As we approach the middle of the year, the trends dominating kitchens have become ever clearer, with defined styles, statement features, and focused approaches creating a clear picture of how we require our cooking spaces to be designed and function in 2026.
The evolution of kitchen ideas and the way we approach designing them always make trend forecasts some of the most exciting, and 2026 does not disappoint. And even as some trends have already started to rise in popularity, there are plenty more still to unveil.
This year, we're continuing to make our cooking spaces more livable rooms, with less focus on utility and more on designing the space you love, filled with unique, personality-focused features. And there are some curveballs in here, too, with unexpected shapes and materials coming to the forefront.
From colors and materials to new and emerging features, these are the kitchen trends designers say are dominating, and they're perfect additions whether you are remodeling a kitchen or planning a few thoughtful refreshes.
1. Furniture-Style Cabinetry and Islands
One of the biggest shifts in kitchens this year is the way we approach creating a more considered, lived-in look. And instead of straight lines and built-in forms, more furniture-like silhouettes are growing in popularity.
'[This] is an old trend that's returned. We are moving away from matching cabinets everywhere and instead, choosing accent cabinetry or furniture style pieces,' says Elizabeth Valkovics, Founding Principal at Batten Court Design.
'This could mean an antique wooden table instead of a built-in island or a large, freestanding cabinet instead of a wall of cabinets. To me, this feels collected rather than straight from a showroom. It's authentic, warm, and inviting.'
Available in three finishes, this freestanding kitchen island is the perfect addition to bring a more furniture-like feel to your design.
The hutch is making a strong comeback in kitchens this year, and this classic wooden design brings a charming, custom feel to your space.
For something more sociable, a kitchen table creates a place to gather, as well as adding a freestanding feel. This one extends to save space, too.
2. Dark Countertops
If there's one element of a design that people are getting more experimental with, it's the kitchen countertops. Instead of playing it safe with light, white options, darker colors and materials are being reintroduced.
'Dark countertops! We are personally very drawn toward using mostly dark countertops in a space – they create such drama, and are also so forgiving,' says interior designer Jesse DeSanti of Jette Creative.
'I love to pair dark countertops with dark cabinetry for something moody, but they also look great with a warmer white. One word of caution, I don’t advise pairing black counters with a stark white kitchen – that just feels dated!'
3. Statement Stone Beyond Countertops
There's a renewed appreciation for the impact bold and busy materials can have on kitchens, especially at a time when people are embracing personality-led design. And this year, we will be seeing 'statement stone everywhere' according to Meri Goldstein of Infinite Interiors.
'We’re seeing marble and natural stone move beyond countertops into full-height backsplashes, shelving, integrated ledges, and furniture-like applications,' explains Meri, noting a confidence to take these statement materials beyond convention.
'Highly expressive stones, particularly dramatic Calacatta and Borghini varieties, are being used to create continuity and quiet luxury without needing excessive ornamentation.'
4. A More Restrained Take on Open Shelving
At the beginning of 2026, everyone was still riding the wave of open shelving, enjoying the more lived-in, decorative detail it brings to cooking spaces. But now it's time to find balance and cement a middle ground between open storage and a functional kitchen.
'Open shelving is becoming more restrained. Rather than walls of floating shelves, designers are editing down to one intentional architectural shelf or niche,' says Meri, emphasizing the balance of style and function.
The trend allows for a more decorative feel without creating a cluttered or dysfunctional look. 'It feels cleaner, calmer, and more elevated while still allowing for personal styling moments. It also keeps kitchens from feeling visually overcrowded.'
5. Hospitality Inspired Zones
Kitchen layouts are no longer designed around rules and regularity. In 2026, it's all about creating zones that are custom to your needs and lifestyle, whether it's a clever appliance garage or a dedicated coffee nook.
'Kitchens are becoming more hospitality-inspired. Coffee stations, breakfast bars, concealed appliance garages, beverage zones, and “moments” within the kitchen are increasingly important,' Meri notes.
