White kitchens had a long run at the top of the list, but 2026 is proving that colour is back. Designers are moving towards bolder, richer shades that give a kitchen real personality rather than playing it safe. Even committed neutral colour lovers seem to be coming round.
The Shades Taking Over
Sunshine yellow is enjoying a moment for its warmth and energy, while deep burgundy and tranquil blues suggest a more grown-up sense of drama. Warm browns, inspired by the recent shift towards earthy neutrals, are proving especially popular for cabinetry, alongside mossy greens and moody near-black tones for those who want to create real impact.
Committing To Colour Without A Full Renovation
Not everyone wants to rip out a working kitchen just to follow a trend, and, of course, you don’t have to! If the basic structure of your kitchen is still sound, replacement kitchen cabinet doors in one of these tones let you try a bolder palette without the cost or disruption of a full refit.
For finish options, ranges such as https://www.happy-doors.co.uk/ give a sense as to how these colours translate onto real cabinetry.
It’s worth taking your time over the decision too, since choosing a paint colour that lasts requires testing samples in your own light rather than trusting a trend.
Whichever shade you’re drawn to, sample it properly before committing to anything permanent. Paint swatches, real cabinet samples and a good, hard look at your kitchen’s natural light throughout the day will tell you far more than any trend forecast ever could.
