Georgina

Five kitchen design ideas that are about to be big

Posted on 5th March 2026

After 20,000 steps and a full weekend of gathering inspiration – these are the five kitchen design ideas I think are about to blow up…

While we never recommend following trends for trends’ sake, it’s always great to see what kitchen brands are focusing on and launching to get new design ideas and inspiration.

From curved edges to matt finishes, these are some of the things I noticed at the kbb Birmingham show – a leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom exhibition in the UK – which I believe you’ll be seeing more of in the coming years.

Curved edges

Fluting has been around for years now; strong linear lines that you can find anywhere from the back of an island to the glazing in wall cabinets. Perhaps the counter to this is going to be curves – which I saw a lot of at the show. Think anything from archway entrances to taps.

A neutral kitchen design with handleless units, curved island, and wood accents. — Rotpunkt has launched new curved panel solutions available in either a 50mm or 150mm thickness.

Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt agrees, and says, “Modern and beautifully inviting, the introduction of curved furniture in the kitchen and living space continues to answer the market shift towards softer, organic forms, with key pieces in the home defined by smooth, rounded edges, which establish better flow and movement.”

Spa-like kitchens

Scandi and Japandi kitchens have also been around for a while – defined by clean lines, quality materials, and a sense of lightness. They balance practicality with an elegant and calm ambience. The latest take on these styles reminds me a lot of the spa-inspired bathroom aesthetic. It seems homeowners are wanting more zen-like spaces in their kitchen, perhaps to help counter the chaos of everyday life right now.

A Japandi kitchen design with wood units, marble surfaces, integrated appliances, and organic, zen decor. — German kitchen manufacturer Sachsenküchen‘s Woodline range, including bespoke ceramic finishes and the timeless elegance of Japandi design.

Closeup at a sink zone with marble worktops, wood cabinets and organic decor. — Base-Line extends Rangemaster’s offer into fabrication sinks designed for seamless integration within solid surface worktops.

Bodie Kelay, UK managing director of Euromobel/Sachsenküchen UK, adds, “Homeowners 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 a timeless elegance.

“In recent years there has been a shift to this pared-back style, as they invest in understated design details, whether its concealed smart storage or beautifully book-matched furniture.”

Mixed cabinetry

Fusion, or transitional kitchens, are one of my hottest trends for 2026. Homeowners are tired of having to pick just one design style, opting for a characterful blend, instead. And this was clear at the show this year – stands were mixing not only colours of cabinetry, but styles and materials, too.

A sleek cooking zone with tall floor-to-ceiling cupboards and a metallic island. — ASKO’s latest premium oven collection compromises four sophisticated models and embodies its commitment to precision engineering, sleek design, and inspired functionality.

Bronze

What looks better with warm neutrals than the gorgeous flash of bronze? It seems people are looking for something different that’s not matt black or brushed brass – and bronze is the answer.

Offering rich deep tones, bronze finishes offer a sophisticated solution that is both characterful and beautiful, which can work well in contemporary and traditional designs.

Closeup at bronze, reeded handles. — Crofts & Assinder has introduced The Chester, seen here in American Bronze.

A kitchen design with an industrial feel, inset sink and tap, and fluted panelling. — Abode’s AT2272 Pico dual-lever mixer tap in Dark Bronze.

Matt hobs

A new style of hob is emerging, which introduces a flat, matt aesthetic. The glass finish gives these hob a unique look, that has both a tactile quality and visual impact. The material is designed to withstand scratches, wear, tear and fingerprints over time, ensuring they remain beautiful while in use.

Will this be the new addition to your kitchen this year?