“In 2026, investing in a kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about maximizing function, leveraging technology, and supporting a healthier lifestyle,” says Ashley Macuga, principal designer at Collected Interiors. “The return on investment goes far beyond resale value — it’s about creating a space that supports family connection and everyday wellness.”
I spoke to a handful of designers, and these are their biggest predictions for what’ll be in for 2026 in the world of kitchen design — and what will definitely be out.
7 Kitchen Trend Predictions That Are “In” for 2026
1. Colorful Cabinets
Calling them “color-forward kitchen cabinets,” Macuga has observed that 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,” she says of hues that you can count on seeing in 2026. Check out some other bold kitchen cabinet colors you’ll never tire of here.
2. Induction Cooking
Macuga says that 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). “And dare I say chic and sleek?” she says.
3. Designated Stations
Nureed Saeed, creative director at Nu Interiors, predicts that “stations” throughout kitchens will continue to lead overall design choices. “Dedicated stations for how people function are more important than ever,” she notes. “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.”
4. 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 clients want their main kitchen to look photo-ready and clutter-free, even while serving a four-course meal,” Macuga says. “A scullery serves as a hidden prep [and] cleanup zone, keeping dirty dishes, appliances, and food mess out of sight.”
5. Decorative Lighting
Rosanna Bassford, principal and founder of Memmo Interiors, says that in 2026 she predicts 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,” Bassford says. “One thing I’m seeing and designing 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.”
6. Wellness in the Kitchen
The wellness movement continues to gain steam, and it’s naturally found its way into the kitchen. Saeed says that 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 I’m seeing wellness appear in kitchen design is through the integration of hydroponic gardening areas to have a year-round supply of fresh food,” she says. Check out this editor-loved hydroponic gardening system here.
7. Bold Kitchen Choices
Saeed says 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-look[ing] quartz countertops so that you won’t offend anyone in the future with your kitchen,” Saeed says. “More and more, I see my clients 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!
3 Trends That Are Definitely “Out” in 2026
1. Kitchen Islands
Bassford says that kitchen islands are slowly but surely being replaced with something a little more old-school: dining tables. “This is especially suitable for smaller kitchens, where a large, blocky island disrupts the flow and may make it feel even smaller,” she says. If you have a small space with a dining nook, check out these gorgeous sets.
2. Gas Ranges
Electric is in, and gas is out, according to Bassford. “During remodels, gas ranges are being replaced by electric ones, including induction,” she says. “Induction surfaces are so easy to clean and are safer — they turn off when the pan is removed for an extended period of time. They’re also better for indoor air quality than gas ranges.”
3. Linear Seating
Instead of creating linear seating on one side of an island, Bassford is seeing counter stools on two sides or even three sides of an island “so that people sitting can have a conversation. It feels more like a dining nook right in the kitchen.”
What do you think of these designers’ trend predictions for kitchens in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!