When homeowners start planning a new kitchen, one of the first questions we get asked is:
“What colour should we choose?”
While trends come and go, the most successful kitchens are those that balance timeless design with colours that reflect the personality of the homeowner and the style of the property.
At JMS Custom Designs, every kitchen is handcrafted in our workshop in Ardee, Co. Louth and professionally spray-finished to order. Because every project is bespoke, our clients aren’t restricted to a standard colour range. Whether you prefer Farrow & Ball, Colourtrend, Benjamin Moore or natural timber finishes, we can create a kitchen tailored entirely to your vision.
Looking at the projects we’ve completed recently, several clear colour trends are emerging for 2026.
Warm Neutrals Continue to Dominate
One of our favourite recent projects featured a beautiful combination of Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin and Farrow & Ball London Stone.
The result was a warm, inviting kitchen that felt both elegant and practical for everyday family life.
Paired with:
- Calacatta Oro quartz worktops
- Rubio Monocoat Chocolate oak accents
- Finsa Roble Cooper internals
- Integrated Häfele lighting
The finished space perfectly demonstrates why warm neutrals remain one of the safest and most timeless choices for Irish homes.
Unlike colder white kitchens, these softer tones create warmth while still maximising natural light.
Image: Overall kitchen photograph featuring Slipper Satin and London Stone cabinetry.
Rich Oak Finishes Are Making a Strong Return
Natural timber is becoming increasingly popular throughout kitchens and fitted furniture.
In our recent kitchen project, oak elements finished in Rubio Monocoat Chocolate introduced warmth, texture and character to the space.
We’re seeing more homeowners move away from all-painted kitchens and instead incorporate timber through:
- Kitchen islands
- Open shelving
- Feature cabinetry
- Breakfast bars
- Furniture pieces
The rich Chocolate finish remains one of our most requested timber colours because it highlights the natural grain while creating a luxurious feel.
Dark Contrasts Add Depth and Interest
While warm neutrals continue to lead the way, homeowners are increasingly introducing darker colours to create contrast.
A recently completed shaker kitchen featured Farrow & Ball Shadow White paired with Farrow & Ball Railings on the taller cabinetry.
The contrast created visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Combined with:
- Brass hardware
- Quartz worktops
- Reclaimed oak beam detailing
- Natural oak accents
the finished result felt modern, timeless and full of character.
This approach works particularly well in open-plan kitchens where the darker cabinetry helps define specific areas within the room.
Image: Full kitchen showing the Shadow White and Railings colour combination.
Heritage Colours Extend Beyond The Kitchen
Kitchen design trends increasingly influence other areas of the home.
A luxury utility room we recently completed for The Millhouse, featured on RTÉ’s Great House Revival, demonstrates this perfectly.
Finished in Colourtrend Standing Tall, the room combines:
- Custom cabinetry
- Calacatta Oro quartz
- Brass detailing
- Rubio Monocoat Mist oak accents
- Integrated LED lighting
The project highlights how homeowners are investing in beautiful, functional spaces throughout the entire home, rather than focusing solely on kitchens.
Image: Utility room photograph from The Millhouse project.
Bold Colours Used In Smaller Features
For homeowners who want to introduce colour without committing to an entire kitchen, media units and fitted furniture provide the perfect opportunity.
A recent media unit completed in Ardee was spray-finished in Colourtrend Wild Nephin and paired with oak veneer and hidden lighting.
The deep blue-green tone created a striking focal point while remaining sophisticated and timeless.
We’re seeing many clients introduce stronger colours through:
- Pantry units
- Kitchen islands
- Media walls
- Home offices
- Utility rooms
This allows colour to be incorporated in a balanced and practical way.
Image: Wild Nephin media unit
The Biggest Colour Trend For 2026? Personalisation
More than anything else, we’re seeing homeowners move away from following trends and instead focus on creating spaces that reflect their own style.
Because every JMS Custom Designs project is handcrafted and spray-finished to order, our clients have complete freedom when selecting colours and finishes.
Whether it’s:
- Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin
- Farrow & Ball Railings
- Farrow & Ball Shadow White
- Colourtrend Standing Tall
- Colourtrend Wild Nephin
- Rubio Monocoat Chocolate
The right colour is the one that works for your home and your lifestyle.
Planning A New Kitchen?
At JMS Custom Designs, we design, manufacture and install bespoke kitchens, utility rooms, wardrobes and fitted furniture throughout Ireland.
Every project is handcrafted in our workshop in Ardee, Co. Louth and tailored to the individual needs of our clients.
If you’re planning a renovation, extension or new build and would like guidance on colours, materials or layout design, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today to start your bespoke kitchen journey.