The new year is often the perfect opportunity for housebuilders and property developers to reflect, pause and gather the latest kitchen inspiration as they plan forthcoming interior projects. As we look to 2026, it’s the ideal moment to explore some of the stand-out trends shaping the heart of the home.
Now more than ever, consumers know what they want on their kitchen wish list, with social media at their fingertips helping to provide 24/7 real home ideas.
In turn, these design insights give them the added confidence to adopt new trends and choose their own unique style. As part of the buying journey, sustainability and longevity are also increasingly important themes, reflecting a deeper commitment to choosing a future proof home.
Quiet Luxury
Consumers are embracing the growing kitchen trend for quiet luxury, inspired by nature they are looking for tactile textures, using a palette of muted and earth tones to achieve timeless elegance. In recent years there has been a shift to this pared back style, as they invest in understated design details, whether its discreet luxe handles or beautifully book matched furniture. It’s the ultimate design reset for those leading busy lifestyles, with the sole aim of creating a calming haven for everyone to relax and enjoy time together.
Japandi
A striking fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design, Houzz highlighted Japandi as an emerging trend in its 2025 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Perfectly complementing the concept of quiet luxury, it is a harmony of minimalism, neutral tones and timeless elegance. The style movement embraces the natural beauty of wood, with kitchens crafted for longevity and visual simplicity. In essence, wellbeing is at the core of its philosophy, creating a kitchen space that transcends form and function to deliver the ultimate feel good factor.
Hidden Storage
Hidden storage will remain a defining trend for 2026, as there becomes a deeper desire to reduce visual clutter and achieve a tranquil kitchen scheme. The traditional layout of a kitchen and separate utility room is being re-imagined, with standard cabinetry doors now concealing walk-in pantries and laundry zones. Ideal to elevate smaller layouts, this type of smart storage offers consumers the freedom to efficiently organise daily essentials and hide away appliances. A perfect fit for the housebuilding sector, this design personalisation creates a seamless fusion of form and function, whilst capturing the essence of the quiet luxury trend.
Decorative Lighting
Lighting is a key element of any kitchen scheme, best layered to set the mood, help carry out functional tasks and highlight focal points. In 2026, its expected there will be a growing demand for decorative accent lighting, as consumers look to discreetly elevate their kitchen spaces. Smart lighting is the go to trend for many, with the latest LED technology innovations providing aesthetically pleasing and user controlled solutions. There is a definite shift to subtle lighting tones, dialling down with softer elements that emphasise the core aspects of the kitchen, while creating a warm and inviting space to unwind.
Curve appeal
The trend for broken-plan living has meant the island has become an important design detail in creating an informal divide between kitchen and living areas. Entertaining at home and socialising is integral to family life, with island styles now centred around creating a multi-functional space, with informal seating taking centre stage. 2025 has already seen the resurgence of soft curves to cabinetry and this theme will continue as consumers look to achieve a contemporary and cosy elegance.
Bespoke detail
Quiet luxury is all about the subtle detail to enhance the kitchen and as a manufacturer we have seen an increasing desire for bespoke design elements as standard. Consumers love the idea of customising their kitchen to their own individual style, whether its architectural fluting of cabinetry, embracing new innovative materials for work-surfaces or personalised storage. The pursuit of luxury is an enduring trend, now closely intertwined with sustainability, with homebuyers expecting to have access to premium furniture solutions.
It’s an exciting time for developers to explore a host of fresh new design trends and timeless choices to meet the needs of modern consumers. 2026 is the perfect time to connect with homebuyers, showcasing that ‘less is more’ with truly individual kitchen styles.
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