Move over all-white kitchens - winter 2026 is officially embracing rich colour palettes, tactile finishes and statement appliances. According to Winnings’ Design & Culinary Guide, Australians are leaning into warmer, more atmospheric interiors this season, with deep burgundy tones, brushed metals and sculptural appliances shaping the next era of luxury kitchens.

Inspired by European interiors and the rise of “quiet luxury,” the modern winter kitchen is now less about minimalism and more about creating a layered, lived-in entertaining space.

“We’re seeing homeowners move towards kitchens that feel warmer, richer and more expressive,” says a spokesperson for Winnings. “Appliances are no longer purely functional - they’re becoming hero design pieces that contribute to the overall mood and aesthetic of the home.”

5 appliances defining the moody kitchen trend

1. Smeg Dolce Stil Novo Collection
This ultra-luxe Italian range blends traditional cooking, steam, microwave and air-fry technology in one sleek black-glass finish. The perfect centrepiece for a dramatic winter kitchen.

2. ILVE Panoramagic Cooker
Restaurant-quality performance meets statement design. With oversized illuminated knobs, brass-coated burners and a sophisticated stainless-steel finish, this cooker brings European glamour into the home.

3. ASKO Elements Pearl Grey Ovens
Soft grey painted glass with a subtle metallic shimmer makes this one of the season’s most design-forward appliance finishes. Ideal for Scandinavian-inspired interiors.

4. Wolf M Series Built-In Oven
The appliance equivalent of quiet luxury. Sleek, architectural and professional-grade, it pairs perfectly with darker cabinetry, stone surfaces and brushed metal accents.

5. Zip HydroTap in Brushed Brass or Gunmetal
Functional and beautiful, these new metallic finishes tap directly into the rise of warm industrial interiors while delivering instant boiling, chilled and sparkling water.

The culinary experts at Winnings have created a collection of comforting winter recipes designed for cosy entertaining and slow seasonal cooking. From rich roasts to warming baked dishes and hearty flavours, the recipes celebrate the best of winter dining at home.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Seared Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Sauce 

These soft little pillows of gnocchi get their delightful colour from the sweet potato. They are delicately sweet with a rich and healthy green sauce.

This recipe is by Winning Appliances culinary expert, Tiffany Page

Serves: 6 | Prep time: 30 mins | Cooking time: 35 mins

Featured Appliances: Smeg Dolce Stil Novo Pyrolytic Oven

Ingredients

• 500g sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped 
• 200g firm ricotta, drained on paper towel 
• 1/4 cup (20g) finely grated parmesan cheese 
• 1 cup (150g) plain flour 
• 60g salted butter 
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil 
• 18 sage leaves 
• 2 punnets (500g) cherry tomatoes, halved 
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and thinly sliced 120g baby spinach leaves

Method

1. Preheat oven on steam at 100°C. Place sweet potato on a solid steamer tray and steam for 25 minutes or until tender; remove and allow to cool slightly.

2. Pass sweet potato through a potato ricer or mash with a fork on a clean bench top; create a well in the centre. Add ricotta, parmesan, flour and season to taste with salt and pepper; mix with your hands until a soft dough is formed.

3. Cut the dough into two portions; roll each into a log about 3cm thick. You should get two logs around 40–45cm long. Cut the logs into 2cm thick
slices. Arrange on a lightly oiled perforated steamer tray and steam for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Set the oven to the keep warm function. Heat a large frying pan over a medium–high heat (induction setting 6–7).
Add 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil; when butter is melted and foamy, add sage leaves and cook for 30 seconds or until crisp. Remove sage, drain on kitchen paper and set aside.

5. Add tomatoes and garlic to the frying pan and cook until tomatoes are just blistered. Add spinach and stock; bring to the boil, and simmer just until spinach has wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper; keep warm.

6. Add remaining butter and oil to a large frying pan and cook until frothy. Add half of the steamed gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining gnocchi.

7. To serve, divide spinach sauce between six serving bowls. Nestle a few pieces of gnocchi into the sauce and arrange cherry tomatoes over the top. Garnish with sage leaves, a drizzle of any remaining melted butter,shaved parmesan, pine nuts and a sprinkle of sea salt.