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Matte black and brass finishes have been gracing the surfaces of bathrooms for years—and they definitely have staying power. But we recently caught wind of what designer Shea McGee has her eye set on for 2026, and we’re excited to bring another vibe into the room. In a conversation with Margaret Mazz, the studio manager at Kohler, the designer mentioned that polished nickel has been inching its way into homes. “We’re already seeing so many silver accents in decor—lots silver picture frames [and] decorative objects,” McGee said. “I think people are going to start warming up to the idea of those classic nickel tones in the bathroom.” She even went so far as to declare: “Polished nickel is going to be the trend of the year, for the bathroom and beyond.“
It feels like a classic, and definitely impactful, element. We’re immediately reminded of Baina co-founder Bailey Meredith’s Sydney home, which could be considered a masterclass in dropping nickel and silver tones throughout multiple spaces (take special note of the dining table and bathroom hardware). If you’re looking to work some nickel into your own bathroom, we’ve got some ideas for you.
A Streamlined Faucet
If you’re working with a small sink, a single-neck design with a rotational temperature handle can save some real estate.
A Scalloped Towel Bar
Made by artisans in India, this whimsical bar is almost too pretty to cover up with towels. At the very least, you’ll want to neatly fold them so you can admire the scalloped ends.
A Set of Sleek Shelf Brackets
This sturdy bracket will transform any humdrum shelf into a “moment.” Plus, it works hard: It can hold up to 85 pounds (that’s a lot skincare).
An Edgy Toilet Paper Holder
The texture on this toilet paper holder reminds us of a weightlifting bar, which is ironic given there’s a little platform to balance your phone on.
A Simple Towel Hook
You can never have enough bathroom hooks, and this one is small enough to hang just about anywhere you have the urge to toss a robe.
A Minimalist Vanity Mirror
McGee has staked her claim on polished nickel with her Kohler collection, but her design shop also carries this sleek mirror that’s currently on sale.