The kitchen is the fastest room in the home to age, and when we say that we don’t mean wear and tear only, but also the trend cycle. With only two months left until 2026, it is the perfect time to consider the design choices for the heart of the home. You can never start too early when it comes to kitchen renovation, particularly because you want to execute the design properly, without any rush. For this, you need to figure out which trends are best to let go of (after all, January is all about that fresh start) and which to embrace. If you’re looking for inspiration, read on to learn what interior designers predict for the kitchen design scene in 2026.
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Colourful Cabinets
It’s no mystery that kitchen cabinets are essential in determining the overall appearance of the kitchen. This is why you need to spend some time considering if it makes sense to choose floor to ceiling cabinets for your home, as well as how the design style and colour to the material and layout impacts the visual focus of the room. Many homeowners have a soft spot for an all-white kitchen, but if you’ve struggled to resonate with this design style, here’s what’s exciting: in 2026, it’s not going to be a top choice anymore. While the all-white kitchen has been considered a safe option, in truth, it often falls flat, particularly if the home has real character or architectural history. Not only can it end up feeling sterile, but it also doesn’t age gracefully.
Next year, we’ll see lots of marine blues, earthy greens, rich greige tones, and burgundies, and that’s because these hues bring a sense of dimension and coziness to the kitchen. If you want a balance of classic and fresh in the kitchen, moody, earthy neutrals are a great choice. Think muted greens, mushroom grays, soft taupes, which feel timeless and ground the space. Besides, they are also very easy to style with modern finishes and natural materials alike. Luckily, you can effortlessly find kitchen cabinets that meet your preferences – without breaking the bank by looking for a supplier which offers a range of styles, whether you’re after a hand-painted or a modern kitchen (and they are the highest quality without the hefty price tag).
Anti-Open Concept Layouts
For a while, open-concept kitchens have been a polarizing subject. But according to interior designers, more purpose-driven layouts are emerging in 2026. While open layouts foster togetherness and conversation, larger kitchens with defined zones are becoming more popular because they offer a serene space for daily meals and allow the formal dining room to shine. To put it simply, it’s a trend that brings elegance and function into the home.
Casual dining nooks are particularly sought after, focusing on warm, natural materials and multi-functional designs, and featuring rustic wooden tables, built-in banquettes, and integrated storage. If you want your space to serve more functions than just dining, such as working from home or reading, it makes sense to embrace nooks for your kitchen renovation in 2026.
Decorative Lighting
Lighting is an important part of the home because it can entirely set the mood (yes, even more than your stunning piece of furniture). So, it’s only normal that homeowners are now focusing more on it in the kitchen, ensuring it serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Instead of choosing standard can lights, people will increasingly turn to decorative lighting fixtures in 2026. The kitchen may be task-oriented, but it’s also a space that allows you to express your personality and tie into the overall home design. One thing designers are seeing more and more is using a combination of decorative lighting fixtures, such as mini flush mounts, flush mounts, sconces, and pendants in the space rather than utilitarian recessed can lights.
A Return to Classic Finishes
Brass fixtures have been dominating in recent years, but according to designers, the pendulum will swing the other way for the next year, with more classic finishes such as chrome and polished nickel gaining popularity. Without a doubt, brass has had a long, incredible run, but there’s something truly refreshing about these cooler tones.
But don’t rush to rip out every touch of brass in your space. Not yet, at least. The days of choosing just one metal are gone, and mixed metals are becoming the new standard in the kitchen, so if you want a look that feels timeless and current at the same time, the best approach is to blend coolness and warmth.
Patterned Wallpaper and Coordinating Fabrics
Patterned wallpaper has been a trendy choice in recent years when it comes to bedrooms, powder baths, and living rooms. Interior designers state that the kitchen is next, allowing homeowners to make a statement by pairing it with complementary textile accessories.
Bringing wallpaper into the kitchen can make a real difference, allowing the space to blend seamlessly with the home’s overall design. Does it sound bold? Well, it truly is, but if you choose it right, the wallpaper can breathe new life into your kitchen, without you having to spend lots of money on the renovation. And pairing custom fabric light shades on your window treatments or fixtures can further tie everything together in a fascinating way, turning your kitchen into a charming space.
A Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a design choice; it’s an expectation in today’s world. Homeowners are becoming more aware of the energy costs and environmental impact, and they are embracing more eco-conscious choices.
In 2026, expect to see water-saving fixtures that provide clean, great-tasting water without using single-use plastic bottles. Interior designers also forecast an increase in recycled worktops, responsibly sourced timber, and eco-friendly paints. Not only do these features benefit the planet, but they also reduce household bills, which is something all homeowners appreciate.
The Bottom Line
As we head into 2026, kitchen design is all about creating a space that feels practical, personal, and durable. Whether you’re drawn to colourful cabinets, statement lighting, or sustainable finishes, the best trend, ultimately, is the one that makes your home feel like you.
