7 Traditional Kitchen Features Making a Comeback in 2026 – And Why Designers Are Excited For Their Return

The fully built-in kitchen is falling out of favor, with freestanding elements becoming all the more sought after. And in many ways, we are taking so much inspiration from kitchens of the past and adapting them to suit modern-day kitchens.

Because of this, a few features associated with a traditional kitchen are making a comeback. We aren't talking about dated details, but rather elements of a cooking space that function well today, but bring a more charming, lived-in feel to kitchens.

From vintage decor to old school styles, these are the traditional kitchen features interior designers say will be making a strong comeback this year – and they say it's the answer to a more characterful, personalized scheme.

7 Kitchen Features Returning in 2026

Embracing traditional kitchen features doesn't mean taking your design back in time and losing the high-tech functionality many of us have grown used to. It's more about creating a space that feels timeless and less utilitarian, whether it's through a few freestanding furniture pieces or incorporating tactile finishes. Here are the seven features designers say should be at the top of your list.

1. Delft Tile Backsplashes

Nothing adds character and traditional style like decorating with vintage, and designers say it's an approach we will be seeing much more of this year, especially when it comes to tiles. 'I see antique-inspired Delft blue and white tile making a return as a backsplash,' says interior designer Ellie Christopher.

'Whether reclaimed originals or thoughtfully reproduced versions like those from companies now recreating historic patterns with incredible detail, these tiles add soul and narrative to a kitchen. They introduce history, texture, and a collected quality that makes a space feel layered rather than designed all at once.'

In this kitchen, vintage-style Delft tiles have been used for the kitchen backsplash of the range alcove, but you can go as big or small as you wish. It can be tricky to source enough vintage examples, but there are plenty of charming contemporary examples that take inspiration from old.

2. Ceiling-Mounted Pot Racks

Pot hangers have once again become a staple in kitchens, adding a traditional detail and creating a more characterful look. But so far, it's the wall-mounted designs that have been the focus, and in 2026, it's time to start looking up.

Pot racks suspended from the ceiling were once a staple in every kitchen, creating the perfect place to hang pots and pans out of the way, yet still within easy reach. It's a very traditional detail, but one that has been reimagined for kitchens today.

You can keep it classic with brass, go a little more rustic with wood, or truly embrace tradition with copper or bronze variations. It's an alternative to a wall pot rack if you don't have the space or simply want something unexpected.

3. Freestanding Pantries and Cabinets

For a while, a fully fitted kitchen was the pinnacle of kitchen design. But as homeowners and designers alike search for ways to break up the monotony and create a more custom feel, freestanding kitchen furniture is becoming the most coveted feature.

''The very essence of deVOL is traditional freestanding furniture. It all began by taking classic Georgian furniture with its beautifully simple form and perfect proportions, and making it relatable and usable in a modern home,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens.

Over the last year, freestanding islands have come into their own, giving kitchens a more lived-in look, and as we head into 2026, expect to see more freestanding pantry cupboards, additional cabinets in a contrasting style or color, and even shelving units in pantries or unused kitchen corners.

'I think many people are embracing a simpler life, growing their own vegetables, doing more cooking, and enjoying a home life with more enthusiasm than in previous decades. We like to think our kitchens enhance this lifestyle through their longevity and the feel they offer of family life around a kitchen table.'

4. Stained Wood Cabinetry

It seems we are over the sleek, shiny cabinetry in various colors that proved ever popular over the past decade, and as wooden kitchens continue to make their way back into our homes, designers assure that we will lean even further into the natural, tactile look in 2026.

'Stained wood cabinetry is poised for a true comeback, not the pale, barely-there white oak we’ve seen everywhere. I’m talking about richer, darker stains that bring warmth, depth, and a sense of permanence back into the kitchen. Cabinets that feel timeworn, almost like an antique chest that’s been lived with for generations, instantly add character and counterbalance the sleekness of modern appliances,' says Ellie.

And she's not the only one who says this traditional look is returning for 2026. Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer at Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs, agrees, adding: 'I think we are going to see a lot more stained wood cabinetry. I don't think people will necessarily install stained wood cabinetry in their entire kitchen, but they might mix it with a painted island or a painted surround with a stained island.'

She continues: 'I think people are tired of the starkness of all-white kitchens and are yearning for the warmth that only stained wood can provide. It also introduces a more organic material, which can be easier to maintain than most painted surfaces, as staining can hide a multitude of sins like scratches, smudges, and dirt.'

5. Aged, Rubbed Hardware Finishes

A glance at this year's kitchen hardware trends, and you'll see just how traditional the jewelry of the kitchen is becoming. The sleek, shiny finishes are taking a step back, making space for rubbed and aged finishes to take center stage.

While it may be a very traditional kitchen feature, it works in kitchens that are both traditional and modern in style. Whether it's a rubbed brass faucet or a bronze cabinet pull, these time-worn finishes bring a sense of timeless style to a kitchen.

You don't have to fill your kitchen with these finishes, either. You can mix aged brass handles with a more polished faucet for a mixed look, or you can mix contrasting metals for a totally contrasting look. It's about adding these traditional features in a way that makes sense for your kitchen and style.

6. Hardwired Lamps and Classic Lantern-Style Lighting

When you think of a traditional kitchen, lighting is warm, characterful, and a visual feature rather than the recessed lights we have become so used to seeing. And it's these more interesting fixtures you'll be seeing a lot of in 2026.

'I see hardwired lamps and classic lantern-style lighting returning to kitchens in 2026. For a long time, kitchen lighting has leaned heavily toward recessed cans and sleek pendants chosen primarily for function. While those still have their place, homeowners are increasingly drawn to lighting that adds character,' says Liz Williams, founder and principal designer at Liz Williams Interiors.

'Hardwired lamps and lanterns bring a sense of tradition. They feel architectural, intentional, and rooted in classic design rather than trend-driven. They also soften kitchens, making them feel warmer and more inviting, especially in homes where the kitchen is part of a larger living space,' she explains.

And this more traditional style of lighting is far more versatile than you might think. 'I love incorporating hardwired lamps on kitchen counters or flanking a range or sink wall to create a layered lighting plan that adds ambient light. Lanterns work beautifully over islands when chosen with classic proportions and finishes like patinated metals or aged mercury glass, or rust iron,' Liz continues.

'The key is balance. Mixing these types of traditional fixtures makes the space feel timeless, not themed. Thoughtfully layered lighting can transform a kitchen into a room that feels both functional and beautifully lived-in.'

7. The Right Shades of White

It's fair to say we all have a bit of a love/hate relationship with white, but when the right shade is chosen, it can form the perfect base for your kitchen color scheme. It pairs beautifully with the traditional wooden cabinetry and can bring in just the right amount of warmth.

'The recent Pantone Color of the Year is a reminder that shades of white will always be a timeless choice in the kitchen, creating a calming and airy space that lets other details, like architectural features, hardware, or beautiful countertops, really sing,' says Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.

'To add a subtle warmth to the scheme, style with an island or pantry in a complementary color and use natural materials like timber flooring or furniture, terracotta tile, linens, and rattan for added interest,' he suggests.

Shop Traditional Kitchen Features

Whether you want to expand your storage in a more characterful way or bring an unexpected, vintage-inspired detail, these traditional kitchen features are set to make quite the comeback this year. And they're not just traditional, but they double as timeless kitchen design elements when you introduce them right.