Are you planning a kitchen upgrade in 2026?
Whether it’s a full-on renovation, a remodel, or just a little bit of a refresh, you’ll want to make sure that your new kitchen design is aligned with kitchen trends for 2026.
Every year, all the major kitchen and home design publications and websites publish their thoughts about what is likely be trending in the world of kitchens over the coming year.
These new kitchen trends are always highly anticipated. Interior design trends tend to evolve slowly organically over time. Eventually, they trickle down into the kitchen space.
So, if you like to keep up-to-speed with what’s going on in interior design circles, some of the predicted trends for 2026 will be unfamiliar and unsurprising.
But, there’s always at least one curveball thrown into the mix too.
So, let’s crack on and delve into the tips and trends that you’ll want to incorporate into your new kitchen to be the envy of all your friends.
Make the perfect kitchen space for the needs of your family and your lifestyle.
2026 Kitchen Design – The Headlines
What are the main things to look out for?
Well, in summary, we’d say that the main trends in the kitchen are focused on creating a warm and homely space that looks great but that is seamlessly functional at the same time.
In practice, think of earthy or rich colour palettes, natural materials and natural wood and attractive and functional appliances.
That’s it, in a nutshell. So, let’s now put some more meat on the bone.
Warm and Enduring Tones
When it comes to colour schemes, there are two distinct camps.
On one side of the fence comes the trend for bold and playful schemes. These definitely have a place in the thoughts of any interior designer worth their salt in 2026.
However, there has been a shift. There is now a greater focus on creating an inviting atmosphere with warm neutrals.
The current kitchen trend for colour is to let it complement the choice of cabinetry and other natural materials rather than to provide a contrast.
For 2026, it’s all about creating a grounded vibe, especially with open-plan kitchens that blend seamlessly with living spaces.
Bold, Deep and Rich Colour Shades
And on the other side of the fence, if neutral, subtle and subdued isn’t really your thing, you’ll be glad to hear that there is another colour trend.
Bold, deep and rich colours, from forest greens to wine reds are definitely still in.
Expect to see reds and greens combined adorning the glossy pages of interior design magazines.
And this will be seen on kitchen cabinets, kitchen walls, and kitchen floors.
Striking contrasts and surprising, unexpected pairings are on trend.
Curved Cabinetry
Curved cabinetry has been a feature of kitchen trends lists for a couple of years now, and it’s no surprise to see it make it into the discussion for 2026.
In keeping with the trend for creating a warm and homely feel for the kitchen, curved cabinets – with their soft, rounded edges – are the perfect addition to any kitchen design.
The obvious place to position curved cabinets has to be on a kitchen island. You will see that curved edges soften the entire room. The curved edging serves as a fantastic complement and the perfect contrast to the clean lines and angular design of wall cabinets.
Interior designers are gushing in their praise for the look, citing its ability to create a rhythm and natural flow for the kitchen. It helps to transform cooking spaces into personal spaces that exude warmth and have a comforting feel.
If you want a look that is instantly contemporary and inviting, curved cabinetry is for you and your kitchen!
Classic and Traditional Looks
As our technology and gadgetry gets ever more advanced and futuristic, it’s comforting that that there is still a space in kitchen design for the classic, timeless and traditional looks.
For example, shaker cabinets continue to be a mainstay of kitchen trends. They are more popular now than they have been at any time over the last decade.
This highlights the shift towards the desire for handcrafted, traditional design.
But there’s still the desire for a modern twist.
Heritage styling is being blended with the latest technology and engineering to bring clever appliances into play.
Smarter Storage Solutions
Kitchen storage is getting smarter.
Instead of bending down or reaching to the back of cupboards and cabinets, designers are thinking of ways to make better use of space. There is a growing appetite for accessibility, such as height-level storage, in kitchen design.
Bi-fold, height level, doors can be positioned in spaces, such as corners, that might otherwise go unused.
Display, display, display
While hidden storage is clever storage and ideal for modern everyday living, there’s no need to hide everything away.
Open shelving, glazed cupboards or glass-fronted cabinets continue to grow in popularity.
People are choosing to display the items that can make the kitchen feel more personal.
The things you display are like little glimpses of your life – they should not be hidden away!
Break up the Banks and Blocks
Wall-to-wall banks of tall cabinetry are not big for 2026.
Instead, homeowners will be ‘mixing and matching’ finishes and materials to add a real sense of rhythm and flow to the kitchen space.
The effect is a kitchen that looks lived in, like it has grown and evolved organically over time, instead of looking ‘boxy’ and ‘over-designed’.
The Final Word
As ever, it’s up to you – as the homeowner – to interpret and dip into these design tips and trends as much or as little as you see fit.
You can add decorative details, earthy tones and textured surfaces to warm neutrals in any way you want.
If 2025 was all about having bold expression, this year is about having a composed and understated confidence to decide what takes centre stage in your kitchen.
Timeless materials, such as natural oak, work beautifully with thoughtful details to add interest.
The year in kitchens will be about being effortless in your design approach.
This is how to create a comfortable and lived in look for the kitchen – a kitchen that looks better the longer you live with it.
Get in touch with the Kitchen Warehouse team for more kitchen tips and design inspiration.