Planning a kitchen renovation in 2026? You’re in good company. Kitchen colour palettes are evolving fast, and the trends this year strike a perfect balance between personality, practicality and timeless appeal. Whether you’re leaning into bold design or staying safe with neutrals, the right palette will define your entire space.
The good news? You don’t need to guess what’s trending. We’ve rounded up the top 10 modern kitchen colour trends for 2026, with real-world insights and ideas that can be tailored to your space.
What Colours Are In Style for Kitchens in 2026?
In 2026, the most popular kitchen colours reflect a mix of calm neutrals and confident contrasts. These palettes aren’t just stylish, they’re also practical and versatile. Perfect for anyone designing a new custom kitchen or giving an old one a modern upgrade.
Here are 10 standout combinations worth considering:
1. Earthy Greens with Matte Black Accents
Earth tones are firmly back in style, and green is leading the charge. Olive and sage green cabinetry works well in both traditional and modern kitchens. When paired with matte black handles or tapware, the contrast feels clean and sophisticated without being stark.
This pairing works particularly well with natural benchtops and warm timber details. If you’re building from scratch or customising your layout, Galley Kitchens’ in-house team makes it easy to bring these elements together without needing to hire a separate designer. Their custom kitchens are designed to suit both your home and lifestyle.
2. Warm Neutrals with Textured Whites
Warm neutrals have replaced the cool greys of recent years. Think creamy whites, taupe cabinetry and warm beige tiles. These colours create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that suits open-plan homes and family kitchens.
Layering textures is key here. V-groove panels, satin cabinetry, and lightly veined stone can add interest without overwhelming the eye. Galley’s kitchen installation service helps ensure these textures and tones are coordinated from day one, rather than being afterthoughts.
3. Deep Navy and Soft Brass
Deep navy blue is a bold choice, but it’s proving one of the most popular this year. It adds depth and luxury, especially when balanced with brushed brass handles, tapware or pendant lights.
This combo works best with light benchtops and wooden flooring to keep things grounded. If you’re not sure how to visualise it, the Galley Kitchens showroom is a great place to explore finishes and colour pairings in person.
4. Sage Green and Light Timber
Sage green is still holding strong in 2026. It’s soft, earthy and sits beautifully alongside pale timbers like oak or ash. This pairing works especially well in coastal homes or light-filled spaces, where the colours can really breathe.
It’s also a safe choice if you want colour without being too loud. Galley Kitchens has helped many homeowners achieve this relaxed look through their tailored manufacturing process, which ensures consistency across every detail.
5. Charcoal and Copper
Charcoal cabinetry makes a bold statement, particularly when paired with metallics like copper or rose gold. This look suits industrial or modern homes that embrace moodier aesthetics.
The key to getting this palette right is balance. Copper brings warmth, while the charcoal grounds the space. If you’re working on a kitchen with lots of natural light, this combination can create stunning visual depth without feeling closed in. Galley’s in-house design expertise ensures you won’t go overboard, helping you create something stylish but liveable.
6. White-on-White (with Texture)
The white kitchen isn’t going anywhere, but in 2026 it’s getting a facelift. Instead of plain white everywhere, designers are mixing different shades and finishes. Matte cabinetry, glossy tiles and off-white stone benchtops work together to create depth and sophistication.
This approach works particularly well for smaller kitchens, where the layered whites help the space feel bigger and brighter. Galley’s kitchen manufacturing ensures that all components match flawlessly, which is especially important when you’re working with such subtle variations.
7. Dusty Pink and Terracotta
If you’re feeling brave, dusty pink is one of the most unexpected but beautiful kitchen trends this year. It’s soft, warm and surprisingly versatile. When combined with terracotta tiles or earthy benchtops, it creates a space that feels contemporary but also welcoming.
The secret is keeping the rest of the design simple. Minimal hardware, white walls and plenty of natural light keep the pink from dominating. Galley Kitchens helps clients explore these bolder choices by offering colour and finish samples during the quoting process. That way, you can see it in context before committing.
8. Greige and Gunmetal
Grey and beige come together in greige – a warm, balanced neutral that works in almost any setting. It’s particularly effective in homes that lean toward Scandinavian or minimalist design, as it provides a clean backdrop without looking cold.
Add gunmetal handles or appliances for a subtle contrast that’s less intense than black. Greige is also one of the easiest colours to build a palette around, making it a great choice for people updating one part of the kitchen at a time. If you’re starting fresh, Galley’s quoting process helps you make these decisions step by step, with expert guidance.
9. Black and White with Timber Contrast
This classic combination is being modernised with the addition of light timber textures. Black base cabinets, white splashbacks and timber shelving create a space that’s sharp but still warm.
This palette works across most kitchen layouts, from galley to L-shape and everything in between. By using custom elements like floating timber shelves or a feature benchtop, you can personalise the look without veering off-trend. If you’re looking to blend minimalist style with warmth, Galley’s design team can bring the right materials together.
10. Cobalt Blue and Concrete
For those who want to make a bold statement, cobalt blue offers a fresh alternative to navy. It pairs surprisingly well with raw materials like concrete, offering a modern, urban feel.
This combination works well in homes with polished concrete floors or large open kitchens. The key is to let the blue be the hero, and use neutral elements to balance the space. If you’re not sure how to make a bold colour like this work, Galley’s experienced designers can walk you through options that are both striking and functional.
Choosing a Palette That Works for You
Before locking in a colour scheme, think about the following:
- Lighting: Natural light will affect how colours appear throughout the day
- Maintenance: Darker shades can hide dirt, but may show fingerprints
- Style of Home: A palette that suits a coastal home might not fit a city apartment
- Benchtop and Flooring: These are often harder to change, so coordinate with existing finishes
- Longevity: Choose a colour you’ll still love in five years
A good kitchen company will help you weigh these factors and provide practical advice based on layout, materials and budget.
Time to Build Your Dream Kitchen?
Trends are a great place to start, but your kitchen should ultimately reflect your lifestyle, taste and how you use the space. Whether you’re going bold with cobalt or soft with sage, the 2026 modern kitchen colour trends offer plenty of ideas to build from.
At Galley Kitchens, we’ve been helping families design and build custom kitchens for over 30 years. We handle everything in-house, from design and quoting to manufacturing and installation, so you won’t have to juggle multiple contractors or pay for unnecessary design fees.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us today and let’s create a kitchen that’s both functional and fabulous.
