The Stunning Red Hue That's On Trend For Kitchens In 2026 (& What To Pair It With)

There's no denying that green kitchens have been taking the interior design world by storm in 2025, with popular shades like sage and forest green finding their way into kitchens all over the world. But in 2026, a new hue is taking center stage — merlot. Similar to burgundy — Erin Napier's once-controversial kitchen color choice — the color merlot is named after the French wine. It's a deep red with pink undertones that brings instant elegance and warmth to a space. And there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your kitchen — no matter what the overall aesthetic of your home is.

The most impactful way to embrace the trend is by painting your walls or cabinets in the rich, earthy shade. But for something a little more subtle, you could consider introducing the color as a backsplash. A glazed tile in this hue, for example, would look gorgeous behind a sink or stove, while a checkered merlot-and-white tile pattern would bring a pop of personality. If you're a fan of marble, however, a cream-colored marble backsplash with merlot veining offers a touch of sophistication while still keeping the space feeling warm and inviting. 

Of course, you don't have to commit to a full renovation to incorporate the trendy color into your space. Smaller decor pieces — such as merlot-colored vases and bowls, wall art, or rugs — would do just the trick. You could also consider a merlot-colored removable wallpaper — another easy way to add bold color to your home when you're not 100% sure about it.

Since merlot already makes a bold statement on its own, deciding what to pair it with will require a bit more thought than choosing colors to complement a white or muted kitchen. If you opt for merlot-painted walls, creamy white cabinets — a shade that's set to take over kitchen cabinet trends in 2026 — make a lovely pairing for a traditional look, while black or charcoal cabinets bring in a dramatic, moodier edge. If you go with merlot cabinets, on the other hand, consider pairing them with walls painted in a soft complementary hue, like cream, light gray, muted green, or dusty pink. For added texture, a dusty pink limewash wall or light pink brick backsplash would look stunning against merlot cabinetry. 

When it comes to picking the right countertop to pair with your merlot cabinets, white marble offers a clean, modern look, while beige marble leans more traditional or rustic. Natural wood accents, like butcher block countertops, also pair beautifully with merlot cabinets and would work especially well in homes that have more of a farmhouse or rustic cottage aesthetic. 

Finally, when choosing a finish for your hardware — think faucets and cabinet door handles — gold or bronze is your best bet. Gold accents will make the merlot feel even more luxurious, while bronze works beautifully in a rustic or vintage-inspired space.