It’s a new year, and our cabinet store in Manchester, NH, is looking at what will be trending in the world of cabinets this year. While there are plenty of perennial styles, each year brings new popular colors, features, and designs. Some of these trends we think are excellent additions to any kitchen, while others we’re happy to give a miss.
Check out what’s trending with the team at our cabinet store in Manchester, NH. Here are the trends we love and the ones we’ll skip.
Trends We Love
Natural warmth and earthy tones are making a strong comeback. Designers are embracing softer, nature-inspired colors. Think taupe, mushroom, warm clay, olive, and “soft neutrals” like sand or warm greige. These more organic hues create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, especially when paired with natural wood textures or stone countertops.
Wood finishes, especially light- and medium-toned woods, will be popular this year. Instead of the dark espresso or stark white cabinetry of the last decade, lighter woods—for example, white oak or natural maple with visible grain—are coming in strong. This look emphasizes warmth, natural texture, and a connection to organic materials.
Two-tone cabinetry and mixed materials add depth and personality. A popular combination is lighter neutral uppers (or perimeter cabinets) paired with darker or more dramatic islands or lower cabinetry, or mixing painted surfaces with wood cabinetry. This approach adds visual interest to kitchens without feeling overwhelming.
Bold, moody, and dramatic hues are gaining traction, too. Deep navy blues, forest greens, charcoal, and even richer colors like burgundy or plum are being embraced for statement islands or full cabinetry runs, especially when balanced with lighter surfaces or metallic hardware.
Trends We’ll Skip
Stark, clinical white or cold gray kitchens are losing favor. The push in 2026 is toward warmer, richer neutrals rather than sterile whites or cool grays. Many homeowners and designers now consider the all-white or gray palette too cold and impersonal.
Overly glossy, high-shine surfaces—whether in paint or finish—are falling out of style. Instead, mattes, satin finishes, and natural textures are preferred because they age more gracefully and feel more grounded and lived-in.
Monochrome cabinetry across the board. A uniform cabinetry color from ceiling to floor is being replaced by layered palettes, mixing wood, painted cabinetry, and varying tones to add depth and dimension.
Designs that are trying too hard, such as extreme contrasts or overly bold statements without balance. While bold hues like deep blues or greens are trendy, if a kitchen goes full dark cabinets with no light accents, the result can feel heavy. Smart use means balancing darkness with light surfaces, wood, or metal. Otherwise, it risks feeling dated or overpowering.
Upgrade Your Kitchen in 2026 with Cabinet Outlet
If you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen in 2026, come to Cabinet Outlet! We have several high-quality cabinets in various colors and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen. We also have four locations in NH, so a great cabinet store is never far away! Visit us in Amherst, Salem, Portsmouth, or Manchester, NH.