Planning a renovation? We asked top designers to tell us the 10 most popular things people are requesting for their kitchens…
From (spoiler alert!) breakfast stations, statement tiles to walk-in pantries, KBB journo Laurie Davidson shares the combined results, along with advice on how you can have these kitchen wishlist items, too…
10. Less wall units
Coming in at number 10 is the trend to use open shelving instead of wall cabinets – something that’s become popular for many homeowners. The beauty of open shelving, of course, is that it instantly makes the room look less ‘kitcheny’ and allows for more decorative objects to be displayed, helping the kitchen to blend in with the rest of the home.
Edward Ward, director of Studio Werc, says, “People are leaning towards open shelving above the main kitchen run rather than high-level cabinets. And although this reduces the amount of overall storage, it has the effect of making the kitchen feel slightly wider and more open.
“It can work nicely with feature wall lights overhead, and the shelving can be in a wood finish or a material to match the kitchen worktop. One tip is to go for shelving under skylights, to ensure the space makes the most of natural daylight, where high-level cabinets would otherwise block some of it.”
Top tips
- Consider the location of your shelves – away from hobs or an area prone to splatters is best.
- Try and place the shelves at a height that you can still access them easily.
- Ensure you have enough storage elsewhere in your kitchen to compensate for the lack of cabinets.
- Keep your shelves looking stylish rather than cluttered with some curated display items, rather than more practical paraphernalia.
9. Breakfast stations
With life so busy, it’s no surprise that having a dedicated area to keep all your breakfast essentials is now a big request. Keeping everything stored and organised in one place can help to save time in the mornings – and it can all be hidden away again after the morning rush.
Whether it’s a standalone cabinet, part of your island unit, or a corner tucked behind a pull-down tambour door, a breakfast station is a great way to allow people to make their morning coffee out of the way of the ‘working’ part of the kitchen.
Mia Karlsson, founder and CEO of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, says, “Popular solutions are the tall breakfast cabinets, housing all the small appliances, like your toaster, coffee machine, or kettle, combined with maximised storage. It’s a complex space for breakfast preparation.”
Top tips
- Position your breakfast station close to where you will eat in the morning, so you don’t have to keep going back and forth to get cereal, for example.
- If you’re going to include a coffee machine, toaster or kettle, you’ll need to factor in electrics so you can plug your appliances in.
- Include shelves and drawers to keep teas, coffee, crockery, and cutlery.
- Even if your breakfast station is a standalone piece of furniture, you can tie it in with the rest of the room by opting for the same worktop and cabinetry.
8. Sustainable kitchen materials
It may have taken a while, but we’re finally starting to see requests for sustainable kitchens, where craftmanship, natural materials, and ethical sourcing are more of a priority. Whether it’s using materials like stone, granite, and wood, or investing in energy-efficient appliances, your designer should be able to help you create a design that’s as considered as it is practical.
Tamara Heller, marketing operations manager at Schmidt UK, says, “Sustainability is increasingly a priority. More customers ask about FSC-certified wood, long-lasting materials, and the environmental footprint of their kitchen than ever before. At Schmidt, these are integral to our design and production approach.”
Top tips
- For cabinetry, bamboo, reclaimed wood, and FSC-certified wood are all good sustainable options.
- Consider using recycled glass, quartz, or ceramic, for durable and eco-friendly worktops.
- Cork and reclaimed wood work well for sustainable flooring.
- You can even use paint that has low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds), making it a much healthier, less toxic choice for walls and cabinetry.
7. Statement kitchen tiles
With so much choice when it comes to tiles, it seems we’re becoming much more open to adding some drama behind our sinks or hobs, with standout designs. Whether they’re heavily patterned, colourful, or have a unique texture to them, they offer an easy way to showcase your personality and make your kitchen unique to you.
Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens, says, “We’re getting more requests to use patterned tiles for splashbacks, funky tiled flooring, and even feature walls. People are experimenting with colours, too, and I’m seeing them being more and more adventurous, which is so fun! The colours I am getting asked for most at the moment are red or maroons, along with earthy shades.”
Top tips
- Choose a tile that complements your kitchen, whether it’s through the colour, pattern, or material.
- Make your tiles really stand out by opting for a coloured grout. It can completely change the look.
- Lay tiles in different patterns, from herringbone and stacked to chevron, for example.
- Take your kitchen to the next level with a tiled mural that creates an expansive pattern on your wall.
6. Textured and fluted kitchen cabinets
We’ve seen tactile furniture surge in popularity, so it’s only right that this trend has now made its way to the kitchen, where it can add visual interest and depth, and break up the monotony of flat surfaces. Cabinet doors have become more touchy-feely, with natural textures like wood showing their grain or having a fluted appearance to them.
Nathan Kingsbury, creative director at Nathan Kingsbury Design, says, “Texture is becoming a key element in kitchen design, with clients wanting to go beyond looks and into the realm of how the kitchen and materials in it feel. They want different textures to add another dimension that creates luxury and plays with the senses.”
Top tips
- Textured cabinetry is ideal for family kitchens as it can help disguise fingerprints and smudges – much more so than gloss or ultra-matt designs.
- Wood can be an expensive option, so if budgets are tight, consider textured laminate instead, which still has a wood grain appearance but without the high cost.
- Combine textured cabinets with other, smoother materials for worktops and flooring, to create a contrast and let the textured doors shine.
