5 Kitchen Remodel Trends on the Rise in 2026, According to Designers

Think timeless, lasting and functional.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a single iconic kitchen object like a coffee mug or cooking utensil, repeated in a vibrant neon color palette with heavy black outlines, creating a modern pop art interpretation of everyday kitchen essentials.Designers are encouraging homeowners to embrace bold, character-driven kitchen upgrades that feel personal rather than purely functional.Atlanta Today

Designers are encouraging clients to look beyond short-term trends and focus on lasting kitchen upgrades that elevate and optimize existing spaces rather than tearing everything out. Key trends include 'kitchen facelifts' with warmer materials and hidden storage, appliance upgrades, investment in high-end timeless materials, adding more natural light, and embracing character-driven design with bold colors and patterns.

Why it matters

The kitchen is the most used and functional room in a home, so remodels can cause major disruptions. Designers are advising clients to prioritize lasting, practical changes over chasing the latest aesthetic fads, in order to create kitchens that serve the needs of modern home cooks while also feeling stylish and personal.

The details

Designers are seeing a rise in 'kitchen facelifts' that soften and elevate existing elements rather than starting from scratch. This includes warmer materials, more functional kitchen islands, and hidden storage to keep the space feeling calm and uncluttered. Simple upgrades like painting cabinets, adding statement lighting, changing the backsplash, or upgrading fixtures and countertops can also transform a kitchen. Clients are also investing in high-end, durable materials like honed quartzite, solid oak cabinetry, and unlacquered brass to achieve a timeless look. Another trend is prioritizing the addition of windows to allow more natural light and make the space feel larger and airier. Designers are also seeing kitchens become more 'character-driven' with the embrace of bold colors, patterns, and distinctive details.

  • Kitchen remodels and upgrades are happening throughout 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Valkovics

The founding principal of Batten Court Design.

Jessica Whitley

The owner and founder of Jessica Whitley Studio.

Laura Jenkins

A designer who recently worked on a kitchen project in Atlanta.

Delia Kenza

A designer who sees clients embracing more color, bold patterns, and distinctive shapes or details in kitchens.

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What they’re saying

“We are seeing a rise in holistic design that considers the layout, improved lighting, better airflow, appliances, and storage solutions that support the modern chef in creating healthy meals.”

— Elizabeth Valkovics, Founding Principal, Batten Court Design

“Kitchen remodels right now are less about starting over and more about softening and elevating what's already there. The result is a kitchen that feels collected and livable, rather than brand new and overly designed.”

— Jessica Whitley, Owner and Founder, Jessica Whitley Studio

“Allowing room to breathe in a kitchen can make the space feel larger and also make you breathe easier.”

— Laura Jenkins, Designer

“Overall, kitchens are becoming warmer, more character-driven spaces that feel deeply personal rather than purely functional.”

— Delia Kenza, Designer

The takeaway

Rather than chasing short-term trends, designers are advising homeowners to focus on kitchen upgrades that are timeless, functional, and tailored to their personal style. By softening and elevating existing elements, investing in high-quality materials, and embracing character-driven design, homeowners can create kitchens that serve their needs while also feeling stylish and reflective of their unique tastes.