Provider of food boxes, HelloFresh, has revealed the top six kitchen trends set to shape homes in 2026. Partnering with interior designer Julie Gokce from More Kitchens, the team analysed UK search data to uncover how homeowners are reimagining the heart of the home for the year ahead.
Kitchens are going glam in 2026. According to the latest year-on-year search analysis, homeowners are embracing a blend of timeless white palettes, statement metals, and retro inspiration. The data reveals that searches for “white kitchen with brass handles” have surged 300%, leading the list of the year’s most sought-after kitchen trends.
Below are the Top 6 Kitchen Trends for 2026, ranked by search growth:
- White Kitchens with Brass Handles (+300%)
The enduring appeal of the white kitchen continues, but now with a twist of warmth. Brass hardware adds a hint of vintage charm and subtle sophistication, creating a timeless yet eye-catching look.
Julie commented, “White kitchens never really go out of style; their adaptability makes them truly timeless. However, adding brass tone to a white kitchen brings a huge amount of warmth and depth, and essentially stops the look from feeling too sterile.
“For a fully integrated finish, it’s a good idea to echo the brass tones through details like lighting trims or open-shelf brackets, so it feels planned rather than added-on.”
- Quartz Waterfall Countertops (+200%)
Minimalist luxury takes centre stage in our 2nd leading trend, with a surge of 200% year-on-year. Quartz waterfall edges offer a seamless kitchen statement that’s both durable and visually stunning. It’s the perfect fit for modern open-plan living.
“A quartz waterfall edge brings a sense of craftsmanship to the kitchen, framing the cabinetry below. It works particularly well on an island or peninsula, where the continuous surface can be appreciated from all angles, turning the worktop into a complete design feature, rather than just a surface.
“If a full slab isn’t in budget, you can create a similar effect by extending the worktop slightly down the sides, or by using matching quartz-style panels to wrap around an island base.”
- White Kitchens with Gold Accents (+200%)
Gold hardware is also making a comeback as a defining detail. From fixtures to lighting and trim, gold accents elevate classic white kitchens into glamorous, light-filled spaces.
“Gold detailing is brilliant for adding a sense of luxury while ensuring the kitchen feels modern, especially when it’s used sparingly. It works beautifully with deep greens, navy, or black cabinetry, helping to create contrast and warmth in your home.
“It’s important to incorporate small, well-considered touches. This could be a gold-framed splashback, inlaid trim, or hardware; anything can make a big impact without overpowering the space!”
- 70s Style Cabinets (+200%)
Retro revival is here. Warm wood, flat-front cabinetry, and bold textures nod to 1970s design, offering a nostalgic yet modern reinterpretation for 2026’s kitchens.
“The 70s influence is all about natural materials, rounded edges, and characterful wood tones. Incorporating this style isn’t necessarily about recreating a retro kitchen, but bringing warmth and texture back into the space.
“It’s a good idea to choose mid-tone wood cabinetry with matte finishes, and then complement this with simple hardware and terrazzo-style surfaces for a subtle texture change.”
- Mixed Metals in the Kitchen (+200%)
Designers are ditching the matching mindset. Combining brass, chrome, and black finishes adds depth, balance, and personality to the heart of the home.
“Mixing metals can bring a great amount of depth and personality to a kitchen, but it definitely works best when there is a clear sense of balance between the materials.
“You should choose one dominant finish, such as brushed nickel, and then layer this with one or two accent metals, like aged brass or blackened steel, in smaller details. Repeating each metal in multiple places will help the metal combination feel deliberate, rather than random”
- White Kitchens with Dark Countertops (+100%)
The high-contrast look is back in a big way. Crisp white cabinetry paired with dark stone or quartz surfaces delivers drama without sacrificing elegance.
“Dark kitchen worktops are excellent for adding depth and a sense of luxury to your space, particularly when they are paired with paler or painted cabinetry. To prevent the space from feeling heavy, it’s a good idea to balance it out with warm lighting or reflective surfaces like glazed tiles, to keep the kitchen feeling bright and welcoming.”
Julie also shared her personal predictions for 2026 kitchen trends:
Cottagecore kitchens
“Cottagecore kitchens have become increasingly popular, creating warm, inviting spaces filled with natural textures, open shelving, and soft, welcoming colours.
“After years of ultra-minimalist interiors, people are now embracing layered, personality-filled designs that feel relaxed and lived-in. Influences like Great British Bake Off have helped make this style approachable, showing kitchens that are charming, practical, and full of character. What’s interesting is that kitchens designed in this way not only feel welcoming, but they also tend to sell faster and achieve higher prices on the market!”
Stop overloading your kitchen
“One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners often make is trying to follow too many trends at once.
“Kitchens that combine multiple strong ideas often feel disjointed or overwhelming, rather than cohesive. The most successful designs focus on a single standout feature, whether that’s a statement countertop, a bold colour, or distinctive hardware, and keep the rest of the space simple. This approach creates a clear sense of flow, making the kitchen feel intentional and considered.”
