Kitchen Islands Are on Their Approach Out for 2026 — One thing More Sensible Is Taking Their Place

Every yr as we edge into fall, these of us within the design world (or those that simply love design) begin to ponder the next query: What sorts of developments will the following yr carry? Kitchens are particularly susceptible to trend turnover, as owners more and more need the most recent and best devices and to increase their resale value. This yr we noticed issues like dark cabinetry and farmhouse kitchens disappear, whereas custom metalwork and two-toned cabinetry prevailed. And one huge factor consultants are forecasting for 2026? Form and performance will come collectively much more.  

“In 2026, investing in a kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about maximizing function, leveraging technology, and supporting a healthier lifestyle,” says Ashley Macuga, principal designer at Collected Interiors. “The return on investment goes far beyond resale value — it’s about creating a space that supports family connection and everyday wellness.”

I spoke to a handful of designers, and these are their greatest predictions for what’ll be in for 2026 on the earth of kitchen design — and what will certainly be out.

7 Kitchen Trend Predictions That Are “In” for 2026

1. Colorful Cabinets

Calling them “color-forward kitchen cabinets,” Macuga has noticed that shoppers are shifting past the stark all-white kitchen era and embracing wealthy, saturated cabinetry. “Earthy greens, marine blues, burgundies, and rich greige tones bring a sense of coziness and dimension to a kitchen,” she says of hues you could depend on seeing in 2026. Check out another bold kitchen cabinet colors you’ll by no means tire of right here.

2. Induction Cooking

Macuga says that induction cooking continues to rise as owners’ and cooks’ go-to cooktop choice, as they provide precision, pace, and vitality effectivity whereas protecting kitchens cooler (and safer, too — extra on that beneath). “And dare I say chic and sleek?” she says.

3. Designated Stations

Nureed Saeed, artistic director at Nu Interiors, predicts that “stations” all through kitchens will proceed to guide general design selections. “Dedicated stations for how people function are more important than ever,” she notes. “Coffee areas, breakfast areas, prep areas, and more. Sectioning the kitchen design with real function in mind, not just where to house things, is how designers and homeowners should be thinking of their kitchens.”

4. Sculleries

Sculleries, these secondary meals prep areas which might be often adjoining to important kitchens — aka butler’s pantries or “dirty” kitchens — will solely develop in reputation in 2026. Although they’ve been round because the Medieval period, they’re making a significant comeback in properties that may assist the pattern.

“With open-concept living, many clients want their main kitchen to look photo-ready and clutter-free, even while serving a four-course meal,” Macuga says. “A scullery serves as a hidden prep [and] cleanup zone, keeping dirty dishes, appliances, and food mess out of sight.”

5. Decorative Lighting

Rosanna Bassford, principal and founding father of Memmo Interiors, says that in 2026 she predicts individuals will flip extra to decorative lighting fixtures versus standard can lights. 

“The kitchen is task-oriented, but it’s also a great space to express personality and tie in the design style of the home,” Bassford says. “One thing I’m seeing and designing a lot more of is using a mix of decorative lighting fixtures like flush mounts, mini flush mounts, sconces, and pendants in a kitchen instead of utilitarian recessed can lights.”

6. Wellness within the Kitchen

The wellness motion continues to realize steam, and it’s naturally discovered its approach into the kitchen. Saeed says that from induction ranges to steam ovens, equipping kitchens with home equipment that can allow you to cook dinner extra healthfully is an enormous precedence for 2026. “Another way I’m seeing wellness appear in kitchen design is through the integration of hydroponic gardening areas to have a year-round supply of fresh food,” she says. Check out this editor-loved hydroponic gardening system here.

7. Bold Kitchen Choices

Saeed says owners will progressively make kitchen areas their very own as a substitute of focusing solely on resale worth. 

“Gone are all-white kitchens or all-neutrals with white marble-look[ing] quartz countertops so that you won’t offend anyone in the future with your kitchen,” Saeed says. “More and more, I see my clients taking risks on big decisions, from cabinet colors to flooring to countertops to backsplash choices, and even appliances are now a bigger place for expression.” Go daring or go house!

3 Trends That Are Definitely “Out” in 2026

1. Kitchen Islands

Bassford says that kitchen islands are slowly however absolutely being changed with one thing somewhat extra old-school: dining tables. “This is especially suitable for smaller kitchens, where a large, blocky island disrupts the flow and may make it feel even smaller,” she says. If you will have a small house with a eating nook, try these gorgeous sets.

2. Gas Ranges

Electric is in, and gasoline is out, based on Bassford. “During remodels, gas ranges are being replaced by electric ones, including induction,” she says. “Induction surfaces are so easy to clean and are safer — they turn off when the pan is removed for an extended period of time. They’re also better for indoor air quality than gas ranges.”

3. Linear Seating

Instead of making linear seating on one aspect of an island, Bassford is seeing counter stools on two sides and even three sides of an island “so that people sitting can have a conversation. It feels more like a dining nook right in the kitchen.”

What do you consider these designers’ pattern predictions for kitchens in 2026? Let us know within the feedback beneath!

Further Reading

We Used Our New “Room Plan” Tool to Give This Living Room 3 Distinct Styles — See How, Then Try It Yourself

The Design Changemakers to Know in 2025

Apartment Therapy

Sign up for The Kitchn’s Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox.