The Trendy Kitchen Cabinet Style To Consider Trying In 2026

The year is coming to an end, and what a year it's been for interior decor trends. These include spring home decor trends, like sage green paint accented on kitchen cabinetry, and the emergence of the loud luxury trend, which emboldens luxe materials and bespoke silhouettes. It's amusing, if not interesting, to see the direction in which interior decor is moving, particularly online, but when it comes to predicting what trends will make a statement in 2026, it's worth looking at the data. And according to trend forecasts, you may see a lot more homeowners favoring white oak cabinets in their kitchens in the new year over previously popular materials, like quartz, which Consumer Reports shared to be 2025's best kitchen countertop.

According to a recent report from the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, 59% of respondents favored wood grain over painted cabinets, with 51% noting that white oak was the most popular wood type. White oak has long been a trendy choice in kitchens, creating warmth and providing a neutral balance with diverse countertops and hardware. This warm, neutral cabinetry is famed for its versatility and seamless integration into popular interior decorating styles, whether your aesthetic leans traditional or contemporary. But its resurgence is, if anything, predictable as the design pendulum swings naturally from minimalist and sterile kitchens to warmer environments. 

As mentioned above, organic materials are a naturally (no pun intended) timeless material in interior design. In the kitchen, the connection between indoors and nature anchors the space, integrating calm and relaxation in a room meant for sharing meals and connecting with loved ones. Neutral white oak, when applied to overhead and base cabinets, warms up your kitchen, creating a light and airy feel, and ultimately making the space feel brighter and look larger.

Not to mention, white oak is a durable material, which makes it an especially optimal choice when it comes to affordability and aesthetic styling, since it remains stylish even as trends come and go. That being said, white oak can complement a diverse list of interior styles, from modern farmhouse to transitional to contemporary. Pair white oak cabinets with other bright natural materials, such as granite or marble countertops, rattan chairs, and rustic lighting fixtures, for a cohesive space. You might also consider contrasting white oak cabinets with a moody color palette. For example, white oak can balance darker shades, such as sage green or navy blue paint, dark quartz countertops, a black range, or a copper hood.