Designing a kitchen in 2026 is less about chasing trends and more about creating a space that truly works for how you live. Kitchen renovations are being driven by function, personalization and smarter storage—reflecting a shift toward kitchens that blend style with intention and isn’t just centered on aesthetics, according to Houzz’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Study, reflecting a survey of more than 1,700 homeowners about their latest kitchen renovation project.
“Kitchen renovations are increasingly shaped by broader housing market pressures,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz’s head of economic research. “With aging housing stock, a shortage of available homes and longer homeowner tenure, more homeowners are choosing to invest in improving the functionality of the kitchens they already have, rather than move. That’s driving an emphasis on practical upgrades such as built-in storage and efficient layouts that help kitchens better support everyday living,” she says.
Here are a few remodeling trends that emerged from Houzz’s 2026 kitchen trends report.
1. Start With Storage—and Build From There
Built-in storage is becoming the foundation of kitchen design. More than three-quarters of renovating homeowners say they’re adding specialty features, with pantry cabinets (47%), walk-in pantries (16%) and butler’s pantries or prep kitchens (7%) leading the way. These spaces help keep clutter out of sight while helping to ease daily tasks.
More task-specific zones also are getting added, such as beverage stations, coffee bars, specific baking areas and even snack stations. These are turning kitchens from one-size-fits-all layouts to purpose-driven areas.
“When storage is thoughtfully designed, from customized drawers and pull-out shelves to walk-in pantries, it reduces clutter, improves efficiency and makes the kitchen easier to use every single day,” Misty Callaway, designer of Callaway Homes, says in the Houzz report. “These features help homeowners get more out of their space.”
2. Warm Materials Replace All-White Kitchens
When choosing finishes, more homeowners are moving toward warmth and natural texture. Wood cabinets now top the list, edging out white for the first time in years. Medium-toned woods lead this comeback trend, followed by lighter finishes. This signals a return to organic material preferences.
Timeless choices reign, with Shaker cabinets remaining the most popular choice, followed by flat-panel designs.
Another timeless choice emerging through the cabinet hardware leans toward practical and streamlined. Bar pulls dominate—over knobs—and most often are in brushed nickel, followed by black or brushed gold.
3. Countertops, Backsplashes and Contrast
White and off-white countertops remain popular, but contrast is playing a larger role—especially when it comes to the kitchen island. For the island, more homeowners are choosing a countertop color that differs fromthe kitchen’s other countertops. Wood has become the most popular island countertop choice.
More homeowners also are contrasting their kitchen cabinets in following the two-tone trend—choosing one shade for the upper cabinets and one for the lower.
Tile also is the clear preference for backsplashes—most often in white or off-white. Slab backsplashes are gaining ground, especially in engineered quartz. Rectangular tiles remain the go-to shape, while more decorative tile styles stay niche.
4. Islands as Multifunctional Workhorses
Kitchen islands are getting bigger—and busier. About half of renovated islands exceed seven feet in length, with rectangular shapes far outpacing L-shaped island designs. More than half of homeowners also are integrating appliances—like dishwashers and microwaves—into their islands, turning them into central hubs for prep, cleanup and casual dining.
5. Appliances That Work Smarter
Upgraded appliances are less about flash and more about function. Homeowners are choosing refrigerators and ovens with features like adjustable temperature zones, water filter alerts, remote monitoring and precise controls—tools that aim to simplify their daily life and improve efficiency, according to the Houzz report.
Stainless steel remains the clear favorite for the appliance finish. Fewer than 6% of renovating homeowners opted for white, black or black stainless appliances.
6. Designing for the Long Term
More than half of renovating homeowners are planning kitchens that can adapt to their future needs, as age-in-place features grow in demand. This has prompted a greater focus on features like pull-out cabinets, additional lighting, wide drawer pulls, rounded countertops and nonslip flooring, according to the Houzz survey. Also, customized storage solutions—like pull-out waste bins, spice drawers and revolving corner trays—are becoming more common.
