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Top Kitchen Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2026 According to Designers
What kinds of trends will the next year bring? Kitchens are especially prone to trend turnover, as homeowners increasingly want the latest and greatest gadgets and to increase their resale value. This year we saw things like dark cabinetry and farmhouse kitchens disappear, while custom metalwork and two-toned cabinetry prevailed. And one big thing experts are forecasting for 2026? Form and function will come together even more. In 2026, investing in a kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about maximizing function, leveraging technology, and supporting a healthier lifestyle. The return on investment goes far beyond resale value — it’s about creating a space that supports family connection and everyday wellness. Below are the biggest predictions for what’ll be in for 2026 in the world of kitchen design — and what will definitely be out.
Colorful Cabinets
Calling them “color-forward kitchen cabinets,” clients are moving beyond the stark all-white kitchen era and embracing rich, saturated cabinetry. Earthy greens, marine blues, burgundies, and rich greige tones bring a sense of coziness and dimension to a kitchen, and you can count on seeing them in 2026.
Induction Cooking
Induction cooking continues to rise as homeowners’ and chefs’ go-to cooktop choice, as they offer precision, speed, and energy efficiency while keeping kitchens cooler (and safer, too — more on that below). They are also chic and sleek in terms of aesthetics.
Designated Stations
“Stations” throughout kitchens will continue to lead overall design choices. Dedicated stations for how people function are more important than ever. Coffee areas, breakfast areas, prep areas, and more. Sectioning the kitchen design with real function in mind, not just where to house things, is how designers and homeowners should be thinking of their kitchens.
Sculleries
Sculleries, those secondary food prep spaces that are usually adjacent to main kitchens — aka butler’s pantries or “dirty” kitchens — will only grow in popularity in 2026. Although they’ve been around since the Medieval era, they’re making a major comeback in homes that can support the trend. With open-concept living, many homeowners want their main kitchen to look photo-ready and clutter-free, even while serving a four-course meal. A scullery serves as a hidden prep and cleanup zone, keeping dirty dishes, appliances, and food mess out of sight.
Decorative Lighting
In 2026, people will turn more to decorative lighting fixtures as opposed to standard can lights. The kitchen is task-oriented, but it’s also a great space to express personality and tie in the design style of the home. One thing that is being used a lot more of is using a mix of decorative lighting fixtures like flush mounts, mini flush mounts, sconces, and pendants in a kitchen instead of utilitarian recessed can lights.
Wellness in the Kitchen
The wellness movement continues to gain steam, and it’s naturally found its way into the kitchen. From induction ranges to steam ovens, equipping kitchens with appliances that will enable you to cook more healthfully is a big priority for 2026. Another way to incorporate wellness in kitchen design is through the integration of hydroponic gardening areas to have a year-round supply of fresh food.
Bold Kitchen Choices
Homeowners will progressively make kitchen spaces their own instead of focusing solely on resale value. Gone are all-white kitchens or all-neutrals with white marble-looking quartz countertops so that you won’t offend anyone in the future with your kitchen. More and more, homeowners are taking risks on big decisions, from cabinet colors to flooring to countertops to backsplash choices, and even appliances are now a bigger place for expression. Go bold or go home!
Text by Shelby Deering | Photo credits on apartmenttherapy.com | Read More Here
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