Discovering new kitchen colour trends is my favourite part of my job – colour has the ability to evoke so many different emotions and completely changes the feel of a kitchen, and trending shades often reflect our broader feelings as a society. The latest emerging kitchen trend I’ve spotted is evidence of this – a cosy shade makes any kitchen instantly feel like the heart of the home.
In 2026, kitchen colour schemes are heading towards earthy palettes that make a space feel inviting. Burgundy and terracotta have been top contenders, but it wasn’t until I ventured to the KBB exhibition in Birmingham last week to see all the latest kitchen and bathroom trends that I realised there was a competitor – cola.
‘Cola is part of a wider move towards warmer, more comforting interiors. After years of cool greys and stark whites, homeowners are craving depth and richness, and this deep brown tone delivers that in a very sophisticated way,’ explains Abbas Youssefi, managing director of Porcelain Superstore.
Colour trends for 2026 are all about earthy ones – whether it’s a more grounding shade of green, mustard yellow or terracotta, these muted hues inspire a more rustic approach for our kitchens. Cola takes this trend and amplifies it – creating a dramatic space that still feels down to earth.
‘Cola sits beautifully between chocolate and espresso tones, so it adds drama without feeling flat or overly dark. It brings instant warmth to a kitchen, which is especially appealing in open-plan spaces that need to feel inviting,’ Abbas adds.
‘What makes cola so relevant now is the way it sits comfortably alongside the materials that dominate contemporary kitchen design,’ says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
‘Timber cabinetry, especially walnut and oak, feels richer against it; honed stone and composite worktops gain definition; aged or brushed metals appear warmer and more cohesive. Rather than acting as a sharp contrast, cola behaves as a grounding backdrop, which allows the rest of the scheme to settle and feel resolved,’ she adds.
What I love about using cola in a kitchen is that it’s bold but is in a colour family that mimics natural materials. It pairs beautifully with rich walnut shades for an all-over deep look, but also can be brightened by more contemporary stone worktops and floors.
While so much of a kitchen design comes down to appearance, there’s no forgetting that a cooking space has to put practicality first.
‘There is also a practical dimension to its rise. Deeper brown tones are forgiving in high-traffic cooking areas, where splashes and daily wear are inevitable, and they soften the visual impact of open shelving, utensils and appliances,’ Grazzie adds.
If you’re not quite feeling bold enough to commit to cola tiles in your kitchen, then experimenting with paint will feel more accessible. I love the idea of using a rich cola paint shade in a walk-in pantry with glass doors, so you get to enjoy a peep but can keep the main kitchen lighter and brighter.
These Henry Holland tiles from Bert & May (as shown above) will also let you dabble in the colour trend while keeping the core of the look neutral. Lastly, a couple of cola-inspired accessories will add depth to a worktop or open shelving to trial the trend for less.
Shop cola kitchenware
Ca’ Pietra
Stone Glaze Ceramic Cola Gloss Brick
This ceramic glaze subway tile from Ca’ Pietra can be used in so many variations – you can choose to go with a simple subway formation or a more dramatic herringbone look.
The aptly named ‘Cola’ paint by Farrow & Ball has red undertones which sets it apart from Mahogany and Tanner’s Brown. It has so much warmth and pairs well with Joa’s White.
Wooden Serving Bowl – Dark Brown
Positioning this dark brown wooden serving bowl on an island will ground the look and create an eyecatching centrepiece.
Habitat
Habitat 3.3 Litre Cast Iron Casserole Dish – Chocolate
The rich cola shade goes hand in hand with warming, hearty meals – this cast iron dish is the perfect vessel.
La Redoute
Ceramic Dish, solea
Cola works particularly well with ceramics as the natural imperfections help to reflect light – this would look great on open shelving or an island.
Addison Ross
Chocolate Bobbin Lacquer Salt or Pepper Mill
I love how lacquer pairs with cola-inspired hues – this salt and pepper mill will create a statement on any tablescape.
While cola might feel like a statement choice, it’s actually an accessible trend to try as it suits natural wood materials so well. I would love to colour drench an entire kitchen in his hue but a pop of cola here and there would be just as stylish.
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