There are a few materials that crop up time and time again in kitchens. And while they are mostly timeless examples (think wood and marble, for example), 2026 is the year we're looking for something a bit less obvious to shake things up.
So, if you want to make your kitchen ideas feel a touch more unique, there are a few materials that are making a comeback – and they are not the designs you might have expected. Yes, marble and brass might be timeless, but some other alternatives can be just as chic.
From countertops to smaller accent details, I've asked interior designers which unexpected kitchen materials you'll be seeing everywhere in 2026, and their responses have me rethinking my decor.
6 unexpected kitchen materials you'll be seeing everywhere in 2026
When you think of kitchen materials, larger, more permanent elements like counters and cabinets probably come to mind. But when we talk about the materials you'll be seeing lots of in kitchens next year, it captures everything from small decor and hardware to larger installations. So, whether you are planning a remodel or a simple refresh, these are the materials to introduce.
1. Lava stone
One of the most obvious features of materiality is your kitchen countertops. It's one element where the material you choose is key to both style and function. And as we head into 2026, lava stone is expected to become one of the most desirable options – and it's a great black kitchen countertop alternative.
'Lava stone is a natural surface that is beautiful yet incredibly strong. It’s heat-resistant, highly durable, and made to last, which makes it perfectly suited to the demands of a kitchen,' explains interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
'Beyond its practical qualities, it has a unique and striking appearance – the glazing process creates subtle variations in tone and texture, so no two pieces are ever the same. It offers a more expressive, statement look compared to traditional stone, yet still feels timeless, which is something our clients are increasingly drawn to.'
2. Iron and antique bronze
Finishes are always a big topic when it comes to kitchen trends. Brass is the ultimate classic that truly never dates, and over the past year, cooler-toned metals like chrome and nickel have been enjoying a revival.
But 2026 is taking inspiration from Spanish kitchens – iron and antique bronze are materials that you will be seeing a lot more of, and not just in Spanish revival homes. They're less polished, darker in tone, and a bit more dramatic than more traditional kitchen finishes, which is why they are so appealing.
Imagine a modern kitchen elevated with the contrast of deep bronze kitchen hardware, or a wooden kitchen with a statement iron pendant light. It's these small details that take a kitchen scheme from nice to layered and full of visual interest.
There are so many unexpected ways to bring iron into your kitchen, and this serving bowl is a case in point. Large, textured, and super useful, it's the perfect display piece for your kitchen island. You could even use it as a grand fruit bowl.
For a simple way to elevate your entire kitchen, these rubbed bronze cabinet pulls are a small but impactful way to do it. While they look dark from afar, up close, you can see the tonal variation and a subtly aged look.
Available in two colors and four sizes, this aged iron pendant is a real statement piece for your kitchen. It's a softer way to bring in this more industrial material, and offers an easy swap that makes a big visual difference to any scheme.
3. Terracotta
Terracotta is one of the traditional materials that has fallen out of the mainstream, more heavily associated with charming Italian and French homes. But over the last few months, we've seen terracotta tiles return to bathrooms and designers say they are an unexpected material to bring character into a kitchen too.
'The shift to incorporating natural materials in kitchens, like terracotta, has been gradually happening over the past few years and will be widely seen in 2026,' says Molly Torres Portnof, principal designer and founder of DATE Interiors.
And it seems 2026 is the year terracotta returns to kitchens of every style, whether it's a traditional, farmhouse design or a more transitional or modern scheme. And it's one that designers are particularly excited about.
'Terracotta is so versatile, and whether it's used as a tile backsplash, on the floor, painted, or natural, it creates a warm, comfortable feel in the kitchen,' Molly adds.
4. Metals
For a while, kitchen trends really embraced softer, cozier materials, but 2026 is set to mark the resurgence of metallic kitchen finishes. From cabinets to countertops, this more utilitarian material is making a strong comeback.