It's less about aesthetics and more about creating small moments that make everyday rituals easier and more enjoyable. 'People want the kitchen to function like a boutique hotel or private club, beautiful, intuitive, and experiential.'
6. Glazed Cabinets Return
Another trend emerging in response to open shelving, a traditional storage style is back at the forefront of designs: glass-front cabinetry. It offers all the decorative benefits of shelves without the constant cleaning.
'We’ve moved past the open shelving craze, which can greatly limit your storage space, and found a storage sweet spot by mixing uppers that are closed (often in a honey-toned rift white oak) with others featuring glass inserts framed in slim black metal,' says interior designer Kisha Gianni.
'The low-profile metal frames add an unexpected touch so you can display items (free from dust!) and tuck away your less-than-aesthetically-pleasing pieces behind closed cabinet doors, where they can live within reach, but out of sight.'
7. Pass-Through Windows
Kitchens are no longer rooms that are hidden behind closed doors. Instead, they are designed and decorated as livable rooms that connect to living and dining spaces. As such, pass-through windows and hatches between the kitchen and living room are set to be a big trend as an alternative to an open plan layout, as shown in this modern European home in Tennessee.
'It works almost like a framed view: it connects the kitchen to the adjoining spaces without fully going open plan, allowing light, sightlines, and conversation to flow freely while still giving each room a sense of definition,' says Lauren Sullivan, founder and curator of Well x Design.
'It’s practical, but it also creates an architectural moment that feels intentional rather than default. And from a functional standpoint, it’s incredibly helpful for entertaining – food and drinks can move seamlessly through the opening without breaking the flow of conversation.'
8. Curves, Curves, and More Curves
Softer, more organic designs are at the forefront of kitchen trends, so expect to see curves throughout spaces, both in classic and unexpected ways. This trend is about removing some of the hard edges typical of kitchens without compromising on function.
'Curved and flowing forms – from arches to curved or softly contoured islands – are softening rigid lines and creating a more inviting spatial rhythm,' says Lauren Tolles, founder of Maison Birmingham.
It's a trend that's already begun emerging, like in Shea McGee's recent project filled with curvaceous profiles. Think outside of the box by introducing a curved backsplash, rounded chairs, or even a circular window if you're undergoing a full remodel.
Bar stools are a great way to introduce a curved profile to your kitchen. This wooden design from Target, which comes in a set of two, is a great example. The curved open back brings in that organic silhouette while still adding style and comfort.
If you have the space to introduce a freestanding kitchen island, it's a chic way to introduce curved profiles. This design from the Amber Lewis x Four Hands collection is a chic and timeless way to embrace this emerging trend.
Kitchen lighting is another easy way to bring curves into your kitchen. A round pendant light like this one feels elegant and elevated while still offering sufficient task lighting – and nails the look in a more accessible way.
9. Glass-Enclosed Pantries
It's not unusual for pantries to be designed as rooms connected to the kitchen, yet hidden behind a door that can be shut away. But in 2026, the pantry is going to become a bigger part of the main kitchen.
'I believe one of the biggest kitchen trends of 2026 is glass-enclosed pantries. They’ve been steadily gaining traction, and I anticipate them becoming a staple in new homes and remodels alike,' says Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive Design Co.
'The appeal of this trend is twofold. On a functional level, it creates a dedicated space to house all the practical, everyday necessities of a kitchen: food storage, small appliances, even prep counters, while keeping the main kitchen clean and uncluttered,' she explains.
She also notes that there are plenty of aesthetic benefits to this trend, too, elevating the look of something that is essentially a storage space. 'Instead of hiding everything behind a solid door, a glass-framed pantry turns storage into a design feature, showcasing thoughtful organization, beautiful shelving, and even styled elements like ceramics or glassware,' she continues.
'Ultimately, glass-enclosed pantries strike the perfect balance between practicality and presentation, making them a natural next step in the evolution of the open-concept kitchen.'
