Material refinements, space expansion, visual improvements and multi-purpose kitchen centers were among the 11 things the National Kitchen + Bath Association's (NKBA) 2026 Kitchen Trends Report cited as key themes for kitchen design over the next three years. The trade group represents designers, remodelers, manufacturers and installers, as well as other kitchen and bath industry professionals. They expect homeowners and decorators to continue to favor designs that combine traditional and modern elements, and that earthy colors and amenities like pet feeding stations will be among the trends to watch out for. One trend – combining light countertops with darker cabinets – is a departure from the traditional.
Color is trendy. In 2024, the kitchen was the most renovated room in homes. Everything was completely white, overlaps everywhere, or the cute country house kitchens had to disappear. Tried-and-true favorites like granite and marble countertops continue to slide down the list of must-have designs, while easy-care quartz takes the top spot. Quartz is an engineered stone that is lighter and harder to damage and comes in a variety of colors and designs – two of the reasons it is commonly found in modern kitchens. Trendy back panels are made from the same material as the counter and form a continuous surface that flows from the counter to the wall. These easy-to-clean surfaces replace outdated tiles. Even if you choose one of the cheapest kitchen countertop materials, light countertops reflect more light and make the kitchen appear airy and spacious, while combining light countertops with darker cabinets adds visual depth.
Create a trendy kitchen
NKBA predicts that shades of green will be the most popular color choice for furniture, walls and tiles. Designers point to color's ability to connect us with nature as a virtue, whether it's the dark hues of an emerald or a pale celery green. Light worktops with matt or sanded surfaces are trendy and replace dark, glossy worktops. Combine bold-colored cabinets with solid or patterned engineered stone countertops. Dramatic, contrasting grains in colors like black and gold are trending, as are bright counters with grains in warm tones like cinnamon or nature-inspired blues and greens. If mid-century modern is your look, choose solid colors like bright yellow or very light blue for your countertops to contrast with the vintage cabinet trend that's making a comeback.
Waterfall edges, where the countertop continues on the side of the base cabinet, are one of the kitchen upgrades that are worth the price. They are dramatic, seamless and work with any material. Regardless of the material used, light worktops reflect more light and make the kitchen appear airy and spacious. Pairing with darker cabinets made from sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood for cabinets and floors adds extra drama. Using different materials or textures for countertops adds even more contrast, as long as the materials have a clean, simple design. Brass hardware and hardware has made a comeback, but open shelving is on the decline.