As we look toward 2026, there are several notable kitchen colour trends that are rising to prominence. The emerging direction reveals a decisive shift away from standardised, one-size-fits-all approaches toward more personalised, textured, and thoughtfully curated spaces that reflect individual character and lifestyle.

Our design team has analysed forecasts from leading authorities, including the National Kitchen & Bath Association, property analysts, and colour specialists, to distil the most significant developments shaping exceptional kitchen design into key takeaways that we explore in this post. These insights inform our bespoke approach, ensuring each HAUHAU kitchen balances contemporary relevance with timeless quality.

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EARTHY NEUTRALS AND RICH SATURATED HUES

The colour forecasts for 2026 present what initially appears to be a contradiction. On one hand, bold, saturated colours are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Zillow's 2026 home trends report notes that "colour drenching", where walls, trim and even ceilings share the same dramatic shade, is gaining significant traction, including deep blues like indigo and cobalt, rich reds and plums like burgundy and deep wine tones, and buttery yellows that pair well with darker shades. Remarkably, homes featuring thoughtfully colourful rooms are commanding premium prices in the market.

"We're seeing a shift away from the idea that 'neutral sells.' After years of beige and grey dominating design, people are craving more personality and emotion in their homes," notes Zillow's home trends expert Amanda Pendleton.

Simultaneously, data confirms the enduring relevance of sophisticated neutrals. The NKBA | KBIS 2026 Kitchen Trends Report identifies that an overwhelming 96% of design professionals continue to recognise neutrals as the most requested palette. This is further reinforced by Sherwin-Williams naming "Universal Khaki", a soft, earthy tan, as its ‘2026 Colour of the Year’, reflecting a widespread desire for soothing, simplified environments that provide respite from visual noise.

Rather than representing a contradiction, these parallel trends reflect complementary responses to the same underlying desire: creating spaces that authentically express individual character in a post-minimalist era. The choice between a bold, colour-drenched dining nook and a calming, khaki-toned sanctuary now depends entirely on the homeowner's vision and lifestyle requirements, both approaches equally valid in contemporary design thinking.

WARMER PALETTES REPLACE STARK WHITES

For over a decade, the all-white kitchen has maintained uncontested dominance in residential design, celebrated as a safe, clean and timeless choice. Design authorities now signal that this era is drawing to a close, with House Digest reports suggesting that this once-classic aesthetic may appear outdated by 2026.

However, it is worth noting that whilst flat, cold white kitchens seem to be on their way out, there are various light hues that can be used as a supplement, with creams and light beiges also growing in popularity.

This shift away from clinical monochrome directly responds to an increasing demand for warmth and personality. As noted designer Ryan Saghian observes, discerning homeowners now seek materials and finishes with inherent character and depth.

"Moody tones, mixed materials, and textured finishes are making their way into clients' kitchens in lieu of white, which now can come across as dated and sterile."

This evolution aligns with HAUHAU's longstanding philosophy that exceptional kitchens should balance visual refinement with genuine warmth and livability. Our handcrafted cabinetry has always celebrated the natural beauty of carefully selected materials, from the subtle grain patterns of natural oak to the rich depth of American walnut.

Industry data confirms this direction, with the 2026 NKBA Kitchen Trends report finding that 59% of design professionals identify natural wood grain as a growing trend for cabinetry. White oak leads this renaissance, named by 51% of respondents as the most sought-after timber. This embrace of organic materials underscores a collective shift toward finishes that tell a richer, more authentic story.

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THE NEW NEUTRALS

As clinical white recedes, the very definition of "neutral" is expanding beyond the traditional palette of white, beige, and grey. The concept has evolved to embrace more complex, nuanced tones that provide both versatility and character.

This emerging category of sophisticated neutrals includes Sherwin-Williams' ‘2026 Colour of the Year’, "Universal Khaki", a balance of tan and yellow with soft putty hues and green undertones. Dutch Boy Paints selected Melodious Ivory (313-2DB), a creamy hue that sits between beige and ivory with deeply warm undertones, serving as a classic and effortlessly pairing neutral. Benjamin Moore announced Silhouette (AF-655), a luxurious and distinctive espresso brown with subtle charcoal undertones, described as a refined, tailored, and handsome midtone. For finishes, Minwax selected the Special Walnut wood stain, an earthy stain that offers a classic, dimensional tone.

For furniture, Krylon presented Matte Coffee Bean, a rich, very deep, dark brown with a matte finish. These earthy colours offer the same design flexibility as their predecessors but provide significantly more depth and warmth, creating a more curated and inviting atmosphere.

