Top 8 Kitchen Trends for 2026 Seen in New Builds and High End Renovations

We spend a lot of time talking to people who are in the thick of building or renovating. Designers, builders, and homeowners who are making real decisions, not just saving ideas on Pinterest.

Heading into 2026, the shift is clear. People want kitchens that feel good to live in. Not spaces that look impressive on day one but feel dated or impractical a few years later. The focus is on warmth, function, and choices that will still make sense long after the reno dust settles.

One thing we see again and again is how important the “everyday” fixtures have become. Your sink, mixer, and accessories are used constantly, and they sit right in the middle of the room. They are no longer background items. That is why more Australian renovators are starting with high quality, long wearing pieces from brands like Buildmat, then building the rest of the kitchen around them.

Trend 1: Earthy, Natural Palettes with Warm Metals

After years of stark white and cool greys, 2026 is firmly about grounded, earthy colour schemes in the kitchen. Designers are specifying warm whites, beiges, taupes, clays, and muted greens and browns, often layered together with timber, stone and textured finishes for a softer, more inviting feel.

Warm metallics complete the look. Brass, brushed nickel, and soft bronze tapware and cabinet handles are replacing mirror‑polished chrome in high‑end projects because they add depth without feeling blingy. These finishes work particularly well with Australia’s popular coastal and modern Mediterranean styles, where sunlight, timber and stone all have warm undertones.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Choose a sink finish that supports warmth: think brushed stainless steel, gunmetal or black paired with warm cabinetry, rather than ultra‑cool chrome.

• Use your kitchen mixer as a key colour cue; picking a brushed brass or brushed nickel tap then echoing that in handles and lighting is an easy way to “design” the space without overcomplicating it.

• If you already have a white kitchen, swapping out chrome tapware and adding a new sink in a contemporary finish is a relatively low‑impact update that instantly shifts the mood.

  

  Alma Mira Brushed Brass Gold Pull Out Mixer

  This best suits our Brushed Brass Gold S..

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Trend 2: Integrated and Concealed Kitchens

As open‑plan living continues to dominate Australian floor plans, more homeowners want the kitchen to feel like a natural extension of the living space rather than a bank of appliances on display. In 2026, that translates into integrated and concealed kitchens, especially in architect‑designed homes and higher‑end new builds.

Expect to see panel‑front fridges and dishwashers, appliance garages that hide kettles and toasters, and even entire “back kitchens” tucked behind the main showpiece space. The overall look is calmer and more streamlined, which makes fixture selection even more important because every visible element counts.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Opt for undermount sinks that disappear visually under stone or composite benchtops, creating a clean, furniture‑like effect.

• Choose minimalist mixers with simple silhouettes and finishes that blend with your palette; the goal is a refined, integrated feel rather than a lot of competing details.

• In back kitchens or sculleries, repeat the same sink and tapware family as the main space for cohesion, even if you go for more utilitarian finishes.
  

  

  Alma Harper 300x500 Single Bowl Butler Tap Landing Sink Brushed Brass Gold

  25 litre capacity skinny mini sink for t..

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Trend 3: Smart Storage and Butler’s Pantries

High‑end kitchens in 2026 are defined as much by what you do not see as what you do. Deep drawers, tailored pull‑outs, hidden recycling, and fully‑fitted butler’s pantries are now standard inclusions at the top end of the market. The idea is to keep the main kitchen visually light while giving you serious storage and a place to hide the mess.

Butler’s pantries are no longer just a shelf and a sink. Many now include dishwashers, second fridges, ovens, and generous bench space, effectively turning them into working prep kitchens. That means a second sink and mixer is essential for smooth workflow, especially when entertaining.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• In the main kitchen, choose a large single bowl sink or one and a half bowl sinks that supports day‑to‑day family life while still looking sleek on the island or perimeter bench.

• If you have the room for a butler’s pantry, pair a compact prep or bar sink with a smaller mixer in the same finish as the main kitchen for cohesion without over‑speccing.

• Use matching kitchen accessories like colanders and dish racks in both sinks so you can shift prep or clean‑up between spaces without changing how you work.

  

  Alma Jeeves 300x450 Single Bowl Butler Sink

  25 litre capacity skinny mini sink for t..

