family to deliver a similar style aesthetic in both the kitchen and living space. Top furniture products in 2026 include curved units and doors that create soft, fluid forms; non-standard dimensions to maximise storage and introduce furniture at different levels; large-scale display units that elevate bare walls and reflect natural light; adaptable wall panel systems to free up valuable floor space; deep drawers with internal storage modules and organisers; and innovative top-mounted pocket doors that provide concealed yet spacious storage for pantry items, home bar essentials, making hot drinks, and housing smaller appliances.
Quality materials in wood, metal, and glass become the go-to for emphasising tone and texture in naturally styled interiors … Deemed the top interior style for the kitchen living space in 2026, rustic minimalism combines the warmth of natural materials with the simplicity of minimalist design. Also satisfying the rising demand for stealth wealth interiors, rustic minimalism focuses on quality over quantity to achieve an understated look, which focuses on the unique features and visual characteristics of different materials. Whether light or dark, different species of oak and walnut will dominate the modern kitchen space in 2026. Available in a range of styles and formats, the latest wooden kitchens include hero products like island units, sideboards, or a bank of appliances; wood accents seen across the shelving, wall niches, trims, plinths, cupboard interiors, and storage drawers; and the latest technique called wood drenching,
where you opt for an all-wood scheme to create a fully immersive kitchen living environment. Special surface solutions are also being used for their aesthetic appeal with metal accents in brass, copper, and steel, smoked glass, and super matt door fronts helping to emphasise tone and texture. Dominant colours include near-neutral shades in beige, white, black, and grey, alongside earthy yellow pigments that resemble baked clay for a natural pop of colour.
Accent lighting moves away from purely functional to artistic expression, with a focus on layered lighting schemes that bring contrast, influence mood, and promote relaxation … Enhancing both home and lifestyle, fully integrated smart lighting has gained significance in modern kitchen design, as open plan living environments continue to focus on the relationship between the user and a product. The very best kitchen designs are incorporating a curated mix of accent lighting, which highlight signature design elements such as glass display units, cabinets and drawers, shelving and cubbyholes, wall niches, worktops, island units and plinths, fitted larders, coffee stations and more! Fuelled by a growing desire for greater customisation of lighting solutions that can be operated by remote control, the latest statistics show that the UK smart home market is expected to soar to £ 25 billion by 2030, with kitchen lighting dominating this category.
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INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
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