Out of Nowhere, This 1970s Technicolor Kitchen Trend Is Making a Comeback for 2026 – and It’s a Welcome Break From Beige, White and Gray
One designer is championing the return of the colorful kitchen
Jennifer Ebert
Designers are increasingly embracing bolder, more experimental color in kitchens, moving away from the all-white or beige spaces that have dominated interiors for years. In 2026, we’re seeing a resurgence of 1970s-inspired two-tone kitchen color schemes and vibrant technicolor palettes, where daring combinations and playful contrasts bring warmth, personality, and a sense of fun to the heart of the home.
A perfect example of bold color in the kitchen is the moment designer Tom Morris first stepped into the home that would become a colorful kitchen showcase – a space that was a far cry from the vibrant, playful kitchen it is today.
This contemporary kitchen by Tom Morris harmonizes a bold red island and copper range hood with a vibrant teal tiled backsplash. The elegant space is finished with gold fixtures, a soft blue paneled ceiling, and organic floral arrangements that soften the modern lines.
‘A developer previously owned the house, and it was one of those homes where every last centimeter had been gobbled up, with every effort to grab and fill any bit of space. And it was shiny, with bright, bright lights. We wanted to create something with more charm and color,’ he says.
Those two qualities are the hallmarks of Morrisstudio, and it’s no surprise to see so many shades at play here – Tom is adept at a mixed palette. ‘The owners had just had their garden done, and the purple salvia was in flower, while thistles were out on nearby Hampstead Heath. I wanted to evoke those shades.’
He chose GrafClean paint in Rosewood by Rose Uniacke for the cabinets, which is contrasted by Farrow & Ball’s Lulworth Blue on the ceiling, mirroring the summer sky. ‘I worked with Apron on the build, a company I now work with all the time as it’s so great,’ Tom says. ‘The brief was “Shaker-ish” – those classic shapes but a little more refined and with a little less detail.’
This light-filled kitchen by Tom Morris features striking blue-framed windows that open to a lush garden, beautifully mirroring the sky-blue paneled ceiling. Elegant deep red cabinetry and a central island ground the design, creating a sophisticated balance of color and natural light.
The makers were able to incorporate storage that suited the way the family lives. ‘They’re big tea drinkers, so there’s a whole tea cupboard and drawers where their mug collection lines up in little squares.’
The element Tom is proudest of is the copper used on the kitchen countertop and oven hood. ‘It’s such a wonderful living material,’ he says. ‘The clients were very conscious of the fact they would have people over and didn’t want a kitchen that was too precious – the copper is going to age and verdigris in the most delicious way.’
Flanked by textured tiles by Balineum as a kitchen backsplash – a nod to the Victorian-era house – the resulting playful design creates a beautiful backdrop against which to live out a life. ‘It’s cozy, fun, and very bright,’ says Tom. ‘The balance of color lends itself to family life. They’re big cooks, and they needed a room they could properly use.’
This sophisticated dining space by Tom Morris at Morris Studio pairs a light wood table and tan leather seating with a striking verdant armoire and lush greenery.
In 2026, this technicolor approach signals a welcome break from beige – offering a vibrant, practical, and utterly stylish vision for the modern family kitchen.
By embracing bold, playful palettes alongside functional design, it proves that modern kitchens can be both beautiful and livable, where every detail, from color choices to materials, enhances daily life. Far from fleeting trends, these daring shades create spaces that feel warm, inviting, and full of personality, encouraging families to gather, cook, and celebrate together in a kitchen that is as dynamic as it is enduring.
