Kitchen Trends 2026: standout designs and colours inspiring home improvement projects

Whether you're refreshing an existing kitchen with a splash of colour or completely remodelling this year, there are enduring kitchen trends of 2026, which designers highlight as the most influential aspects to inspire any design journey.

When it comes to kitchen trends, the year ahead marks a move away from transient trends and a shift towards enduring design notes that feel modern yet timeless. From the resurgence of earthy colour trends and textures to smart technology and sustainable credentials, today's trends all strive to provide the best design solutions to maximise the key demands of this versatile space in style.

After all, more than ever before, we demand a lot from this multifunctional hub for everyday cooking, eating, working, resting, and entertaining. Therefore, our design choices have to be more considered, much like the latest interior design trends in general.

Influential Kitchen Trends 2026: design notes to inspire

We've spoken to leading kitchen designers to explore how enduring kitchen trends are evolving to shape the heart of our homes in 2026. From colour palettes to kitchen appliances – there's something to inspire every space on this year's design wishlist.

“Kitchen design in 2026 will be defined by a shift away from obvious trend statements and towards intelligent detail, material depth and a quieter sense of refinement,” says Richard Davonport, Managing Director at Davonport.

“The most influential schemes are moving beyond minimalism yet avoiding ornament for ornament’s sake. Instead, we are seeing a return to crafted cabinetry, expressive natural materials and architectural form that feels tailored and measured.”

Here is what the experts predict will continue to prove hugely popular with homeowners undertaking kitchen transformations throughout the year ahead...

1. Sculptural fluting

From fluted cabinetry and wood panelling to reeded glass doors, all surfaces are taken into consideration for 2026. A textured surface in a neutral colour adds interest and depth without overpowering the space with colour – ideal for those who like more muted kitchen colour schemes.

"Fluting remains a major influence, but its story is evolving. Where once fine linear ribbing dominated, the next generation is more sculptural and is working its way into high-end, bespoke kitchens," explains Richard. "Concaved and curved fluting introduces depth and softness, lending islands and cabinetry a more fluid, furniture-like quality."

Richard explains: “Bespoke and handmade designers are turning to concaved and curved fluting to create movement and three-dimensional interest, seen on islands with softened edges and wraparound contours that catch the light beautifully. It signals a rise in bespoke joinery and texture-led design that honours century-old cabinetry-making techniques.”

Richard Davonport

With a Distinction in Furniture Design and Cabinet Making, and knowledge from his father Aubrey Davonport, an honorary member of the British Woodcarvers Association, Richard went on to set up his own workshops and later, the Davonport brand, which specialises in creating bespoke kitchen furniture.

2. Warm wooden Cabinetry

Welcoming a sense of nature indoors has led to the trend for visible natural influences, with wood grain cabinetry being the most prominent. However, the most significant design note is the demand for warming woods, rather than the popular bleached woods of the Scandi look.

“Increasingly, homeowners are seeking materials with soul,” says Richard. “Lighter timbers once felt synonymous with modern minimalism, but there is now a growing desire for something more grounded and enduring. Darker woods like walnut or truffle oak bring a natural richness that softens contemporary design and gives a kitchen greater longevity.

These finishes also respond beautifully to natural light, subtly changing tone throughout the day and adding a sense of movement to the space. Used across the full cabinetry runs or contrasted against painted doors, it introduces warmth and depth that lighter finishes simply cannot replicate.”

“The wood kitchen trend has made a significant comeback in recent years," adds Al Bruce, the Founder of Olive & Barr. "Warm woods such as dark oak and walnut are replacing the cooler tones of recent years, adding depth and heritage. Finishes are also becoming more tactile, with low-sheen paints, honed marbles, and softly veined quartz that delicately reflect the light.

Al adds: "While painted cabinets remain a popular staple in kitchen design, there is something about untouched materials which feels timeless. Wood kitchens create a warm, inviting atmosphere, the natural grain and textures add depth and character to the home and provide the perfect backdrop for an abundance of natural textures, from quartz worktops to sandstone floors and more.“

Al Bruce

Founder Al Bruce began his illustrious career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. From humble beginnings, his natural skill in the craft of cabinetry and keen business acumen saw him quickly rise through the ranks of the handmade kitchen industry, gaining invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge along the way. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company in 2018

3. Reimagined Shaker-syle cabinets

As kitchen designs move with the times, we're seeing classic, much-loved designs reimagined for the modern home. A standout trend from last year, that continues to gain in popularity, is the move away from traditional shaker cabinetry.

