The 2026 Kitchen Trend That'll Add Order And Function To Your Space

As we enter 2026, homeowners yearn to boost the functionality of their kitchen organization and meal-prep areas without hindering the aesthetics. This year, designers are noting an uptick in smarter storage solutions, particularly when it comes to food prep spaces and designated cooking zones. Jaque Bethke, founder of Jaque Bethke Design, spoke with the Martha Stewart website, noting the trend by saying, "We're entering an era of layered kitchens, where the performance happens behind the scenes, and the experience happens in front." The idea of the layered kitchen trend is the implementation of walk-in pantries, prep spaces, sculleries, or designated cooking zones to accomplish the messier tasks of meal prep behind the scenes. Once-loathed closed-concept layouts are making a comeback to replace open kitchens, offering greater functionality and storage.

This year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association released a 2026 Kitchen Trends Report that stated, "Smarter storage is also in demand," with walk-in pantries noted for their increasing popularity. The American Institute of Architects shared a Q1 report that mentioned a 52% increase in desirable features like the butler, working, or prep pantry. Folks enjoy the separated space off of the main kitchen to use as appliance garages, additional storage, custom beverage stations, and wine coolers. While butler's pantries may have been used for shining silverware or prepping cocktails in the past, homeowners are enjoying the flexibility of hosting in a clean, organized kitchen while hiding the chaos of food prep in its own designated space.

Kitchen zoning is increasing in demand. Designer Ashley Macuga Collected Interiors told The Kitchn, "With open-concept living, many clients want their main kitchen to look photo-ready and clutter-free." The addition of a butler's pantry or scullery helps eliminate mess and the eyesore of food storage. The scullery or prep kitchen, sometimes called "dirty kitchens," is the most common way to use the layered kitchen trend. Families who love to entertain might turn a secondary room or large walk-in pantry into a food prep space, outfitted with a secondary sink or cooktop, additional refrigeration, appliance garages, or floor-to-ceiling storage.

Alternatively, some folks are creating prep pantries or butler's pantries. Many might misunderstand the difference between a prep kitchen and a butler's pantry, but each can declutter your kitchen. Butler or prep pantries often don't have secondary cooktops or sinks. Instead, they are transitional spaces between the main kitchen and formal dining room with additional storage. Today's butler's pantries are utilized for coffee or dry bars and small appliance storage. Entire wine rooms and main-level cellars are also trending. If you don't have an additional room, a wet bar in a small nook of the kitchen or dining area could increase the value of your home. Or, upgrade your walk-in pantry as kitchen pantry renovations are trending. For a unique idea, homeowners who love to garden might create a harvest room in their mudroom with a veggie sink or dry storage area for produce.