Woodstock’s Charlotte Tilby – Today’s kitchen designs should feel as good as they look

Homeowners are seeking interiors that balance thoughtful design with everyday practicality, says Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock Trading Co. This means there are 5 key trends set to shape kitchen design in 2026.

There is a clear shift towards tactile finishes and smarter spatial planning – choices that elevate the home while still feeling grounded and liveable. Fluted textures, slimmed-down classics, richer earthy hues and more ambitious storage solutions are all shaping the direction for the year ahead. At the same time, white is being reimagined in softer, layered forms, combining subtle tonal variations and finishes to create depth and visual interest while still offering a timeless foundation that adapts effortlessly to evolving tastes. Together, these trends point towards interiors that feel calm, characterful and beautifully curated.

Go with the flow
Fluted detailing is set to remain a standout design feature or 2026, bringing texture and a softer flow into the home. Characterised by evenly spaced grooves, fluting creates a subtle, tactile rhythm that adds interest without visual heaviness. Fluted surfaces are being used across cabinetry, islands and feature panels to introduce depth without overwhelming a kitchen. In 2026, we will also see a rise in reeded glass, which offers the same elegant linear effect while adding a translucent quality that softens the overall look and reduces visual clutter. Homeowners are drawn to these finishes for their ability to break up clean-lined spaces and add tactile interest, while still feeling modern and understated.

Shake it off
Classic shaker design continues to evolve, and 2026 will see a shift towards lighter, more streamlined interpretations of this long-loved style. Homeowners are shaking off the traditional, more substantial proportions in favour of slimmer, simplified framing that brings a gentle modernity to a heritage-inspired look. This updated approach enhances the feeling of space, making it ideal for both compact kitchens and larger, open-plan layouts.

Colour confidence
In 2026, green takes centre stage as homeowners embrace kitchens that feel calming, grounding and rich in personality. From soft olive and moss through to deep forest and heritage greens, these nature-inspired shades are becoming the new neutrals, adding depth and warmth without overwhelming the space. Alongside this, moody tones such as paprika, midnight blue and deep brown are emerging to add contrast and richness.

Stack it up
Storage solutions are becoming smarter and more ambitious, and double-stacked storage is set to be one of the most practical trends of 2026. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make better use of space that traditionally gets untouched – particularly the full height of their kitchens. By extending cabinetry upwards and layering storage, double-stacked designs transform previously unutilised vertical space into generous, functional capacity that still feels sleek and.

Reinventing white
With ’Cloud Dancer’ named as Pantone’s Colour of the Year, white is set to become a key foundation for interior schemes once again, but with a fresh, modern twist. While some homeowners are becoming more colour-confident, many still gravitate towards the timeless appeal of a white kitchen. Softer whites and warm off-white tones offer the perfect middle ground: a way to embrace tradition without the starkness of pure white. Instead of acting as a plain backdrop, these gentler shades create a calming, layered base that feels both uplifting and adaptable.