Bringing Warmth Back Into the Kitchen

Advice from Sarah and Ruby

What colours are clients asking for most right now?

Sarah: We’re seeing a huge move towards warmer, more natural colours. Taupes, cashmeres, mushroom tones, warm whites and softer greens are all proving very popular. People are moving away from colder, more clinical spaces and looking for kitchens that feel welcoming and comfortable to live in.

Are grey kitchens still popular, or are people moving away from them?

Sarah: Grey certainly still has its place, but we’re definitely seeing a shift away from the cool blue-grey tones that dominated for years. Today’s greys tend to be much warmer and are often paired with timber, stone and softer colour palettes to create a more inviting feel.

What colour choices tend to stand the test of time?

Sarah: Warm neutrals are always a safe choice. Taupes, soft whites, natural oak finishes and muted greens have all proved timeless. They allow you to refresh accessories and décor over the years without feeling as though the entire kitchen has dated.

What is the biggest mistake people make when choosing kitchen colours?

Sarah: Choosing colours based solely on a small sample or a photograph online. Lighting can completely change how a colour looks. A shade that appears perfect in a showroom may look very different in your own home, so it’s important to view samples in the actual space before making a final decision.

If someone wants a bold kitchen but is nervous, where should they start?

Sarah: You don’t have to commit to an entire kitchen in a bold colour. A feature island, pantry or dresser unit can introduce colour without overwhelming the space. It’s all about finding the right balance.

What is the first thing you discuss with a client before talking about colours?

Sarah: Before we discuss colours, door styles or worktops, we always start with how the client lives. Every family uses their home differently, so understanding lifestyle is essential.

We want to know how many people use the kitchen each day, whether they enjoy entertaining, how they cook, how much storage they need and what frustrations they have with their current space.

Budget is also an important part of the conversation. Understanding a client’s budget helps us guide them towards the right products and make the best use of their investment. Once we understand how the space needs to work, we can then start discussing colours, finishes and the overall look they want to achieve.

What trends are you seeing in kitchen and interior design at the minute?

Ruby: The biggest trend we’re seeing is a move towards warmth, texture and personality. Natural materials, stained wood finishes, layered lighting and softer colour palettes are becoming increasingly popular. People want homes that feel lived in and individual rather than looking like a showroom.

How do you choose colours that work with the rest of the house?

Ruby: We always encourage clients to look beyond the kitchen itself. Flooring, wall colours, furniture and adjoining rooms all play a part. The best designs create a natural flow throughout the home rather than treating each room as a separate project.

Are natural wood finishes becoming more popular again?

Ruby: Absolutely. We’re seeing a real resurgence in stained oak, walnut and other timber finishes. Whether used throughout the kitchen or combined with painted cabinetry, wood adds warmth, texture and character that many homeowners are looking for.

What handle, worktop or flooring choices are trending alongside these warmer kitchens?

Ruby: Worktops are becoming much more adventurous. While marble-inspired quartz remains popular, we’re seeing clients gravitate towards stronger veining and surfaces that become a real feature within the space.

For handles and hardware, brushed brass, antique brass and darker metallic finishes continue to work beautifully with warmer colour palettes. Natural timber flooring also remains a firm favourite, helping to bring warmth and texture into the overall design.

What trend do you think we’ll see more of over the next couple of years?

Ruby: Warm colours and stained woods will continue to grow in popularity, but we’re also seeing more confidence in colour. Rich reds, terracottas, ochres and deeper mustard tones are beginning to emerge, and I think we’ll see much more of those shades appearing throughout 2026 and 2027.

People are becoming more comfortable creating spaces that reflect their own personality rather than simply following what feels safe.

Can colour actually affect how a room feels?

Ruby: Absolutely. Colour has a huge influence on how we experience a space. Lighter colours can help a room feel more open and spacious, while deeper shades create warmth, comfort and character.

Natural light is also an important consideration. A colour that looks beautiful in a bright south-facing room may appear completely different in a space with less daylight. That’s why we always encourage clients to view samples in their own home and see how the room changes throughout the day.

Ultimately, colour isn’t just about appearance. It’s about creating an atmosphere and making sure the space feels right for the people who live there.

What is one piece of colour advice you would give someone planning a new kitchen?

Sarah: Choose colours you genuinely love rather than chasing trends. Trends come and go, but you’ll live with your kitchen every day. The most successful kitchens are usually the ones that reflect the personality of the homeowner.

Ruby: Don’t be afraid of warmth. A well-balanced warm palette can make a home feel timeless, welcoming and far more enjoyable to spend time in. If you’re unsure, introduce colour through textures, timber finishes and smaller features first, then build confidence from there.

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Originally featured in Local Women.