Five kitchen trends that will be less popular in 2026

Planning a kitchen renovation this year? Here are five trends you should avoid if you want your kitchen to stay relevant and comfortable.

Open kitchen

Believe it or not, but open kitchens are on the wane, with more people opting for dedicated spaces, with hidden storage and walk-in pantries. Likely to be a result of the pandemic, where families realised they wanted quiet and separation and more semi-open spaces.

Overly dark or bright colours

In recent years, dark blue or green have been used a lot. However, the mood is shifting to softer, earthier tones. Natural, stained wood is proving very popular as it can be paired with almost anything and remains timeless.

Shaker style

Despite their longevity, shaker cabinets are now seen as a bit tired. Instead of standard cabinetry, homeowners are opting for more mix and match, in terms of materials and details. Many people now update their kitchens using made to measure kitchen doors, which can be provided by suppliers such as www.happy-doors.co.uk/shop/products/kitchens.

Cold grey and white

Once seen as sleek, the classic combination of grey and white is a no-no in 2026. Warmer tones are now in, especially reds and browns which are mixed with visible wood grains and vintage tiles.

Traditional layout

Formulaic designs which include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and fitted cabinets are being swapped for freestanding cabinets and more curved lines. Many people are looking at how they live and use their kitchens and opting for a more personalised design which reflects their lifestyle.