Kitchen Design Trends for 2026
At Ray Munn Kitchens, we’ve noticed a quiet evolution in how people want their kitchens to look and feel.
The focus for 2026 isn’t on bold statements or high-contrast finishes. Instead, it’s about calm sophistication - the kind of effortless luxury that feels lived-in yet refined. Every element is purposeful, every detail thoughtfully placed.
Here are four design directions defining the year ahead.
1. Open Shelving and Glass-Fronted Cabinets
Open shelving and glass-fronted cabinets are taking centre stage again, offering the perfect balance between display and discretion. They bring a lighter, more spacious feel to a kitchen, while still allowing for curated personal touches — think textured ceramics, artful glassware, or a stack of beautiful cookbooks.
Smoked or reeded glass adds a layer of sophistication, softly veiling the contents within and creating subtle texture. Combined with internal lighting or warm timber tones, these features help blur the line between practical storage and interior styling - a hallmark of modern kitchen design.
2. Seamless Splashbacks with Continuous Surfaces
Tiles are making way for uninterrupted surfaces that run elegantly from worktop to wall. This approach not only looks sleek but also simplifies cleaning and maintenance - ideal for busy households that don’t want to compromise on style.
At Ray Munn Kitchens, we love how continuous splashbacks allow the material itself to shine, whether it’s a dramatic veined quartz, soft marble, or tactile sintered stone. Wrapping the same surface around the island or larder adds a layer of visual harmony, giving the whole space a quiet, architectural strength.
3. Shaker Kitchens Still Ruling Supreme in 2026
While contemporary lines and handleless cabinetry continue to have their moment, the classic Shaker kitchen shows no signs of fading away. In fact, it’s evolving beautifully for 2026 - slimmer frames, cleaner edges, and a mix of painted finishes and natural woods bring timeless design into the modern day.
We’re seeing more homeowners pair traditional Shaker cabinetry with modern features like integrated appliances, slab splashbacks, and statement hardware in brushed brass or black. It’s a perfect marriage of warmth and sophistication - and proof that great design never goes out of style.
4. Pocket Doors Concealing Clever Stations
Entertaining at home is thriving once more, and pocket doors are the designer’s secret weapon. These clever retractable doors conceal stylish drinks zones, breakfast stations, or coffee nooks - keeping the kitchen pristine by day and ready to impress by night.
When closed, the look is effortlessly clean. When opened, it reveals a touch of drama - with mirrored backs, ambient lighting, and beautifully organised shelving. It’s both practical and playful, and we can’t get enough of it.
Subtle Sophistication for the Year Ahead
The kitchens of 2026 exude quiet confidence. They’re not about excess but about refinement - thoughtful materials, integrated functionality, and a sense of calm luxury.
At Ray Munn Kitchens, we believe that a truly great kitchen doesn’t just look good, it feels good to live in. Designed with purpose and built with precision, it becomes the heart of a home that’s made to last.
If you’d like to explore these design trends in your own kitchen, get in touch with our expert team today.
