Irina

KBB magazine’s kitchen trend predictions for 2026

Posted on 22nd December 2025

From Slim Shaker cabinets to wood layering, the team behind Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine predicts what’s going to be big in 2026…

Ahead of every new year, team KBB is eagerly exploring lookbooks and speaking with the experts to discover upcoming key aesthetics and the latest design focuses. Recently, I’ve been noticing a shift towards homely interiors, infused with personality and a lived-in feel. And I predict this is a kitchen trend we’ll continue to see in 2026.

The colour palette is warm and calming with a base of creamy neutrals, such as off-white and taupe, with pops of toasty and fiery shades like olive green, muted yellow, and dark reds and burgundies on islands or freestanding dressers.

A warm and cosy kitchen trend with a walk-in pantry, red cabinetry and a matching freestanding island. — Sisal Kayal Pamba rug with a Twill Rudu border, from £409, Alternative Flooring.

These cosy spaces are also laden with texture and natural materials – picture grainy wood flooring and antique furniture finds, statement marble work surfaces, and tactile terracotta tiles. Aged metallics and vintage pieces bring character and a rustic allure, while layered fabrics, from sink skirts to chunky curtains and patterned rugs, add to the comforting feeling. As for the finishing touches, well-loved photo frames, herbs in earthy pots, and glazed ceramics decorate open shelves and countertops.

Whether you’re planning a project in 2026 or simply love being in the know, from slim Shaker cabinets to fusion kitchens, read on to discover what else team KBB has on its radar…

A rustic design with photo frames, wood trays, and ceramics on the countertop to two wall lights diffusing a soft glow. — Contemporary Florrie Frilled Coolie Glass wall light in Opal, £215, Glow Lighting.

A modern kitchen design with cream cabinetry, statement marble worktop and splashback, and open shelving. — Harvey Jones’ Arbor kitchen, from £30,000.

Team KBB’s kitchen trend predictions for 2026:

Wood, wood, and more wood

“After putting together our trends report for our February issue, there are lots of exciting looks and palettes this year. With this in mind, plus after being a judge on our sister magazine kbbreview’s annual design awards, I can tell you that the clear winner, for me, is wood,” says editor Georgina.

“Natural wood kitchens are everywhere, whether it’s entire runs that are oak-stained cabinets, or simply islands with fluted backs. These are all usually matched with wood or wood-effect floors as well, introducing layers of grain and texture to the space.”

Georgina also predicts a micro kitchen trend within this look – islands with fluted wood backs. “Trust me, it won’t be long until you spot one on your feed on in the pages of KBB,” she adds.

A wood kitchen mixed with dark grey resin cement doors, with a central multi-functional stone-clad island. — Design Space London used its Modulnova Frame range in Walnut, mixed with dark grey resin cement doors in this kitchen project. Island, Bianco Eclipsia leathered quartzite. Prices start at £30,000.

A Scandi design with dark, grainy base cabinets, white work surfaces, a faux fire installation, and white wall cabinets. — Project by Woodrow Vizor Architects with Sola Kitchens’ bespoke Slatten crown-cut walnut base cabinets. Photography: Chris Snook.

Slim Shaker kitchens

“Slim (or skinny or micro-) Shaker kitchens were big in 2025, but I believe they are set to become even bigger in 2026,” says Konstantina, features and sub editor. “We’ve been seeing more and more of this sleeker, contemporary take on the popular traditional style, and it seems it really isn’t going anywhere in the new year.”

A green kitchen design with micro Shaker cabinets, a stone peninsula, and patterned flooring. — The Malone collection, from £25,000, Tom Howley.

“Picture the classic recessed-panel doors of Shaker cabinetry, this time with a significantly narrower frame around the panel, which results in a cleaner, ultra-sophisticated look,” she continues. “This type of door allows for more flexibility than its traditional predecessor, as it works equally well in a farmhouse kitchen – giving it a contemporary twist – a minimalist kitchen, or even an industrial-chic design. It can also serve as an excellent base for a fusion kitchen (which mixes different design styles).

“If you haven’t tried it yet, 2026 might be a good time to do so, with everyone from Tom Howley to Olive & Barr having recently launched their own micro-Shaker collections.”

A run of cabinetry painted in yellow with slim frames and copper knobs. — Skinny Shaker kitchen, from £10,000, Olive & Barr.

Dark and dramatic

“I have gone dark in our kitchen – a bit of a shock to some friends who knew how much I liked my pastel shades in the past. But now, I love the sleek look of dark cabinets mixed with dramatic worktops, and I think it will become more popular in 2026,” says Kerrie, art editor.

“It’s striking (albeit a bit bold), but I wanted a statement look, and it intertwines well with the greenery outside. It also pairs nicely with walnut dining tables and chairs. Which leads me onto my next prediction – biophilic design.”

A dark kitchen design with handleless cabinetry, a central island, and a dining zone with a wood table and mid-century style chairs. — Bespoke kitchen by Roundhouse with quartzite and granite.

“I like to think people will want calmer, nature-inspired spaces in every room of the house as we go into the next few years, whether it’s big windows connecting you to the outdoors, floral wallpaper, or quiet appliances,” she adds.

A modern scheme with blue base cabinets, marble work surfaces and matching island, with wood herringbone flooring, and a nature-inspired mural above the splashback. — Eden wallpaper mural on Premier Vinyl in Verde, £75 per sq m, By Haleys.

Fusion kitchens

Social media executive Joana predicts that fusion kitchens will be a massive trend in 2026, ‘as homeowners become bolder with their design choices’.

“Rather than sticking to one look, people will be mixing materials, colours, and styles to create spaces that feel unique. Not only does it add character, but it also showcases individual personality, making the kitchen a true reflection of the person who lives there,” she says.