7 Gorgeous Cabinet Trends Set To Take Over Kitchens In 2026

Your kitchen cabinetry might just be one of the most important choices you make for your home. More than just practical storage, your kitchen cabinets serve as the visual centerpiece of the room, which is often the heart of the home. The style you choose sets the tone for the rest of the room's design, from wall colors and countertops to furniture and décor pieces.

In 2026, design experts predict a shift toward bold colors, natural finishes, and minimalist styles that feel clean and intentional. Some homeowners will gravitate toward rich jewel-toned paint, while others will go the natural route with sustainable materials, like reclaimed wood and bamboo. 

Experts expect minimalist design principles to underpin homeowners' choices as well. From toned-down hardware to slim cabinet silhouettes, less is more in the cabinets that will take over 2026 trends. It's a step away from the all-over-white kitchens of years past, full of character while still remaining refined. Wherever you fall on the design spectrum, these gorgeous 2026 kitchen cabinet trends will inspire your kitchen transformation in the new year.

Cabinet hardware is incredibly easy to change, and it's a renter-friendly upgrade that anyone can make. It's no surprise that hardware is on the list of trends for 2026. Design experts expect to see slim, minimalistic handles with a refined, timeless look, if people choose to use them at all. Many homeowners are opting for hardware-free cabinetry to let the woodwork be the star of the show. Touch-to-open and push-to-open cabinetry make this trend not only sleek but also functional.

Bold color is in, and stark white cabinets are out for 2026. Experts anticipate many homeowners will ditch the neutrals in favor of trendy jewel tones and deep browns. Some homeowners will also take the color-drenching trend into the kitchen with these paints. Navy blue, eggplant, and forest green are among the colors expected to be popular. These colors all feel rich yet grounded, just the energy we want to bring into the new year.

Design experts expect to see cabinetry that's just as minimalist as its hardware in 2026. Flat-panel and slab cabinets are free of grooves, designs, or panels, epitomizing sleek, modern design that creates a simple backdrop for your kitchen activities. Plus, with nowhere for dust to settle, they stay remarkably clean. If you're ready to adopt a completely modern look, flat-panel and slab cabinets are the way to go.

Using mesh inserts is another way that homeowners will get creative with their cabinetry in 2026. In the middle ground between open shelving and cabinet doors, you'll find a whole world of rattan, fabric, and metal inserts in cabinet doors. Experts say this cabinet upgrade is a great way to experiment with texture. Mesh inserts breathe life into your cabinets while still hiding your kitchen clutter.

If mesh isn't your thing, open shelving may be. Open shelving isn't a new kitchen trend, but it will still be popular in 2026. Take the plunge on the open shelving trend and take off your cabinet doors. Experts say that open shelving helps a kitchen feel more spacious and allows homeowners to experiment with shelf styling. You can do this with as many or as few cabinets as you like to customize your design. This, of course, is also a great option if you want to show off your whimsical vintage dishware collection or other decor pieces.

Bold colors aren't for everyone, but some homeowners are going green without the paint. Many homeowners are expected to embrace sustainable style in 2026. Reclaimed and responsibly sourced wood, as well as alternative materials, like bamboo, prove that sustainability can be stylish. Along with sustainability, homeowners are drawn to natural wood's unique grain and calming appeal, aligning the kitchen design with the growing biophilic design trend. Walnut and white oak are among the most popular choices.

Why choose? This dynamic style has it all. Two-toned cabinets offer visual interest and create depth in a refined way. Dark lower cabinets paired with light upper cabinets is the way to go for a color scheme that feels balanced and grounded. If you can't commit to wood or paint, choosing two-toned cabinets is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds.