There’s a shift happening in kitchens. Not a dramatic one, and certainly not one that can be reduced to a single colour or material. Instead, it’s a gradual move towards spaces with more warmth, more depth and a little more personality. Here at Mowlem and Co. as we look to what’s new in design, we’re noticing richer colours, deeper timber tones, more expressive stone and cabinetry that feels increasingly like furniture. At the same time, the kitchen itself is becoming less about the act of cooking and more about how we use the room around it, gathering, entertaining, working and living.
It’s a direction we’re particularly enjoying, especially because our design process is completely bespoke this sits well with us. The kitchens that catch our attention now aren’t necessarily the loudest or most elaborate. They’re the ones where the materials work beautifully together, the details feel considered and everything has a sense of purpose.
So, as a new season draws closer, here are five things we’re seeing more of, and the details that are making them work.
A Warmer Point of View.
There’s a definite move away from cooler neutrals towards colours with more depth and warmth. Warm taupes, earthy greens, deep blues, soft browns and nuanced off-whites are finding their way into cabinetry, often paired with natural timber and stone. The result feels inviting without becoming overly traditional.
As Emma Wiseman, Senior Designer at our Chelsea studio, explains “It’s all about finding the right tone for the space. We look at how a colour responds to the architecture, the natural light and the materials around it, rather than choosing a shade simply because it’s on trend.”
A deeper colour can feel surprisingly calm when paired with natural stone and understated hardware, while softer neutrals take on more depth when layered with timber, aged brass and considered lighting. It’s less about making a statement with colour and more about creating the right atmosphere.
The Depth of Timber.
Timber has always had a place in our kitchens, and with our own dedicated factory and skilled craftsmen working with natural materials every day, it’s a material we know particularly well. As the new season draws closer, we’re seeing a growing appetite for deeper, richer timber finishes, from dark oak and stained timber to warmer veneers that bring depth and character to a room.
Used carefully, darker timber doesn’t make a kitchen feel heavy. In fact, it can have quite the opposite effect, giving the room a sense of warmth and permanence. We’re also seeing timber used beyond the obvious. It might appear inside cabinetry, across a wall of joinery, on an island or as a subtle detail within an otherwise painted kitchen. The result feels layered rather than overly coordinated.
Let the Stone Speak.
Stone is becoming less of a backdrop and more of a design decision. We’re seeing clients drawn to pieces with movement, character and natural variation, choosing stone for the way it can shape the feel of an entire room rather than simply serve as a practical surface.
As Dan Battaglia, Production Supervisor at Mowlem and Co. comments: “There’s something particularly beautiful about allowing the stone to lead the design. In our new Knutsford project, we’ve used it with real impact, allowing its natural character to be seen while keeping the surrounding cabinetry considered and restrained.”
A dramatic island, full-height splashback or stone carried around a corner can all create a strong focal point. The key is knowing when to step back. When the stone has plenty to say, quieter cabinetry and simple detailing allow it to take centre stage without the room feeling over-designed.
When Cabinetry Becomes Furniture.
Here at Mowlem and Co. the kitchen is becoming increasingly difficult to define as a kitchen. Rather than every element looking like it belongs to the same run of cabinetry, we’re seeing more pieces designed to feel like furniture. A tall cabinet might resemble a traditional piece of joinery. An island can feel more like a substantial piece of furniture than a bank of units. Open shelving, glazed doors and freestanding elements can all help to break up the uniformity of a conventional kitchen layout.
This approach also makes the room feel more connected to the rest of the house. It allows cabinetry to sit comfortably alongside artwork, lighting, dining furniture and other pieces without everything having to match. For us, this is one of the most important shifts in kitchen design: thinking beyond the kitchen itself and considering the room as a whole.
Made For More Than Cooking.
Perhaps the biggest shift we’re seeing is the way kitchens are being designed around how people actually live. It’s something our designers at Mowlem and Co. have always considered. Cooking may be at the heart of the room, but it’s rarely the only thing it needs to accommodate.
As Lois Riley, Senior Designer at our Jesmond studio, puts it “We’re designing kitchens to work harder around everyday life. Prep spaces and clever storage keep the practical side tucked away, while generous islands, layered lighting and thoughtful layouts make the room feel just as natural for entertaining as it does for everyday living.”
That balance is becoming increasingly important, creating a kitchen that feels calm and considered on a quiet morning, but works effortlessly when the house is full.
Looking Ahead.
If this season has you thinking about your own space, now is a good time to start the conversation. At Mowlem and Co. the process begins with a visit to one of our studios, whether that’s in Jesmond, Newcastle or on King’s Road in Chelsea, where you can meet our designers, explore the furniture and start to work through the possibilities for your home.
From those first ideas through to the finished space, our designers and craftspeople work closely with you to create something that feels considered, personal and made for the way you live. Every Mowlem project is designed around the individual, then handcrafted in our own North East workshop.
Thinking about creating your own space? Come and see us, or get in touch with the Mowlem and Co. team to start a conversation.