Bye-Bye Open Plan: These Are the 7 Kitchen Layout Trends Designers Want to See More of in 2026
They all center around cozier, more sociable designs
The layout might not be the first thing you think of when curating a new kitchen, but designers assure it is one of the most important. It dictates the flow of the room and even impacts the overall atmosphere.
And as softer, more social cooking spaces continue to dominate kitchen trends, the kitchen layout you choose has never been more important. And if you're not sure where to start, there are a few configurations experts say are most coveted.
The Trending Kitchen Layouts for 2026
This year's layout trends all point to one style: softer, more sociable designs. It's about creating a sense of flow that aids functionality without taking away from style. And with these trends, it's never been easy to get right.
1. The Return of Closed Concept Kitchens
For a while now, open plan has dominated layout trends, but as we head into 2026, homeowners are craving cozier spaces with a sense of separation. As such, closed concept kitchens are making a return.
'I don’t think the open concept is ever going to completely disappear, but I do think we’ll see people creating more of a designated private space for kitchens in 2026,' says interior designer Ethan Charles.
'From a design standpoint, this gives homeowners more separation and the freedom to take bigger risks in the kitchen. It’s also practical and allows you to maintain a beautiful kitchen while also keeping the inevitable mess out of sight.'
2. Incorporating Cozy Dining Nooks
For so long, dedicated dining rooms fell out of favor, with kitchen diners taking their place. But much like the shift toward closed concept kitchens, the idea of a separate dining room has once again become more considered. And in turn, the kitchen table has been scaled back.
'I feel like people are coming back around to the dining room. This filters into kitchen design as tables in the kitchen don’t need to be so big,' explains interior designer Octavia Dickinson.
Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune, agrees, noting that it has had an impact on the most coveted kitchen layouts. Rather than a large dining table flanked by full-size chairs, cozier eat-in areas are the preferred layout.
'Informal dining nooks within the kitchen are rising in popularity as people gravitate towards a more communal, relaxed approach to eating-in and hosting, needing dual-purpose spaces, whether that be for enjoying a coffee with a friend or the kids doing their homework while you’re cooking dinner,' he explains.
3. Kitchens Layouts that Account for a Butler's Pantry
Sociable kitchens have been topping trends as of late, and they have created a shift in the way we configure our kitchens. As our cooking spaces become rooms in which we host and gather, a layout that feels less utilitarian is key. And auxiliary rooms like pantries and back kitchens are key to this.
'For homes with enough square footage, I expect butler’s pantries will continue to trend in popularity. These petite yet ultra-functional alcoves present the perfect space to tuck away small appliances and other kitchen accoutrements you don’t want on full display in the main cooking area,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
'We are also seeing strong demand for walk-in pantries and back-of-house kitchens, where everyday appliances and bulk storage can be kept behind closed doors. This shift allows the main kitchen to remain calm, beautiful, and more architectural, rather than a purely utilitarian space,' agrees Sophie Pringle, interior designer and founder of Pringle & Pringle.
4. Kitchen Island Layouts that Do All of the Hard Work
Kitchen island layouts are also evolving. In 2026, rather than the island being the centerpiece of the kitchen, it will become the main workhorse of the room – storage, surface space, and appliances will all be integrated into it, allowing the rest of the room to feel less like a utilitarian space.
'We’re seeing a move away from walls of tall cabinetry and instead a focus on beautiful kitchen islands that anchor the room. Islands create a sociable, central hub and offer a more open, welcoming layout,' says Carina Raymond, interior designer and founder of Studio Raymond.
In the red and green kitchen of Raynham Hall, the island does all the heavy lifting, allowing the rest of the room to be free of cabinetry. The result is a room that doesn't feel like your typical kitchen, but rather a striking gathering place for hosting and day-to-day life.
5. The Working Triangle Will Endure
Over the past year, there's been debate over the best way to approach a kitchen layout, with questions over whether the kitchen triangle is king or an outdated rule. But designers assure that as we head into 2026, it's a layout that still prevails.
'For me, a kitchen is all about function. The most important thing is that the design respects the classic work triangle rule to ensure efficiency and ease of use. A well-planned layout always wins because it makes cooking and daily life smoother,' says interior designer Becky Shea.
It works because it creates a layout that prioritizes flow and function. It makes everyday kitchen tasks easier without impacting the aesthetics of your kitchen. Whether you have a galley kitchen or something more spacious, it never fails.
6. Clever Zoning in Open-Plan Kitchens
If you have an open plan layout, 2026 brings the perfect trend for you to try: zoning. It's about giving areas of an open room their own identities, without having to completely divide them into separate rooms.
'Open-plan kitchens are still important, especially in smaller homes where knocking rooms together is essential to create a good-sized space and improve light flow. However, clever ‘zoning’ to create distinct areas - rather than one expansive room - will become more prevalent next year,' says interior designer Laura Stephens.
'Building in niches or window seats can help with this while adding character to what might otherwise be a large, boxy space. Where space allows, incorporating considered ‘living’ areas into kitchens, even if it’s just an armchair and a small table, will also be more visible. Again, thinking about how this crucial space can be multi-purpose and create social hubs is essential in the evolution of kitchen layouts.'
7. Layouts Centered Around Dedicated Stations
As kitchens become more personalized, layouts are beginning to reflect this. For many people, this means creating dedicated spaces woven into the layout of their cooking space, whether it's a coffee nook for morning rituals or a charming bar corner.
'Dedicated drinks stations are becoming incredibly popular – self-contained hubs for tea, coffee, and bar drinks – which streamline the main workspace and reduce clutter,' says Sophie.
'These often include an undercounter fridge, a chosen coffee machine, shelving for glassware, drawers for bar essentials, and, where space allows, a small sink with a boiling-water tap,' she explains.
Get the Look of 2026's Biggest Kitchen Layout Trends
If you're creating a dining nook for your kitchen, a banquette is a stylish option that adds comfort while also saving space. This design is customizable to fit your space.
If you don't have space within your existing cabinetry to create a drinks station, this cabinet is a chic alternative. Its tall, narrow form creates plenty of dedicated storage.
For a smaller kitchen table option, you can't go wrong with a round pedestal design. It saves space and is more comfortable for diners sitting on banquette seating.
Nothing helps to create zones in an open plan space like a rug. This neutral design is a timeless choice that is easily machine washable to remove any food splatters.
Need somewhere to store your favorite mugs near your coffee machine? A chic shelf, like this wood and brass design, is an easy way to create a dedicated zone.
Whether you're defining zones, creating dedicated stations, or maximizing a kitchen triangle, good lighting is a must-have, and this wall sconce is an elegant choice.
There's something quite refreshing about 2026's biggest kitchen layout trends. Rather than focusing purely on functionality, they factor in the way we use our kitchens and how we want to feel as we spend time in them. The practical elements are still considered, but blended with style and comfort.
