Last month, MHK Group welcomed supplier and retailer members to an Open House event at Gut Böckel on the East Westphalia Küchenmeile (19-24 September) to network and exchange ideas that will shape the future of their businesses. Alongside the gatherings, the MHK team visited dozens of showrooms to discover upcoming trends for designers and to continue to secure the best collaborative and financial terms for members with its supplier partners.
“Synonymous with quality and functionality, German kitchen design remains highly desirable in the UK. For any retailer offering a comprehensive portfolio of German kitchens, visiting Küchenmeile is a wise investment,” says David Morris, Sales Director for MHK UK. “This year, we met with dozens of partners to discover what’s coming in kitchen design over the next 12 months and to ensure our members are getting the most out of our partnerships.”
Curved kitchens are back
Liz Cragg, Regional Sales Manager North, MHK UK was the first to spot the recurring theme of curvatures: “As someone who started their kbb career in design, it was really interesting to see that this early to mid-noughties trend has returned with a modern twist. Think fluted islands and curved drinks stations to soften the look of a kitchen.”
Muted outnumbers bold
Is it a recession indicator, or are classic, muted and understated tones simply back in fashion? Colours at this year’s Küchenmeile were warm and neutral, with natural finishes leading the charge.
Concealed and innovative
For Jon Earl, Regional Sales Manager, South, MHK UK, it was the concealed yet highly considered innovations and upgrades that stood out this year. “Manufacturers such as Schüller demonstrated some smart ways of dealing with corners and making better use of what can often be difficult space. Sachsenküchen showcased contrasting laminate inlays within handleless kitchens, adding another finish and a bit more detail to what can otherwise be a very clean and minimal design.”
Levelling up design
One of the key commercial updates from the 2026 showcase was the decision by some manufacturers (such as nobilia) to start offering grey and oak carcases as standard, rather than at an extra cost to the consumer. This recognition that even entry-level customers value design will set a new standard for the market – something we fully welcome, as it helps retailers and designers deliver the best possible design within a customer’s budget and stay competitive against the larger “sheds”.
German kitchens remain popular in the UK
Characterised by clean lines and flat door fronts, German kitchens have huge appeal to retailers and designers catering to customers seeking a sleek, modern design with innovative storage solutions.
German kitchens can be particularly profitable for retailers due to their emphasis on form and functionality, achieved through integrated storage, internal wirework, and other fixtures and fittings, which in turn offer various opportunities to increase the value of a customer order.
