Design historian Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan and Wickes have identified the three biggest interior design trends set to shape British homes in 2027. These include a retro kitchen feature making a modern comeback, a shift towards richer colour palettes, and a budget-friendly approach to premium finishes.
The kitchen hatch makes a comeback
According to Ryan, while open-plan kitchens remain popular, there is a shift towards a 'broken-plan' layout. This means fewer kitchens that combine cooking and dining areas into one giant room.
Instead, she predicts a return to the kitchen hatch, which first became popular in the 1970s, but with a contemporary update. 'Once thought of as a retro feature, these reimagined pass-throughs blend retro nostalgia with an updated modern twist, allowing for a light, airy feel whilst also creating separation between cooking and entertaining spaces,' she says.
Ryan suggests added details like an overhanging surface to transform a hatch into a breakfast bar, which can be adapted for everything from galley kitchens to larger spaces. 'This is being driven by an increasing desire for hidden storage where appliances and food preparation can be kept separate from the main kitchen,' she says.
Switch off in style with 2027's colour palette
The second big move for next year is all about colour, with darker, richer palettes becoming popular. Ditch cool-toned greys and Scandi minimalism, and opt instead for deep blues, chocolate brown, saturated greens, and burgundy paired with warm woods like walnut and dark oak.
A lick of paint is one of the easiest ways to update your space, and if you have the time and patience, it can be done yourself. Dulux's Easycare Washable & Tough Matt Emulsion Paint in the shade Decadent Damson is perfect if you love deep, jewel tones to create a cosy atmosphere, or if you prefer a blue hue, Wickes Silk Emulsion in the shade Admiral is a calm, relaxing colour that can easily be used for a statement wall, expensive-looking bathroom or reading nook.
Lighting can do some heavy lifting too; for example, a Saxby Bendable LED Striplight can be tucked under kitchen cabinets to add a warm light with minimal effort.
The 'high-low' hack
If you're in the process of renovating, you'll know all too well how quickly costs can rise, and suddenly you're over budget. If you're trying to avoid unfinished projects or want to keep strictly under budget, Ryan's advice is to make simple, affordable tweaks that look more expensive than they really are.
Her top tip is to be clever with where you spend and where you save. 'Good-quality handles and knobs or taps in warmer finishes such as gold and copper can elevate cabinetry and make a kitchen feel much more premium. The cabinets themselves don't necessarily need to be the most expensive option, but they should still be strong and well made,' she says.
Best of all, none of 2027's trends require ripping out a kitchen to try. A feature wall, a light strip and a few swapped-out handles can make a big difference to your home, all without breaking the bank.
