Kitchens in 2026 are all about personality, craftsmanship and spaces that truly feel like the heart of the home. Colour is bolder, materials are richer and homeowners are embracing designs that balance style with practicality.
From timeless classics that grow more beautiful with age, to playful colour pairings and expressive, curated interiors, this year's kitchens are about creating spaces that are as individual as the people who use them.
At Plank Hardware, we've identified four key design themes that will define the kitchens of the year ahead — each celebrating detail, texture and thoughtful design in its own way. Let's go.
1. Better with Age 🕰️
Kitchens in 2026 are moving towards designs that feel timeless from day one — and become even more beautiful as they settle, soften and season.
Key Features →
● Classic Shaker cabinetry
● Unlacquered Brass fixtures and hardware
● Furniture-style cabinets mimicking antique pieces
● Warm, lived-in textures
● Focus on longevity over trend-chasing
Why it's Trending →
Homeowners are craving spaces that feel nostalgic, comforting and built to last. Patina is celebrated rather than polished away. Materials that tell a story — especially raw brass and solid timber — are marks of quality.
"There's something magical about a kitchen that grows with you," says Tom Revill, Plank Hardware's Creative Director. "A bit of patina here and there isn't wear and tear — it's personality."
Design Notes →
● Shaker profiles balance traditional detail with modern simplicity
● Unlacquered Brass adds warmth and evolves beautifully over time
● Freestanding elements (dressers, sideboard-style cabinets, furniture-inspired islands) create a curated, collected feel.
2. Mix and Match 🎨
2026 is the year kitchens get playful — and colourful. Two-toned cabinetry is moving into bold, unexpected pairings that express personality without compromising style.
Key Features →
● Contrasting upper and lower cabinetry
● Unusual colour combinations
● Coordinated or intentionally clashing hardware
● Playful material contrasts
● Modern, expressive aesthetic
Why it's Trending →
Colour allows homeowners to make a statement. Designers use it to break up layouts, create depth, and inject energy into the space.
"Colour is storytelling," Tom explains. "When someone mixes two unexpected shades, you instantly know something about their personality."
Design Notes →
● Try pairings like peach + petrol, sage + mustard, cherry + mushroom
● Colour-matched hardware creates a seamless, considered finish
● Neutral stones, soft woods and brushed metals help anchor bold palettes
3. Curated Chaos 🤹
The "show home" kitchen is stepping aside for spaces that live and breathe with personality. Curated Chaos celebrates the beauty of highly personalised kitchens.
Key Features →
● Open shelving
● Glass-front cabinets
● Display-friendly nooks for favourite items
● Playful, individual styling
● Hardware as decorative punctuation
Why it's Trending →
People want kitchens that reflect their lives, not hide them. Curated Chaos invites creativity, showcasing ceramics, cookbooks, and small treasures.
"We're done pretending kitchens only exist for meal prep," says Tom. "They're living spaces, hosting spaces — the soul of the home. Let them show it."
Design Notes →
● Use shelving to curate rotating "micro-moments"
● Embrace variety rather than uniformity
● Opt for hardware with presence — knobs and pulls that act like jewellery
4. With the Grain 🪵
Timber is back in focus, celebrating the texture, warmth, and movement of natural wood.
Key Features →
● Exposed, expressive wood grain
● Coloured wood stains to enhance personality
● Oils, varnishes, and lacquers chosen to highlight the grain
● Mixed timber species for depth and contrast
● Nature-first, tactile feel
Why it's Trending →
As interiors move towards warmth and authenticity, wood provides grounding and character. Treatments are used to accentuate the grain rather than conceal it.
"Wood tells its own story," Tom notes. "Staining it or treating it shouldn't hide the grain — it should spotlight it."
Design Notes →
● Coloured stains in indigo, forest green, amber, or charcoal allow grain to shine through
● Oils keep wood soft and matte; varnishes add durability; lacquers deepen colour and protect surfaces
● Pair with polished nickel hardware for a modern twist
Bringing It All Together 🧑🎨
