Homeowners Warm to Colour, but Keep Kitchen Choices Cautious

Homeowners are becoming more expressive in the way they want their kitchens to look, but most are still balancing individuality with caution and longevity, according to new research. The data shows a shift towards warmer, softer and more natural kitchen styles. Wood and wood-effect cupboard doors have seen the strongest growth, rising from 8% in 2023 to 13% in 2026. Beige, cream and cashmere tones have also increased from 14% to 16%, making them the joint most desired door colours alongside white.

Cooler grey schemes, which have shaped kitchen design for much of the past decade, are losing ground. Light grey has fallen from 16% to 13%, while dark grey and metallic finishes have also declined. 

Meanwhile, natural or unfinished wood finishes have increased to 20%, suggesting homeowners are placing greater value on texture as well as colour. Granite and granite effect, as well as marble and marble effect, are the joint most desired worktop options at 16%, followed by wood and wood effect at 15%.

However, the research also points to a more complicated relationship with colour. More than a third of homeowners, 37%, now say they are brave with colour choices in their kitchen and happy with the result, up from 17% in 2023. 

Likewise, almost 40% say they have played safe with colour in the past but would choose something bolder next time.

Despite this, neutral schemes continue to dominate the choices homeowners make in reality. Nearly 4 in 10 say they would like a more colourful kitchen but tend to stick with neutrals, while 33% believe colourful kitchens may date quickly.

“The findings suggest homeowners are not necessarily looking for a dramatic departure from neutral kitchens”, said Rachel Tuckey, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Häfele UK. “Instead, they are seeking ways to introduce more warmth, texture and personality without committing to a scheme that feels difficult to live with over time.”

This cautious approach is also shaping the way many homeowners tackle home improvements. The number who say they use accessories to keep their kitchen on trend has risen from 35% in 2023 to 44%, while 51% would consider upgrading part of a kitchen rather than undertaking a full renovation.

The findings are part of Häfele UK’s latest Homes for Living report, which explores changing homeowner priorities and what they mean for kitchen retailers, designers and manufacturers.

Rachel continued: “Homeowners are becoming more confident in their own tastes and more open to kitchens that feel warmer and more individual.

“But colour is only part of the story – texture, material, and the overall feel of the space are also an influence. Wood finishes, softer neutrals and more natural surfaces are giving people a way to move beyond the cooler schemes of recent years without feeling they are taking a major design risk.

“This makes the consultation process increasingly important. Customers may draw inspiration from social media or magazines, but they often need help understanding how colour, finish, worktops, lighting and storage can work together in a kitchen that suits both their home and the length of time they expect to live with it.”

Häfele’s Homes for Living report can be found at hafele.co.uk/homes-for-living

Source : Häfele

Image : Häfele

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