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Are you planning a kitchen renovation this year? Wondering what's going to look current and what might already feel dated? You're in the right place. Kitchen design is shifting in 2026, moving away from some of the trends we've seen dominate the past few years and embracing a fresh perspective that's all about warmth, function, and personality. Let's walk through what's making waves this year and what's quietly stepping back.
The all-white kitchen isn't disappearing completely, but it's definitely evolving. Instead of that bright, clinical white we saw everywhere for years, 2026 is all about warm, creamy tones. Think soft ivories, biscuit shades, and gentle greiges that bring warmth rather than sterility. These colours feel more inviting and work beautifully with natural light without that harsh glare.
If you're planning a white kitchen, look for paint colours with warm undertones. Your space will feel more welcoming and won't date as quickly as those stark, cold whites.
Dark wood cabinetry is having a major moment. Walnut, mahogany, and other rich, grain-forward woods are replacing the lighter timbers we've been seeing. These darker woods bring character, warmth, and a sense of timelessness that homeowners are craving. They're not trendy in a flash-in-the-pan way – they're classic with a contemporary edge.
The beauty of dark wood is how it grounds a space and adds depth. It pairs wonderfully with lighter worktops or neutral walls for balance.
Colour is coming back to kitchens in a big way, but not in the bold, primary way you might expect. The colours trending in 2026 are earthy and organic: soft sage greens, warm terracotta, marine blues, burgundies, and clay tones. These colours bring personality without overwhelming the space.
What makes these shades work so well is their connection to nature. They feel calming rather than shouty, which is perfect for a room you use every single day.
European influence (especially Belgian and French)Kitchen design is looking across the Channel for inspiration. Belgian and French country kitchens are influencing design choices, bringing with them cafe curtains, copper cookware on display, textured tiles, and a more relaxed, collected-over-time feel. There's something wonderfully unfussy about this aesthetic that British homeowners are embracing.
This trend is less about perfection and more about creating a space that feels lived-in and loved from day one.
Traditional built-in islands are making way for more flexible worktable-style islands. These look like substantial pieces of furniture rather than fitted cabinetry, often with turned legs or a more rustic feel. They're practical for prep work and can even double as dining space, bringing a more relaxed vibe to the kitchen.
The advantage here is flexibility. Worktable islands feel less permanent and more like a piece you've chosen, adding character to your space.
Smart technology that actually helpsTechnology in kitchens is getting smarter and more useful. We're talking about WiFi-enabled appliances you can control from your phone, lighting that adjusts to the time of day, and even sensors that track what's in your fridge and alert you when you're running low on essentials. The key difference in 2026 is that this tech is integrated seamlessly rather than looking like gadgets stuck onto traditional kitchens.
Natural quartzite is gaining ground as a worktop material, sitting right alongside quartz in popularity. Wood grains are overtaking painted finishes for cabinetry. Textured or handmade-look tiles are replacing the super-sleek options. There's a move towards materials that feel authentic and have character, even if they're not perfectly uniform.
These natural materials age beautifully and add warmth that manufactured perfection just can't match.
Dedicated work zonesRather than one big open kitchen, 2026 designs are creating specific zones for different tasks. Coffee stations, breakfast areas, prep zones, and even dirty kitchens or sculleries that hide the mess while you're entertaining. This approach makes kitchens more functional for how we actually live.
If you're redesigning, think about your daily routine and what dedicated spaces would genuinely help you.
While maximalism had its moment, 2026 is leaning back towards minimalism – but not the cold, stark minimalism of years past. This is warm minimalism: clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, but with natural materials, warm tones, and thoughtful details that make the space feel cosy rather than clinical.
Flat slab cabinet doors, integrated appliances, and simplified backsplashes are all gaining popularity as part of this trend.
What's OUT for 2026The grey kitchen trend that dominated for years is finally fading. Cool greys in particular are stepping back as homeowners seek warmer, more inviting tones. If you've got a grey kitchen, don't panic – but if you're planning new, you might want to consider warmer alternatives.
The heavily distressed, rustic farmhouse look is losing steam. While elements of country style remain popular (see the European influence above), the over-the-top rustic aesthetic with loads of distressing and shabby chic details feels dated in 2026.
Maximalist everythingAfter a period where more was more, we're seeing a pullback. Busy patterns, loads of open shelving crammed with stuff, and overly decorated spaces are giving way to more thoughtful, curated looks. It's not that you can't have personality – it's about being more selective.
Super-shiny, high-gloss cabinets are stepping back in favour of matte or semi-gloss finishes that feel more sophisticated and don't show every fingerprint.
Black and white kitchens with harsh contrasts are losing favour to more nuanced colour combinations. The trend is moving towards harmonious palettes rather than dramatic opposites.
If you look at these trends together, there's a clear thread running through them: 2026 kitchens are about creating spaces that feel good to live in. There's a focus on warmth, natural materials, and functionality that supports how you actually use your kitchen.
The good news? Many of these trends have staying power. Natural materials, thoughtful layouts, and warm colours aren't going to suddenly feel dated next year. They're part of a broader shift towards more sustainable, timeless design choices.
Here's the thing about trends: they're useful for inspiration and understanding what's current, but your kitchen needs to work for you and your family. If you love white and it makes your space feel perfect, don't rip it out just because warm neutrals are trending. If you're planning a new kitchen from scratch, though, it's worth considering these trends as they often reflect not just what looks good, but what works well functionally.
The best kitchens combine timeless elements with a few current touches that feel fresh. Get the bones right – your layout, storage, and quality materials – and you can always update accessories, paint colours, or small details as trends evolve.
If you're excited about these trends and want to incorporate them into your kitchen plans, start with the elements that genuinely speak to you. Love the idea of rich wood tones? That's a great foundation that will look beautiful for years. Drawn to those earthy greens? They're much more than a passing fad – they're colours with real staying power.
The key is creating a space that feels like you while being thoughtfully designed for how you live. Trends can guide and inspire, but your daily happiness in your kitchen matters more than being perfectly on-trend.
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As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.
A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.
Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000
© 2026 Kitchens by Emma Reed Limited. Company number: 11451277. Registered office address: 1-2 Valley Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, United Kingdom, SA6 8QP.
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