Homeowners are prioritizing comfort in their kitchens for 2026. Renovations are trending toward natural tones and lots of storage, creating lived-in spaces with function in mind. “As a whole, people want their kitchen to feel like part of the home.
They are looking at it as less clinical and more like a warm area to gather with family,” says Andrea Sinkin, interior designer and founder of Andrea Sinkin Design in Greenwich, Conn. “We’re bringing back the soul.”
Here are the best trends for kitchens in 2026 and in to 2027.
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Warm, natural tones and saturated colors
One major trend for 2026: warm tones. “After years of painted cabinets and all-white kitchens,
natural wood is continuing to make a big comeback,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of Corporate Design Studio at KB Home. She explains that homeowners are pairing “rich, moody colors like burgundy and chocolate” with natural wood tones to create an inviting atmosphere in their home.
But cool tones haven’t completely disappeared. Instead, Kirk says more homeowners are opting for “dark and richly saturated colors” like blue-blacks and cool-toned blues, creating contrast and mixing colors for a more modern look.
Concealed appliance storage
While wanting an organized space is nothing new, kitchen designs are making it easier to conceal appliances, freeing up counter space and reducing visual clutter. Popular choices include built-in microwave drawers and custom-made appliance cubbies for add-ons like dishwashers or wine coolers. These upgrades stow away smaller appliances while still keeping them accessible.
Real stone countertops
Real stone countertops have made a comeback recently, thanks to their timeless look and longevity. “Natural stone continues to lead, especially with softer veining that adds movement without overwhelming the space,” says Amanda Valente, Co-Founder and COO of Renovation Sells. Quartzite and marble are among the most popular options.
Layered lighting
Layered lighting adds several ambient light sources to a kitchen, as opposed to one overhead light. Examples of layered lighting include under-cabinet lights, floor-level toe kick lights and decorative fixtures. This helps reduce harsh lighting and create a cozier feel.
Mixed materials and finishes
Mixing materials and finishes can add visual intrigue and texture to a space, while still keeping the look cohesive. “Moving away from a single finish creates a layered aesthetic,” Kirk says. “We will increasingly see a combination of different metals for a dynamic and sophisticated feel.”
She notes that common pairings include brushed gold and chrome, as well as bronzed gold and black stainless steel.
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Zoned kitchen layouts
Zoned kitchens are designed to accommodate a homeowner’s lifestyle and workflow, with separate areas dedicated to specific tasks. These zones can include practical layout features that improve efficiency, like grouping prepping and cleaning areas together. Others are more personalized, with creative features like coffee bars, pet stations or dedicated baking spaces.
Functional, livable designs
Functionality is another major theme for homeowners in 2026. With high mortgage rates and real estate prices keeping owners in their homes longer, durability and everyday usability have become a greater priority for renovations. “Homeowners want spaces that feel comfortable and functional, with layouts that are open but still practical, and materials that are easy to live with long term,” Valente says.
In response, many homeowners are choosing efficient layouts and low-maintenance finishes, such as natural wood cabinetry over painted surfaces and vinyl plank flooring instead of hardwood.
Realistic timeline for a kitchen remodel
Basic kitchen changes like updating the backsplash, countertops and cabinet hardware can often take less than a month, while most full kitchen remodels take between three and six months.
More advanced projects that involve changing your kitchen layout or installing custom cabinetry can take longer. “For a full upscale kitchen – custom cabinetry, real stone, structural changes – I tell clients to plan on six to nine months from contract signing to cooking in the finished space,” says Michael Winn, founder and principal at WINN Design + Buildin in McLean, VA.
Our picks for top kitchen appliances for any remodel
If you're going for a new kitchen aesthetic, it's very likely that the purchase of some new appliances may be in your near future. We've included a few of our favorites here, ranging from smaller additions for coffee lovers or specialized tastes, to big-ticket items that every home needs.
Breville Barista Espresso Machine
This espresso machine comes in brushed stainless steel (shown) and darker black sesame and black truffle options to fit whatever aesthetic you're going for in your new kitchen.
Shop this popular kitchen appliance today.
LG MAX French Door Refrigerator
This name-brand appliance is high-capacity and comes loaded with features, including an internal water dispenser, ice maker, easy glide drawers and far more. If you're upgrading your flooring and countertops, we think that you should give this a look as well. See why more than 4,000 customers have rated this product so highly when you shop LG.
Shop this industry-leading refrigerator today.
Cafe 4-Burner Range
With smartphone compatibility and control, this oven comes with modern features, with a timeless appeal. Two independent ovens and an edge-to-edge cooktop offer plenty of possibilities and higher capacity prep for larger families and gatherings.
Shop this unique kitchen centerpiece today.
Budget-friendly kitchen remodel tips
You don’t necessarily need a full luxury kitchen renovation to incorporate 2026’s top kitchen trends. Smaller, high-impact upgrades can add warmth and improve organization without requiring a major budget. Consider these cost-friendly improvements:
- Refinish cabinets instead of replacing them entirely
- Swap out cabinet hardware or light fixtures to add mixed metal finishes
- Incorporate warmer, natural paint colors instead of stark whites or grays
- Add under-cabinet LED lighting strips for layered, ambient lighting
- Introduce wood accents like stools, cutting boards or open shelving
- Focus your spending on durable, low-maintenance materials
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top 7 kitchen remodel trends for 2026
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