If you’ve been thinking about a kitchen remodel, but aren’t sure where to start, it can be helpful to look at trends to see if anything inspires you. Remodeling your kitchen can add value to your home, and it can be customized to exactly what you want. Here are a few kitchen remodeling trends of 2026 to inspire you:

1. Embrace bold surfaces.
2. Add an eat-in kitchen.
3. Improve accessibility with features for aging-in-place.
4. Include plenty of storage.
5. Plan for a bigger and more functional kitchen island.
6. Think about a beverage station.
7. Take a tech-forward approach by integrating smart home technology.
8. Upgrade the kitchen backsplash.
9. Consider sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

1. Embrace Bold Surfaces

Updating your countertops and cabinets is one of the best ways to update your kitchen. A popular kitchen remodeling trend is to pick bold surfaces for your countertops and cabinets. For a truly bold statement, pick some unique materials, such as petrified wood or onyx.

These materials will create a focal point in your kitchen. Pick natural stone countertops with a unique pattern for a more understated look. Natural stone adds a luxurious feel to a kitchen, and if you choose a durable stone, it will be practical, too. You can also pick colors and materials that provide a contrast, which is a small kitchen detail that can make a big difference.

If you want to make a statement, consider a popular kitchen cabinet trend of bold cabinetry colors or even a two-tone kitchen design style. Pair darker cabinet colors, such as navy, emerald, or even black, with lighter upper cabinetry. Consider light oak, white, or even a light blue or green to help create some depth and contrast in your kitchen.

This is a great way to play around with color and create some visual interest. Keep the rest of your kitchen design simple and classic. Opt for classic and timeless backsplashes and countertops. This keeps the focus on your cabinetry and doesn’t visually overwhelm your kitchen.

2. Add an Eat-In Kitchen

If you have a family, an eat-in kitchen offers some functionality to your home. Having a spot right in your kitchen to sit down for meals is convenient. You have close access to food, a cooktop, and a sink. You can try a breakfast nook, an island with seating, which is a kitchen island idea, or simply allow enough space for a kitchen table.

When your space isn’t used for mealtimes, it’s a great place for kids to do homework or play. Having them nearby but in a designated space allows you to keep an eye on them without them being underfoot.

3. Improve Accessibility With Features For Aging-in-Place

Designing a kitchen that will be useful as you age is a popular kitchen remodeling trend. A kitchen that works for various age stages is a popular home remodeling idea for aging in place. It’s best to pick a universal kitchen design that’s classic and functional.

As you design, keep in mind that your accessibility needs may change as your life changes. You may need room for a wheelchair or walker, so designing a kitchen now that works for any future needs will drastically reduce headaches and make your life easier. Thinking about how your kitchen works and how it can work in the future is an essential kitchen remodeling tip.

Common remodeling trends for creating a kitchen that works at various ages include wider drawer and cabinet pulls, rounder countertop edges, and non-slip flooring. And, don’t forget proper lighting! Lighting your kitchen effectively is an important thing to consider when remodeling a kitchen.

4. Include Plenty of Storage

Extra storage is always welcome in any home remodel, and prioritizing it is an essential kitchen remodeling tip. Making sure remodeling plans account for ample storage is something many homeowners should prioritize.

Not having enough storage can be a sign it’s time to remodel your kitchen. Adding a pantry to your kitchen design can help maximize food and cookware storage out of the way. Ask for custom cabinetry that has storage solutions for pots, pans, cookie sheets, and other items built into it.

Built-in features and cleverly hidden storage are kitchen cabinet trends that you can use to maximize storage in your kitchen remodel. Features like appliance garages can keep bigger appliances on your counter while still keeping them hidden away.

5. Plan For a Bigger and More Functional Kitchen Island

Bigger sizes are kitchen island trends and are becoming a popular remodeling trend. Bigger kitchen islands give you more food prep area as well as more eating space. It’s also a great feature to have if you like to entertain often. Kitchen islands can also have more storage space, allowing you to keep your counters free and clear. These changes are big benefits of kitchen remodeling.

