Curious to know what’s big at the UK’s largest gathering of kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom brands? Here’s a sneak peek…
As I am typing this, I’ve managed to sneak away from the buzzing stands at kbb Birmingham 2026 with a piping hot cappuccino to quickly debrief what has caught my eye.
Starting in the kitchen, there was an abundance of new launches this year, from neutral and grainy wood cabinetry to matt hobs and bronze finishes. But one design idea I was particularly drawn to is using doors creatively. Think pocket doors concealing wet zones or cooking areas, perfect for maintaining a clean and clutter-free look, and Narnia-style cupboards leading to adjacent rooms such as walk-in pantries, laundry areas, and utilities.
Moving onto bathrooms, the stands were drenched in colour. Picture green and orange pill-shaped basins, muted mauve floating vanities, and fuchsia pink and blueberry blue showers. Texture was equally popular this year, with fluting taking the crown for the most popular finish, adorning everything from baths, basins and shower panels to taps and tiles.
Storage was also a key focus across kitchens and bathrooms, with recessed and illuminated mirror cabinets providing practical organisation space and boutique hotel-like aesthetics, and spinning solutions offering the best of form and function.
But I’ve got plenty more to share with you, so keep an eye on the website for a full breakdown on what we spotted at kbb Birmingham 2026.
Also on my radar…
Another big trend this year is mixing and matching finishes. Whether it’s pairing a gold tap with dark hardware or bronze brass wall lights with a polished nickel sink, this look feels layered and offers your space a charming lived-in feel. For more on nailing this look, click here.
What’s trending?
- If you’ve been debating embracing fluting in your interiors, this is your sign! From reeded basins and grooved glass to ribbed taps, elevate the tactile experience of your home with this trendy finish.
- Turn the saturation up in your interiors with vibrant pops of colour. Whether it’s a daring cooker and extractor, an accent chair, or quirky lighting, use rich hues to make a statement.
- Mix and match the finishes across your hardware, fixtures, and fittings for a layered look with oodles of character.
Spotted on social
The marble, ceiling-mounted mirrors, metallic trims, and dark fluted wood work together beautifully in this elegant bathroom.
With soft plastered walls, pastel cabinetry, and a strong connection to the outdoors, this kitchen feels grounding, warm and welcoming.
Complete with striped tiles, dark walnut furniture, and gleaming gold brassware, this bathroom oozes retro charm.
Featured image, from left: Quooker | Hettich | Sonas Bathrooms
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