Kitchen Trends for 2026
Natural wood, flutes and statement islands all continue to be popular trends from the last few years, but this article looks at some newer trends worth taking note of.
Softer Organic Designs
Curves have been popular for sometime forever, but the idea of removing hard edges and making the kitchen cosier without compromising function are becoming more prevalent. Spaces are made fluid and softer with rounded islands, arched alcoves and smooth cornered cabinetry. The curves aren’t limited to the kitchen units either as chairs, lighting and splash-backs can all be made to feel softer with a few curves.
Warm Neutral Colours
In tandem with the organic design, and perhaps reflecting a bigger trend of connecting with nature, is a shift away from colder grey colours to something warmer. Earthy neutrals like clay, mushroom and sand, teamed with deep, rich accent colours like burgundy for a powerful pop of colour.
Broken-plan layouts
While the open plan kitchen is still ever popular, there is a trend to think in terms of zoned spaces within the kitchen not being just for cooking, but for eating, working or relaxing. These areas can be created by utilising architectural features of the house, such as irregular shaped floor plans, or by creating pass through windows, that allow some privacy and segmentation without closing an area off completely. Unfitted kitchen units like a worktable island or freestanding storage can also be utilised to demarcate kitchen zones.
Multi-function taps
Boiling water taps have been on an upward trend for many years, but they may have reached that ‘must have’ status in 2026 with the additional features they can provide. The same boiling water tap could also provide both chilled, filtered and sparkling water, meaning less visual clutter by replacing kettles and water filter jugs.
Vintage and Heritage Items
A trend to bring a little originality and individuality to the kitchen by mixing the old with the new, whether via vintage lighting or cabinet hardware, or with larger heritage furniture pieces to contrast against the rest of the kitchen.
