If you haven’t renovated your kitchen in 2025 but definitely want a change in the upcoming year, now’s the best time to start looking over the trends that are expected to be everywhere in the upcoming year. While following the latest hypes purely for the sake of following them isn’t a good idea, as it can wreak havoc on any sensible budget you may have built, it doesn’t hurt to look at them for inspiration. Maybe you’re not sure about how to change certain areas that are in dire need of a makeover, and these styles can provide you with an idea. And while taste is subjective and you might disagree with some of the things that are predicted to become popular in 2026, here’s a non-exhaustive list of trends you can expect to see everywhere in 2026.
Rustic charm continues to dominate
Cottage- and farmhouse-inspired kitchens continue to dominate the preferences of homeowners as people are looking to recreate the charm and tranquillity of these homes, even when living in the concrete jungle. If you want to make sure that you don’t splurge too much on the cabinets and end up having to settle for less in other areas, browse through the options on kitchenwarehouseltd.com. You can choose from a wide range of styles and materials, all of which are high-quality but affordable at the same time. You will benefit from professional installation as well, so that you don’t have to worry about things not being in order or about any of the units ending up damaged.
However, even if you like the bucolic look, you shouldn’t feel limited by it. Remember that your kitchen should still feel comforting and like part of a home. You don’t want to end up with a design that looks straight out of an interior design magazine, as it is unlikely that it will be functional. The best kitchen is the one that can look aesthetically pleasing without compromising on utility.
Light stain
Minimalism has been very popular over the last few years, and most homeowners want a neutral colour palette for their kitchens. White, beige, and light grey were the most common choices, with minimalism lovers saying that the style is timeless and will always be in style no matter what. However, others believe that the style isn’t a good choice for a home as it can feel cold and overly serious, especially when the palette is composed entirely of cool tones with no break between them. Well, it seems now that the style truly belongs in the past for the majority of people, and that white kitchens won’t be as popular anymore in 2026.
The trend has reigned supreme in the interior design world for about a decade now, but has recently been dethroned by light stain furnishings and mid-tone ones. They are also regarded as timeless because of how natural they look, as well as the fact that they succeeded in being elegant without seeming overly sophisticated or like you’re taking the design of your kitchen too seriously. The popularity of wood tones shouldn’t come as a surprise since people’s preferences have been moving in that direction for quite some time now. The love for and desire to be closer to nature have informed the choices of those looking to renovate their homes lately.
Many prefer to pair light-stained furniture with surfaces that can provide a contrast, such as flooring that is darker. However, if your kitchen is very tiny and you’re afraid of making it look cramped by adding such hues to the mix, go for something that matches the cabinets more closely instead, as it will create the visual appearance of a much wider space.
Unique materials
If you’ve been thinking about changing your worktop and are unsure which material to choose, you might want to consider learning about lava stone. It is incredibly sturdy and resistant to both moisture and chemicals, making it perfect for the kitchen. On top of that, it is also able to withstand temperature variations with no problem, as it doesn’t warp, unlike many other alternatives. This makes it the ideal choice if you’re looking to get a worktop that you can use for several years into the future. Using metals is becoming more popular as well.
Brass is a classic that will never go out of style, but nickel and chrome, which are cooler-toned, have been seeing a resurgence in popularity as well. Spanish kitchen designs serve as an inspiration in this regard, where antique bronze and iron tend to be much more common. Their appeal comes from the fact that they’re more dramatic and less polished, as the rugged look is starting to be increasingly appealing among homeowners. If your kitchen is very modern, these details can add depth and serve as a contrast that makes your kitchen feel much more layered.
Terracotta, a material typically associated with French and Italian households, has been grabbing the attention of those looking to renovate their kitchens due to its ability to bring a lot of character to any kitchen. While some prefer using it the standard way, as part of cottage-like kitchens, others like to integrate it into modern designs instead. Terracotta can be used both as flooring and for splashbacks. Lastly, concrete is increasingly integrated into interior design as well.
It might seem out of place if you associate it exclusively with the outdoors, especially for the kitchen, which is meant to be a warm and welcoming space. It is particularly sought after in lighting and as part of miscellaneous décor elements. In the case of the former, concrete can be used to create pendant lights that are textured, statement counter lamps, brutalist utensil holders, and decorative bowls.
The bottom line
Kitchen design trends will shift towards functionality over pure aesthetics in the upcoming year, but unique design choices will also remain popular. If you’re a fan of natural, uneven materials, plenty of storage space, and colour palettes that are reminiscent of nature, you will have plenty of items and ensembles to inspire you.