A glass-enclosed pantry means your kitchen storage inside needs to be as pretty as it is practical. Joanna Gaines's Magnolia has a beautiful range of kitchen storage that can all be mixed and matched to your shelves work hard but look chic while doing so.
10. Embracing the Countersplash
The kitchen backsplash is becoming a real area of interest when it comes to kitchen trends. It may be a functional element, but it opens up a lot of opportunities for a design moment. And 2026 is the year of the countersplash.
'Carrying the countertop material onto the backsplash creates a clean, continuous surface that feels calm and considered. It avoids unnecessary visual breaks, which helps the kitchen feel more refined and cohesive. The repetition of a single material also allows other design details, such as cabinetry or lighting, to stand out,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
The versatility is what makes this trend so appealing. A subtle stone in a minimalist kitchen feels calming and cohesive, but in a bolder kitchen, a heavily veined marble creates a focal point and a characterful detail. It's also a great approach in a more compact space, perfect if you're searching for small kitchen trends.
11. Warm Neutrals and Earthy Hues
As we look to the kitchen color palettes expected to dominate, neutrals will always have a place. But each year, the way designers decorate with them shifts, and this year it's a mix of warm shades and earthy hues.
'In terms of kitchen color trends, earthy neutrals, warm whites and beiges, soft greens, and grounding browns are replacing high-contrast blacks, grays, and cool whites, helping kitchens feel cozier and more connected to nature and the rest of the home,' says Lauren Tolles.
We continue to crave a connection to nature, and the kitchen, which usually leads out to the backyard, is the room where we seek that indoor/outdoor flow the most. If you are looking for paint recommendations, Farrow & Ball just launched a new paint finish, Flat Eggshell, which has been designed with hardworking spaces like kitchens in mind. They have some stunning earthy neutrals that are cult favorites like Drop Cloth, Jitney, and, of course, Dead Salmon.
12. Shelving with Picture Rails
In 2026, kitchen shelving is getting an elegant upgrade. Instead of minimal wooden pieces or even tonal designs, shelves will feature brass gallery rails that not only elevate the overall look, but also keep the pieces you are storing extra safe.
This trend really focuses on small details that elevate something functional – much like kitchen cabinet hardware, a simple brass railing along the perimeter of your shelf acts as jewelry and gives your storage a more custom look.
You can buy gallery rails to add onto your existing shelves – this Traditional Gallery Rail from Rejuvenation is a chic option – or you can buy shelves ready-made with this elegant adornment. For extra storage, this Bar Cabinet from Anthropologie features a shelf with a gallery rail, while giving you plenty of extra cabinet space.
Need extra space for essentials? This plate rack from Anthropologie has space to store dinnerware, spices, recipe books, and glassware, making it truly versatile. The addition of the brass gallery rails creates a sophisticated finish.
For a more modern take on the trend, this curvaceous design feels sleek and elevated, perfect for displaying your more aesthetic kitchenware. Plus, the curved silhouette means you are hitting two trends at once!
This wooden shelf from Pottery Barn features a really classic take on a gallery rail. However, you can hang it as pictured above, or you can hang it upside down to create a rail for hanging your favorite mugs and utensils.
13. Broken-Plan Kitchen Layouts
Is the reign of open-plan kitchens officially over? According to the biggest kitchen trends of 2026, designs are shifting back towards broken-plan layouts, favoring cozier, zoned spaces.
'More homeowners are pushing back against the dominance of fully open-concept kitchens, citing issues of noise, odors, and lack of visual privacy (especially relevant with more people working from home),' says Lauren Tolles.
'Instead, designers are turning to broken plan layouts – using architectural elements such as archways, glass partitions, partial enclosures, or even ceiling treatments such as beams or coffers, to subtly delineate cooking zones from living and dining areas,' she continues.
'Many are also reintroducing butler’s pantries, hidden sculleries, or prep kitchens, thus allowing the main kitchen to remain a more polished, social space while keeping mess in a more private area.'
