Kitchens are often known as the heart of the home, and kitchen styles are always evolving with new trends. Kitchen cabinets are an essential part of any kitchen design and can make a big change to your design. If you’re looking to update your kitchen cabinets, here are a few kitchen cabinet trends for 2026 to inspire you:

1. Modern traditional style
2. Cabinet lighting
3. Built-in or hidden features
4. Wood materials
5. Upper cabinets extending to the ceiling
6. Matte finishes
7. Metallic hardware
8. Dark-toned lower cabinets
9. More color
10. Custom pantries
11. Sustainable materials

1. Modern Traditional Style

While the farmhouse aesthetic has been a long-standing trend, “soft modern” is gaining traction. This style is essentially a blend of modern and traditional elements and is a great way to modernize an outdated kitchen.

To achieve this, choose a traditional cabinet style, such as shaker-style, and paint it in a modern color, like evergreen or slate blue. If you’re content with the physical condition of your cabinets, modernize them by painting them in a more modern color palette.

You can also try modernizing shaker-style cabinets by incorporating very subtle changes in proportion. Try widening either the rails or stiles in order to emphasize modern lines while keeping the classic shaker design that has stayed popular for years.

Another trend that is coming back in style is glass front cabinets; however, updated versions include practical features. Things like customizable shelving as well as interior lighting make utilizing these cabinets much easier. You can also choose glass that is either frosted or textured to hide the cabinets’ contents while still giving an airy and open aesthetic to your kitchen.

2. Cabinet Lighting

Cabinet lighting is becoming a more popular kitchen cabinet trend. It’s a particularly good fit for glass-front cabinets to highlight decor or provide function. It can also fit a variety of styles beyond a modern twist on traditional styles.

There are also other cabinet lighting options available that can work with a variety of kitchen cabinet types and styles. You can even get cabinets with LED lights integrated into the cabinet frame for illumination without bulky fixtures.

Lighting up specific areas with cabinet lighting or lighting under cabinets for better task lighting are kitchen lighting ideas. Using different cabinet lighting strategically can elevate the look and feel of your kitchen, while also providing improved function and flow.

3. Built-In or Hidden Features

Many people try to stay organized in their kitchens, and built-in and hidden features can help that effort as much as possible. Prioritizing functionality is an essential kitchen remodeling tip, and features like appliance garages hide small appliances at an easily-accessible spot.

Adding plenty of storage is a popular kitchen remodeling trend and can help you better organize the kitchen. It’s something you won’t regret adding and will improve how you use your kitchen. Plus, having enough storage is always on-trend, so it’s a timeless addition to your kitchen design.

4. Wood Materials

Another trend is utilizing more wood materials. Wood tones have gained popularity as more homeowners are looking to incorporate more warmth and natural materials into their kitchens. If you wish to add some wood tones to your kitchen, consider oak, walnut, or maple in light or mid-tone stains if you want a modern vibe. Darker woods and stains give a traditional look, but be careful that they don’t make your kitchen too dark.

However, don’t forget about contrast. If you choose a light-toned stain for your cabinetry, consider a mid-tone for your flooring. Contrast can give your kitchen depth, and you can achieve that by choosing a flooring that is just a few shades darker than your cabinetry.

5. Upper Cabinets Extending to the Ceiling

Cabinets that extend to the ceiling make a bold statement and give your kitchen visual interest. Kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling also maximize your vertical space and expand your kitchen storage. Not having enough storage space is one of the signs it’s time to remodel your kitchen.

This style of cabinet will make the most of otherwise wasted space and can be a small kitchen detail that makes a big difference. This extra space can give you more storage for items that you don’t use all that often, such as specialty cookware or extra dinnerware.

Plus, kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling eliminate a place for dust to accumulate, taking one cleaning area off your plate. Extending cabinets to the ceiling is also a useful laundry room idea that can give you more storage in that space as well.