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Trend 4: Multi‑Use Kitchen Islands 

The kitchen island has become the command centre of the home, and that will only intensify in 2026. Islands in new builds and high‑end renovations are growing larger and more layered, often combining prep zones, breakfast bars, integrated power, wine fridges and generous storage.

Families now expect to cook, eat, work from home, supervise homework, and host friends all around the same surface. To make that possible, the sink and tap zone needs to be carefully considered so it supports multiple tasks without dominating the whole island visually.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Choose an island‑friendly sink size: large enough to handle pots, pans and platters but proportioned so there is still plenty of usable bench space around it.

• Use over‑sink accessories like chopping boards, colanders and drying racks to turn the sink into a multi‑level prep zone that can be cleared away in seconds when it is time to serve or switch to laptop mode.

• Consider a pull‑out mixer with a generous reach so you can fill pots on the bench or rinse produce across a broader area of the sink.

  

  Alma Mira 316 Stainless Steel Pull Out Mixer

  This best suits our Brushed Stainless St..

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Trend 5: Mixed Materials and Layered Texture

The most elevated kitchens of 2026 don't rely on a single hero material. Instead, designers are deliberately mixing timber, stone, concrete, ceramic, and metal to create depth and interest, often with different finishes between the island and the perimeter cabinetry. Textured joinery, fluted panels and reeded glass are common in these schemes.

This layered approach makes the kitchen feel more like custom furniture than a set of matching cabinets, but it also demands a clear linking element so the whole space doesn't feel chaotic. Sinks and tapware are ideal for that job because they sit at the heart of the main work zone.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Use the sink and tapware as the “bridge” between materials: for example, a brushed stainless sink that happily sits between warm timber and a bold veined stone benchtop.

• Either match your tapware finish to your cabinet handles or to your feature lighting; both work, but picking one helps avoid visual noise.

• If you are using a stone or composite sink, keep the mixer simple and timeless so the combination feels intentional, not overdesigned.

Trend 6: Soft Curves and Refined Details

Curves are showing up in more kitchens through rounded island ends, gently radiused benchtop edges, curved rangehood forms, and arched architectural details. These soft lines help balance strong rectilinear cabinetry and appliances, creating a more welcoming and tactile space.

Refined details matter here: the way corners are finished, how handles feel to the touch, and the profile of the tap all make a difference to the overall impression. In high‑end projects, even the sink shape and corner radius are chosen to suit the broader design language.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Select sinks with tight but not razor‑sharp corners; this gives a modern look while still being practical to clean.

• Coordinate a mixer with a gentle curve or arched spout like a gooseneck mixer to echo other soft lines in the room without becoming a theme in itself.

• Pair curved elements with streamlined, integrated accessories so the bench doesn't feel cluttered.

  

  Alma Brushed Gunmetal Divya MKII 450 Round Sink

  The Divya MKII round sink is designed to..

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Trend 7: Statement Lighting & Feature Tapware

Layered lighting has become essential in modern kitchens, with a mix of task, ambient and accent fixtures used to create both functionality and atmosphere. In 2026, sculptural pendants and track lighting over islands are especially popular in high‑end projects, often combined with discreet under‑cabinet lighting for tasks.

At the same time, tapware is increasingly treated like jewellery for the kitchen. A well‑chosen mixer in a distinctive finish or silhouette can become a subtle focal point, especially when paired with a considered sink and benchtop combination.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Coordinate your tapware finish with your main feature lighting to tie the whole room together; this small decision has an outsized impact.

• Consider a statement mixer, such as a high‑arc or pull‑out design in a brushed or coloured finish, positioned on the island where it can be seen from living and dining areas.

• Keep the sink shape and accessories clean and functional so the tap can take the spotlight.

  

  Telbix Telbix Zecca 3 Light Horizontal Pendant Antique Gold

  The Zecca Lighting Family, is a fusion o..

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Trend 8: Textured Splashbacks

Kitchen in 2026 will lean heavily on tactile tiles and thoughtful splashback design to add character. Instead of a single slab of cold, glossy material, new builds and high‑end renovations are embracing textured tiles, handmade‑look finishes, and tonal grout to bring subtle depth to an otherwise pared‑back kitchen.

Splashbacks are being treated as a quiet focal point: think soft zellige‑style tiles, slim finger tiles, or softly veined stone that echoes the benchtop without overpowering it. This keeps the space calm while still feeling layered and personal, especially when paired with warm cabinetry colours, layered lighting and a few considered styling pieces.