“While the latter will never go out of fashion as it is a classic, we’ll see a move towards deep moulded cabinetry," says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. "It’s a step up from the classic good looks of Shaker design, with the feature being that the doors will have more depth visually, which will add extra elegance and character to the overall look of the kitchen. It's opulent and dramatic.”

"This evolution of the classic framed door refines the proportions to achieve a cleaner, more architectural line. Its versatility allows it to sit comfortably in both traditional and contemporary settings, offering balance and restraint. The appeal lies in its precision - slimmer rails, refined edges, and shadow lines that lend a sense of architectural order. For homeowners, it delivers a timeless design without feeling traditional."

“Slim shaker cabinetry or micro shakers are a modern take on traditional shaker design, with typically a one-to-two-inch frame," explains Rachel Davis, a designer at luxury kitchen brand, Harvey Jones. "This is a really versatile design that strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary with clean lines and subtle detail.

Narrow shakers can be paired with complementary designs like handleless cabinetry for more interest. Practicality-wise, slim shakers tend to be easier to clean with fewer frame details, making them a great choice for busy homes.”

4. Making the space your own

In recent years, homeowners have been braver with their design choices, looking to add personality to homes rather than play it safe for resale. As a result, kitchens are becoming more unique, adapting to the homeowner's interior tastes and their day-to-day needs and requirements for better functionality.

From unexpected colour choices to statement surfaces, there's a continuing desire to add personal touches to kitchens. "Personal touches are more prominent than ever," says Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens. "We’ve seen a rise in consumers expressing themselves through bolder colour choices and increased customisation requests."

"Today, design priorities are there to ensure that the hub of the home goes beyond cookie-cutter designs and Instagram-inspired schemes and instead sparks joy and creativity day after day. Whether that’s a pop of colour on the island, a bold choice of artwork or vibrant wall tiles, colour plays an important role in adding your personal touch to the space."

Personalisation doesn’t just mean colour or finishing touches. "Cabinetry configuration is another area where consumers gain interest and increased involvement," Dawn explains. "Pull out larders, deep pan drawers, custom corner units, coffee or baking cupboards. Personalisation is about enhancing your time in the kitchen and creating a unique space."

In a move towards 'breaking the rules of traditional kitchen design,' Al adds: "While fitted kitchens are unlikely to go out of style, requests for freestanding pieces are on the rise. Rather than kitchen islands, we're seeing an uptake in bakers’ tables - similar to a kitchen island, but on legs.

By incorporating these unique pieces into the kitchen, the space gains an old-world charm rich in texture, colour and contrast. This allows homeowners to make the kitchen feel thoughtfully integrated into the home's overall style and lived-in, rather than a later, shiny new addition."

Dawn Filkins

Dawn Filkins studied Interior Design at college then at UCLan University before moving into the creative industry. Dawn believes detail is key in kitchen design because ultimately the functionality must be correct as well as the design. She has been with Smile from day one and finds that quality time with customers inspires her as they work together to get the best result.

5. Seamless, smart technology

The modern home is smarter than ever, as technology evolves to aid our everyday lives at an ever-quickening rate. The kitchen is no exception to this, from smart lighting to the latest kitchen appliance trends, kitchen design in 2026 ensures technology is seamlessly integrated.

"As technology advances, the concept of connected kitchens is rapidly gaining momentum," says Dawn. "The increasing demand for convenience and efficiency drives technology integration in modern kitchen design. Smart appliances, voice control systems, and connected devices are no longer limited to big budgets and are becoming accessible to a broader audience."

Expect to see traditional, shaker-style kitchens seamlessly blending with the latest cutting-edge technology, from refrigerators that integrate unique temperature controls for less food wastage to more energy-efficient appliances and voice-activated assistants to control multiple kitchen functions. As the trend for connected kitchens continues to grow, we can expect more innovative and user-friendly solutions to become more readily available.

Simple additions, such as LED lighting to accent display shelves, can help create a focus feature or can have a more practical use of lighting up the dark corners of a cupboard when installed with a sensor on the cupboard door.

