Recent interior trends have seen a general shift away from minimalism towards cosier, eclectic interiors that feel authentic, particularly in the kitchen, the heart of a home.
With more modern kitchens championing warmth, patina and personality, rather than just being purely practical, many have turned to retro appliances and vintage finds to create this lived-in feel.
"2026 is going to be the year we stop underestimating the "nan’s kitchen" trend,” Whinnie Williams, founder of Poodle & Blonde, explains. "For a long time, vintage kitchenware was seen as purely decorative. But now people want kitchens that feel warm, functional and a bit eccentric, rather than sterile and showroom-perfect."
‘Vintage’ is no longer seen as a niche subsection within interiors but something woven into the fabric of a home. "As homeowners move away from ultra-minimal spaces, I expect to see a renewed appreciation for kitchens with a sense of history," Kunal Trehan, founder of Touched Interiors, explains.
“Freestanding furniture-style cabinetry, traditional dresser units, aged brass hardware and heritage-inspired colour palettes such as deep greens, oxblood reds and buttery creams are making a strong comeback,” says Kunal.
Whinnie adds: "We’re going to see, I hope, a big return of everyday, working objects that also bring personality, things like enamel pie dishes, stoneware mixing bowls left out on display, floral teapots that actually get used and old-fashioned storage jars with handwritten labels.
"I keep thinking about my own nan’s kitchen; everything had a purpose, but it was also expressive. The tins, the mismatched mugs, the biscuit barrel, the embroidered tea towels, the cake stand that only came out on Sundays. That sense of everyday ceremony is what people are craving again."
The revival of the vintage kitchen means there’s renewed interest in retro appliances, vintage cookware and accessories, with some set to fetch high sums in the future, particularly if you have a rare or limited-edition piece.
6 kitchen items set to rise in value
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen by investing in some vintage appliances or rummaging for treasure in the attic, these are the vintage kitchen items that are set to increase in value, according to experts.
Branded vintage pottery
"Pottery in good condition is always likely to increase in value," antiques expert Joanna Booth explains. "Staffordshire, for example, is not only practical but adds interest to any domestic interior." Most Staffordshire pottery is collectable, and has fetched large sums in the past. For example, a small teapot made by Wedgwood in 1765 was sold for over £90,000 at Sotheby's in 2019.
Rarity is one of the biggest drivers of value in the collectables market, which is why Denby Pottery's closure may be welcome news for collectors. After more than 200 years of producing its signature kiln-fired stoneware, the company has been forced to shut its doors.
Without any new pieces being produced, existing Denby pieces are likely to become increasingly scarce, particularly sought-after vintage patterns. For collectors hoping to complete their sets, that growing scarcity may increase demand and, in turn, prices.
Alessi design pieces
"In terms of kitchen collectables that earn their keep both aesthetically and financially, a name that springs to mind is Alessi," Camilla Kelly, antiques expert and founder of The Mint List Studio, explains. "I've always loved the brand because it brings something sculptural to a kitchen — even more practical pieces feel like miniature works of art."
Alessi was founded in an Italian village known for metalworking and woodworking in 1921, beginning as a family-run business crafting fine brass, copper, and nickel-silver tableware, before evolving into a globally renowned design business.
"Whether it's a polished steel fruit bowl, a Michael Graves kettle or one of Philippe Starck's iconic designs, Alessi pieces have an incredible ability to add shape and visual interest to the kitchen space," Camilla adds.
One of the most famous Alessi designs is Philippe Starck's Juicy Salif Citrus Squeezer, a piece so prestigious that it's featured in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)’s permanent collection — and the iconic status of pieces like this further Alessi’s appeal as a collectable brand.
"I still think the Juicy Salif Citrus Squeezer is one of the most beautiful pieces of kitchen design," Camilla explains. "Apparently, Starck drew the original squid-like design on a paper napkin - inspired while squeezing lemon over calamari in an Italian restaurant.
"Jury's out as to whether it's the best lemon squeezer out there — but it’s stunning! It is now widely available, but a limited-edition finish or a boxed vintage original is highly collectable."
Silver mustard pots
"Smaller silver items associated with dining and entertaining have performed particularly well in recent years, especially those that combine functionality with unusual design," Julian Thomson, Managing Director and Auctioneer at Anderson & Garland, explains.
"Collectors are increasingly drawn to objects that can still be displayed or used in the modern home. Silver mustard pots are a good example. Whilst heavily decorated Victorian examples can sometimes prove difficult to sell, pieces from the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements continue to attract strong interest.
"Novelty examples, particularly those modelled as animals or birds, are especially sought after and can command several hundred pounds depending upon rarity and maker."
Rare Le Creuset cookware
"There are very few brands that offer a lifetime guarantee, but Le Creuset is one of them,” Camilla explains. "It occupies a totally different space from Alessi but is no less desirable.
"This colourful enamelled cookware adds something iconic to the kitchen space. The classic Volcanic orange is the most recognised, but there are rarer discontinued shades if you're lucky enough to find them. Some of which have developed almost cult status.
For example, Marilyn Monroe owned a 12-piece set of Elysées Yellow cookware. Camilla continues: "This buttery, pale pastel shade (introduced in 1955) is considered one of the brand's most collectable vintage colours and was sold at Christie's after her death for a staggering $25,300."
Victorian and Edwardian butchers' blocks
Vintage butchers' blocks are a popular kitchen addition, adding warmth and character to kitchens while being a practical addition, particularly if you need a sturdy base for chopping, slicing and dicing.
"Victorian and Edwardian butchers' blocks, vintage brass taps and authentic café-style pendant lighting are all likely to remain highly sought after," Kunal tells us, before adding: "Well-preserved mid-century dining furniture and handcrafted ceramics are also increasing in desirability as homeowners look for unique pieces that add personality and provenance to their kitchens.
"Items with genuine craftsmanship, patina and a documented history will continue to command the strongest premiums."
Antique kitchen accessories
"We're also seeing growing demand for antique corkscrews, vinaigrettes, pepperettes, small condiment containers and novelty cruet pieces," Julian explains.
"These objects appeal to a broad range of buyers because they are affordable, easy to display and often possess a wonderful sense of humour and craftsmanship. Many collectors enjoy the challenge of building specialist collections without requiring significant space or expenditure.
"Perhaps most importantly, these items occupy a sweet spot in today's market. They offer the quality and history associated with antiques whilst remaining accessible to newer collectors."
Helpful kitchen additions
OXO OXO Rapid Coffee Brewer
Wire Egg Slide Holder
Joseph Joseph Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Cutlery Organiser
Izaan Spice Jar - Clear - (Set of 3)
