Forget countertops; in 2026, kitchen design is all about the hardware. When Kate Hudson revealed the CAFÉ Appliances remodel of her childhood home, the online discourse was all about the baby blue marble splattered across the backsplash and counters, with people starkly divided on the bold look. Whether you loved it or hated it, one detail in the space is uncontroversially gorgeous: the gold hardware.
Gold is a major yet underrated detail in the actor's kitchen idea. The brushed hardware snakes across the appliances, acts as pulls on the cabinets, the faucet material and even serves as part of the light fixtures and the shelves in the background. Aside from the blue countertops and white cabinets, it is the most prominent color in the space.
Though the golds across the room are slightly different shades from one another, they all have the same effect. Each metallic pop helps make the room brighter, feel larger, and look more luxurious. It's right in line with kitchen hardware trends for 2026.
Meghan MacKay, design specialist at luxury hardware designers Joseph Giles, explains: 'In 2026, there’s a strong appreciation for the mark of the maker. We’re seeing a move towards hardware that celebrates craftsmanship, pieces that carry the quiet evidence of being shaped, brushed or finished by hand. Knurled or hammered details, soft patinas and burnished textures all highlight the depth and integrity of the material itself.'
Rather than the colors or other materials, the metal itself is the new statement.
Shop the Gold Kitchen Edit
This pendant blends vintage-inspired style with functional design, featuring a steel frame and a glass bell shade that softly diffuses light. Its adjustable rod and sloped-ceiling–friendly canopy make installation flexible, and it’s rated for damp locations, making it suitable for kitchens and other humid spaces.
This set of cabinet handles combines durability and style, crafted from high-precision stainless steel with a brushed brass finish (that happens to be right on trend). Designed for versatility, they include multiple screw options to accommodate different furniture thicknesses and work seamlessly on a cabinet.
Crafted from stainless steel, this teapot combines a hand-hammered, antique-inspired silhouette with a refined, modern aesthetic. Its concave lid fits securely, offering a practical yet elegant way to bring subtle gold accents into any kitchen.
These glass jars bring a touch of elegance to everyday kitchen storage, adding a subtle metallic shimmer that highlights your spices beautifully. Their sleek, transparent design not only showcases contents but also complements marble countertops, making them a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen setup.
Illuminate your kitchen counters with this touch-activated table lamp. Its round, bowl-shaped shade and cylindrical metal base bring a sleek, modern look, while the easy-touch sensor provides effortless control, making it a stylish and practical addition to a table or prep areas.
The marble soap dispenser is another way to bring subtle but powerful hints of gold to your kitchen. Its combination of elegant marble and metallic detailing makes it both a functional and stylish accent, perfect for elevating the look of your countertop.
Furthermore, the presence of gold in many different forms and shades, as seen in Kate Hudson's kitchen, is an extension of this stylish hardware idea.
Meghan states: 'Perfect uniformity is giving way to subtle variation. Those small inconsistencies, a hand-brushed line or a gentle change in tone, bring life and authenticity to a space. Every hand-finished surface feels slightly different. These nuances make each piece, and by extension, each home, feel individual. It’s that sense of authenticity and character that gives a space warmth and distinction, making it truly its own.'
Though hardware may not be the first element the eye gravitates towards in a kitchen, making the right choice can transform a kitchen. Though its impacts have been henceforth underrated, they are coming to the forefront in 2026.
