It's Official - This Kitchen Cabinet Color Trend Is Going Out Of Style In 2026

These days, homeowners gravitate toward minimalistic kitchens that feel light, clean, and open. This is why dark espresso cabinets, once a go-to choice for adding a luxurious touch to a kitchen space, are now losing their appeal and going out of style in 2026. Deep brown-to-black cabinetry can work against a clean, modern aesthetic, potentially overwhelming a room and making it appear smaller, darker, or even cave-like. In addition, they're not the best way to make the most of a small kitchen for those reasons.

What once looked sophisticated and dramatic can now feel dated or overly formal in homes designed for casual, everyday living. In contrast, today's design trends favor lighter woods, soft neutrals, and painted finishes that reflect light and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels equally suited to everyday family life and entertaining guests. These lighter looks can also pair more effortlessly with a variety of countertop materials, backsplashes, and flooring choices, giving you more flexibility as you style your kitchen.

Of course, fully embracing any trend can backfire, as styles tend to come and go with surprising speed. Instead, if you're weighing new cabinet options, aim for a style that won't be dated quickly and instead focus on choosing the right kitchen cabinet style for your space. And if your kitchen already features dark espresso cabinets, all is not lost. There are plenty of simple, budget-friendly updates you can make to your kitchen (that are well short of a full remodel) to make your space feel brighter, fresher, and more up-to-date.

Today, homeowners aren't afraid to add fun color to their kitchens, choosing hues like greens and blues for their cabinets. These colors certainly give a nod to current kitchen trends. However, if you'd like a look that will stay stylish through 2026 and beyond, opt for softer, more neutral variations of these colors for a broader appeal. So, rather than going with saturated emerald or navy cabinets, try a lighter sage green or a misty blue instead.

And if you love the earthy look of brown in your space, there are trendier options that can provide an aesthetic similar to espresso without its extra weight. For instance, you could opt for a mushroom or soft taupe to create a quiet, nature-inspired feel for your kitchen. Natural finishes are also expected to be trending in 2026, so for an eco-friendly choice, you could consider adding cabinets in light wood tones like oak or maple, which are among the best sustainable cabinet materials to use for an eco-friendly impact.

If your kitchen already has espresso-brown cabinets and you'd like to update them without doing a complete renovation, you could consider painting or refacing them, such as in a soft taupe. Another option is to keep your existing dark lower cabinets and replace your upper cabinets with creamy white ones to create balance in your kitchen and impart an overall feel that's lighter and more welcoming. By choosing your cabinet colors and style wisely, you can enjoy a space that is both stylish and appealing, while also ensuring that they won't be yesterday's news once 2027 rolls around.