14. Cozy Eat-In Areas in Small Kitchens
Kitchen island seating has reigned supreme for a while now, but in 2026, small kitchens will be embracing the return of eat-in areas – small but perfectly formed seating areas featuring bistro sets and space-saving banquettes.
'Having an eat-in area in a kitchen adds an opportunity for softness and personality in kitchen design, which can otherwise have a lot of hard surfaces. Whether it's adding a cushy banquette or a warm wood table surface, these areas can really cozy up the kitchen,' says interior designer Carrie Moore.
Susan Klimala of TKS Design Group agrees, adding that 'gathering around a table is one of the most meaningful rituals in a home. Even in smaller spaces, it’s important to have a designated spot to sit down, share a meal, or connect over coffee. It brings balance to a kitchen that otherwise might be purely task-driven.'
This is a classic design found in many French bistros. You can find them second-hand, but there are plenty of affordable replicas like these from Wayfair. Pop two or three around a small round table and you have an instant cozy dining nook.
Make your eat-in space feel more welcoming and elevated with a small pendant light hanging above the table. Again, it's a staple look in French bistros and adds an intimate feel to the space that zones it from the rest of the kitchen.
Complete the look with a vintage-style lace tablecloth. This one looks like it's come straight from a French brocante.
15. Rich Shades of Purple and Red
It's been some time since shades like purple and red have been referred to as the colors of choice in interiors, but especially in kitchens. However, as colors continue to be inspired by nature, people are seeking more unique interpretations.
'Nature continues to be an inspiration in kitchen colors, as we see the use of greens, browns, and terra-cotta, now introducing deeper colors like deep burgundy or midnight purple, which are found in flowers and eggplants. These purple hues are making a comeback,' says Shae Wilder of BlueStar.
It's a tasteful, timeless take on this controversial hue – think less lilac-like purple and more rich burgundies, eggplant shades, and merlot kitchens. They feel chic, elevated, and a little bit less expected than the usual greens and browns.
Introducing these timeless purple hues to your kitchen doesn't require a full repaint. Simply adding small features or decor to your existing space offers the perfect balance, like the light fixture in this design.
16. Layering Natural Textures and Materials
As always, neutral kitchens will continue to remain a staple. However, there are different approaches to these muted hues each year, and 2026 is all about layering and natural texture.
When asked about this year's kitchen trends, Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens, notes that lighter kitchens will feel 'a little more minimal, with dull, gentle beiges and creams, old wood and concrete. Natural decorations such as dried foliage, raffia, and vintage cane furniture.'
'This look is simple and uncluttered, light stone flooring, or brick floors, handmade rugs, and a color palette that sticks to natural tones. No fancy lighting, something industrial or wispy and natural. Open shelves and beautifully crafted pottery and linens, this kitchen is like a summer vacation.'
Available in three sizes, this rustic vase is a timeless way to introduce texture and natural materials. Filled with foliage and placed at the center of a kitchen island or perched on a sideboard, it creates a beautifully natural display.
As Helen mentions, dried foliage in a warm neutral kitchen is a great way to introduce something a bit more wild and natural. This dried flax bunch is subtle yet effective, whether displayed alone or mixed with other foliage.
Freestanding furniture pieces are a functional way to bring in new materials and textures. This cabinet from Urban Outfitters features cane for a vintage feel, while providing ample storage for linens, ceramics, and occasional pieces.
17. Mirrored Finishes
We use mirrors in almost every room of the home, not just for getting ready, but as a design feature that can brighten and elongate a room. And in 2026, expect to see plenty of mirrored finishes in kitchen schemes.
'Mirrored finishes are going to be huge in kitchens in the coming year. Besides being easy to clean and inexpensive to procure and install, mirrors have the added benefit of visually expanding a small space, or reflecting light in a dark one,' says interior designer Bethany Adams.
