Kitchens are getting smarter, more personal and more focused on health, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2026 Kitchen Trends report, released in September 2025 and drawn from a survey of designers, manufacturers, remodelers and architects. Although American homes are getting smaller overall, 76% of respondents expect kitchen footprints to grow over the next three years.
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Materials and colour
Neutrals still lead, named most popular by 96% of respondents, followed by greens (86%) and blues (78%). Bolder colour is expected to show up in backsplashes, wallpaper and islands rather than across whole rooms. Natural materials are rising: wood grain has overtaken painted cabinets (59%), white oak is the favourite wood (51%) and quartz leads countertops (62%), with quartzite close behind.
Style and layout
Transitional, timeless design is the top style (72%), ahead of contemporary and minimalist looks (60%). Flat-slab cabinet doors (69%) and panel-faced refrigeration (72%) support that cleaner look. Lifestyle features are in demand, led by dedicated beverage areas (85%), pet feeding stations (64%) and eat-in kitchens (59%), and 94% said homeowners are adding mudrooms and flex-office space. Storage is a priority too, from floor-to-ceiling cabinets to walk-in pantries and storage-heavy islands.
Lighting and technology
Eighty-seven percent said kitchens are becoming showcases for statement lighting, with undercabinet (82%) and pendant fixtures (63%) popular. Wellness features are gaining ground, including powerful vent hoods (85%) and steam cooking (66%), along with app-controlled appliances.
What it means for you
If you are planning a kitchen, durable natural materials and generous storage are the safest long-term choices, and good task lighting pays off every day. The report notes that most of these trends are still growing in adoption, so they are unlikely to look dated soon. Use our guide to choosing a kitchen layout before you meet a designer.
Source: NKBA | KBIS Releases 2026 Kitchen Trends Report, Kitchen & Bath Business. Figures in this article come from that source.