How to get the look with Buildmat

• Treat your sink, mixer and splashback as one composition – for example, a brushed stainless or gunmetal sink with a warm neutral handmade‑look tile and a matching brushed mixer creates a cohesive, understated statement.

• Keep accessories minimal and integrated so the texture of your tiles or stone can shine; a tight edit of over‑sink boards, racks and base grids is usually all you need.

• Use internal storage and drawer organisation to keep day‑to‑day clutter off the benchtop, allowing your splashback, fixtures and finishes to do the visual heavy lifting without the space feeling busy.

How to Choose the Right Sink and Tap for Your 2026 Kitchen

With so many trends in play, it can be hard to know where to start. A few practical principles will help you land on the right sink and tap combination for your new build or renovation.

• Size to your lifestyle, not just the cabinet. Think about the largest items you regularly wash – baking trays, stock pots, BBQ plates – and choose a sink that can handle them comfortably. For entertainers and families, a generous single or 1¾ bowl often works better than a tiny double.

• Match finishes to your overall palette. Start with your cabinetry and benchtop, then pick a sink and mixer finish that complements those choices rather than fighting them. In earthy, warm schemes, brushed stainless, gunmetal and warm metals usually feel more cohesive than high‑shine chrome.

• Plan accessories at the design stage. Treat accessories as part of the core specification, not a last‑minute add‑on. Choosing a compatible set of boards, racks and grids up front ensures everything works together and that your sink area functions as a proper workstation from day one.

• Think long‑term. A quality sink and mixer will outlast most trend‑driven choices. Prioritise durability, warranties and everyday usability, then layer trends through colours, styling and lighting that can be more easily updated over time.

For homeowners and designers working on 2026 new builds and high‑end renovations, leaning into these trends with smart fixture choices is the fastest way to create a kitchen that feels elevated, practical and future‑proof.

By centring the design around a well‑planned sink, mixer and accessory package, you build a space that not only photographs beautifully on handover day but genuinely works for how you live, cook and entertain for years to come.

Need help fitting out your kitchen? 

You can speak with our team or visit the Buildmat showroom if you want personalised guidance. We're here to make the process easier.

Phone: 1300 123 122
Email: sales@buildmat.com.au
Showroom: 46 Brindley St, Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia

2026 Kitchen Trends FAQs

1. What is the most important thing to get right in a 2026 kitchen?

The layout is still king, but in 2026 the sink, tap and storage around them make or break how your kitchen actually feels to use. If you get the sink size, bowl setup and mixer style right, everyday cooking and cleaning becomes much easier – and your kitchen instantly feels more “high end”, even if the footprint is standard.

2. How do I know what size kitchen sink I need?

Think about what you’re washing, not just what fits in the cabinet. If you’re forever battling roasting trays, air‑fryer baskets or BBQ plates, a generous single or 1¾ bowl is usually a better choice than a tiny double that nothing fits into. From there, match the sink to your cabinet width and benchtop depth so you still have landing space either side. 

3. Are undermount sinks still a thing, or are they on the way out?

They’re very much still in. Undermounts are the go‑to in most new builds and higher‑end renos because they look seamless with stone or composite tops and make it super easy to wipe crumbs straight in.

4. Do my tapware, handles and lights all need to match?

They don’t have to be identical, but they should be friends, not strangers. A simple rule is to pick one main metal (say brushed nickel or brass) and repeat it in your tapware, handles and at least one lighting detail so everything feels pulled together.

5. How do I choose a splashback I won’t hate in five years?

Go for something that supports your overall palette instead of screaming over the top of it. Textured or handmade‑look tiles, slim finger tiles, or a soft stone / porcelain that ties in with your benchtop are all safe bets for 2026.

The easiest way to sanity‑check it is to build a little flat lay: put your Buildmat sink and mixer finish, benchtop sample and tile options together and look at them under similar lighting to your actual kitchen.

6. What’s the best way to future‑proof my kitchen design?

Nail the “bones” and let the styling do the trend chasing. A sensible layout, good storage, a quality stainless or composite sink, and a solid mixer will look and work well long after specific colours and profiles move on.

Then you can have fun with paint, bar stools, decor and even splashback choices down the line without touching the expensive, hard‑to‑change bits – and because Buildmat keeps a stable core range, it’s easy to add or refresh accessories later if you want to tweak how you use the space.