5 Kitchen Cabinet Trends You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2026, Designers Say

While you might be enjoying flicking through annual color reports or kitchen tile trends, don’t forget about the workhorses of your cooking space: kitchen cabinets. These elements deserve just as much attention, especially since they make up such a large portion of your space.

What’s most important about these trends is that many of them have staying power. A trend may be fleeting by definition, but designers are expecting timeless design in 2026—perfect for anyone diving into kitchen tweaks and remodels.

From cabinet paint colors to door designs, here’s what experts say to expect.

Mesh Insert Cabinets

It might seem like there are few ways to update cabinets, save for color and hardware, but don’t forget about inserts and panels.

“Mesh and fabric inserts [for] cabinet doors in spaces like a butler’s pantry will continue to trend,” says senior designer Kelly Emerson.

These obscure more than glass panels but give interest to the fronts of your cabinets. Creative director Erin Coren notes that there are a variety of insets and inserts to choose from, including mixtures of tambour, seeded glass, and metal inserts. There are rattan and other fabrics as well for additional texture.

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Slim and Minimalist Cabinets

Minimalism is being taken to a further extent this next year. Aside from the darker color trends (which we’ll get to), the door shapes, finishes, and hardware of cabinets are leaning towards clean and simple.

“Expect to see more skinny shaker cabinets in 2026,” says principal interior designer Judi Cooper. “With slim rails and modest proportions, these cabinets sit between transitional and contemporary.”

Emerson points out that this could be rendered as simple shaker cabinets or flat-paneled uppers and lowers.

Sleek or Non-Existent Hardware

Emerson notes that homeowners are more invested than ever in customizing their hardware. Not only this, but next year you’ll notice homeowners gravitating to latches, pulls, and bolts that are sleek and timeless. This want for minimal hardware is also sliding into no hardware.

“Many clients are now choosing touch to open or push to open so the cabinetry itself can shine. When pulls are used, they’re usually going to be thin and refined,” Cooper says.

Deep, Jewel-Toned Colors

“Homeowners are embracing color in cabinetry even more than was trending before,” Emerson says, adding that she predicts it’ll continue into 2026.

As for what cabinet colors specifically? There are a few set to take center stage.

“We are seeing dark browns, aubergine, and jewel tones throughout cabinetry in special places like butler pantries and breakfast bars,” Coren says.

She also adds that color-drenching will be even more prevalent in cooking spaces this year. This could look like an entire kitchen doused in one color or all the cabinets sharing the same shade.

“Where white kitchens and light and airy designs were the rage for the past decade, moody rich colors are making their way through the home, and we anticipate seeing this trend move in the kitchen to become more mainstream,” Coren says.

Smarter Cabinet Layouts

Aside from the aesthetics of cabinets, certain layouts are being reconsidered, too. The position of a set of cabinets, whether they’re upper designers or somewhere on your island, can impact how easy it is to move around and access essentials.

“Layouts are getting smarter with refrigerator drawers in islands, freezer drawers on the perimeter, sculpted custom hoods, and a renewed love for natural stone that welcomes patina over perfect polish,” says Cooper.

Think about your own kitchen configuration and see if it’s as efficient as it can be. Even if you don’t plan to make serious renovations, simply rearranging where you store items or bringing in movable cabinets or carts can contribute to a better layout.

Cabinet Trends Fading Out

While these cabinet trends are emerging for 2026, there are a few trends our experts shared that are starting to lose momentum next year.

Sleek minimalism may be big, but waterfall islands bring a little too much of that. Emerson says that homeowners are after cozier touches, so islands rendered in warmer tones with several compartments will better fit the bill. Plus, they offer more storage space.

Cooper says that thick rails, oversized pulls, and busy applied moldings aren’t going to stick around next year, as far as cabinet details go. Color-wise, expect to see bright artificial whites step aside, making room for deeper, warmer tones.