Seventy-six percent of industry experts expect the kitchen’s footprint to grow over the next three years and with that growth it will become a smarter, more personalized, and health-conscious room, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Report.

“The integration between the kitchen and whole home is a really exciting opportunity for the kitchen and bath industry,” says Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “The 2026 Trends Report further confirms this evolution, as homeowners desire connection and cohesive design between spaces for entertainment, functionality, and wellness.”

The experts surveyed, ranging from designers and architects to remodelers and manufacturers, were in 100% agreement that lifestyle enhancements will become a popular kitchen layout feature in the next three years. The report reveals many trends for 2026 including the six below :

1. Jam-Packed with Uses
Of the lifestyle enhancements, the top features include dedicated beverage areas (85%), pet feeding stations (64%), and eat-in kitchens (59%). Smarter storage is also trending through floor to ceiling cabinetry with more drawers, walk-in and butler pantries, refrigerators with custom configurations (70%), and islands packed with storage.

2. Lighting Gets The Podium
The kitchen is giving statement lighting the spotlight according to 87% of respondents. Experts also agree that homeowners want natural lighting (95%), quality lighting (93%), and task lighting for work zones (92%). A variety of lighting types will be trending for 2026 but under cabinet lights (82%), interior cabinet lights (72%), and pendant lights (63%) top the list.

3. Neutrals are Top of Mind
Ninety-six percent of respondents say neutrals are most popular with greens (86%) and blues (78%) trailing closely behind. Millennial pink (11%), bright orange (7%), and bright red (6%) were the least popular picks. Popular new statement colors will find their way to backsplashes (60%), wallpaper (60%), islands (57%), and decorative accessories (55%).

4. Tech is Gaining Traction
While the kitchen is known for technological advancements, smart tech is further embedding with additions like Wi-Fi-enabled, mobile-app controlled appliances and lighting, and built in wireless charging. As interest in the kitchen being a healthy-living space continues, steam cooking (66%), powerful vent hoods (85%), outdoor connection (71%), enhanced storage (72%), and smart, spacious refrigerators (72%) support the notion.

5. Minimalism, Timeless Styles are “Trending”
Transitional and timeless kitchens (72%) top the style list in the next three years followed by contemporary and modern (60%) and organic/natural (58%) designs. Maximalism is taking the back burner as 60% say minimalism will be the most popular style for the next three years. Features like flat cabinet doors (69%), panel-faced refrigeration (72%) and dishwashers (69%), and slab/solid surface backsplashes (75%) are increasing in popularity.

6. Natural Materials Lean Into The Trends
Wood grain (59%) cabinets have surpassed painted cabinets this year with white oak (51%) being the most popular wood type. For countertops, quartz (62%) is the top choice followed by natural quartzite. Quartz also reigns for backsplashes while wood flooring (94%) was the majority vote for floors.

6 Trends for The 2026 Kitchen by Leah Draffen | Livabl