The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home, but as we look toward 2026, its role is becoming more multifaceted than ever. No longer just a place for meal preparation, the kitchen is evolving into a highly personalized space that blends high-tech efficiency and a deep, organic connection to nature to maximize enjoyment and make hosting more comfortable.
To uncover the shifts defining the next wave of kitchen design, we surveyed 101 top industry experts in interior design to ask what’s next in kitchen trends. These professionals work directly with homeowners to shape today’s most innovative spaces, and their insights provide a clear roadmap of what to expect in the coming year. From the definitive end of the all-white era to the rise of wellness-centered design, our findings highlight a year focused on character, comfort, and clever functionality.
Kitchens in 2026 are warm, expressive, and deeply personal. The all-white kitchen era is officially behind us. We’re seeing rich wood tones, bold stone, and layered textures taking center stage—spaces that feel collected and soulful rather than sterile.
2026 Key Takeaways:
The "all-white" kitchen is officially on its way out, according to 86% of pros, and it’s being replaced by warm neutrals and earth tones, confirmed by 67% of experts.
47% of experts agree that personalized style and self-expression will be the biggest kitchen design trend in 2026.
"Dirty kitchens" (second kitchens your guests don’t see) are tied with induction cooktops as the most in-demand features, with 47% of experts agreeing for each.
Gen Z is leaning into bold colors, while Millennials champion biophilic design, and Gen X remains the primary driver for neutral palettes.
81% of experts say insufficient storage in the kitchen is the most off-putting factor for homebuyers today.
Top Kitchen Trends in 2026
Rather than a distinct style, experts are seeing homeowners embrace individualism along with natural materials and upgrades that add utility and function.
Personalized Design and Organic Materials Will Shape Kitchen Aesthetics
Kitchen trends in 2026 will focus on highly personalized spaces tailored to individual lifestyles. It will infuse biophilic design elements to bring nature indoors, alongside energy-efficient appliances that promote eco-friendly living. This blend creates functional, beautiful kitchens that nurture wellness and support environmental responsibility.
Top Kitchen Design Trends (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Personalized style and expression | 47% |
Organic and earthy aesthetics | 44% |
Wellness and healthy living focused design | 31% |
Whole home continuity | 30% |
Biophilic design | 29% |
Transitional/timeless design | 23% |
Design focused on easy maintenance and cleaning | 23% |
Islands as a primary functional and social focal point | 23% |
Incorporating curated items from antique shops | 15% |
Seamless design | 14% |
Minimalism | 8% |
Personalized design and natural materials for an organic look are the top trends in kitchen design, with 47% and 44% of experts, respectively, agreeing that homeowners are going this route in 2026. This movement toward highlighting individuality isn’t exclusive to the kitchen. In 2026, homeowners are embracing personalization to customize all interior spaces.
Beyond just the aesthetic, 31% of experts believe that wellness and healthy living are driving kitchen layouts. Rather than focusing solely on appearances, homeowners are prioritizing intentional features like dedicated prep zones for fresh produce, advanced water filtration, and specialized storage that supports a balanced lifestyle.
“We're seeing more requests for 'wellness kitchens' from clients,” said Rodrigo Buelvas, from Studio Rodrigo Buelvas. “A wellness kitchen is not about gadgets or trends – it’s a holistic design approach that supports healthier cooking, eating, and living.”
This desire for a unified personal style brings whole-home continuity as a trend in kitchen design, according to 30% of the experts we surveyed. Rather than treating the kitchen as a separate "utility" zone, designers are extending the same flooring, cabinetry finishes, and color palettes from the living and dining areas directly into the kitchen. This creates a cohesive visual narrative that makes the entire home feel larger and more cohesive.
As the boundaries between rooms disappear, so too do the boundaries between the indoors and out. Biophilic design is a priority according to 29% of experts. By incorporating countertop herb gardens, expansive windows, and living green walls, the kitchen blurs the lines with the natural world, creating a more tranquil, airy environment that boosts mental well-being.
Alongside more personalized design choices, timeless kitchen styles are a popular option according to 23% of experts. These kitchens tend to feature elements like classic shaker cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and subtle, neutral backsplashes that won’t feel dated in a few years.
Materials that are easy to maintain and clean are another example of timeless design, and 23% of experts surveyed agree that easy-to-clean and stain-free materials are decidedly “in.” Similarly, 23% of experts agree that kitchen islands are trending as a focal point, serving as spaces designed equally for social gathering and everyday utility.
Warm Neutrals and Saturated Hues Will Define Kitchen Color Trends
I'm excited to see that the 2026 kitchen trends are centered around warm neutrals, natural wood elements, and a blend of styles that beautifully balance functionality with inviting aesthetics.
Top Kitchen Color Trends (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Warm neutrals and earth tones | 67% |
Rich, saturated hues | 51% |
Darker wood tones | 41% |
Mixed metals | 38% |
Lighter wood tones | 31% |
Bold, personal color choices | 19% |
Jewel tones | 14% |
Mediterranean-inspired tones | 11% |
Millennial-gray and all-white kitchens are out, and in their place, warm neutrals and earth tones are dominating, according to 67% of experts. Instead, experts agree that you can’t go wrong with deep greens, browns, and even beiges in your kitchen in 2026, while 51% also say that rich, saturated hues that offer a little less warmth are trending options, too.