6. Matte Finishes

Matte finishes on cabinets are continuing to be a popular kitchen cabinet trend. Matte finishes offer elegance that glossy finishes can sometimes lack. Matte finishes can give cabinets a smooth, yet non-reflective surface that is much better at hiding fingerprints, smudges, and scratches than glossy finishes. Matte finishes on kitchen cabinets can work in any design style or color. They play well with a minimalist style, yet can create an eclectic style if you prefer.

7. Metallic Hardware

Upgrading your kitchen hardware is a great kitchen home improvement idea. Metallic hardware adds a touch of glamour and luxury without requiring a total overhaul of cabinets. This is a great option if you like the existing cabinets but want a little upgrade. There are a variety of metallic finishes to choose from, such as brushed brass, copper, or stainless steel.

Metallic finishes can work on both light and dark cabinetry and give an eye-catching contrast to your kitchen. And with so many hardware options, you can find a way to customize your kitchen cabinets to whatever style you like. These options range from traditional or vintage to modern or minimalist.

8. Dark-Toned Lower Cabinets

Another one of the popular kitchen cabinet trends continuing in 2026 is lower cabinets in darker tones. This design choice gives you a bold and dramatic kitchen. Consider dark hues like forest green, slate blue, navy blue, or even black to add some sophistication to your kitchen. This is also a kitchen island trend.

Updating your cabinets is one of the best ways to update your kitchen. For a bold, striking contrast, pair these lower cabinets with lighter upper cabinets. This creates a balanced aesthetic for your kitchen and allows you to still opt for a darker countertop if you want one.

This is a kitchen countertop trend as well. A benefit of dark-toned lower cabinets is that dark tones tend to be better at hiding dirt better than lighter colors. This benefit is useful in a high-traffic area like a kitchen where people tend to gather frequently.

9. More Color

As designers look at 2026 trends, they’re finding that homeowners are excited to add a lot more color to their kitchens. In the past, color has been the star of the kitchen island. However, designers are starting to see homeowners wanting to also add color to the perimeter of their kitchen.

White and off-white are still utilized, but they are not the color of choice anymore. Now, white is used as an accent color. Trends are beginning to see kitchens that have two or even three colors. If you wish to incorporate more colors into your kitchen, a great way to do this is to pick colors that complement each other well, and then pick corresponding areas for those colors. Great places to add color are on cabinetry, the backsplash, and trim. Adding some fun pops of color in the kitchen is a popular home renovation trend to try.

10. Custom Pantries

If you’re doing a complete remodel of your kitchen, you may want to consider a custom pantry. Custom pantries are one of the best ways to add extra storage space to your kitchen and can be a great home upgrade that adds value to your home.

Deciding if you have enough space for new additions is one of the things you need to consider when remodeling a kitchen. If you have the space for a custom pantry, consider a walk-in pantry. This can be a great place to store small appliances that you don’t use daily, as well as have plenty of space to store dry goods, cookware, and other household items.

If you don’t have extra space for a walk-in pantry, a great alternative is a custom cabinet. This can even be a floor-to-ceiling cabinet to maximize your storage space. Plan to add plenty of built-in shelving and even practical features like pull-out drawers at the bottom.

11. Sustainable Materials

Another popular trend is homeowners looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Look for materials that are durable and will last a long time. Durable materials are less likely to need to be replaced frequently, which can keep materials out of the landfill, reducing waste.

You can also consider materials that are responsibly sourced. Cabinets that are made from responsibly-sourced woods ensure that forestry practices are followed. Another option is to choose to use reclaimed wood. This reduces the need for brand-new lumber and is a great way to add plenty of charm and character to a kitchen.

Remodel Your Kitchen With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few kitchen cabinet trends for 2026. If any of these ideas have inspired you and you’re ready for a kitchen remodeling project, call Zephyr Thomas at (717) 399-4708 to start the conversation and schedule a free quote for your project!