect backdrop for a colorful fixture, but they can also be used on their own to create a look that is calm and sophisticated. These new neutrals are a great compromise if you’re not quite ready for a full-on colorful bathroom but are tired of the all-white look.
It’s Your Bathroom, Have Fun with It!
If you ask me, the return of colorful plumbing is more than just a passing trend. It’s a sign that we’re all starting to think a little differently about our homes. We’re moving away from the idea that everything has to be neutral and safe, and we’re embracing a more personal and joyful approach to design. Our homes are our own little corner of the world, and they should be a reflection of who we are and what we love.
My advice? Next time you see a colorful sink or tub, don’t just write it off as a blast from the past. See it as an invitation to be a little more creative, a little more playful, and a little more you. It’s a reminder that our homes should be a source of joy, a place that makes us happy. And if a mint green sink or a pink tub does that for you, then that’s all that matters.
And who knows, you might just find yourself dreaming of a mint green sink of your own. And if you do, I hope you don’t let it get away. I hope you grab it, take it home, and build a beautiful, colorful life around it. That’s what it’s all about!
