Perhaps what’s most striking about this year’s kitchen design trends, is that they don’t resemble anything trendy at all. Rather, they reinforce timeless design principles sure to be appreciated for many years ahead. While there are themes emerging, this may be one year where “trendy” is choosing a kitchen with classic, proven solutions and long-lasting staying power.

Timeless Color
White kitchens will always have their place, but more and more we’re seeing the emergence of color in the kitchen, and not just as an accent or afterthought. Most of the colors have a tie to natural hues, think lots of greens, blues and warm tones, and they tend to be less bold than we’ve seen in years past. These kitchens are all-in on color, but they’re doing color with subtlety and sophistication.

Mixing Styles
The challenge of merging different design styles used to stem from couples attempting to balance two opposing design perspectives. Today’s embrace of mixed styles can be attributed to the vast exposure we all have to different design aesthetics, and the ease with which we can assemble our favorites. When you’ve curated all your favorite photos, the challenge of the day is to find a way to blend different styles, colors, and materials in a way that looks intentional and connected. This leaning-in of what used to be termed “eclectic design” has created truly unique kitchens, making each space feel distinctly and undeniably one-of-a-kind and made just for you.

Natural Materials
We’ve become reacquainted with the unique beauty created by Mother Nature, finding more ways than ever to highlight natural materials in today’s kitchen designs. Stained woods that highlight the grain, natural stone filled with color and movement, even woven chair backs and natural fabrics feature in this year’s kitchen designs. And when there’s a space that benefits from the durability or functionality of a manmade alternative, chances are it’s doing its best to mimic the look of a natural material.

Understated Hoods
Kitchen range hoods have long been the focal point of a kitchen design, but this year we’re seeing them take a step back to let other design components shine. Still sized appropriately for their function, drywall or wood slab front range hoods are taking on a supporting role, letting a dramatic countertop, patterned tile backsplash, or other eye-catching feature take center stage.

Scullery and Butler’s Pantry
Whether you call it the scullery, butler’s pantry, or second kitchen — supporting spaces that are more forgiving of a mess have come back into fashion. Often smaller in size and out of the line of sight, it allows the primary kitchen to be the place for hosting and entertaining, without the worry of an unwashed pan in the sink spoiling the ambiance.

Practical, Functional Touches
We’re cooking and baking in our kitchens more than ever, which means demand for smart, functional solutions is at an all-time high. Backsplash ledges give you a place to rest your phone with the latest recipe. Storage nooks and niches take advantage of every last inch in the most highly prized locations. Even custom drip trays integrated into the countertop near the sink make dishwashing a simpler affair. Getting intentional about how you move about your kitchen and the touches that make those daily movements easier have become intensely personal choices that feel as necessary and important as the cabinets themselves.

Kitchen design trends used to be something you followed at your own peril. Stray too far from timeless design and find yourself with a dated kitchen, a terrifying thought when you finally get the stars to align for a remodel. But this year’s trends offer a healthy dose of comfort and reassurance. Nearly every trending kitchen design is grounded, more than ever, in classic design principles and timeless, proven solutions. So for this year, go ahead and follow the trends. Twenty years from now, you’ll still be loving it.

So which of this year’s kitchen trends have caught your eye? Make 2026 the year you freshen up your own kitchen. Set up a time to talk to a Normandy Designer about the possibilities. They can help take the stress out of a kitchen remodel and guide you through the process. For more kitchen remodeling ideas, check out our photo galleries, or follow us on Instagram and Pinterest, and begin building a vision for your new kitchen.