The wine lovers of the house might focus their technology elsewhere, investing in temperature-controlled wine fridges, for example, to keep their evening tipple at optimum drinking temperature. How you choose to use it is a matter of personal preference, but incorporating tech can improve all kitchens, great and small.

6. Social seating

As a social hotspot, it's important to focus on how comfy your kitchen seating options are. Concentrating on comfy seating to make a kitchen feel cosy is a key design consideration for 2026.

“The kitchen continues to be one of the busiest rooms in the home with connection and hosting being at the top of homeowners' wish lists," explains Al Bruce. "Creating comfortable, easy spaces that encourage people to relax and socialise is becoming increasingly sought after.

"Although the island remains the central hub of the kitchen, we see additional informal dining and cosy seating being introduced, be it a casual dining table with reclaimed chairs, stylish banquette seating or small intimate nooks to perch on. This extra seating isn’t structured or formal; it’s creative, fun, uncomplicated and easy to introduce in both new and existing kitchen designs.”

“The new cosy seating trend will see a combination of bar stools (with lushly padded seats) and an incorporated banquette seating area – think beautiful button-backed curved seating at one end that could have the addition of a table and chairs for informal dining," says Richard. "It really elevates the island into a stunning multi-functional space that’s both practical and striking.”

7. Coffee stations

The Cafecore trend is going from strength to strength. No doubt in part because of the rising cost of living, causing obscenely inflated prices in local coffee shops, but also because we're entertaining more from the comfort of our own homes.

“The ‘at home’ coffee shop experience has proven to be more than a fleeting trend, as we see homeowners continue to invest in state-of-the-art coffee machines," says Al Bruce. "From dedicated pantries to specially designed nooks, the hot drinks station is here to stay."

"With this comes the demand for bespoke shelving and cabinetry to display barista tools, coffee mugs and accessories. Having a dedicated area to make and enjoy your favourite hot drink has become top of the wish list in kitchen design for caffeine enthusiasts and those who love to host and impress guests, providing loved ones with a special cafe–style experience.”

Here are our recommendations for the best barista-style coffee machines...

8. Statement stone

"Stone is becoming more expressive," suggests Richard. "Smooth marbles are being replaced by slabs with pronounced veining, geological patterning and thicker profiles. Full-height splashbacks and waterfall islands are carving kitchens into sculptural, monolithic forms that feel grounded and luxurious in equal measure."

Slab splashbacks are simply a seamless continuation of the countertop into a splashback. "A slab splashback creates the stunning visual of a single surface that continues from your worktop up onto the wall," explains Jonathan Stanley, a design expert at Caesarstone.

This use of one material for all surfaces creates a stylishly sleek appearance and one that is also highly functional.

“Aside from aesthetic beauty, one of the advantages of a slab splashback is practicality," says Jack Winfield, sales designer at Tom Howley. "A single piece of material with minimal joints is much easier to clean when compared with traditional tiled splashbacks."

"If maintained well, there should be minimal upkeep compared to alternatives. Grout can easily become dirty and start to look tired very quickly. In a busy household, functionality is key, and a slab with a beautiful design may help mask some of the everyday spillages. Another popular option is mirrored splashbacks – but be prepared for this to show up most splashes and spills.”

9. Statement lighting

The kitchen is no longer seen as a setting for mere spotlights and task lighting, increasingly we're seeing kitchen lighting trends incorporating statement chandeliers and pendants, adding stylish finishing touches to create a layered lighting scheme in the same way as they would in a living room or dining room.

"Customers are increasingly beginning to consider lighting as a part of their overall kitchen design," says Dawn. "We’ve seen many requests for statement pieces such as chandeliers or pendant lighting fixtures, offering a brilliant way to bring the homeowner’s personality and style into a space in a unique way."

"With the rise in broken plan living, lighting also offers an effective way to break up different zones of the home as the lighting changes between areas."

Adding statement lighting is also a great way to make a kitchen look expensive on a budget, especially in a room where the presence of a chandelier might be unexpected and therefore more striking.

10. Boiling water taps

Few modern-built kitchens are complete without the introduction of a hot tap, spelling the end of descaling kettles for good.

