Every year, the requests we hear from clients shift a little, shaped by what people have seen online, in showrooms, and in each other’s homes. Having fitted kitchens and bathrooms across Kent, Surrey, Sutton, Crawley and South London for years, we get a fairly accurate read on what’s actually being chosen, not just what’s trending on social media. Here’s what’s standing out in 2026.

Kitchens: Warmth Is Replacing Stark Minimalism

The all-white, all-grey kitchen of the last decade is softening. We’re fitting far more kitchens in warm, earthy tones this year, think olive greens, warm terracottas, and deep browns, often paired with natural wood or wood-effect cabinetry. Matte finishes continue to dominate over gloss, and brushed brass or bronze hardware is replacing the chrome that was everywhere a few years ago.

Larger kitchen islands remain popular, but the bigger shift is toward multi-functional ones, incorporating seating, extra storage, and sometimes a secondary sink or hob, so the island earns its footprint rather than just adding worktop space. Open shelving is being used more selectively too, as a feature in one section rather than across the whole kitchen.

Bathrooms: Spa-Style Details on a Realistic Budget

In bathrooms, the biggest trend is homeowners wanting a spa-like feel without a spa-sized budget. That’s translating into large-format tiles that reduce visible grout lines, warm stone-effect finishes, and freestanding or semi-recessed baths taking priority over corner baths in bathrooms with the space for them. Underfloor heating requests have also increased noticeably this year, particularly for family bathrooms.

Walk-in showers with minimal or frameless glass continue to be the most requested feature for full refits, and we’re fitting more matte black and brushed brass tapware to match the warmer tones now common in kitchens, a sign that homeowners are increasingly thinking about the two rooms as part of one consistent look through the house.

Practical Trends, Not Just Aesthetic Ones

Alongside the visual choices, we’re also seeing more clients ask about practical upgrades: better ventilation, smarter storage solutions that make the most of awkward layouts common in older Kent and Surrey properties, and energy-efficient appliances and fittings as running costs stay front of mind.

Bringing These Trends Into Your Home

Trends are a useful starting point, but the right choice always depends on your property’s layout, age, and how you actually use the space day to day. Our team delivers kitchen installations and bathroom installations and fitting across Kent, Surrey, Sutton, Crawley and South London, and we’re happy to talk through what would genuinely suit your home rather than just what’s popular this year.

Get in touch to discuss your project: 📞 020 8226 0292 🌐 Contact us