Soft whites are set to dominate kitchen design in 2026, thanks to Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer – a creamy, quietly elegant white that brings calm, clarity and timeless warmth to the heart of the home.

And while white kitchens have long been a favourite, this new era focuses on softness rather than stark minimalism, and no one understands that balance better than made-to-measure interiors brand CutMy.

James Bryant, Founder, CutMy, said: “Cloud Dancer is a beautifully versatile white because it doesn’t feel cold or clinical. It softens the room and works effortlessly with both modern and traditional kitchens. It’s a shade that helps a space feel brighter and calmer without overwhelming it.”

And for those homeowners dreaming of a new kitchen in 2026, here James shares his expertise on how to incorporate the year’s most on-trend shade.

Using panelling to add character

Panelling continues to be one of the strongest interior trends, and soft whites offer the perfect backdrop for this timeless feature.

James said: “Panelling creates a peaceful, architectural feel. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple kitchen layout, especially in open-plan spaces where you want subtle definition between zones.”

Shaker-style panels, tongue-and-groove cladding and fluted designs all pair beautifully with the softness of this year’s hero colour. And because CutMy provides made-to-measure solutions, homeowners can achieve a bespoke look without bespoke pricing.

Kitchen doors that elevate a soft-white palette

CutMy’s extensive range of made-to-measure kitchen doors makes it easy for homeowners to refresh their kitchen without a full renovation. Available in shaker, slab, and in-frame styles, the doors can be painted in Cloud Dancer or any preferred soft white, allowing for a fully cohesive scheme.

James added: “Our kitchen doors are ideal for embracing this trend because they give people freedom to achieve a high-end, bespoke look at an accessible price. You can pair soft-white doors with oak trims or darker worktops to create contrast, or keep everything tonal for a more minimal, Scandinavian feel.”

Splashbacks that add depth and practicality

A splashback is one of the most effective places to introduce texture into a soft-white kitchen. CutMy offers custom-size splashbacks in acrylic, glass, aluminium and decorative styles — all of which can be customised to match or complement a Cloud Dancer-inspired scheme.

James added: “A splashback is a brilliant way to bring Cloud Dancer into the room subtly. Whether you match the wall colour for seamless flow or choose a slightly contrasting neutral, it helps define the space and adds a focal point that’s still understated.”

Keeping it warm, not stark

The key to using Cloud Dancer successfully is temperature. The shade’s creamy undertone brings warmth — something cooler whites lack — so it works especially well in north-facing rooms or smaller kitchens that need brightening.

James said: “If you’re nervous about going too pale, Cloud Dancer is a safe choice. The warmth in the colour helps the kitchen feel inviting. Pair it with warm LEDs and natural materials and the space instantly becomes more welcoming.”

For more design ideas and custom panelling options, visit CutMy