14 Kitchen Color Trends We're Already Eyeing For 2026

Every year, designers identify colors that will be the main focus of interior trends, and these are pivotal in setting the tone for the entire way kitchen design is approached. From hues that provide proven benefits to bold new design trends that are perfect for entertaining, 2026 is already filled with an interesting mix of color palettes. These color selections are on trend with the year's focus on comfort, nature, and artistry, and pair well with trending cabinet designs that are taking over kitchens in 2026.

Professional designers Claire Staszak from Centered by Design and Zoë Feldman of Zoë Feldman Design spoke about the influence of color in 2026, via Martha Stewart. Staszak emphasized daring designs, stating, "People are more open to warmth and embracing color, and continue to want to do new, different, and bolder colors." Feldman, on the other hand, spoke about balancing color, saying, "Think deep greens, ochres, and rich, muddy blues balanced by warm neutrals." These designers aren't alone in these sentiments, either. From social media to industry portfolios, these nature-inspired hues are making an impact in 2026 kitchen design.

Burnt orange is a bold color that is giving kitchens a mood boost in 2026. Bold colors are definitely working their way back into the hearts of designers and homeowners as they leave all-white kitchen designs behind. Not only does burnt orange work to fulfill the role of bold colors, but it can also improve mood, giving you a boost right before mealtime. Designer Madison Adam says of the shade, via BHG, "It adds dynamic energy to a room without being too overpowering." 

The coastal trend has been around for more than a few years, and it's still going strong in 2026. Instead of utilizing bold, bright colors, coastal design focuses on using muted natural tones that are reminiscent of the beach. This could include light blues, grey, tan, and white. You may see a bit of green in a coastal design on occasion, but only as a secondary or accent color.

Cream and beige color palettes are some of the most talked-about colors for kitchen designs in 2026. The leading trend of the year is bringing comfort into the space, and soft neutral tones that aren't too bright do just that. You don't have to saturate the design in cream colors, though that's not necessarily a bad choice. Using these natural hues as a base creates an inviting atmosphere that pairs well with other natural tones, pastels, or even bold colors.

Sometimes the impact of the design comes from how you pair the colors as much as it comes from the colors themselves. One bold way to make a statement with your kitchen design is to create contrast in the design. Select two contrasting colors that align with the overall design of the kitchen. Create depth and interest in the design by layering the contrast with a foundation color and an accent color. This will help to maintain consistency and balance in the space.

It's been said that dark tones like blacks and greys aren't suited for saturated color in a room because they make the room feel darker, smaller, and more dismal. Of course, when paired incorrectly, that can be true. However, designers are excited about using dark, moody hues in kitchens in 2026 because, when paired with other trends like natural wood, brass or copper finishes, or natural stone, dark colors bring a sense of nature and comfort to the room. Common colors that are trending in 2026 include black, charcoal grey, and midnight blue.

Similar to the idea behind the dark color palette, deep blues are used to not only connect to the deeper sides of nature but also to convey a sense of quality. Deep blues have long been considered a royal color, and they are commonly used in sophisticated designs like nautical themes. Navy, royal, and midnight blue are all perfect for creating a kitchen design that expresses elegance, deep ocean, or twilight. Designer Tom Howley said, via Living etc., "Over the past year, we've seen a remarkable 147 percent increase in blue kitchen sales, making it our fastest-growing paint color choice." 

Earth tones are taking over in 2026, but there's a bit of a twist. Dull browns and sage green are decor trends that are being left behind; in 2026, it's all about white and cream with a blend of vibrant colors. This assessment is supported by countless designers who are all saying the same thing. From Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year Collection featuring Universal Khaki to Pantone's official color of the year, Cloud Dancer, a cool-toned white, light earth tones are setting the foundation, and vibrant greens, blues, reds, and oranges are adding the personality.

With all the focus on nature, it's no surprise that green makes it onto the list of kitchen color trends to watch in 2026, but the actual hues are a shift from recent trends. Instead of pale, sage green tones, designers are looking for something with a bit more power. Olive green and forest green are becoming more common in the kitchen, and not just in backsplashes and cabinets (though there are great options). In 2026, you can expect to see more green countertops making statements in modern kitchen designs.

While bold, bright, or deep colors are a refreshing change for certain styles of kitchen, they don't work for everyone. For brighter kitchens that have more of a meadow or beach vibe, or even a cottage or farm-style kitchen, pastels may be a better choice for color accents. Pastel colors are a tasteful option that provides a sense of airy freshness that wraps the inhabitants in a springtime atmosphere.

Red hues are making waves in 2026 kitchen decor, but not in the same ways as in the past. Instead of decor accents and appliances in fire-truck red, designers are taking deep red tones to the walls. From a designer's perspective, deep reds bring the perfect opportunity to bring emotional intention and comfort into the room. Red is a color that is commonly associated with passion and strength, which works well in a workstation environment. Plus, it is a color commonly found in the form of flowers, foliage, and even sunsets, making it a great option to combine with other trending colors in 2026.

While some designers are leaning away from stainless steel accents, it is still a staple material and color option for modern high-functioning kitchens. Of course, stainless steel has been one of the top choices for appliance color year after year, but that may not be where designers focus metallic surfaces in 2026. Instead, stainless steel is expected to make a statement as sleek, functional, and cohesive countertop designs that blend with the deep natural color palettes that are already standing out.

According to Sherwin-Williams' selection of color trends in 2026, sunset color palettes are on trend for peaceful designs. The palette layers natural tones like creams, beige, or khaki with deep warm tones that reflect the hues of a rising or setting sun. This blends the key colors from various other trends into one cohesive theme that designers say will bring tranquility into the space.

Another way that people are blending color trends in 2026 is through two-tone designs that focus on two main colors. Designs work best when they focus on creating contrast in one area of the kitchen. Not everything has to be two specific colors or materials, but there should be a clear distinction that brings the design together. Home trend expert Suzette Conrad said, via BHG, "Two-tone cabinetry is going to be huge, with lighter upper cabinets paired with a deeper base cabinet or natural wood."

Warm neutrals are at the heart of several styles that homeowners are searching for and asking for as 2026 begins. Some styles that feature these colors include cashmere kitchens and desert palettes. Each style uses a warm neutral as a base, such as caramel, gold, brown, taupes, moody mushrooms, greige, and so much more. Then, designers are layering other natural elements like accents of red, blue, or green, or matte black or bronze hardware.