The rise of colour and texture: What’s next for kitchen and bathroom surfaces

As interiors continue to move towards spaces that feel warmer, more personal and connected to the natural world, surfaces are set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the look and feel of the home in 2027, says Oli Web, director at Cullifords.

Moving away from the cooler, highly polished finishes that have dominated interiors in recent years, the next chapter is all about earthy tones, dramatic statement slabs and richly textured surfaces. Materials are being chosen not simply for their practicality, but for the atmosphere they create.

“2027 is going to be about creating interiors that feel genuinely inviting and lived-in, rather than overly perfect,” says Oli Web, director at natural stone specialist Cullifords. “We’re seeing a real appreciation for natural variation, warmer colour palettes and materials that bring depth and personality to a space.”

Colour is becoming increasingly grounded, with warm, nature-inspired tones expected to dominate surface choices in 2027. Rather than the cooler whites and greys that have been popular in recent years, expect to see more warm beige, caramel, taupe, brown and terracotta-inspired hues, often with subtle tonal variation.

“Warmth is one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing,” says Web. “There’s a move towards surfaces that feel softer and more connected to nature. Instead of stark contrasts, we’re seeing designers layer different earthy tones to create a much more relaxed and sophisticated scheme.”

Rosso Verona Marble is a strong example of this direction. Characterised by its deep terracotta and sun-baked orange tones, this natural stone perfectly anchors this year’s trend. These warmer surfaces work particularly well alongside timber, painted cabinetry and softer textiles, helping to create schemes that feel layered rather than overly co-ordinated.

While subtlety is key in some areas of the home, statement surfaces aren’t going anywhere. In 2027, dramatic stone is likely to be used on a much larger scale, with full-height slabs becoming a defining feature in kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Rather than limiting a statement stone to a worktop, taking it from floor to ceiling allows the natural pattern and movement of the material to become the architecture itself.

“We’re seeing more confidence in how stone is being used,” says Web. “A beautiful slab doesn’t have to be restricted to a worktop. Extending it full height or across an entire splashback for example, allows the natural veining and movement to become part of the architecture and creates a much stronger sense of impact.”

The idea of the ‘perfect’ interior is being replaced by something much more relaxed. In 2027, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces are expected to feel comfortable, characterful and lived-in, rather than overly pristine. This is influencing the surfaces homeowners are choosing, with a growing preference for materials that have natural variation, softer finishes and a sense of history.

“We’re definitely moving away from the idea that luxury has to mean flawless or highly polished,” says Web. “There’s something much more appealing about a material that has movement, variation and a sense of authenticity. Those natural characteristics are what give a space personality.”

Calacatta Baroque marble with its rich, dramatic veining and warm tones lends itself particularly well to this more relaxed approach. Unlike stark, clinical stones, its sweeping patterns and earthy undertones offer grounded luxury to a space.

2027 will also see the growing importance of texture. As homeowners become more confident with colour, the focus is moving beyond simply what a surface looks like to how it feels and interacts with light. “Texture is becoming a really important part of what we consider luxurious,” says Web. “It’s about choosing materials that reward you for looking at them closely. The way natural veining catches the light, the variation across a slab or the feel of a honed surface can all add another layer to a room.”

Ivory Fantasy Granite offers a softly tactile quality, with delicate natural veining and subtle tonal variation across each slab. Its nuanced surface catches and shifts with the light, demonstrating how even understated texture can add depth and character to an otherwise simple scheme.

“Ultimately, we think luxury is becoming much more about authenticity than perfection. The most successful interiors will combine beautiful, expressive materials with softer, more understated elements to create spaces that feel rich, warm and personal,” says Web.