Discover the latest kitchen trends that will turn a working space into a creative hub. Style director Louise Hilsz shares the best in class.
Image Instagram
Once a purely functional space, the kitchen has become the true heart of the home—a canvas for creativity and self-expression. This season, the most captivating kitchen trends are all about warmth, texture, and individuality. Think earthy tones that echo nature, sculptural islands that blur the line between art and utility, and materials that feel as good as they look. Sustainability, innovative design, and soulful details reign supreme, proving that the modern kitchen can be both beautifully considered and effortlessly lived-in.
Statement features
A kitchen’s personality often lies in the details, and this season’s most compelling spaces are embracing statement features to bring them to life. Think sculptural lighting that doubles as functional art, splashbacks in bold stone or high-gloss lacquer that instantly draw the eye, and hardware that feels more like jewellery than a necessity. These intentional touches create a sense of quiet luxury—transforming the kitchen from a purely practical zone into a curated, design-forward focal point of the home.
Bold and earthy colours
Bold and earthy kitchen colours are making a confident return, ushering in a richer, more grounded design mood. Homeowners are moving away from the all-white era and embracing palettes that feel warm, lived-in, and full of character—yes! Think sun-baked terracotta, deep forest greens, chalky blues, and even moodier charcoals or matte blacks. These shades bring depth and dimension to cabinetry and walls, while pairing beautifully with natural textures like timber, stone, and aged brass hardware. The result? A kitchen that feels elevated yet inviting — a space with soul, warmth, and a strong design point of view.
Resene Blaze paint available from Resene ColorShops. Villeroy & Boch Vita Basin Mixer Vessel, $729. Tile Depot Argile Cotto 100 X 100 tiles, $91.92 per m2 *. Pedra Large Knob 35mm - Verde Alpi Marble, $44.
Decorative hardware
Using hardware like leather, ceramic, or unique metal pulls as "jewellery" for the kitchen. Those small but transformative details will instantly elevate a space. This season, expect to see a move toward tactile, personality-filled pulls and handles crafted from leather, hand-glazed ceramics, and unique, sculptural metals. These thoughtful accents not only add character and warmth but also offer an easy way to refresh cabinetry without a complete redesign. It’s all about making everyday touchpoints feel special, intentional, and beautifully crafted.
Stumbled Home Crab Knob Brass, $59. Bunnings Lane 43mm Pink Ceramic Flower Knob - 6 Pack, $42. Solace Agate Blue Drawer Knob, $20. SQUIGGLE T-Bar Handle, $67.
Feature shelving
Open shelving is making a confident return, bringing both function and personality to the modern kitchen. By replacing sections of traditional cabinetry with curated, airy shelves, homeowners can showcase beautiful ceramics, glassware, and everyday essentials in a way that feels relaxed yet intentional. This design choice not only opens up the visual space but also adds a lived-in warmth, allowing styling moments to shine alongside practical storage. Whether finished in timber for an earthy touch or sleek metal for contemporary edge, feature shelving creates a thoughtful balance between display and utility.
Artedomus Calacatta Viola Honed slab. French Country Collections Pebbles Terracotta Jug, $95. Green With Envy Minimalist bar stool, $339. Resene London Hue paint available from Resene ColorShops.
Vibrant accents
Bring instant personality to your kitchen with bold, joyful, sparkling pops of colour. Think sunlit mustard yellows, lively coral tones, or a decadent ruby red woven through cabinetry, splashback tiles, or statement appliances. These saturated accents add warmth and energy, turning everyday cooking spaces into uplifting, design-led moments.
Kitchen Aid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer - Hibiscus KSM195, $1049. Alessi Twergi MP0210 grinder, $250. Resene Sea Pink paint available from Resene ColorShops. Cook Dine Host Sasni Cobalt Recycled Chopping Board, $155.
Bring colour and vibrancy to this busy room.