It's strange to think that there was a time when kitchens existed almost exclusively in tones of white, beige and grey. Nowadays our homes are more about colour and character, full of rich tones that express our personality and make us feel cocooned and invigorated.
The latest of these colours to work its way into kitchens? Aubergine. It's plummy yet homely and is fast emerging as the must-have kitchen shade of 2026. In fact, Pinterest's 2026 trend report showed that searches for "aubergine kitchen" were up almost 500%.
Rachel Zavala, designer at Harvey Jones, explains: "Aubergine kitchens reflect the growing appetite for interiors led by personality, offering character without appearing overpowering."
Alex Main, director at Main, agrees, placing the rise of aubergine kitchens as part of a "serious shift towards a deeper, warmer and earthier colour palette in the kitchen and beyond."
"Homeowners are moving away from safe neutral and adding richer, more characterful shades that feel considered as well as functional," he says. "Like terracotta and olive tones, aubergine brings a warmth and depth to kitchens, as well as a sense of luxury without overwhelming a space."
But what if you want a piece of the aubergine action without a full kitchen redesign?
Here are five ways to make an aubergine kitchen work for you, from clever paint hacks to easy updates:
Paint an aubergine nook
If the idea of a full-on aubergine kitchen alarms you, consider using paint to create an aubergine nook. It's a naturally warm and cocooning colour, making it the perfect choice for inset cabinetry like this beautiful space designed by Rehome.
Add fabric
It's no secret that fabric skirts are in, and for good reason: they add softness to spaces like kitchens that can be at risk of feeling sterile. Plus, a fabric skirt is a low-commitment way to experiment with aubergine in your kitchen. Pick a botanical print, like Abigail Borg's Leafy Cinnamon, or a simple stripe, seen in this Devol kitchen, for a bit of playful personality.
Combine with earthy textures
Rachel recommends mixing aubergine with natural materials, such as wood or marble, and brass finishes "to make aubergine feel enduring". She explains: "These materials work beautifully to soften the richness of the colour and elevate the inviting feel." Using aubergine as an accent for a kitchen island or freestanding unit, as pictured in this Harvey Jones kitchen, makes it easier to combine it with other materials for a two-tone look.
Lighten it up
People can be afraid that darker colours, like aubergine, will overwhelm their space. Alex has the following advice for those wanting to keep things airy: "Light or mid-toned wood helps soften the richness of such a deep shade, while a soft stone worktop with warm veining enhances the colour further, giving it an enduring feel. Lighting is also important as dark colours absorb more light, so look to pair it with contrasting neutral colours."
This Olive & Barr kitchen beautifully demonstrates this through its use of white wall tiles, marble worktop and bronze fixtures.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
By far the easiest way to incorporate aubergine touches to your kitchen is through thoughtful use of accessories. Place blooms in a stoneware aubergine vase, prop up a richly-coloured plate on open shelving, or leave beautiful ceramics, like this conserve jar from Dunelm, out on display for a hit of colour.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