Darker wood tones still capture that natural look and feel with a little more depth and emotion, and 41% of experts say these colors will be prevalent in kitchens in 2026.
“As we head into 2026, there’s a noticeable shift toward dark, rich wood tones in kitchens,” said Gloribell Lebron, from G. Lebron Interiors. “This trend evokes a sense of curated elegance—rooted in the warmth of family memories, yet reimagined with a modern sensibility. It’s about creating depth and comfort without ever feeling dated.”
Mixed metals among light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and drawer pulls will appeal to the masses this year, as per 38% of experts. Lighter wood tones, bold and personal colors, jewel tones, and Mediterranean-inspired colors are also popular options, according to 31%, 19%, 14%, and 11% of experts, respectively.
Induction Cooktops and “Dirty Kitchens” Will See the Most Growth in Demand
I believe we’ll see a growing demand for sculleries in the kitchen. In the ’80s and ’90s, builders often added walk-in pantries. Spaces that hold incredible potential to evolve into modern sculleries. It’s a long-lost room that’s finally being rediscovered.
Top Growing Kitchen Trends (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Induction cooktops | 47% |
Sculleries / "Dirty kitchens" | 47% |
Wellness-oriented appliances | 41% |
Dedicated stations | 40% |
Large, multi-functional islands | 39% |
Decorative lighting | 29% |
Dining tables instead of islands | 12% |
When it was invented in the 1950s, induction cooktops seemed like a thing of the future. In 2026, the future is here: 47% of experts agree that they’re some of the most sought-after kitchen upgrades. They’re tied with “dirty kitchens,” which are secondary kitchens or sculleries where all of the cooking and prep work happens.
Supporting the broader shift toward healthy living–focused design, wellness-oriented appliances, like air-fryers, juicers, and steamers, will be sought-after kitchen staples in 2026, too, according to 41% of experts. Just behind that are dedicated stations for food prep, coffee making, beverages, and more, with 40% of experts agreeing with the uptick in demand.
Rounding out the list, 39% of experts expect large, multi-functional islands to remain a centerpiece of the kitchen, while 29% see decorative lighting as an essential way to set the mood. Interestingly, 12% of experts say homeowners are moving away from the "island life", choosing to bring back the traditional dining table as the heart of the kitchen.
Different Generations Drive Distinct Kitchen Trends
Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomers |
44% | 25% | 17% | 11% |
37% | 19% | 17% | 23% |
31% | 46% | 19% | 3% |
29% | 51% | 14% | 4% |
21% | 29% | 33% | 11% |
5% | 31% | 35% | 27% |
Bold Color Use - Gen Z and Millennials
Again and again in interior design, we’re seeing younger generations departing from the “safe” neutrals and turning more toward personalization through bold colors. According to 44% of experts, Gen Zers are embracing bold colors in the kitchen the most, while 25% have seen the trend toward bold color features the most often among Millennials.
Maximalist Design - Gen Z and Baby Boomers
Interestingly, maximalism in kitchen design seems to be making a resurgence, as 23% of experts agree that Baby Boomers are the force behind this design trend, but 37% say that Gen Zers are going maximalist, too.
Sustainable Materials and Biophilic Design - Millennials and Gen Z
It’s probably no surprise that the younger generations, which have historically been more eco-conscious, are the quickest to embrace sustainability in the kitchen. According to 31% and 29% of design experts, respectively, Gen Zers are very likely to embrace sustainable materials and biophilic design. Millennials lead the charge, though, with 46% and 51% of experts, respectively, noting that this generation is most eco-friendly in its design preferences.
Minimalist Design and Neutral Colors Use - Millennials and Gen X
While Gen Zers and Baby Boomers are opting for maximalism, 29% and 33% of experts agree that Millennials and Gen Xers are most likely to go with a minimalist design. Neutral tones are a key part of minimalism in many cases, and understated colors are also preferred most by Millennials and Gen Xers, according to 31% and 35% of experts, respectively.
Fading Trends and Homebuyer Turn-Offs in 2026
Embracing interior design trends is crucial for maximizing property value and getting the most out of your home renovations, but you also want to stay away from aging trends that turn buyers off.
Millennial All-White and All-Gray Kitchens Are Out
The kitchen is finally being freed from the tyranny of "showroom perfect". We're seeing a return to closed upper cabinetry in rich walnut or deep, moody colors instead of stark white with open shelving that collects dust.
Kitchen Trends Phasing Out (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
All-white and all-gray kitchens | 86% |
Tile countertops | 47% |
Faux marble tile | 35% |
Superslick/high-gloss finishes | 35% |
Open shelving | 32% |
Minimalist modern style | 13% |
Monochromatic countertops | 11% |
For about a decade, millennial-gray has dominated interior color trends, but 86% of experts now agree that this trend, along with all-white kitchens, is on its way out.