Perhaps most surprising is the elevation of certain colour families to near-neutral status. The NKBA | KBIS 2026 Kitchen Trends Report reveals that greens (recognised by 86% of experts) and blues (78%) have become so mainstream that they now function as foundational colours, approaching the versatility of traditional neutrals (96%).

This signals a shift, with nature-inspired hues like green and blue no longer merely being considered accent colours and being chosen as versatile backdrops themselves, offering the calming, adaptable quality of a traditional neutral whilst bringing a layer of personality and depth that pure white or grey cannot achieve.

At HAUHAU, our design team excels at guiding clients through these nuanced colour decisions, selecting palettes that complement architectural context and personal preference whilst ensuring longevity beyond passing trends.

COLOUR PLACEMENT: DEFINING FOCAL POINTS

The application of colour in 2026 kitchens demonstrates increasing sophistication, moving beyond uniform treatment to more strategic approaches that create focal points and define functional zones. Many homeowners are now using colour as a powerful design tool rather than merely a background element.

According to the 2026 NKBA Kitchen Trends report, designers are most likely to incorporate statement colours on specific features, with the most impactful locations being:

Backsplashes (60%)
Feature wallcoverings (60%)
Islands (57%)
Decorative elements and accessories (55%)

The kitchen island, in particular, has evolved into the primary canvas for colour expression. The NKBA report notes that islands in 2026 will feature confident colours such as navy, forest green, and rich rust tones, as well as sophisticated two-tone designs that thoughtfully combine painted finishes with natural wood or stone. This elevation of the island's role reflects its increasing importance as a central design element, "like furniture, not just cabinetry with a worktop."

This intentional approach to colour directly responds to the evolving footprint of the contemporary kitchen. With the NKBA report finding that 76% of designers expect kitchens to physically expand and further influence the overall design of the home, strategic colour on islands and backsplashes becomes essential for defining zones and creating visual anchors within larger, open-plan environments.

HAUHAU's bespoke approach to kitchen design has always recognised the importance of these thoughtful colour decisions, creating spaces where every element contributes to a cohesive whole whilst maintaining its distinct character and purpose.

YOUR KITCHEN, YOUR COLOUR NARRATIVE

The defining theme for 2026 kitchen colour is clear: the era of standardised design is giving way to spaces with greater personality, depth, and expression. Whether through bold, saturated statements or sophisticated, earthy neutrals, exceptional kitchens now reflect individual character rather than generic convention.

With the kitchen firmly established as the narrative centre of the home, the only question remains: what colour story will yours tell? HAUHAU's design team brings unparalleled expertise to this important conversation, guiding you toward choices that balance contemporary relevance with timeless quality.

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Explore how these colour trends might enhance your home through a HAUHAU bespoke kitchen that is built by our team of artisan master craftsmen who work from a philosophy founded on 150 years of heritage craftsmanship legacy and a dedication to handcrafted excellence. Serving homes across Essex, London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and surrounding areas, we aim to create truly one-of-a-kind designs that reflect our bespoke design expertise, commitment to quality, and unwavering attention to detail for a result that is truly unmatched.

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HAUHAU's signature lies in these finishing touches—the detailing on every design reflects our unwavering commitment to authentic, high-quality craftsmanship. Every cabinet, every surface, and every drawer receives individual attention from our master cabinet makers.

The result is a kitchen that embodies sophisticated luxury and is truly unique to your home and lifestyle. This is where heritage meets innovation, where four generations across 150 years of skilled craftsmanship create spaces that set new standards for luxury living.

THE HAUHAU DIFFERENCE

We believe the kitchen is the showpiece of the modern home and sets the stage for all other design decisions in the home. Our bespoke kitchens combine timeless design with state-of-the-art materials and finishes to create a unique space meticulously tailored to your every need and desire.

We work with some of the most exquisite materials in the world, working tirelessly to source the most consistent quality timber, luxurious marble, and solid brass hardware to deliver design schemes that exude elegance and opulence at every turn. We also work with some of the world’s leading appliance brands to deliver function alongside form, utilising cutting-edge technologies to help streamline your kitchen and enhance your enjoyment of the space every single day.

Founded by Ben Rollings, a fourth-generation master cabinet maker with over 150 years of family heritage, HAUHAU has become synonymous with timeless craftsmanship and design excellence. From the first sketch to final installation, our team ensures a seamless, collaborative process, delivering not just a kitchen but a handcrafted environment where daily routines and special moments alike are elevated.

Contact HAUHAU today to arrange your complimentary personalised consultation with one of our design experts and discover how our craftsmanship can redefine the heart of your home.