Every year, evolving trends in design, technology and lifestyle reshape the way people experience and interact with their kitchens. From innovative materials to colour palettes and texture, these shifts influence not only aesthetics but also the functionality of the home. Recognising this dynamic and changing landscape, leading distributor of kitchen and bedroom components, PWS, has identified the top 3 trends set to shape kitchens in 2026. From the enduring appeal of wood cabinetry to subtle sophistication of timeless taupe.
A nod to nature with oak
Offering unparalleled quality, durability and beauty, last year saw a surge in popularity for natural wood-drenched kitchens. Providing quiet luxury and sophistication, timber pairs with both classic and modern design elements thanks to its timeless appeal and grounding properties – helping to balance a kitchen with ease.
Crafted from European Oak, PWS was at the forefront of this movement with the launch of its newest door finish – Oak. Available in two of the brand’s most popular door styles, in-frame effect Mornington Vale and Mornington Shaker, the finish has been developed to complement PWS’s paint-to-order palette – with a clean and refined grain structure which has been meticulously chosen to ensure minimal crowns and knots.
Timeless taupe
As Pantone’s Colour of the Year ‘Cloud Dancer’ places neutrals such as creams and off-whites back in the spotlight, this timeless colour palette will continue to be popular into both traditional and contemporary homes alike.
Versatile and warm, at the end of 2025, PWS launched its Taupe Grey colour from stock for its Mornington Vale collection which taps directly into this trend. This is the first stocked colour announced for its door design and builds on the successful launch of Mornington Vale the year before. Its light earthy, brown undertones pair with an array of colour schemes providing a unifying accent to kitchens.
Elegant in-frame
A staple in a luxury kitchen, in-frame cabinets will never go out of style thanks to their bespoke and heritage look. Many customers are interested in incorporating this style into their kitchen but often need a design at a more affordable price point – this is where in-frame effect designs come to the foreground.
Responding to growing customer demand for this, PWS launched the Mornington Beaded Vale door style - a sophisticated, new in-frame effect option for kitchens that are ideal for achieving a timeless in-frame look, but at a smaller cost. The Beaded Vale design features an elegant and ornate internal bead, classic for a Shaker style door, combined with in-frame effect detailing, distinctive ash grain texture and a matt grained, painted finish – enhancing its classic appeal.