Tile countertops are another kitchen trend that experts say is losing popularity, with 47% confirming that they’re no longer desirable. Open shelving will soon be a thing of the past, too, according to 32% of experts, and both of these trends are likely out due to how challenging they can be to clean.
Among other trends, 35%, 35%, 13%, and 11% of experts say to steer clear of faux marble tile, high-gloss finishes on trim and cabinets, minimalist modern style, and monochromatic scheme countertops, respectively.
Insufficient Storage Turns the Buyers Off
Kitchens remain the hub of the home, and focus on storage, functionality, and personalization will continue to drive design.
Biggest Homebuyers’ Turnoffs | % of Experts Who Agree |
Insufficient storage | 81% |
Busy or outdated tile patterns | 64% |
Lack of natural light | 35% |
Microwave over the range | 35% |
Outdated fixtures | 32% |
Farmhouse aesthetic | 18% |
Ultra-modern designs | 9% |
Open shelving | 6% |
Up there with all-gray and all-white kitchens, 81% of experts say that a lack of kitchen storage is the number one turn-off for buyers. As much as kitchens can be for gathering and hosting, they’re primarily for utility, and a lack of storage means less utility.
Experts also note that busy tile patterns are something buyers tend to avoid, with 64% agreeing they’re undesirable. Less divisive but still worth avoiding are a lack of natural light that can make food prep challenging, a microwave over the range that doesn’t provide the same ventilation as a standalone vent, and outdated fixtures, with 35%, 35% and 32% of experts saying to steer clear, respectively.
The Bottom Line: Where Personal Style Meets Trends
In transitional design periods like the one we’re in, homeowners may customize their kitchens, but they still gravitate toward specific aesthetic and functional options. In fact, some of those options are likely to become the new trends in the coming decade.
Even when personalization is popular, there are stand-out design choices that can keep your kitchen trendy. The design options homeowners will look for most in 2026 include an organic and earthy aesthetic, induction cooktops, dirty kitchens, and wellness-oriented appliances. These can all keep your kitchen bursting with style, even as overarching trends move toward individuality.
Expert Contributors
We want to extend our sincere thanks to all the industry experts who shared their insights and expertise, helping us shape the 2026 Kitchen Design Trends Report. Your contributions brought depth, inspiration, and real-world perspective that make this report truly valuable for our readers.
Alene Workman | Alexzandra Aguirre | Alice Decker |
Alison Johnson | Ally Whalen | Amy Keeley & Kristen Brown |
Andrea Sinkin | Andrew Saladino | Anita Lang |
Anna Gibson | Armina Kasprowicz | Artem Kropovinsky |
Ashley Southworth | Ayesha Usman | Birgit Anich |
Brad Ramsey | Brandi Oldham | Braxton Nielson |
Carissa Byrne Hebert | Catherine Shuman | Chelsie Butler |
Cindy Kelly | Colleen Bennett | Cory Rodeheaver |
Cristina Lehman | Dahlia Mahmood | Dawn Bane |
Deborah Dimare | DeDe DeWine Holloway | Diane Thompson Mitchell |
Ellen Kennon | Elizabeth Lord-Levitt | Erika Hollinshead Ward |
Erin Rudy | Garrison Hullinger | Gloribell Lebron |
Heather West | Helen Bartlett | Janine Geneste |
James Kuester | Janet Lorusso | Jeff Kaper |
Jessica Love | Jessica Shaw | Joann Kandrac |
Julie Corcoran | Karen Otto | Katelyn Spacek |
Kathleen Jennison | Kathleen Jennison | Kelly Mcdougall |
Kerrie Kelly | Kerrie Reid | Laura Medicus |
Lauren Ashley | Lauren Lerner | Lesley Myrick |
Leslie Anderson | Lori Dennis | Mahwish Syed |
Marcia Moore | Mariana Ciotti | Marina Umali |
Marshall Erb | Meredith Mckenzie & Shivani Vyas | Michele Plachtter |
Michelle Accetta | Michelle Cortizo | Michelle Minch |
Minol Shamreen | Monica Lewis | Nikki Watson |
Nureed Saeed | Paige Garland | Patricia Del Gavio |
Paulina Hospod | Rachel Blindauer | Rachel Moriarty |
Robin Burrill | Rodrigo Buelvas | Rose Dostal |
Ruthie Staalsen | Sandra Akufo | Sarah Barnard |
Sarah Kuchar-Parkinson | Sarah Trop | Sarah Walker |
Sharon Sherman | Shawn D. Wilson | Shirin Sarikhani |
Stacey Dobrovolny | Stephanie Stuart | Tamra Pfeifer |
Terry Mainord | Tessa Kluetz Pernell | Theresa Bouchard |
Val Nehez |
Methodology
The statistics featured in this report are based on the results of a survey completed by 101 top interior design and home staging experts in November 2025. These professionals were asked a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Most multiple-choice questions allowed for more than one answer to be selected. All percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number.
See our previous reports on kitchen trends:
Kitchen Design Trends Report 2025
Kitchen and Bathroom Trends Report 2024
Kitchen Trends Report 2023
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.