“Kettles are quietly disappearing from the modern kitchen," says Michael Sammon, Design Director at Wodar. "Hot water taps have moved far beyond the early-adopter stage and are now seen as a core part of a well-planned kitchen, both in new projects and upgrades. The shift is driven by how people now live. Homeowners want cleaner water, faster access and a calmer worktop, and that is propelling demand for taps that do much more than deliver boiling water.

Not only are integrated hot taps great for saving space, but they are also less wasteful and more practical for more than just making a cuppa. After researching what you need to know before buying a boiling water tap, we too are completely sold.

Design director, Tom Howley, adds: “We have recently seen an increased demand for boiling water taps as we live in a world where people want things delivered at speed. You’ll be surprised to discover how versatile a boiling water tap is in the kitchen – your morning cup of tea or coffee will be delivered instantly, and so will your porridge and soft-boiled eggs.”

Kitchen colour trends 2026: Cabinet colour schemes to inspire

While white kitchens will always be a timeless choice, these are the most significant colour trends experts are predicting to prove popular in 2026...

1. Warm neutrals

Aligning with interior paint colours trends for 2026, warm neutrals remain the frontrunner for decorating our homes. This becomes particularly prominent in kitchens, where bright white can feel cold and stark, yet bold colours feel intimidating and too 'of the moment'. They demonstrate a considered and timeless approach to colour.

Where the desire for more neutral kitchens remains, but the appeal of the best white paint colours on cabinets just doesn't feel sufficient, there's a warm neutral to do the job of adding understated colour and warmth. From off-whites to light taupes, the warm neutral colour palette offers a shade for all tastes and accent colours. Basically avoiding all things grey, this colour choice looks to add a subtle hint of warmth.

“After a surge in bolder colour schemes, earthy tones are becoming the new neutrals," says Lewis Buckley, Designer at luxury kitchen brand, Harvey Jones. "Mushroom browns and clay taupes are increasingly popular with our clients. Warm neutrals help create a calm, inviting kitchen and work for both small and large rooms.

“Elevate these grounded tones with innovative Slim Shaker cabinetry and brass handles to create a sophisticated design that feels both modern and enduring,” Lewis adds.

2. Deep shades of red

In contrast to the timeless neutral shades, for those who are more confident with bold colours will be delighted to hear that deep red tones remain hugely popular.

"Looking ahead, we’re seeing a move towards richer and more nature-inspired palettes. Deep reds such as wine and oxblood are making a bold return, especially on statement cabinetry and islands," says Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr.

Burgundy has been dominating the world of fashion trends over the past year, and like all trending hues we wear, it swiftly finds its way into our home decor. Who knew burgundy would be the next big shade for kitchens?

These bolder, braver colour choices ooze warmth and a hint of playfulness, perfect to use as an accent tone on everything from a kitchen island, freestanding cabinet or the tiles on the wall.

3. Earthy browns

Decorating with brown continues to dominate as we seek grounding, earthy tones to create a sense of natural calm and serenity. Brown is a sophisticated yet approachable shade that bridges the gap between bolder reds and earthy neutrals.

“In 2026, we expect homeowners to embrace a more atmospheric colour palette, introducing richer hues, deeper earth tones such as brown," says Al Bruce. "The rich decadence of these colours adds a sophisticated touch while creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere."

4. Soft shades of green

Green has become a staple shade for kitchens over the last decade, and it's safe to say that softer shades remain the most popular. Over the past six months, bespoke kitchen company Tom Howley has seen an 83% rise in sales of its Moonstone paint – a refined pale sage green that feels both 'timeless and of-the-moment'.

The versatility and reassurance of softer green offers the longevity of a neutral while still bringing subtle character and colour to a space, to add warmth.

"Choosing the right kitchen colour is about balancing longevity with personality, and sage green does exactly that, " says creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company, Tom Howley.

"It brings a softness that feels calm and welcoming, while still offering more depth and interest than a classic neutral. In a kitchen, where people spend so much of their time, sage green creates a sense of warmth and understated elegance that won’t date, making it a considered and enduring choice.”

A new kitchen design can prove to be a costly investment; ensure you don't get stung by the hidden and unexpected home improvement costs that can often occur when undertaking kitchen renovation projects. If you're remodelling your kitchen this year, take note of these latest need-to-know kitchen trends to inspire your design journey.