These are the 9 Kitchen Hardware Trends Designers Say You Need to Know About for a Chic Scheme in 2026

Of all the elements of your kitchen, hardware is the one you can swap and change easily as your style and tastes evolve. For a detail that's small in scale, its impact is formidable.

And while you might have found the best place to buy kitchen hardware, narrowing it down to the design you love can be a tricky decision. Which is where trends come in, endlessly helpful. They aid you in finding stylish kitchen hardware that feels current and, in many cases, unexpected.

So, if you're currently thinking of ways to elevate your kitchen or you've simply grown tired of your old handles, these are the only kitchen hardware trends designers say are worth considering in 2026.

9 Kitchen Hardware Trends for 2026

Whether you're undertaking a full kitchen remodel this year or simply want to refresh your existing scheme to feel a bit more characterful, these hardware trends are all the inspiration you need.

1. Handles with Etched Details

Things are getting a little bit more decorative in the world of kitchen hardware, with 2026 trends indicating the revival of designs that feature texture, curved profiles, and etched details

'Handles with subtle etched details are becoming increasingly popular. They add texture to the touch, creating a tactile, almost sculptural quality that elevates even the simplest kitchen,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

'There is a growing focus on the small details that make a kitchen feel personal and well considered. Hardware is no longer purely functional; it contributes to the overall sense of tactility, craftsmanship, and atmosphere.'

And Lauren isn't the only one who predicts this more decorative approach to hardware will be a big hit in 2026. Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel, agrees, noting a few different textural details emerging.

'Handles are becoming more tactile and more expressive, with knurled sections, reeded details, subtle hammering, and gently rounded profiles that make a kitchen feel crafted at close quarters, because hardware is one of the few parts of a scheme you use dozens of times a day,' he explains.

2. Aged Brass Endures

While different finishes come in and out of style, there is one that remains at the top of most people's lists in 2026 – brass. This warm-toned metal is here to stay in 2026, and designers say brass hardware that ages over time is most sought after.

'Similarly, slimline aged brass continues to be a sought-after finish. Its ability to develop character over time makes it ideal for kitchens that are lived in and layered, providing a sense of warmth and longevity without feeling overly decorative,' says Lauren.

'Finishes that age beautifully and incorporate subtle texture feel increasingly important as clients look for kitchens that wear well and feel comforting as well as stylish.'

3. Statement, Investment Pieces

People often wonder whether they should invest in kitchen hardware or opt for something more affordable. But according to designers, 2026 is the year to think more about unique designs and craftsmanship.

'With fixtures, fittings, and hardware, I always say to invest in the best possible. Hardware is the jewelry of a space – those subtle details that elevate a bathroom or kitchen from functional to fabulous,' says interior designer Rebecca Hughes.

'Whether it’s a shiny brass cabinet pull, a statement doorknob, or a beautifully crafted antique faucet, these pieces add refinement and personality – making all the difference (especially in airy, neutral spaces).'

4. A Backplate Revival

Kitchen hardware has become somewhat simplified over the years, but 2026 is the year we begin to choose designs because they are as decorative as they are functional. And one such feature that will be enjoying a revival is the backplate.

'One of the biggest kitchen hardware trends we’ll see in 2026 is the return of unique, decorative backplates. They are an easy way to introduce character without committing to an entirely new hardware style,' says Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive Design Co.

'What makes them especially appealing is their flexibility; they can often be added to existing hardware and easily swapped out over time, allowing kitchens to evolve without a full renovation. They make a strong visual statement and bring a sense of intention to cabinetry.'

5. The Vintage Appeal of Cremone Bolts and Catches

Another vintage-inspired hardware design, designers are expecting to see more styles that make the entire kitchen cabinet feel more elevated. Think catches and locks that create a more custom feel in your kitchen.

'We’re also seeing a renewed interest in cremone bolts, particularly in kitchens that lean more classic or transitional,' says Kailee, highlighting the revival of a decorative cabinet hardware feature.

'Cremone bolts instantly elevate cabinetry by adding verticality and architectural detail; they feel considered, timeless, and slightly unexpected in a kitchen setting,' she explains. Similarly, catches will also be more prevalent, creating a less utilitarian look – deVOL's Heirloom Brass Rack and Pinion Catch is a perfect example.

6. Slim, Elongated Pulls in Minimalist Kitchens

While a few of 2026's biggest kitchen hardware trends focus on more traditional styles and designs, minimalist kitchens are also having their moment in the spotlight, in particular, the handles that feel the most elevated.

'Sculptural and elongated pulls are also gaining momentum, particularly in more minimal or slab-front cabinetry, where hardware becomes the primary visual accent,' says Cathleen Gruver of the Northern Virginia-based Gruver Cooley.

'Integrated and recessed hardware will remain popular, especially in kitchens that are part of open-concept living spaces. These cleaner profiles allow cabinetry to feel more furniture-like and cohesive with the rest of the home,' she explains.

'There is also a parallel move towards minimalist profiles, but minimalist does not mean featureless,' agrees Gareth. 'Slim bar pulls, pared-back D handles, and discreet knobs are being specified more deliberately so that cabinetry lines stay clean, particularly in open-plan spaces where the kitchen is always on show.'

7. Unlacquered Hardware That Embraces Patina

2026 is the year kitchen hardware moves away from perfection. Shiny surfaces, unmarked finishes, and mass-produced designs are being replaced by handcrafted pieces that age beautifully.

'We see clients embracing hardware that is less mass-market – using cast bronze pieces that show craftsmanship, or choosing an unlacquered finish that will age naturally,' says Laura Gerber, an interior designer at ODE Design.

In many ways, this trend is about character and imperfection. People are gravitating less towards kitchens that are pristine and appear new, for ones that are lived in and used. It's a trend that embraces lived-in style in the chicest way.

8. Colorful Hardware Returns

When you think of kitchen hardware, various metallic tones probably come to mind. But this year is about embracing an alternative – colorful knobs and handles. It's a bit more fun and less expected, but it works in spaces of every style.

'We are also using more color and less metal – Etsy has been a fantastic resource for more interesting hardware for years, and now the more commercially available lines are starting to introduce some variety,' says Laura.

Naturally, modern or colorful kitchens sound best suited, but this vintage-style space has adopted a tonal look, allowing the yellow cabinet knobs to blend into the cabinet color. It proves this look can still feel so timeless.

9. Bronze is Making a Comeback

Brass might be considered one of the most timeless finishes you can choose for your kitchen hardware, but it's not the only option worth considering. There's another warm-tone metal making waves this year, and it's proving a characterful option.

'In 2026, kitchen hardware is leaning further into warm, character-rich metals that look better with age, not worse. Burnished brass is still strong, but the real momentum is in deeper bronze and brass-adjacent tones with texture, patina, and a slightly softened sheen,' says Gareth.

'Designers are even calling bronze the standout metal for 2026 because it carries warmth, and it is one of those finishes that can bridge classic Shaker joinery and cleaner-lined cabinetry in the same home,' he adds, emphasizing its appeal.

Shop the Trends

Character and tactility perfectly summarize the kitchen hardware trends of 2026. 'As kitchens continue to serve as gathering spaces rather than purely utilitarian rooms, hardware plays an important role in elevating the overall experience,' says designer Cathleen Gruver.

'The trends we’re seeing for 2026 reflect a desire for longevity, quality materials, and details that feel intentional rather than decorative for decoration’s sake.' From unlacquered finishes to vintage-inspired designs, all of these trends will add interest to your scheme.