Gloss kitchens are enduringly popular, especially in modern, contemporary, and minimalist designs. While matte finishes have gained significant traction, gloss kitchens remain a go-to choice because their reflective surfaces bounce light around. This makes them highly practical for smaller or darker spaces by creating the illusion of a larger, brighter room.
It's a fickle business, but if there's one thing we know to be true it's this: decorate for you, and you only. High gloss, contemporary, slab front cabinetry was all the rage not so long ago. But they've taken a dip in popularity over the last few years, making way for more traditional-style kitchen trends.
In 2026, kitchen color trends are moving away from stark white and cold gray, shifting toward warm, nature-inspired, and earthy tones. The aesthetic of "warm minimalism" dominates, favoring softer hues like creamy white, taupe, mushroom, terracotta, muted olive green, and deep teal-blues.
The Cons of a Gloss Finish
While gloss kitchens are easier to clean, they also need to be cleaned more often as those dirty marks and fingerprints will show up more easily. Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
Neutral Colour Palettes
Soft whites, warm greys, muted greens and natural wood tones create a calm, elegant backdrop. They pair well with changing accessories, so you can update the look with new bar stools, pendant lights, or splashback tiles without replacing the whole kitchen.
The kitchen triangle rule focuses on positioning the three primary work areas—the sink, refrigerator and stove—to form a triangle. This arrangement aims to streamline workflow and increase efficiency, allowing for smooth movement between tasks.
What makes it look cheap: A lack of continuity disrupts the home's visual and physical flow, subtly cheapening the overall experience. Mismatched flooring, abrupt ceiling changes, or lighting that feels disconnected from nearby spaces can make the kitchen feel compartmentalized instead of cohesive.
Generally, a matte finish is considered more artistic and professional for display items like portraits, gallery walls, and wedding albums. A glossy finish looks more like a classic, high-energy photo print.
White kitchens are not out of style, but the stark, "all-white" monochromatic look is. Designers are shifting toward softer, warmer whites, paired with organic wood tones, natural stone, and contrasting elements to add depth and personality.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Shades like olive green, inky blue, or even a warm charcoal instantly feel a bit more luxurious and layered. These shades add depth and look incredibly refined (especially when paired with brushed brass or burnished bronze hardware) in a way that whites or pale stone and grey often lack."
Timeless kitchen trends for 2026 embrace "warm minimalism," focusing on natural materials, earthy neutrals, and functional elegance over cold, sterile designs. Key elements include natural wood cabinetry, particularly white oak, mixed with creamy whites, soft greens, and durable natural stones like quartzite. The focus is on tactile, enduring quality that creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
An expensive-looking kitchen comes down to deliberate design choices over high spending. Key factors include slab backsplashes (where countertop stone extends up the wall), panel-ready appliances that seamlessly blend with cabinets, and layered lighting like warm under-cabinet LEDs and statement pendants.
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
Gloss finishes can make a smaller space appear larger, while matt finishes are ideal for larger, well-lit kitchens. Maintenance: Are fingerprints and smudges an issue for you? Gloss finishes might require more frequent cleaning, while matt finishes are better at hiding wear and tear.
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
Countertop trends emphasize warm earthy tones, bold natural stone movement, and textured, matte finishes. Homeowners are moving away from sterile, solid-color surfaces in favor of dramatic veining, moody hues, and highly durable, low-maintenance materials that act as functional art.
Older heritage homes look fabulous with a semi-gloss trim, but can easily handle a satin finish. Newer or modern homes tend to suit a satin finish.
Longevity of Matte vs. Glossy. Both matte and glossy paper offer durability, but their longevity depends on how they are used and stored. Matte paper tends to be more resistant to fingerprints and minor scratches, making it a great option for frequently handled materials.
There's no right or wrong choice—it all depends on what works best for your home, your family, and your lifestyle. Just remember: Matte = Soft, stylish, hides flaws, needs more care. Glossy = Shiny, bold, easy to clean, shows flaws.
A typical kitchen renovation should cost somewhere between 5% and 10% of your home's value. Use our survey findings to create a budget for your new kitchen, including everything from the cost of kitchen cabinets and countertops to appliances, lighting, and flooring.
Small Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid in Your Remodel
1. Upgrading Your Kitchen