Words: Joanna Chisholm

The market still feels challenging, though not without reasons for hope. Enquiries have stayed reasonably steady, but most retailers say conversions have been slow since autumn 2024 – and that’s largely driven by lack of confidence and high building costs. 

Clients definitely remain interested and are actively researching projects, but the final decision to commit seems to be taking longer than ever. That said, we’re starting to see a modest uptick in orders, suggesting some pent-up demand might be converting. If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say we’re cautiously optimistic, but it’s certainly not straightforward.

From a design perspective, we expect the colour palette to evolve thoughtfully rather than dramatically, in 2026. 

Warmer, earthy tones (particularly greens) will continue their dominance, but we anticipate a subtle shift toward cooler accents. Pale blues are poised for a revival: think softer duck egg and powder blue tones that inject freshness without overwhelming.

Wood elements, particularly oak, will remain central to kitchen design, though we predict their application will become bolder – statement islands and full-height cabinetry rather than token accents. 

I think texture will continue to be another key characteristic as well. Fluted glass – in cabinet doors, partitions, and splashbacks – adds visual interest whilst maintaining openness and offering opportunities for ambient lighting. We expect honed and textured worktops to become more popular as well, adding another layer of interest.

We’ve noticed that the worktop conversation is shifting, too. Rather than subtle, understated veining, clients are now asking for stone with more drama and character. Busy patterns and distinctive movement are being actively sought.

Functional details like quartz shelving above splashbacks will add depth and practicality. Marble, despite its practical limitations, will likely increase in popularity for its beautiful natural appearance.

As we enter next year, lighting will also continue to be fundamental to good design. Pendant lights on main runs – flanking ranges, above prep sinks – are transitioning from experimental to established, and wall lights remain popular for both task and ambient lighting. We’re also seeing clients starting to want table lamps on worktops, as well.

And finally, a surefire bet is that storage will continue to mature beyond simple capacity. Larder cupboards will carry on becoming increasingly sophisticated, with integrated spice racks, varied drawer depths, and integrated appliances creating genuinely functional workspaces.

I also think the drawer-over-cupboard preference will intensify as clients prioritise accessibility and visibility.

Prioritise efficiency

So, as we plan for 2026, a few areas seem worth focusing on. 

First, AI – but approached thoughtfully. There are specific areas where it can genuinely help: design visualisation tools, measurement verification systems, or project management platforms that spot scheduling issues. The key is using AI to enhance what you do well rather than replacing the human side of the business.

Marketing is also worth maintaining, even when budgets feel tight. When conversion cycles are long, staying visible matters. The businesses that keep showing up tend to be remembered when clients are ready to commit. This means consistent social media, email campaigns that nurture leads, and solid SEO.

Finally, productivity. When margins are under pressure, getting more efficient becomes important. So, look hard at your processes: where do things slow down? I think you’ll find that small improvements across multiple areas can add up surprisingly quickly.