The Kitchen Cabinet Trends That Will Elevate Your Space in 2026, According to Designers

Storage is key to a successful kitchen. Having the right cabinetry not only keeps things organized but can also elevate the overall aesthetic of the space, infusing it with a sense of elegance and style. Sometimes, knowing what trends are dominating this part of the kitchen can help guide you in creating elevated storage that will stand the test of time.

Here, we spoke to interior designers about the pervasive trends that they say will define kitchen cabinets in 2026. Read on for some important need-to-knows regarding your next big renovation.

Earth Tones

White kitchens are becoming a thing of the past, and homeowners are instead experimenting with bolder hues for their cabinets. Earth tones have been popular in almost every room of the home, so it makes sense that many are gravitating toward this palette for cabinets as well.

"Warmth is key!" says Trudy Stump, lead designer at Huff Harrington. "Brown is having a major comeback—not the heavy cherry cabinets of the early 2000s, but elegant shades of walnut, tobacco and soft caramel."

She notes that these earthy tones can ground the space, and pair well with aged brass hardware and soapstone countertops.

Open Shelving Is Out

Open shelving was once all the rage, but it's starting to fade into the background in favor of more discreet cabinetry. Stump notes they're seeing "hidden pantries, integrated appliances, and beautifully paneled cabinetry that conceals the practical side of the kitchen."

Within, cabinets are providing more bespoke elements, like custom drawers designed specifically for spices or cutlery—something that wouldn't be possible with open shelving. "The goal is to keep surfaces clean, with the function hidden just beneath the surface," Stump adds.

Walk-In Pantries

If you have the space, then why not create a totally separate room for your cabinetry? "The front-facing kitchen, where people gather, is now more curated and expressive," says Jaque Bethke, founder and principal designer of Jaque Design. "It has hidden storage, professional-grade functionality, and almost no visible hardware."

Creating a separate pantry area allows for more flexibility, too—so you can stockpile more items at once. "Modern storage now supports zones of living," Bethke adds.

The '90s Are Back

Design elements from the 1990s have been making a comeback—especially in the kitchen. Stump notes that she's seen this look remerge "with restraint," citing decorative range hoods, skirted sinks, and tiled counters as examples.

"I've recently loved seeing wallpaper in the kitchen to help soften and warm the space, a true throwback to the classic 90s look," she adds. "It's less about copying a look and more about channeling a feeling."