'We're utilizing mirrors in different materials and colors, such as a pink mirrored acrylic range hood, to bring unexpected sophistication and interest to kitchens,' she explains of the trend's versatility.
18. Embracing Vintage, Pre-Loved, and Thrifted Pieces
The vintage kitchen is coming into its own this year, with thrifted finds and kitchenware of the past making a comeback. From vintage lighting and artwork to rich, inviting colors and materials, mixing old and new has never looked so chic.
'I am seeing and loving kitchens that have a bit more personality, using old prep tables, dark wood, textiles, paint effects, and more muted colors. Warm rich wood, a clever mix of old and new that feels gathered over time, rather than all bought in one go. This look is taking over from a brand new kitchen, it’s a way of mixing old and new and making your kitchen interesting, exciting and different,' says Helen Parker.
'It appears easy to achieve, although it actually takes some careful choices. People love sourcing vintage, one off or unusual things for their homes these days. The vintage home has become a much more enjoyable and personal way to make your home original.'
19. Quietly Luxurious Kitchens
Bringing a touch of luxury into a kitchen always brings with it a sense of longevity – and it's a term that's experienced many variations, from loud luxury to quiet. But it's the latter that is here to stay in the world of kitchens.
'We’ll see kitchens leaning into quiet luxury – timeless, neutral palettes paired with sustainable, high-quality materials that feel both practical and indulgent,' says interior designer Stacy Garcia.
'Homeowners are craving spaces that look beautiful but are also hardworking, with smart storage and energy-efficient appliances becoming must-haves. It’s less about showy trends and more about creating a kitchen that feels like a lasting investment in your lifestyle,' she continues.
The key to the success of this trend is not about flashy, expensive features, but about high-quality craftsmanship and materials that truly stand the test of time. 'The beauty of this movement is that it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and longevity – you get a kitchen that feels calming, inviting, and totally livable while still standing up to daily life,' says Stacy.
'It’s approachable luxury, where durable materials, warm tones, and thoughtful design choices make the space feel personal without being overwhelming. In the end, it’s all about creating a kitchen that makes cooking, gathering, and everyday living feel just a little more joyful.'
20. Fun, Unexpected Lighting
Your kitchen lighting is an opportunity to introduce a playful, expressive moment in what can easily feel like a very functional space. And surprising lighting moments are set to become a big trend.
'Fun, unexpected lighting will be a big player next year. I love when a kitchen has a playful moment that feels totally unique – it brings energy, interest, and personality without overpowering the space,' says interior designer Ashley Montgomery.
This doesn't necessarily mean you need to bring in large, sculptural pendants – it could be traditional picture lights above open shelving, sconces on the back of a door, or a statement floor lamp in an unused corner.
This trend is about thinking outside the box and having fun with your design.
Adding new light sources to your kitchen is easier than you might think. This stylish wall light is a plug-in, so you don't need to rewire. Plus, it's a totally chic way to add an unexpected lighting design to your kitchen.
You can go really sculptural with your ceiling lighting – this wavy chandelier adds interest and curves (hitting two trends) and offers a playful alternative to traditional pendant lights.
The right sconce can act as art in your kitchen, and this design is a perfect example. The natural stone paired with a round light creates a sculptural effect that adds style and elegance to your space.
21. Kitchens That Don't Look Like Kitchens
The desire for a kitchen that feels inviting, lived-in, and more sociable has led to a new trend that no one could have expected: kitchens that don't look like kitchens. And it's a look that's gaining momentum.
'A growing kitchen trend is the shift toward treating the kitchen as a true extension of the living space. Designers are moving away from walls of upper cabinets and visible appliances, opting instead for larger pantries, hidden storage, and sleek integrations that allow the kitchen to flow seamlessly into adjoining rooms,' says interior designer Jess Cooney.
'The result is spaces that feel more open, inviting, and tailored for entertaining. Whether we’re hosting friends or gathering with family, everyone inevitably ends up in the kitchen, so this trend embraces that reality rather than resisting it,' she explains.
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