Storage is the key to a successful kitchen. The right furniture not only keeps things tidy but can also improve the overall aesthetics of the room and give it a sense of elegance and style. Sometimes knowing what trends dominate this part of the kitchen can be helpful in creating elevated storage space that will stand the test of time.
Here, we spoke to interior designers about the pervasive trends they think will shape kitchen cabinets in 2026. Read on for some important information about your next big renovation.
Earth tones
Christian Torres / Interior Design: Chused & Co.
White kitchens are slowly becoming a thing of the past and homeowners are instead experimenting with bolder hues for their cabinets. Earth tones are very popular in almost every room in the home, so it makes sense that many are interested in this color palette for cabinets as well.
“Heat is the key!” says Trudy Stump, senior designer at Huff Harrington. “Brown is making a big comeback – not the heavy cherry wood cabinets of the early 2000s, but elegant walnut, tobacco and soft caramel tones.”
She points out that these earth tones can ground the space and pair well with aged brass hardware and soapstone countertops.
Open shelves are out
Emily Henderson / Sara Tramp
Open shelving used to be all the rage, but it's increasingly fading into the background and being replaced by more subtle cabinets. Stump notes that they see “hidden pantries, integrated appliances, and beautifully paneled cabinets that hide the practical side of the kitchen.”
Inside, cabinets offer other bespoke elements, such as custom-made drawers specifically for spices or cutlery – something that wouldn't be possible with open shelving. “The goal is to keep surfaces clean while keeping the function hidden just beneath the surface,” adds Stump.
Walk-in pantries
If you have enough space, why not create a completely separate room for your closets? “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 functionality and almost no visible hardware.”
Creating a separate pantry area also provides more flexibility, allowing you to store more items at once. “Modern storage now supports residential zones,” adds Bethke.
The 90s are back
Julie Soefer
Design elements from the 1990s are currently making a comeback in the kitchen. Stump notes that she saw this look revived “with restraint,” citing decorative range hoods, pedestal sinks and tiled countertops as examples.
“Lately I've loved seeing wallpaper in the kitchen, which makes the space softer and warmer, a real throwback to the classic '90s look,” she adds. “It’s less about copying a look and more about channeling a feeling.”