'We love the versatility of metal in the kitchen. Metal can be incorporated in any style, from a vintage pharmacy cabinet for dishware storage near a dining area to an entire kitchen clad in stainless steel or powder-coated metal,' says Christopher Sale of Gramercy Design.
'Utilitarian stainless steel countertops are also a great choice for prep islands or sculleries. For a more risk-averse metal moment, consider stainless steel shelving or pot racks to put your cookware on display.'
And it's not just stainless steel. 'I anticipate a comeback for zinc countertops. Zinc is a beautiful metal with a living finish that ages into a lovely blue-gray patina. It's also very easy to clean and naturally antimicrobial,' says Heather Kates, lead designer at MDI Luxury Design.
A fully stainless steel kitchen isn't to everyone's taste, but smaller accents can add a lot of impact, especially in kitchens with a lot of wood or softer colors. Take this stainless steel utensil holder, for example – it's a perfect contrast to wood countertops.
Made from recycled materials, this stainless steel cruet duo is a chic way to bring metallic accents into your kitchen. Not only are they stylish and useful to have on hand, but the marble base instantly elevates the whole design.
If you have a bit of extra space in your kitchen, this work table is a great addition. It can be used as a small island or as additional counter space around the perimeter of your kitchen. It's a much easier approach than reinstalling your countertops.
5. Glazed ceramics
When it comes to kitchen backsplash designs, a few different approaches have been favored over the past couple of years. Continuing your countertop material up the walls has proved popular for a minimal, seamless design, but in 2026, it's all about the return of glazed tiles.
'Glazed tile is having a quiet revolution, and honestly, it’s about time. We’re not just stopping at the backsplash anymore. We’re taking it floor to ceiling, letting it wrap the room the way paint or plaster used to,' says Jordan Ross, principal designer at PCD Studios.
'It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s also built to take a hit. It’s wipeable and forgiving, the perfect material that lives with you and not in spite of you. Real life happens in a kitchen, right? Mess, heat, noise, joy, splatters, and glazed tile make space for all of it.'
Not only is glazed tile an extremely durable kitchen material, but it pairs well with so many other colors, textures, and materials, making it a seriously versatile choice, whatever the style of your space, as Jordan explains.
'It plays well with everything: warm woods, honed stone, unlacquered brass, even stainless steel. You don’t need bold patterns or loudness to make it work; it just does. And let’s be real, there’s something deeply satisfying about wiping down a sauce-splattered wall after a Sunday dinner and not having to reach for the touch-up pen.'
6. Concrete
Concrete is a material that we associate more with our outdoor spaces. It's prevalent in outdoor kitchens more than indoor ones, but it's about to be a sought-after material in our indoor cooking spaces.
While there's a big trend for concrete kitchen countertops emerging, it's a fragile material for such a functional feature, so unless you like surfaces that age and mark, it's not the most practical option, even though it can look really elevated.
Instead, lighting and decor are key areas to introduce concrete accents. Textured pendant lights above your island, a statement counter lamp, or even a striking vase at the center of your kitchen table.
These subtle accents add depth and a contrast of materials to your space that feels truly curated.
The contrast between the rustic nature of the concrete vase and the delicate, colorful tones of the flowers always looks incredibly striking. It's also a great way to bring in more texture to your cooking space, especially if you've gone for a neutral scheme.
Concrete kitchenware doesn't have to be rough and rustic – this smooth concrete bowl with a fluted finish is a chic way to introduce the material in a more polished way. It's perfect for shelf displays or even as a rather decadent fruit bowl.
It's always recommended by designers to look for elevated essentials, like this concrete utensil holder. It's a practical item to have in your kitchen, but it's also decorative on your countertops. Plus, utensil holders are a low-cost way to try new materials.
If you have been struggling with how to decorate your kitchen countertops in a way that feels fresh and unexpected, these materials are the answer. From the sleek finish of stainless steel to the rougher, more rustic appeal of concrete, there's something here to refresh any space and add character to a kitchen that has none.