Remember, islands aren’t just another piece of furniture. They are a tool. Making sure they are well-designed and functional can make your kitchen so much better, increasing home value and enjoyment. When you’re in the design process, take time to think about the kitchen island. If you already have one, think about what doesn’t work for you. Once you figure those things out, make the necessary changes for your kitchen island to greatly improve your kitchen.

If a kitchen island is a new part of your kitchen renovation, be sure to include plenty of storage and a workspace area. Practical seating is also important at a kitchen island and is a popular kitchen island idea. Even if you have another designated dining area, people naturally tend to gather around a kitchen island.

6. Think About a Beverage Station

If coffee, tea, or cocktails are a part of your routine, why not designate a specific space just for their prep? This can be a simple setup, or it can be elaborate, with plenty of built-in features. Take stock of your proposed kitchen layout and see if there’s any wasted space.

If there is, this would be a great place to have a beverage station. You can have space for a mini fridge, a small wine fridge, a sink, and any necessary appliances. Make sure you have storage for specific glasses and any other supplies you may need.

If you don’t have any wasted space, dedicate a portion of your countertop to beverages. Using an appliance garage is a great way to keep all of your beverage supplies in one spot without cluttering up your counter.

7. Take a Tech-Forward Approach by Integrating Smart Home Technology

Kitchen remodeling trends are also seeing an uptick in integrating smart home technology, like:

• Smart appliances
• Touchless faucets
• Smart lighting

Smart Appliances

Homeowners are beginning to embrace these smart appliances and fixtures that can help improve daily kitchen tasks. There are smart induction cooktops as well as smart refrigerators. These appliances can be controlled either through your phone or with a voice assistant. This allows you to check on food cooking or assessing what’s in your refrigerator while you are out of the house.

Touchless Faucets

Other smart home technology in the kitchen can include touchless faucets. These can be especially helpful when you have dirty hands and don’t want to touch any handles. Simply wave your hand in front of the faucet, and the water turns on. Some of these faucets even have voice command options as well as temperature presets. These water systems can also notify you of any leaks before they become a much bigger issue.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is another option to think about. Very basic systems can allow you to set timers for certain lights to go on at specific times. However, more advanced systems can include motion-activated lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting. There are also options to adjust the lighting color or brightness.

This allows for achieving just the right level for any kitchen task or for entertaining. These systems often come with energy monitoring, which allows you to see if there’s an area using too much energy and cut back if necessary. Upgrading to these systems is just one of the tips to make your home more energy efficient.

8. Upgrade the Kitchen Backsplash

Upgrading the kitchen backsplash is a great way to modernize an outdated kitchen. There are a lot of different options to choose from, and current trends tend to lean into a luxurious and seamless design. Another option is a full stone slab rather than individual tiles. These often match the countertop material, which creates a very seamless and grout-free design, making cleaning much easier.

For a more artistic or bold look, consider mosaic tiles or a fun twist on a classic subway tile design. While a kitchen backsplash should work harmoniously with the rest of your kitchen, it is also a good spot to try out tile trends, a fun design, or a color.

9. Consider Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability is also another rising trend. Homeowners are looking for materials that are responsibly sourced, countertops made with recycled materials, or even low-VOC paint. Eco-friendly materials aren’t just good for the Earth; they tend to be more affordable and low-maintenance. These often tend to be more cost-effective in the long run, too.

Look into reclaimed wood or cabinetry for your kitchen as a way to upgrade kitchen cabinets. Not only does this offer a unique touch to any kitchen design, but it keeps your budget much more manageable! You might also be able to get a much higher-end material at a much lower cost, allowing you to have a much more luxurious kitchen design.

Remodel Your Kitchen With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few kitchen remodeling trends of 2026 to inspire you as you think about what you want in your kitchen. If you’re ready for a kitchen remodeling project, give Zephyr Thomas a call at (717) 399-4708 to start the conversation and get a free quote for your project!

Zephyr Thomas can help with exterior home improvement, interior remodeling, and even handyman services to help with maintenance and smaller projects. Check out the video below for an overview of some of our interior renovations!