New Kitchen Designs Taking Over Kitchen Trends 2026

Just like in the world of fast fashion, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, new kitchen design trends are always changing and evolving too.

Last year, our blog on kitchen design trends for 2025 was a hit. This year, as fresh updates are emerging, we thought it would be extra special to consult our Australian expert kitchen designers to uncover the key trends set to shape new kitchen designs in 2026.

So let’s dive in and discover the Kitchen Trends of 2026.

Materials and finishes are the fun part of any new kitchen design! They’re the choices that shape the look, feel, and overall vibe of your space. Think kitchen cabinets, surfaces, splashbacks, and all the little touches that make a kitchen feel complete. Let’s discover what our designers believe will trend this year.

Nicole highlights “the return of timber in islands, cabinetry, and details like turned posts, reeded finishes, and proud kickboards.” She also mentions that “Splashbacks are getting more creative with curves and different heights, while sleek surfaces are being swapped for cleaner, clutter-free and integrated layouts.”

Craig adds, “that engineered or man-made stone in slimmer 20mm thickness is trending, grey and dark finishes for cabinets are fading, and that big bold cabinet profiles are being replaced by mid-century thinner profiles with curves, keeping kitchens feeling fresh, functional, and stylish.”

Explore top kitchen benchtop options and kitchen cabinet profile options for inspiration on materials.

Your kitchen’s colour scheme plays a big role in how well it ages. Some choices stay stylish for years, while others date quickly. In 2025, we saw some bold peach-inspired designs appear (just to be clear, these weren’t created by us!), and let’s hope they don’t stick around. Luckily, our designers have a much clearer forecast for the kitchen colour trends coming in 2026.

Nicole highlights that “while white kitchens remain a timeless staple, the tone and style are evolving with warmer whites, creams, and earth tones now taking centre stage.”

Craig adds, “that some homeowners are embracing warmer accent colours or even bold burgundy for a statement.”

What’s In	What’s Out
Warm earth tones: cream, walnuts	All-white kitchens
Rich timber hues	Overly stark or cold finishes
Burgundy or bold accent colours	Flat minimalist surfaces
Muted and brushed hardware	Harsh white tones without warmth
Mid-century inspired profiles
Curved details

Explore our Kitchen Colour Scheme Ideas for your next renovation for inspiration on kitchen colour ideas.

The layout of your kitchen needs to be practical. After all, you don’t want to be juggling between the sink, fridge, and stove like it’s an obstacle course! This is where our Australian kitchen designers really shine. Here’s their guide to kitchen layout styles.

Nicole highlights that “integrated pantry doors, butler’s pantries, and breakfast/coffee stations are helping kitchens maintain a clean, polished look while keeping working areas hidden.” She also notes “that furniture-style islands with proud kicks and accent-stool seating are becoming a stylish way to combine prep and entertaining spaces.”

Craig adds that “open-plan kitchens remain popular in renovations, where walls are removed to open spaces, while new builds keep functional open layouts.” He also sees “curved islands and large uninterrupted work surfaces gaining popularity, and luxury features like walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries continue to appeal to homeowners seeking extra storage and a touch of status.”

Appliances are always evolving. Remember the days when we had to cook rice in a pot, constantly stirring and hoping it turned out right? Thank goodness for the invention of a good rice cooker! So, it only makes sense that for our 2026 kitchen trends, we asked our designers which smart kitchen gadgets improve cooking efficiency.

Nicole highlights “the rise of combi ovens and multi-use, which make kitchens more versatile.” She also notes that “homeowners now often want beautiful appliances on display, like statement rangehoods, rather than hiding them behind cabinets.”

Craig adds that “electric pull-down mechanisms and smart lighting are becoming more popular, helping kitchens feel functional and effortless.” He also points out that “fully integrated appliances aren’t always preferred, as homeowners worry about replacement if a built-in unit breaks down.”

There’s nothing worse than a kitchen that’s poorly lit or full of shadows. Imagine trying to chop vegetables or read a recipe under a dim ceiling light; it quickly turns a fun cooking session into a frustrating experience! Let’s see the lighting predictions for the 2026 kitchen design trends.

Nicole highlights that “while strip lighting has been popular, 2026 is seeing a shift to more intentional, statement lighting, like a single artistic pendant over an island or subtle feature lights that enhance display areas.”

Craig adds that “multi-colour strip lighting will remain popular.” He also suggests a “less is more” approach to pendants, with Linea-style lighting in modern kitchens and selective pendants for traditional kitchens.”

What’s In	What’s Out
Feature lighting such as downlights	Standard multi-pendant layouts
Backlit glass cabinets	Outdated lighting solutions without personality or functionality
Off-center artistic pendants
Multi-colour strip lighting (internal and external)

Explore how to plan your kitchen lighting by reading our blog breakdown of the best kitchen lighting.

Let’s be honest. Every homeowner wants a kitchen that lasts. Sure, trends come and go, but we want is our newly designed kitchen to be like a little black dress. Timeless, stylish, and always a perfect fit. It should suit how we live, make life easier, and still look amazing even years from now!

To help with that, we’ve asked our designers to wrap up their predictions for kitchen design trends in 2026, including what is outdated in kitchens and what homeowners should focus on to keep their kitchens looking fresh for years to come.

Nicole highlights that “small updates such as changing handles or splashbacks can dramatically refresh a kitchen without a full renovation.” She also notes that “mixing shaker profiles or door styles can subtly elevate a kitchen from standard to custom, creating a timeless look that won’t feel outdated.”

Craig adds that homeowners should “invest in classic colours and enduring styles while avoiding trends that could quickly date, like certain two-toned schemes.”

We might be a little biased, but when it comes to designing kitchens, our team knows how to strike the perfect balance between on-trend style and timeless appeal. We see plenty of designers pushing boundaries, but the real key is giving our customers value and designs that will last.

If you’re exploring new kitchen design trends for 2026, you’re in the right place, and we’re here to help. First, check out our kitchen design gallery for new kitchen design Australia inspiration.

Also, visit our Kitchen Design Tips page. It has a free kitchen design guide to help you get started. Then get in touch, and we’ll pair you with the perfect Sydney kitchen designer to bring your vision to life with our expertise.