Expect To See These 12 Traditional Kitchen Features Everywhere In 2026

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Traditional kitchens are the hottest style on every designer's radar. Gone are the days of seamless, all-white cabinetry with hidden appliances. In 2026, homeowners and designers are returning to the basics. Unfitted, collected kitchens with visible patina, flaws, and cookware are all the rage. There are many outdated kitchen features that are unexpectedly coming back in style. People are starting to stray away from curated perfection and move towards attainability and livability.

A home should look like a home rather than a staged set where nobody actually lives. Traditional kitchens were typically less polished and more of a celebration of community and everyday living. By applying these principles to a modern space, you can create an environment that is cozy, welcoming, and timeless. This year, the pendulum is swinging back towards Old World style, and a handful of features are already popping up in kitchens everywhere.

Glass-fronted dressers and buffet storage are a thrift store trend that will revolutionize your kitchen storage. Dishes will be visible, but this setup is far more practical than true open shelving. Plus, these furniture pieces are often inexpensive to source secondhand or easy to repurpose from other rooms. They also make a great furniture flip if you're into DIYs. All in all, glass-front storage units are a low-commitment way to add character to your cooking space.

There are different styles of glass-fronted storage to choose from. You can commit to traditional with  a late 19th Century-style China cabinet. This aesthetic is ideal if you love opulent pieces, but you still want to maintain a rustic-inspired space. If your style usually leans more modern and you're just dipping your toe into traditional decor, consider something more Scandinavian like this Wamapt Sideboard Buffet Cabinet. If you don't have space in your kitchen, you can also place a glass-fronted dresser or buffet cabinet just outside in the hallway or dining area.

Copper pots and pans have been trending for a while, but they shouldn't be exclusively decorative. While the unfitted kitchen embraces cookware on display, it should also be well-used. Don't be afraid to get a little grime on your copper cookware – that's all part of its charm. Over time, copper develops a beautiful patina that only adds to its appeal. If you want to display them in full view, consider a trendy hanging rack. Vintage pot racks are coming back, and here's how to style this type of kitchen storage.

A wide range of copper cookware is available depending on your budget. This Demmex 1.2 mm Hammered Copper Saucepan is a stylish option at a mid-range price point. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice, this entire set of Gotham Steel Hammered Ceramic Cookware looks like copper with a sleek ceramic interior. If you really want to achieve a traditional, countryside-inspired look, consider hanging bunches of dried herbs in between your pots on the rack.

Historic blue and white Delft tiles are making a comeback in kitchen backsplashes. Hand-painted and Dutch-inspired, they nod to tradition while still feeling fresh. Designs range from classic bucolic scenes to more modern, minimalist interpretations. Whether you use them above your stove or across your entire backsplash, they can add a sense of storytelling to your cooking space.

This tile trend is a great example of taking a traditional element and modifying it to suit a current interior. Although you are welcome to install authentic Delft tiles with hand-painted motifs, you can also source modern alternatives that have a similar visual effect. For example, these Blue Ville Talavera Tiles with a minimalist, floral design can work with both classic and contemporary kitchen decor. You can also create your own custom Delft Tile designs with sentimental value. If you just want to try out the look before committing, consider this Delft Tile Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper from Home Depot.

Sleek and shiny finishes are now traded in for brushed and aged hardware. Rubbed brass, bronze, and copper with natural patina bring warmth and depth to kitchens. Mixing and matching finishes is not only allowed, but it's encouraged. Rather than feeling busy, the mix creates visual balance and most importantly, personality! The best part is the that aged appearance only improves with time.

You can incorporate aged hardware in a variety of ways. One of the cheapest ways to upgrade your kitchen is by swapping out your knobs and pulls. These Vintage Antique Brass Cabinet Knobs are made to look like tiny doorknobs, adding a touch of whimsy to your space. Pair them with these Vintage Retro Antique Brass Zinc Alloy Cabinet Handles in a slightly different shade of antique metal. You can also use hydrogen peroxide to reimagine the metal hardware you already have.

In line with the unfitted kitchen trend, large wooden tables are replacing built-in islands. This approach can make your kitchen appear lived-in and give it a vintage yet casual feel. It also adds flexibility, as the table can be moved around according to your needs. From a rustic wood table with a seating bench to a modern wood table in a dark walnut finish, you can easily find a surface to suit your specific style.

Although a large table might seem ideal for large spaces, it is also a great hack for a small kitchen. Instead of an expansive countertop or additional island, you can actually use the wooden table as your prep space and dining table. This multi-functional piece of furniture can sit right in the middle of your kitchen without looking out of place. Plus, wood furniture is truly the warm trend that will never go out of style.

The sink skirt is making a comeback, and you can easily make it work in your space. Beyond your sink, you can also use skirted curtains to conceal your storage spaces. Skirted shelving is a recently recurring element inspired by traditional kitchens. These short and sweet curtains can replace cabinet doors to soften hard lines and introduce a touch of texture. Skirt curtains also offer an easy, low-cost way to refresh cabinetry without a full remodel.

