Three experts share their predictions for what will be specified next year
Tom Planck, managing director of John Planck Ltd
"In some of the lower end, more commercial environments where maybe budgets are ‘tighter’, stainless steel is still king, although black is hanging in there as well, but only just! Whereas in higher end hospitality and residential circles, antique finishes such as antique brass and dark bronze are still popular. We are also seeing a resurgence in some of the classic finishes such as satin brass and polished nickel. There is also a desire for larger, more focal point pieces such as pull handles and even lever handles, rather than minimalist pieces although hidden/concealed products such as hinges and closers are still desirable.
"Sustainability is only going to grow with more awareness and importance placed on the environmental effects of everything we are all doing. Looking at where products are made, what they are made from and the processes (energy) used to do so is already in construction, and will filter down to ironmongery soon.
"We’ll continue to see an uprising in compliance and competency requirements, especially around fire and certification following the Grenfell report, and with the Guild’s RegAI scheme in place for members to demonstrate such qualities, hopefully this will become more prominent within RIBA and the architectural community.
"Having said all of that, with the economy struggling and financing of projects being squeezed, I’m also fairly certain the usual cost-cutting and value-engineering exercises will still be undertaken and the quality of products and specifications will therefore be driven down on projects, So, all in all … I think ‘more of the same’ is on the agenda for the short term!"
Jeremy Barltrop, director at G Johns & Sons
"Homeowners are gravitating toward hardware that guarantees silence and precision. Innovations like soft-close hinges, push-to-open drawers, smooth-glide channels, and door tracks deliver a sense of refined functionality. These subtle design elements create a feeling of calm and control.
"A continuing trend for 2026 is the growth in hardware renewal to transform their
space without undertaking a complete renovation. The ironmongery landscape for 2026 favours warmer, richer finishes and the use of tactile materials, while moving away from stark blacks and whites that have been popular in recent years.
"Some of the most popular materials and finishes include brass, matt black and nickel.
"Beyond finishes, design directions for 2026 are moving toward warmth and individuality. Top design trend picks include: material drenching: the process of using the same material across everything from hardware to cabinetry and walls; softness and warmth: soulful, comforting interiors with natural materials and tactile finishes; and layering. Homeowners are becoming increasingly expressive about the aesthetic they want. They want ironmongery that feels intentional and celebrates personality over uniformity."
Vanessa Brady OBE, founder of SBID
"As interior designers, we are seeing a lot of colour washing which looks a little like a paint shade chart of slightly different tones in colour. This is being used to punctuate detail in woodwork ceilings and on walls in a series of slightly different colours. It differs from colour washing which is the same shade throughout. Beige and grey are gone for 2026. It fits quite neatly with a trend towards retro colour combinations and bold colourful large print and pattern all competing in the same space.
"The consumers conscience is very noticeable in all age groups with the need to know a product’s history and journey in manufacture. These elements are very important to the consumers choice. There is a very healthy appetite for all age groups to up-cycle quality made items, and recycled and upcycled pieces of furniture sit comfortably alongside brand new items, classic dupes with luxury fabrics and finishes in a variety of metal finishes. This is definitely creating a thread drawing together a variety of eras: properties are being dressed and specified in a variety of old, new and quality crafted pieces.
"We are still seeing a very active request for black ironmongery because of the issues that chrome creates with sustainability but hard water makes it a tough choice for bathrooms so we may see brushed brass returning more strongly. However, I think the most popular trend remains burnished and antiqued brass in kitchens."
