Going Green in Your Bathroom

Bruno Mendolini

Welcome back to Tile Choices Podcast! I’m Bruno, joined as always by Maria. Today, we’re diving into what might be the most talked-about color for bathrooms in 2026—green. Maria, I feel like every time I talk to a customer now, they’re asking about sage or emerald or, you know, something a little less, uh, hospital white.

Maria

Oh, absolutely, Bruno! You know, I grew up in Calabria and the color green—it always meant home to me. My nonna had a big garden with olive trees and fresh herbs, always something green around. I think that’s why people are gravitating towards these biophilic designs now, bringing nature right inside the bathroom. And honestly, after all these years of crisp white and stark black, it’s, like, everyone’s ready for something that feels softer. Don’t you think?

Bruno Mendolini

Exactly, Maria. I mean, I see it—people want a relaxing space, a little sanctuary. Green does that, and it’s pretty flexible. We’re seeing sage for that sort of spa calm, and then emerald for more luxury—those deep, jewel-like tones, eh? Olive if you want something warm, maybe a little Italian countryside vibe. It’s, uh, refreshing to see so many shades taking over. Even in my own home, I started looking at green tiles, and, you know, that was not on my radar a couple years ago.

Maria

Totally, and it’s not just a trend for the sake of being trendy, right? Green reminds people of growing things, of being grounded, which is so important, especially with how fast everything moves now. It’s all about balance and calm. And, actually, isn’t it funny how what we saw happening with natural wood and softer finishes has now made the leap straight onto the walls and showers?

Bruno Mendolini

You’re right, Maria. Biophilic design is everywhere now. I always thought it was a fancy thing for architects, but now it’s, you know, part of every bathroom remodel conversation. It makes sense—bring in the calming nature feeling, make your daily routine feel less stressful. And I gotta say, green’s versatility lets people find a shade that fits, no matter the style or size of the space.

Maria

You know what’s funny, Bruno? I still get folks bringing in little swatches and saying, “Is subway tile still in?” And I’m like, yes! But now, Grass Meadow 3x10 glossy subway tile—have you seen that one? It adds just the right amount of color, and the gloss helps bounce light around even the tiniest bathroom. Classic and modern at the same time.

Bruno Mendolini

Sì, sì, I love that look! The elongated shape feels more contemporary, but if you put it with the right finish—glossy, maybe a bit of texture—it wakes up the space. And you know, I noticed that mixing lights and darks—pale sage with a deeper emerald, say—really creates some visual interest. It’s not flat, it’s got depth. Add in some gold handles or a brass tap, and suddenly, ah, you got this nice, luxury vibe. It’s like the best hotels in Milan, you know?

Maria

That’s exactly it! There was this showcase by Toll Brothers—designer models with sage cabinetry, gold hardware. But it’s not just about the tile; it’s how you mix the elements. A wood vanity next to green tile, then marble on the countertop—it’s so current, but rooted in timeless design. I always tell my clients, you don’t have to choose between modern and classic. You can have both, if you get the palette right.

Bruno Mendolini

Yeah, and matte finishes, too—those are picking up, especially for anyone who wants that spa feeling. But, I gotta say, even the classic glossy subway, if you stack it vertically or run it in a herringbone pattern... just little changes, big difference. People forget how versatile tile can be if you play with the format or mix in metallic touches. Maria, do you see people using more accent walls now?

Maria

Big time! Green accent walls or even just a feature in the shower area—it’s a commitment, but not too much. And pairing sage with white or marble keeps everything feeling open. It’s that whole organic-modern thing everyone’s after right now: a little bit earthy, still luxe, never too heavy.

Bruno Mendolini

You know, not everyone wants to commit to a full green bathroom. I mean, I had this client in Rome—very nervous, eh. Didn’t want the whole thing green. But, we did mint green subway on just one wall, added oak shelves… It became the favorite room in their house! It’s amazing how just a little bit, done well, transforms the space. Sometimes you don’t need to go, how you say, all-in.