You can either make your own skirt curtains or buy ready-to-hang café curtains. For a simple, DIY approach, all you need is measuring tape, fabric scissors, iron-on seam tape, pinch rings, a tension rod, and the fabric of your choice. If you're not feeling crafty, consider a ready-made option like Jinchan Striped Linen Kitchen Curtains. For a more playful look, shop the Jinchan Linen Tie Top Curtains with a bow-tie top.

There's been a rise in the popularity of natural wood cabinets, especially in traditional kitchens. Instead of painting over wood, homeowners are choosing to refinish and stain it. All tones of wood are trending, but darker-toned woods in particular are making an unexpected comeback. Walnut and mahogany are two popular tones that are rich, warm, and vintage. Dark wood cabinetry can also be a great way to add organic contrast and character to a kitchen with white countertops.

Before staining, sand your cabinets so that the surface evenly absorbs the stain. Choosing the right stain is essential to ensuring your kitchen cabinets reflect your personal style. If you love the dark cabinet look, try this DWIL Water Based Wood Stain in Dark Walnut. If your kitchen is ultra-compact or lacking natural light, you might want to go for a lighter stain like the DWIL Water Based Wood Stain in Natural Oak.

The organic trend continues with a growing love for high-quality, natural materials. Elements like stone, marble, and butcher block are timeless choices. They reflect a shift away from micro trends and cheap DIYs that won't stand the test of time. As homeowners prioritize quality, natural materials are becoming the go-to foundation for a kitchen that only looks better with time. Even though certain materials may not be as durable as manmade, composite alternatives, traditional kitchen design is all about embracing organic imperfection.

There are a few ways to select natural materials that will optimize longevity. End-grain butcher block is far more resilient than standard edge-grain and holds up beautifully to daily use. Granite is also seeing renewed interest as new colorways make it feel current again. Travertine tiles are also back in their true form, but the real stone variations, not the man-made knock-offs.

Designers are taking cues from traditional interiors by favoring cream and ivory over bright white. This shift extends to tiles, including handcrafted, off-white, imperfect backsplashes. Beige itself is also making a massive comeback. Although "millennial beige" has been heavily criticized for being boring, the traditional approach is anything but minimalist and bland. There are ways to use ivory and off-white dynamically. Natural tones, textures, and decor are all layered to create a comfy, homey vibe.

The trick to making off-white and beige work for your space is to prioritize contrasting textures and patterns. For example, off-white walls with beige linen window treatments create softness without blending together. A creamy zellige tile backsplash can contrast nicely with warmer beige or light oak cabinetry. Wool or jute rugs are another way to bring warmth and visible dimension while sticking to a light and bright color palette.

If the ivory-beige trend doesn't suit your style, there is another traditional color trend that leans in the opposite direction. Dark wood cabinets aren't the only deeper tones appearing in 2026 kitchens. Dark and moody kitchens are the next biggest home trend, and colors like eggplant and navy are being used to add visual depth. The result looks daring but not overly dramatic. Jewel tones will give your kitchen a refined and sophisticated feel.

The key to this trend is to commit to the dramatic, moody look. Instead of offsetting dark walls with light wood tones, dare to go even darker with walnut wood furniture. Mix burgundy cabinets with plum tile flooring for a darkly romantic atmosphere. Warm metal hardware can prevent your space from looking gothic and emphasize the opulent ambiance. Dark countertops, like red marble or onyx, are also making a huge statement in 2026.

Contemporary kitchens used to favor integrated ceiling lighting that felt sleek and uniform. Although recessed lighting is convenient, it can also appear too bright and harsh. Instead of a commercial feel, your cooking space should be inviting and comfortable. Today's traditional-leaning kitchens prefer unintegrated lighting like table lamps placed on countertops. Layered light sources are superior when it comes to creating warmth and a more lived-in feel.

There are several kinds of lamps to consider for your kitchen. A cordless lamp can allow you to move the light source freely, which is ideal for a more compact kitchen. This Kakanuo Cordless Lamp is waterproof and battery-powered, making it highly versatile. If you don't want to take up counter space, you can also use pendant lighting. This Cvkash Vintage Glass Pendant Light will give your kitchen a soft, gentle glow. Make sure to choose a warm white bulb to avoid the same harsh atmosphere.

Stainless steel reigned supreme for years, but white appliances are finally coming back. This traditional kitchen trend is popular because it feels softer and less industrial. If you have light cabinetry, white appliances will blend seamlessly with their surroundings and allow other design elements to shine. Alternatively, white appliances can also add a beautiful sense of contrast against natural wood. While stainless steel looks futuristic, white or off-white looks much more timeless.When you think of white appliances, you might picture the cheap-looking vanilla refrigerators that yellowed over time. However, there are tons of elegant white appliances you may not have considered. Look for matte white appliances with a touch of bronze or gold for a modern twist on this traditional approach. If you don't have the budget to replace your major appliances, add touches of white with pieces like this Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker or the Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster in Oatmilk.