5. The kitchen-living-diner
If you’re one of many wanting a kitchen that flows effortlessly into living and dining areas, then an open-plan layout may well be on your wishlist. There are many benefits, including having a light-filled space and a more sociable room, perfect for family life and entertaining.
Tom Howley, creative design director of Tom Howley, says, “An open-plan layout is one of the most common requests today. People are looking for a seamless transition between kitchen, dining, and living areas – not just for a sense of spaciousness, but to enhance natural light, improve flow, and encourage connection. It’s about creating a cohesive environment where cooking, entertaining, and relaxing can happen effortlessly in the same shared space.”
Top tips
- Zoning is key in an open-plan space. Use changes in flooring and cabinetry, as well as wall finishes, to define different areas.
- Think about how you like to cook – if you prefer to have a quieter environment or listen to music, without the TV on or children chattering, then open-plan might not be for you. Alternatively, rugs and soft furnishings are ideal for helping to absorb noise.
- Factor in ventilation to minimise cooking smells in your living and dining rooms.
- If you think you might like to close off the kitchen on occasions, incorporate sliding doors, too, that you can pull when needed.
4. The walk-in pantry
Having a dedicated space to store dry goods, appliances and overflow items is a big draw, so it’s no wonder a walk-in pantry has made it to spot number four. It means you can keep your countertops clear without sacrificing on function.
Sophie Devonald, designer at Crown Imperial, says, “Perfect to maximise every available centimetre in a new kitchen scheme, a walk-in pantry makes excellent use of floor-to-ceiling space and offers the ultimate in flexible storage. This style of pantry creates a dedicated central zone for all your daily essentials, providing ample organised storage, while helping you maintain clutter-free work surfaces. It’s a great space-saving design for families, everything is easily accessible, and after the morning breakfast ritual, it can all be hidden seamlessly from view.”
Top tips
- If you’re short on space, consider building a pantry into a bank of tall cabinets or in an alcove.
- If you don’t have room for a walk-in pantry, a freestanding version can be just as useful and is easy to reposition during a kitchen remodel.
- Before you start, take into account what you want to store in there. Do you need electrics for small appliances? What will you be storing on shelves? Think about the depth you’ll need these to be, too.
- Do you want to keep the contents hidden away or would you prefer glass doors to display the items inside?
3. Stone worktops
While marble was the stone of choice for many years, it seems that the quest to get a striking (yet practical) worktop has opened many up to other options, including composite. Statement looks are high on the list, of course, with heavily veined designs high in popularity, but it seems the choices are becoming much more considered as the awareness around sustainability continues to grow.
Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Design Studio, says, “Natural stones and high-quality composite surfaces such as Silestone or Dekton are incredibly popular. Not only for their aesthetic qualities, but also for their durability and environmental credentials. These materials offer the look and feel of natural stone with added practicality. They are heat resistant, easy to maintain, and available in a beautiful range of subtle finishes.
“Whether it is a gently veined quartz or a tactile, honed Dekton surface, these worktops become the quiet heroes of the space. Understated, functional, and built to last.”
Top tips
- Do you want a solid-colour work surface or one with veining? If you have dark-coloured cabinetry, a worktop with elegant veining can help soften the overall look.
- Are you happy with ensuring that your hot pans don’t damage your stone surface? If you find it to be too much of a hassle, consider using another, heat-resistant material close to your hob.
- Consider other areas where you might want to use the same stone, whether it’s as a splashback, upstand, or even on the side of an island unit or shelf.
2. Boiling-water taps
Coming in at second place are boiling-water taps, namely due to their convenience. These practical luxuries are resonating with both the time-conscious and those that favour sleek, stylish design, giving you the option to fill a pan or mug with instant hot or boiling water at the push of a button.
Nicolle Whyte, design director at Olive & Barr, says, “Saving time by providing hot, cold, and boiling water on demand, boiling-water taps are quickly becoming a kitchen must-have. Combining fun and functionality is the key to creating a versatile, multi-purpose space, something that state-of-the-art appliances will bring to a kitchen. Not only do they add a high-end aesthetic, but they also make your kitchen more practical and far easier to use.”
Top tips
- Do you want a boiling-water tap that has chilled and filtered sparkling water, as well as hot and boiling? This eliminates the need for a separate tap and kettle.
- Consider a model with a child-safe feature if you have little ones.
- Plan for adequate ventilation underneath the sink to house the tank, where it is usually located.
- Ensure that your boiling-water tap tank will allow for access, to be able to plug directly into a power socket and connect to your heat supply.
1. Kitchen islands
When this piece was commissioned, team KBB had a feeling the top spot would go to kitchen islands – and we’re happy to see our instincts were correct! According to research by Wickes, one in five of us say that an island completes the ideal kitchen. After all, it offers room for cooking, dining, and storage. But this year, people are requesting designs with seating, too – such as a breakfast bar overhang, or an adjoining dining area.
Rhiannon Phenis, head of design at Sola Kitchens, says, “Kitchen islands are, by far, the most requested design feature – homeowners want multifunctional spaces for preparation, dining, and storage.”
Top tips
- Make sure you allow enough space on each side of your island to enable easy movement around it. At least 90cm clearance on all sides if possible.
- If you’re adding a sink or hob, consider the practicalities of plumbing and extraction early in the design phase.
- Think what you’ll be using your island for and choose worktop materials accordingly. It doesn’t have to match your other worktops either – why not use it as an opportunity to choose something unique that keeps your island as the focal point in the room?
- Why not include pop-up plug sockets for extra appliances, phone chargers or laptops.
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