Each season brings with it a new print or pattern that sets the tone for trends for months to come. Autumn is a particularly exciting time, when a shift in weather means homeware trends turn to warm, moody colour palettes designed to make your space feel as cosy as possible. Tortoiseshell is a trend we’ve particularly noticed picking up for autumn, and a kitchen is the perfect place to try it out.
Tortoiseshell is no new concept, in fact, it’s been around as early as the 17th century and is seen anywhere from eyeglasses to lamps. While it’s a versatile pattern and colour palette, it also picks up as a more stand-out trend when similar shades are having a moment. Brown has been a popular kitchen trend in 2025 and heading into 2026, so it’s only natural that we see this reflected in the tortoiseshell revival.
A kitchen often needs a little seasonal update around this time of year. We’re about to spend many evenings and weekends hunkered down indoors, so why not give your kitchen the spruce-up it deserves with a little tortoiseshell touch?
The beauty of tortoiseshell is that it suits so many different interior styles. Oftentimes, trending patterns can be quite niche and might not go with your decor, but tortoiseshell is one that looks just as good in traditional or contemporary spaces.
When it comes to updating a kitchen with autumnal touches, you don’t want to overboard with decor pieces that clutter up worktops and cupboards. Instead, choosing tortoiseshell items that are just as practical as they are pretty will mean your decor works hard.
‘The beauty of tortoiseshell is really in how versatile it is,’ say David and Sarah Ross, co-founders of Addison Ross. ‘You’ll see it pop up in all sorts of ways, sometimes as a subtle detail, like a chic tray on a coffee table or a picture frame that just quietly elevates a shelf.’
‘Other times it takes a bigger role, with decorative boxes that add that lovely depth and warmth tortoiseshell naturally has. It always manages to feel refined without being over the top.’
‘What’s fun, though, is when it shows up somewhere unexpected,’ continue David and Sarah. ‘A surprisingly brilliant spot for it is in the kitchen, think a pair of tortoiseshell salt and pepper mills. They’re practical, of course, but the pattern instantly gives them this design-led edge.’
‘Suddenly something every day feels considered and stylish, and that’s exactly why tortoiseshell is having such a moment; it’s timeless, adaptable, and fits in almost anywhere.’
If you want to update your tablescape then tortoiseshell glasses are an affordable addition that will look warm and inviting alongside rattan placemats and candlesticks. Similarly, opting for lamps and pendant light fixtures in tortoiseshell will cast the pattern across a space – ideal for cosy winter evenings.
Habitat Glass Tortoise Shell Table Lamp – Brown
I love the sculptural design of this lamp – the half moon style will add so much interest to a kitchen.
M&S Collection
Set of 2 Speckle Tumblers
If you want an affordable burst of tortoiseshell, you can’t go wrong with these tumblers from M&S.
M&S Collection
Glass Tortoise Shell Easy Fit Shade
Pendant lights are perfect over an island and this tortoiseshell style will cast a warm glow across a kitchen.
Faux Tortoiseshell Small Lacquered Serving Tray
Whether it’s situated on a kitchen island or on a dining table as a paraphernalia catch-all, this tray will add style to a functional space.
Bistrot Stainless-Steel and Teak Cutlery Set of Four
I’ve been after some Sabre cutlery for a long time and this tortoiseshell set just might seal the deal.
Pumpkin & Sweet Vanilla candle
As the dark evenings roll in, it’s prime time for a new candle. You could even reuse this vessel afterwards.
While the colours are on brand for autumn, tortoiseshell is a trend that transcends the seasons. It looks just as beautiful on bright spring tablescapes as it does for cosy winter evenings spent at home.
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