2026 Kitchen Trends: What Our Designers Expect to See This Year
A new year always inspires fresh thinking in the home. As we head into 2026, our designers are seeing clear shifts in the projects unfolding across our showrooms. So what can you expect in the new year? Our designers dish on the five major style trends underway and how homeowners are leaning more into personality, warmth, and quiet character.
Color Is Making a Chic Comeback
At Showcase, we’ve never shied away from bold projects. Designer Taylor Sucoff notes that clients are becoming more adventurous with color. Painted islands in burgundy, deep green, and navy are rising, along with cabinetry in richer wood tones. After years of light stains dominating, we’re seeing increased interest in walnut and deeper oaks that add warmth and timeless sophistication.
Patterned Floors Move Beyond the Mudroom
Once reserved for mostly smaller utility spaces, checkerboard flooring is now making its way into full kitchens. Homeowners are coming to us embracing patterns that feel expressive yet classic, with this simple way of introducing personality underfoot.
“Clean Traditional” Becomes the New Classic
In recent projects, designer Victoria Fioravanti shared that she is seeing a strong shift toward traditional styles with a “modern edit”. Think handmade-look tiles, colored subways, and 4x4 or 5x5 square tiling that brings subtle charm without overwhelming the space.
Wallpaper Finds Its Moment
The hallmark motif of mid-century modern homes between the 50s-70s is having a resurgence! In kitchen contexts, wallpaper is drawing demand in adjacent spaces like breakfast nooks, pantries, and bar areas, adding warmth, pattern, and visual softness to the overall kitchen environment.
Natural Stone Continues Its Rise
Although several new undertakings are hitting clients’ 2026 inspo boards, not everything we reported on in 2025 is being left behind! In fact, clients are increasingly choosing marble and quartzite for everything from islands to full-height backsplashes. These natural stones offer organic movement that instantly elevates a kitchen while keeping it grounded and timeless.
All in all, 2026 kitchens are becoming more personal, expressive, and rooted in character. Whether through color, stone, tile, or pattern, homeowners are designing spaces that feel deeply their own while still embracing the craftsmanship and function that define a well-made space. Looking to apply these themes to your kitchen remodel? Get in touch with us today!