When you’re planning a kitchen update, the most important choices aren’t always the obvious ones. Beyond finishes and colour palettes, it’s the small design details that make the biggest difference to how a space functions.
When done well, these features don’t just make daily life easier: they can also add real value to your home. Thoughtful storage, discreet technology and practical upgrades are increasingly the things buyers notice (and remember), and can hence save you time (and make you money) if and when you sell up.
That’s why designers are increasingly prioritising features that reduce clutter, hide tech and make everyday tasks easier, all while keeping kitchens looking modern and effortless. To help you stay ahead, luxury worktop specialists County Stone has revealed the five kitchen features they see as must-haves for 2026.
1. Hidden charging drawers
A kitchen full of charging cables makes a space look cluttered. Hidden charging drawers solve the problem neatly, offering built-in plug sockets or USB ports inside a discreet compartment. Phones, tablets and smaller appliances can charge out of sight, keeping worktops clear and the space feeling organised throughout the day.
2. Ultra-slim LED strip lighting
Under-cabinet lighting has had a quiet glow-up. Designers are moving away from bulky fittings in favour of ultra-slim LED strips that sit almost invisibly beneath shelves, worktops and island overhangs. The result is softer, more flattering light that still makes life easier when cooking, and instantly makes a kitchen feel more high-end.
3. Appliance garages
Appliance garages continue to be one of the most requested kitchen features, and it’s easy to see why. These clever cupboards or sliding panels hide toasters, coffee machines and mixers when they’re not in use, without banishing them to another room. It’s about keeping surfaces clear without sacrificing convenience.
4. Feature hot-zone backsplashes
Rather than overwhelming a kitchen with statement materials, designers are concentrating impact in smaller doses – particularly behind the hob. A feature hot-zone backsplash in mirrored glass, copper or a continuation of the worktop stone adds depth and interest. Because the area is compact, it’s also a smart place to invest in a more premium finish as you’ll pay less for materials.
5. Bench seating with hidden storage
Built-in bench seating is becoming a staple of open-plan kitchen diners. As well as creating a relaxed, sociable feel, designers love the hidden storage underneath. It’s perfect for stashing clutter, spare linens, dining sets or children’s toys without adding any extra furniture. Result.
