16th January 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Although the year has only just begun, kitchen trends for 2026 are already emerging, shaped by broader influences from fashion, furniture and global colour reporting. Together, these shifts outline how bespoke kitchen design is expected to evolve over the year ahead. From Pantone’s Colour of the Year to a growing preference for softer materials and tactile finishes, Roundhouse anticipates that kitchens in 2026 will feel warmer, calmer and more grounded. Muted palettes, expressive surfaces and a renewed focus on craftsmanship point towards an approach rooted in longevity rather than short-lived trends. White, but warmer White kitchens remain firmly in focus for 2026, though their expression is shifting. Rather than crisp, high-contrast whites, designers are leaning towards softer, warmer tones with greater subtlety. Inspired by Pantone’s Cloud Dancer, these creamy, chalky whites introduce depth without dominating a scheme. The key change lies in how white is used: less as a statement and more as a backdrop. Applied across cabinetry, walls and feature shelving, it acts as a calm canvas that enhances contrasting elements, such as the black island featured in Roundhouse’s Alden project. In 2026, white is defined by contrast and context, moving away from uniform white-on-white compositions. Roundhouse Roundhouse Herbal greens Green continues to play a defining role in bespoke kitchen trends for 2026. This year, Roundhouse anticipates a shift away from the deep, dramatic green kitchens that have dominated recent years, towards lighter, more herbal shades. Valspar’s 2026 Colour of the Year, Warm Eucalyptus, sets the tone. With its vintage-leaning character, the colour brings a sense of calm and familiarity, making it well suited to modern kitchens. Industry colour reports reinforce this direction, highlighting clean olives, fresh sages and smoky fern tones as key shades to watch. When paired with pale stone, brushed metals and warm timbers, as seen in Roundhouse’s Oliver project, these greens create a natural, atmospheric palette. In 2026, green becomes less about drama and more about mood, gently anchoring kitchens in a restorative calm. Fluted cabinetry Texture continues to gain importance in kitchen design, with fluted cabinetry emerging as a considered way to introduce depth and movement. Rather than surface ornamentation, Roundhouse anticipates a move towards more generously curved fluted profiles that emphasise craftsmanship, as seen on the drawer fronts in the Alden project. This approach allows light and shadow to interact softly across vertical surfaces, celebrating artisanal skill. Whether applied to bespoke kitchen islands, tall cabinetry or drawer runs, fluted detailing breaks up large expanses while adding rhythm and tactility. It reflects a broader shift away from flat minimalism towards bespoke kitchens that feel layered, crafted and rich in detail. Roundhouse Roundhouse Quartzite feature stone Stone remains a cornerstone of kitchen design in 2026, with quartzite expected to take precedence over marble as the preferred all-natural surface. Characterised by subtle veining and organic movement, quartzite offers a refined alternative to high-contrast marbles while providing improved strength. Harder and more durable than marble, quartzite still requires a degree of care, making it particularly well suited to breakfast bars and splashbacks. In high-use cooking zones and around sinks, Roundhouse designers often recommend combining natural quartzite with manmade surfaces. In the Ashbury project, Taj Mahal quartzite splashbacks are paired with Caesarstone’s Cloudburst Concrete worktops, balancing natural beauty with practical resilience. The result is a surface that feels luxurious and well suited to everyday living. Timber drenching Timber continues to evolve as a material language in bespoke kitchen design. While all-wood schemes have been absent for decades, Roundhouse suggests that 2026 will see a return to full timber immersion – not as a revival, but as a contemporary form of ‘wood-washing’. Natural wood will extend across cabinetry, tall units and architectural detailing, with pale oak and walnut used floor-to-ceiling across storage, media furniture and adjoining living areas. This generous application introduces warmth, texture and continuity, particularly in open-plan homes such as Roundhouse’s Bulpitt project, where the kitchen needed to integrate seamlessly with surrounding spaces. Layered with fluted detailing, this approach to timber feels enveloping yet controlled, remaining crisp, architectural and distinctly modern. Discreet hardware Hardware in 2026 is going to become increasingly subtle, delivering the same visual calm as handleless kitchens while introducing additional material interest. Integrated pulls and slim handles in coordinated finishes offer a refined, understated aesthetic alongside improved grip. This restrained approach supports longevity and ease of use, reinforcing the wider shift towards bespoke kitchens defined by proportion, materiality and thoughtful detailing. Roundhouse The beginning of a new year offers a natural moment to reset and reassess. In 2026, the most compelling kitchen designs will be shaped by balance, material integrity and craftsmanship that stands the test of time – principles that sit at the core of Roundhouse’s design philosophy. Explore how these trends could shape your 2026 projects, and visit one of Roundhouse’s seven showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Guildford, Cambridge or Cheltenham to speak with Roundhouse’s expert designers. About Roundhouse Design Ltd Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 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