What’s Happening with Cabinets in 2026 (and Why I’m Obsessed)
“Cabinets don’t have to be just cabinets.” I find myself saying this to clients all the time. And in 2026, the design world is finally, officially, agreeing with me.
I hesitated to call this a “trends” post because honestly, a lot of what I’m seeing feels less like a fleeting moment and more like a genuine shift. Homeowners are finally giving themselves permission to be more intentional and more expressive with one of the most permanent pieces of their home. Whether you’re mid-renovation or just daydreaming on Pinterest (no judgment, we’re all doing it), here are the six cabinet directions I’m most excited about right now.
01. Warm, Earthy Tones Are Taking Over
The all-white kitchen had a beautiful, long run, but we are officially in a new era. I’m seeing warm terracottas, rich mossy greens, creamy ochres, and deep warm browns moving into cabinet finishes in the most grounded, beautiful ways. These aren’t bold-for-the-sake-of-bold choices; they’re colors pulled straight from the natural world. They age well, they feel cozy, and they work so naturally with the organic textures and materials I love bringing into a space.
In my own work, I’ve been particularly drawn to a muted evergreen paired with unlacquered brass hardware. The combination is chef’s kiss.
02. Two-Tone Everything
The two-tone approach has been creeping in for a few years, but in 2026 it’s arrived with full confidence... and I LOVE it. To me, the best way to do two-tone play with a natural wood stain and a painted cabinet. This method can be used to make some cabinet pieces feel even more furniture-like.
The key is committing. Wishy-washy execution is where this can go sideways. Pick your tones intentionally and let them each have a moment.
03. Heritage Door Styles
Shaker and slab have had their moment and, while they're not going away, heritage-inspired door styles are emerging. Intricate detailing and decorative molding adds the character and story many homeowners are craving right now
Texture + good lighting = magic. This is a pairing worth planning around.
04. Open Shelving, But Curated
Open shelving never fully disappeared, but the approach has matured. We’ve moved past the “remove all upper cabinets” phase and into something more thoughtful: intentional open sections mixed into a mostly closed layout. A few open shelves above a coffee station, a floating shelf tucked beside a range hood, a single glass-front cabinet on an accent wall. It’s about creating moments rather than a free-for-all. And it gives you an excuse to go find some really beautiful things to put on display, which I fully support.
If you’re going open, please, please invest in what you put there. A beautiful olive oil bottle and a handmade ceramic or two beats twenty random spice jars every single time.
05. Hardware as Jewelry
Hardware has always mattered, but 2026 is the year people are really treating it like the finishing touch it deserves to be. We’re seeing longer, more sculptural pulls, unlacquered and aged brass that develops a beautiful patina over time, hand-forged iron, and mixed metals done with intentionality. The right hardware on a beautiful cabinet is like the perfect earrings on a great outfit. It completes the whole thing. Don’t pick it last and don’t rush it.
Mixing metals: yes, but pick one dominant and one accent. Three metals in one kitchen is a lot to negotiate.
06. Personality Via Tinted Stains
Okay, I’ll be honest. This is the one I’m most excited about, and also the one I know will make most people say “I could never.” But tinted stains are coming, and I am here for it. Blues, greens, purples… applied as a stain rather than a paint, so the wood grain still shows through underneath. The result is moody, organic, and completely one-of-a-kind. Is it bold? Yes. Is it also incredibly beautiful and more timeless than it sounds? Also yes. The natural wood texture keeps it grounded in a way solid paint just can’t.
Start somewhere contained if you’re nervous, like a bathroom vanity or a pantry door. Pair it with natural stone and matte hardware and watch it become your favorite thing in the house.
Cabinets represent such a significant investment, both financially and in terms of how much they define the feel of a space. What excites me most about where 2026 is heading is that people are making choices that feel more personal and more lasting, rather than chasing something purely because they saw it everywhere.
That’s always been my goal in working with clients: to find the thing that feels like you, and make it beautiful.
If any of this sparked something and you’re thinking about a kitchen or bathroom project, I’d love to chat. My calendar link is always the best place to start. Just a quick 15-minute call, no pressure.
