Our designers have been watching what homeowners are asking for and what kitchens they’re dreaming about as we head into 2026. The year ahead is set to bring a calm and grounded feel to the heart of the home, brought to life through organic textures, neutral colours and thoughtful design.
Here’s what our designers had to say about 2026 kitchens:
Open Plan & Integrated Living
Open plan living has constantly been evolving over time, with kitchens becoming increasingly connected to their surrounding spaces. In recent years, the kitchen has become a true multifunctional hub, living up to its name as ‘heart of the home’. Kitchens aren’t just made for cooking anymore, they’re made for people to gather, work, entertain and relax all in one integrated space.
In this project, the designer worked closely with the client to merge the kitchen island and dining table into one central feature. “The client didn’t want a separate dining table,” says designer Stuart. “So we created a drop-down table that flows straight from the main benchtop, supported by a stone pillar that ties the design together.” This kitchen also originally had a few obstructing walls in place which were needing to be removed to accommodate for the integrated island and dining table, “changing it from a very small kitchen into more open plan” space. Hidden storage features are also a key element of integrated kitchen design, as appliances and crockery can be neatly tucked away whilst remaining easily accessible for regular use. When bulky appliances are hidden, achieving a sleek and minimal look is effortless, so your space can truly shine and feel like an extension of the surrounding living and dining areas.
Across other designs, integrated living can look like dedicated coffee stations, breakfast nooks or even concealed spaces for laptops and study areas, like in this kitchen designed by Marco. Every detail and layout of an integrated kitchen should be personalised to support the rhythm of your own lifestyle. Whether you have a large family, young kids, entertain often or are just after something truly bespoke. Our expert designers work to ensure your space is functional and feels intuitive for you, by personalising layouts and creating dedicated zones that don’t feel disjointed from the rest of your kitchen.
Earthy Tones & Natural Finishes
After years of crisp whites and high-gloss finishes, 2026 kitchens welcome a softer, more grounded colour palette. We’re seeing a shift away from stark whites and a shift towards more grounded, earthy tones like soft taupe, creams and mushroom greys. It’s all about creating a calm, natural atmosphere in the kitchen. To complement these more organic tones, bold accents like rich, deep greens, navy and other colourful hues are being used for cabinets and appliances to add personality and warmth to the space.
In terms of materials, our designers are seeing an increase in preference for natural surfaces like timber, stone alternative and porcelain. These materials are being chosen for their timeless appeal, as well as their incredible practicality and durability in kitchen and utility spaces. Unexpected materials such as lava stone, terracotta, concrete and glazed ceramics are also emerging as unique alternatives to traditional finishes, adding a touch of the unexpected to 2026 kitchen design
Texture Everywhere
Texture continues to be a defining element in kitchen design. In 2026, subtle and tactile finishes are on top. Picture matte cabinets and lightly grained surfaces which are as beautiful to touch as they are to look at. When matte and soft grained finishes are used for cabinetry, they add warmth, depth and practicality by resisting fingerprints and smudges. This is especially important for darker kitchens with black, navy or green cabinets. We’re also seeing an increase in homeowners incorporating layered lighting into their kitchens, like sensor lights and LEDs under cabinetry or benchtops. They are the perfect addition to create a calm atmosphere and they pair beautifully with textured panels to highlight their dimension.
In this project (above) by Stuart, the island cabinetry features a sculpted wave-like pattern that beautifully catches the light, elevating the space and nodding to its coastal location. When asked, Stuart said “what really made this kitchen stand out was the island, which used the Cove 50 profile from Polytec.” See all the details here! Another recent kitchen design also incorporates this ribbed detailing, but in a slightly different way. Steccawood was used to create an even more three-dimensional texture on the lower cabinetry, which is softened by a curved edge that ties the whole design together. These fluted finishes enhance the clean lines and neutral palettes of these kitchens by adding depth and movement, whist also remaining super practical by resisting fingerprints and everyday wear.
A Focus on Sustainability
More than ever, homeowners are investing in kitchens that will stand the test of time. There’s a growing awareness that true sustainability comes from longevity, which means choosing materials and designs that endure, rather than fade with each new season. The idea of ‘trends’ can be unsustainable for something as permanent as a kitchen, the real trend is about investing in your kitchen. Designing a space that suits your lifestyle and makes life easier, as well as investing in quality materials that will last for years to come are what 2026 kitchens are all about.
Every Kitchen Craftsmen kitchen is designed and built to perform better, last longer and leave a lighter footprint. Porcelain and sintered stone benchtops and splashbacks are central to this approach, offering durability, easy maintenance and reduced need for replacement over time. Our cabinetry materials also follow this same philosophy. MDF and melamine provide long-term strength and versatility, with responsibly sourced options that support our sustainability goals. This is a trend we can confidently say is here to stay.
Designed for the way we live
Everything from integrated dining to textured finishes and sustainable materials, 2026 kitchens are calm, connected and deeply considered.
At Kitchen Craftsmen, our designers work closely with each and every client to bring ideas to life, ensuring every detail is crafted with purpose.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in 2026, contact us to book a free consultation today to get started.