Pet-friendly spaces and ‘Instagrammable kitchens’ take centre stage next year
British kitchen maker Goldfinch Furniture has unveiled its predictions for the biggest kitchen trends of 2026, revealing a shift toward more soulful, personal and nature-inspired spaces. Drawing on insights from the company’s bespoke commissions and the evolving needs of UK homeowners, Goldfinch founder Mike Biddulph highlights four major themes set to define kitchens next year.
- The ‘Instagrammable’ kitchen
By 2026, the concept of the “Instagrammable kitchen” is set to become a mainstream lifestyle trend, reflecting how deeply social media shapes our home design choices. Biddulph explains: “As people continue to share more aspects of their daily lives online, kitchens are no longer just functional spaces – they are stages for content creation. We see homeowners increasingly considering lighting, colour palettes, and layout aesthetics to ensure their kitchen looks as good on a screen as it does in real life.”
From statement countertops and textured backsplashes to ambient LED lighting and curated open shelving, every element is being selected not only for practicality but also for visual appeal. This trend highlights a broader cultural shift: interior design is now as much about creating shareable experiences as it is about personal comfort.
- Paw-Friendly Kitchens
As pets take an ever more prominent place in family life, Goldfinch is seeing a rise in four-legged-friendly design. “In recent commissions, we’ve incorporated everything from integrated dog beds to cat perches and neatly built-in feeding stations,” says Biddulph. “It’s a reflection of how homes are evolving – modern kitchens need to work harder and feel more thoughtful for every member of the household.”
This trend aligns with the movement toward highly functional, custom-built kitchens that blend organisation, comfort and smart use of space. Homeowners want kitchens that suit real life — not just photo moments — and bespoke joinery allows for exactly that.
- Colourful Kitchens: Warmth, Personality & the Rise of Green
Cool neutrals and grey-on-grey palettes are firmly on the way out. Instead, 2026 kitchens will embrace warmth, individuality and colour – especially in bespoke designs. “Colour gives people permission to express themselves,” Biddulph explains. “If you’re investing in a custom-made kitchen, it makes sense to choose finishes that reflect your mood, your lifestyle, and the atmosphere you want to create.”
One colour set to dominate is green — from soft sage to deep woodland hues. Its calming, biophilic quality makes it ideal for wellness-focused interiors, while its versatility pairs beautifully with wood, stone and brushed metals. Expect to see more layered, earthy schemes with houseplants becoming an integral styling tool. For those not ready to commit to full-colour cabinetry, Goldfinch predicts more subtle injections of colour through bold splashbacks, painted walls and textured accents.
- Statement Furniture & Curves
2026 will be the year of expressive, statement-making pieces — furniture with personality, sculptural appeal and artisanal influence. “Anyone can buy flat-pack furniture,” says Biddulph. “But there’s something truly special about commissioning a piece no one else has.”
Curves, in particular, will continue their rise in popularity. Goldfinch uses traditional steam-bending techniques to shape timber into flowing forms — from chairs to storage units — proving that wood can be both robust and beautifully organic. These pieces help soften hard kitchen lines, introduce movement and bring a bespoke touch to any space. Whether it’s a curved island, rounded shelving or a single standout piece, statement furniture will play a bigger role in making kitchens feel unique and deeply personal.
To book a kitchen consultation with Goldfinch visit www.goldfinchfurniture.co.uk
