Words: Kristina Libertini

Over the past twelve months, the KBB sector has continued to evolve at pace and Kitchen Flair has been right in the middle of that transformation.

We’ve been reimagining our showroom layouts, embracing new product lines and design trends, so the past year has been one of adaptation and learning. As we move towards 2026, our focus is firmly on people – for both our customers and our team – whilst staying responsive in a constantly shifting market.

At Kitchen Flair, we’ve recognised that understanding the sales process is more important than ever. Customers are better informed, design-savvy and eager to be involved in every stage of their project. This means our sales designers must go beyond selling – they must really listen and collaborate. 

Ongoing training has become a cornerstone of our business, ensuring every designer has the confidence and creativity. This investment in knowledge and skill will remain one of our biggest priorities heading into 2026. 

Equally important is nurturing the talent within our business. Next year will see more of the conscious effort we’ve made to create opportunities for professional growth, encouraging our team to learn from suppliers, attend workshops, and visit other showrooms. 

There’s just no substitute for experiencing new products and technologies firsthand, we can then pass on how we feel about products too and what does it mean to the customer. 

While virtual training has its place and many of our suppliers offer this, the true value lies in face-to-face interaction and shared learning, experiencing the product. As suppliers increasingly open their doors to retailers, the partnerships that come from those connections help to shape the quality of design and service we can offer our customers.

Intentional evolution

Today’s homeowners are more design-driven than ever, seeking not just functionality but showcasing their lifestyle through their interiors. They’re drawn to luxury materials, key products and spaces that blend practicality with their own personality.

Retailers who anticipate these preferences, who know what their customers are drawn to and why, will have the advantage. 

Networking, too, has taken on renewed importance. In a world where visibility drives opportunity, putting yourself out there — whether through local events, collaborations, or social media, keeps you in the minds of clients and consumers. For smaller, independent retailers, this can be demanding and hard work as it comes with its own criteria, but it’s also a really powerful way to build a local presence.

Looking ahead and whilst looking at our client base, we expect the trend toward full house design schemes to grow. Customers are increasingly seeking cohesive design solutions that flow seamlessly from kitchen to living space, from bedroom to bathroom. 

This holistic approach opens exciting opportunities for creativity and bringing together cross-room design, which is a direction we’re eager to explore further in 2026. 

Across the KBB sector, recruitment and skills development continue to present challenges. With fewer entry points for young designers and fewer large brands offering structured training, attracting fresh talent is harder than ever. For businesses like ours, we feel the further need to invest in in-house mentoring to champion the potential within our own teams.

Of course, much depends on the broader economy, which remains unpredictable. But uncertainty has always been part of retail, just when we think there’s a pattern, it changes and so those who adapt, innovate and keep their focus on people will continue to thrive.

For Kitchen Flair, 2026 isn’t just another year on top of our last 32; it’s another opportunity to evolve with purpose, passion, and of course, our trademark flair!