NKBA | KBIS Releases Annual 2026 Kitchen Trends Report

The kitchen footprint continues to grow, and will evolve into a more intelligent, personalized, and health-conscious space

Danielle Fields

October 27, 2025

Organic and earthy aesthetics are in for 2026, and natural light in kitchens is a high priority. — Organic and earthy aesthetics are in for 2026, and natural light is a high priority, as shown in this kitchen from Adapt Interior Design’s Hannah Hacker.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the $230 billion kitchen and bath industry representing nearly 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals, has released its 2026 Kitchen Trends Report.

According to the report, over the next three years the kitchen will continue to evolve toward a more intelligent, personalized, and health-conscious space that supports modern lifestyles, such as replacing dining tables with custom storage, swapping intricate designs for minimal details, and increasing the kitchen IQ for intuitive upgrades. The report also reveals that the majority of kitchen trends are in the growth phase of adoption—smart technology integration, open layouts, hybrid products, generational customizations, and wellness-focused spaces all present opportunity for designers.

While the overall size of U.S. homes declines, 76% of respondents expect the kitchen footprint to increase over the next three years, further influencing the whole home design.

Insights were generated from a survey conducted online from 634 respondents, who are members of the NKBA community and targeted occupations including designers (which make up 67% of responses), showrooms, dealers, specialists, manufacturers, kitchen and bath remodelers/contractors, and architects.

Key findings include the following.

Colors & Materials: What’s In, What’s Out

A whopping 96% of respondents identify neutrals as the most popular colors, with greens (86%) and blues (78%) close behind. Splashy colors like millennial pink (11%), bright orange (7%), bright red (6%) ranked among the lowest.
New statement colors will be incorporated in the backsplash (60%), wallpaper (60%), island (57%) and decorative accessories (55%).
Transitional/timeless kitchen design tops the list, with 72% of respondents naming it as a popular style in the next three years. The style is followed by contemporary/modern/minimalism (60%) and organic/natural (58%) designs.
While maximalism has had a spotlight as of late, 60% of respondents identify minimalism as a popular style in the next three years. Additionally, respondents identify features like a flat, slab cabinet door style (69%), panel-faced refrigeration (72%) and dishwashers (85%), and slab/solid surface backsplashes (75%) as gaining popularity.
With organic, neutral colors reigning supreme, natural materials are also trending. Wood grain surpasses painted cabinets, with 59% of respondents saying it’s growing in popularity, and white oak was found to be the most popular wood type at 51%. Natural quartzite comes in right behind quartz at 62% for countertop materials and 61% for backsplashes. Wood flooring is most popular among 94% of respondents as well.

Custom Kitchens for Lifestyle Enhancements

Kitchens are increasingly seen as multipurpose hubs, incorporating butler's pantries, smarter storage options, and more, as seen in this kitchen from designer James E. Howard and co-designer Kelly Johnson. — Kitchens are increasingly seen as multipurpose hubs, incorporating butler’s pantries, smarter storage options, and more, as seen in this kitchen from designer James E. Howard and co-designer Kelly Johnson.

Survey respondents were in 100% agreement that lifestyle enhancements will be a popular kitchen layout feature in the next three years, as these spaces become personalized, multi-purpose hubs. Top features include:

Dedicated beverage areas (85%)
Pet feeding stations (64%)
Eat-in kitchens (59%)

Additionally, 94% agree that homeowners are adding functional spaces like mudrooms and flex-office spaces. Smarter storage, with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with more drawers, walk-in and butler pantries, refrigerators with custom configurations, and islands with ample storage, is also trending.

Lighting That Makes a Statement

Kitchens have become spaces for showcasing decorative, statement lighting, according to 87% of respondents. The most important kitchen design considerations to homeowners include:

Natural lighting (95%)
Quality lighting (93%)
Task lighting for work zones (92%)

Under cabinet lights (82%), interior cabinet lights (72%), and pendant lights (63%) top the list.

Technological Advancements

A Wolf range is surrounded by cabinets in a traditional kitchen from designer Kate Roos, reflecting trends of functionality and activity hubs.

Smart technology is gaining traction, including Wi-Fi-enabled, mobile-app controlled appliances and lighting, and embedded wireless charging. There is growing interest in the kitchen as a space to facilitate healthier living and well-being. Features like steam cooking (66%), powerful vent hoods (85%), outdoor connection (71%), enhanced storage (72%), and smart, spacious refrigerators (72%) are gaining traction.

Generational Factors

The report found that generational drivers and demands are driving kitchen design. For example, Generation X and baby boomers have the largest share in kitchen remodel projects (35% Gen X, 32% boomers) and spend the most on them (90% Gen X, 71% boomers). The drivers for remodels vary by generation as well, where millennials without children seek more entertaining space (35%) and boomers desire more accessible kitchens (31%).

While boomers prefer a classic style with premium materials, Gen X wants features that increase home value and improve functionality for multi-generational living. Top features identified for each generation are: