Six kitchen trends that will define 2026

If you’re planning a kitchen makeover next year, it looks like 2026 is all about balance — timeless neutrals with a touch of glamour, retro throwbacks, and a little less of that overly polished, showroom-perfect feel.

According to research from HelloFresh, who teamed up with interior designer Julie Gokce from More Kitchens, our kitchen wish lists are changing. Using UK search data, they’ve pinpointed the top six kitchen trends we’ll all be drooling over in 2026, and it’s fair to say, they’re a gorgeous blend of old and new.

 

1. White kitchens with brass handles (+300%)

White kitchens have always been a classic, but in 2026 they’re getting a serious glow-up. Homeowners are adding warmth and charm with brass hardware. Think gleaming handles, taps, and little metallic accents that stop an all-white space from feeling too stark.

   

Julie says, “White kitchens never really go out of style; their adaptability makes them truly timeless. But adding brass tones brings a huge amount of warmth and depth.”

If you’re going down this route, she suggests repeating the brass in subtle ways, maybe through lighting trims or open-shelf brackets to make it feel considered rather than like an afterthought.

 

2. Quartz waterfall countertops (+200%)

If you love a clean, modern finish, this one’s for you. Quartz waterfall countertops (where the worktop flows right down the sides of an island or cabinet) are up 200% in searches, and it’s easy to see why. They’re sleek, sophisticated, and show off your surfaces from every angle.

Julie explains, “A quartz waterfall edge brings a sense of craftsmanship to the kitchen. It works particularly well on an island or peninsula, where the continuous surface can be appreciated from all angles.”

If a full slab is out of budget, she suggests a clever alternative: extend your worktop slightly down the sides or wrap the island base in matching panels for a similar effect.

 

3. White kitchens with gold accents (+200%)

Gold is making a comeback, but not in an overpowering, 90s bling sort of way. This trend is all about small touches that turn a classic white kitchen into something light, luxe, and modern.

“Gold detailing adds a sense of luxury while keeping things contemporary,” says Julie. “It pairs beautifully with deep greens, navy, or black cabinetry for that warm, high-end contrast.”

You don’t need much to make an impact. A gold-framed splashback or a few gold inlays can make a space feel elegant without crossing into OTT territory.

 

4. 70s style cabinets (+200%)

Yes, the 70s are back, but with a modern twist. Searches for warm woods, flat-front cabinets, and textural finishes are soaring. This retro revival brings comfort, character, and a natural warmth and colour that many of us have been craving.

“The 70s influence is all about natural materials, rounded edges, and characterful wood tones,” Julie says. “It’s not about recreating a retro kitchen, but reintroducing texture and warmth.”

To make it work today, go for mid-tone woods with matte finishes and pair them with terrazzo-style surfaces or simple metal hardware for a calm, cohesive look.

 

5. Mixed metals in the kitchen (+200%)

Matchy-matchy kitchens are officially out. Instead, we’re seeing a rise in mixed metals. Think brass with chrome, or blackened steel against brushed nickel. Done right, it adds depth and personality to your space.

Julie’s advice? “Choose one dominant finish, such as brushed nickel, and then layer in one or two accent metals like aged brass or black steel in smaller details.”

The trick is repetition. Use each metal more than once so it looks deliberate rather than random. For instance, echo the finish of your tap in your lighting or cupboard handles.

 

6. White kitchens with dark countertops (+100%)

If you love contrast, you’re in luck. White cabinetry teamed with dark worktops, especially stone or quartz, is making a big comeback. The look is clean yet dramatic, and perfect if you want a bit of edge without losing that airy feel.

Julie says, “Dark worktops add depth and luxury, especially when paired with lighter cabinetry. To stop it feeling heavy, balance it with warm lighting or reflective surfaces like glazed tiles.”

 

What else to expect in 2026 kitchens

Beyond the search stats, Julie shared a few of her own predictions for the coming year, and they’re ones to watch.

Cottagecore kitchens

After years of sleek, minimalist spaces, homeowners are embracing charm and personality again. Think open shelving, rustic wood, and soft, lived-in colours that feel relaxed rather than rigid.

Julie notes that shows like The Great British Bake Off have helped make this look popular: “People want kitchens that feel welcoming and full of character — and interestingly, homes designed this way often sell faster and at higher prices.”

Avoid trend overload

And finally, a word of caution: don’t try to do everything at once.

“One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make,” says Julie, “is following too many trends at once. The best kitchens have one standout feature — a statement countertop, a bold colour, or distinctive hardware — and let everything else work quietly around it.”

So whether you’re planning a full remodel or just a few updates, 2026’s kitchen trends are all about mixing warmth, elegance, and personality — and, most importantly, creating a space that feels like you.