Maria

That’s the best way to get started, especially if you’re not sure. Just some green towels, bathmats, maybe a framed botanical print—makes a big impact with a tiny budget. I’ve got clients who just add a pot of ferns or maybe a few green vases, and suddenly their plain white bathroom feels fresh and intentional. Plus, plants love the humidity, so it’s a win-win! And the trend right now is to mix green tiles with natural touches—oak cabinets, rattan baskets, maybe a bit of stone. The whole room feels more grounded, more like a day spa.

Bruno Mendolini

Right, and don’t forget about finishes. Matte green tiles on the shower wall? Spa mood, 100 percent. But, even if you just tile the floor or make a statement with a patterned green tile behind the sink, you create this energy that keeps you interested, but not overwhelmed. I tell people, play around—samples are there for a reason. Test the shade at different times of the day, because, trust me, the light can change everything.

Maria

Yeah, lighting’s huge. And, you can always start small and build up confidence. Not everyone wants a full-on emerald cave! Start with accents, a feature wall, and maybe next project, go bigger. Bathrooms are such personal spaces—you want them to feel good to you, first and foremost.

Maria

Bruno, sometimes the magic’s in the details. Swapping out soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, or even little jars—all in green—gives your bathroom just the right hint of color. No need for a sledgehammer or messy reno! I love printed towels with green botanical patterns, too. It’s, like, instant personality, especially if the rest of your scheme is pretty neutral.

Bruno Mendolini

That’s true. And, you know, if you use accessories in different shades of green, maybe sage for the towels, a forest green bathmat… then mix in some storage baskets out of natural fiber, the room feels cozy, not matchy-matchy. Linen organizers, glass jars—even something as small as a green rim on the mirror—it makes a difference. People sometimes think, if it’s not a big surface, it doesn’t matter. But these accents layer in the color without overwhelming.

Maria

Exactly, and for rentals or apartments, accessories are your best friend! I always tell people, even seasonal updates—like light cotton towels for summer, thicker greens for winter—help keep the space feeling current. If you want the biophilic effect, bring in some artwork with plant themes, or hang up a leafy shower curtain. It personalizes the room and makes it feel like more than just a utility space.

Bruno Mendolini

Yeah, sometimes you just start with, you know, little things, and then maybe you decide you want to go bigger. But accessories—easy to change, easy to test out different shades, make the bathroom yours without commitment. And for anyone listening who’s on a tight budget, don’t underestimate what good accessories can do. Trust me!

Bruno Mendolini

Okay, Maria, let’s talk lighting—because this, I see people get wrong all the time. Warm LED lights, especially by the mirror or in the shower, make the green hues look richer. Cold lighting can make the tile look flat or even a bit, uh, off. Layered lighting, maybe a mix of ceiling and wall sconces, really shows off those greens. Do you agree?

Maria

I couldn’t agree more! I see people go with super white overheads—it washes everything out. Warm light gives the green that cozy, spa-like glow. And then, there’s the fun part: accessories in matte or textured finishes, like a soap dish or a towel hook in deep green or even a patterned ceramic. Adds a subtle tactile layer, which is so on trend right now.

Bruno Mendolini

Yeah, and—and if you bring in some potted plants, little succulents in a nice, simple planter, it emphasizes that connection to nature even more. Small touches. You get the feeling of outdoors, but you don’t have, you know, soil everywhere. I always say: a bathroom should feel like somewhere you want to spend time, not just get in and out.

Maria

Exactly, and those small details—plants, layered lighting, textured accessories—they all add to what makes a space feel finished and intentional. Going green doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether it’s an accent wall, a fresh towel, or a new lamp, the options are endless. So, if you’re thinking about updating your bathroom, don’t be afraid to start small and see where the color takes you!

Bruno Mendolini

Alright, I think that wraps it up for today. There’s more than one way to go green, and we hope we gave you plenty of ideas, whether you’re bold or just a little curious. Maria, always a pleasure talking through these trends with you.

Maria

Likewise, Bruno. And if any of our listeners have their own green stories or projects, send them in—we love seeing what you come up with. Until next time, ciao!

Bruno Mendolini

Ciao, everyone! Stay inspired and see you on the next episode of Tile Choices.