The Most Popular Kitchen and Bathroom Styles for Cambridge Homes in 2026
Every year brings a new wave of “trends”. In reality, what we see at The KV Showroom in Dry Drayton is not fashion, but shifts in how Cambridge homeowners want to live.
In 2026, kitchens and bathrooms are becoming calmer, more considered, and more intelligently planned. The aesthetic may evolve, but the fundamentals remain the same: strong layout, quality materials, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Whether you are renovating a period property in Newnham or refining a contemporary home in Cambourne, the key is not chasing trends. It is understanding which design movements genuinely suit your home and your lifestyle.
Below are the kitchen and bathroom styles gaining momentum across Cambridge, and how we approach them properly.
Cambridge Kitchen Trends in 2026
Concealed, Clutter-Free Design
One of the most requested features in Cambridge kitchen design this year is concealed storage and integrated appliances.
Pocket doors, flush cabinetry and hidden utility zones create a calm, architectural look, particularly in open-plan homes. When designed well, the kitchen feels like part of the living space rather than a workspace on display.
The difference lies in planning. Concealment only works when storage has been carefully calculated. Poor layouts simply hide inefficiency, whereas good layouts make the entire room function effortlessly.
Earthy and Textured Palettes
White kitchens remain timeless, especially in Cambridge’s period homes. However, in 2026 we are seeing a stronger move towards deeper, nature-inspired tones.
Forest greens, warm terracotta, soft greys and rich timber finishes are increasingly popular. Textured surfaces such as fluted wood panels and natural stone add depth without overwhelming the space.
Material selection is critical. Not every timber performs well in every environment for example, and not every stone suits hard water areas. We guide clients towards finishes that will age well and retain their integrity, not just look impressive on installation day.
Smart and Sustainable Integration
Technology in Cambridge kitchens is no longer an afterthought, it is designed in from the beginning.
Smart taps providing filtered hot water, integrated waste separation systems and sensor lighting are becoming standard in higher-end kitchen projects. Energy-efficient appliances and durable surfaces are also high priorities.
Sustainability is not about trends, it’s about longevity. Choosing cabinetry, hardware and worktops that will last decades is more sustainable than replacing fashionable finishes every five years.
The Return of the Walk-In Pantry
Across Cambridge, particularly with busy family homes, we are seeing renewed interest in dedicated larders and walk-in pantries.
This is not about nostalgia, but more about function.
A well-designed pantry removes visual clutter from the main kitchen, improves workflow and creates organised storage for dry goods, small appliances and preparation zones. In both Newnham terraces and larger Cambourne properties, this approach allows the main kitchen to remain elegant and uncluttered.
Cambridge Bathroom Trends in 2026
Design with Nature in Mind
Bathrooms in 2026 are moving towards calmer, more grounded spaces.
Large-format stone tiles, wood accents and curved elements such as freestanding baths and arched mirrors are increasingly requested in Cambridge bathroom design. These features soften the room and introduce visual warmth.
However, bathrooms are technically demanding spaces. Stone must be correctly sealed, timber must be specified carefully and ventilation must be properly designed. Without that expertise, even the most beautiful concept will deteriorate quickly.
Wellness and Technology
Many Cambridge homeowners are transforming bathrooms into dedicated wellness spaces.
Digital shower controls, integrated lighting schemes and smart mirrors with built-in demisters are becoming common in luxury bathroom renovations. Sauna installations and steam shower conversions are also gaining traction.
When planned correctly, these features integrate seamlessly into the architecture of the room. When added as afterthoughts, they create unnecessary complexity. The key is integrating technology at the design stage, not retrofitting it later.
Colour and Texture
While classic white bathrooms remain popular, richer tones are increasingly specified in 2026.
Deep blues, charcoal greys and muted greens are appearing more frequently across Cambridge homes. Brushed metallic finishes in gold, bronze and gunmetal add warmth and subtle contrast.
The success of these schemes lies in balance. Strong colour needs careful proportioning, high-quality lighting and precise detailing to feel refined rather than overwhelming.
The Evolution of the Wet Room
The open wet room continues to evolve within Cambridge bathroom renovations.
Larger shower areas, built-in bench seating and multiple showerheads are common requests. Frameless glass maintains clean sightlines and maximises natural light.
The technical detailing is where quality shows. Floor gradients, waterproofing systems and drainage solutions must be executed precisely. This is not an area to compromise.
Your Vision, Interpreted Properly
At The KV Showroom in Dry Drayton, we do not design around trends, we interpret them.
Whether your home is a Victorian terrace in Newnham, a village property near Dry Drayton or a contemporary house in Cambourne, the goal is always the same: a kitchen or bathroom that works beautifully, feels considered, and will still look right in fifteen years.
Trends may provide inspiration, but expertise ensures longevity.
If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation in Cambridge, visit our Dry Drayton showroom to see materials and craftsmanship up close, or book a home design consultation to begin the process properly.
