Kitchen renovation trends are always in a state of flux. Every year at about this time, we take a minute to reflect on the previous year, plan for the one to come. We think about what trends we saw fade out, and which ones we’re seeing on the upswing for the new year. While there are classic kitchen features that never seem to fade (white shaker cabinets, anyone?) there are always a few that seem to slip in and out of fashion as the year marches on. Because Gateway Kitchen + Bath is a custom cabinet and renovation shop—where there are no limits to the styles or finishes you can pull together—we get a front-row seat to all the fresh new ideas and preferences.
So what’s slipping out of fashion in kitchen design (and other spaces too) as we come into 2026?
Fading Kitchen Trend: All-black hardware and fixtures
While black hardware in itself isn’t going anywhere, matching every piece of metal in a matte black finish is fading in popularity. Black was a sleek and modern way of moving away from the brass and brushed nickel that was most popular in years gone by (and most designers would still say that every room needs a bit of black) but matching your faucets and light fixtures and cabinet pulls and towel hooks in the same matte black is too much of the same. We can’t be too hard on the black hardware though, almost any metal choice used exclusively in a space can come across as pretty matchy-matchy. Instead, carefully layering your metal choices helps add visual interest to the space and helps your home feel as though it was curated rather than produced.
Fading Kitchen Trend: Monochromatic kitchens
Much like building a kitchen with only black accents, the cabinets themselves are becoming more varied. Rather than creating a whole space using the same colour, we’re seeing more and more homeowners mixing it up into two and three-tone spaces. All-white kitchen cabinets will likely never fully go away, but wood tones and deep colours are coming in to keep them company. While white or another light monochromatic look (let’s be honest, they’re mostly variations of white) are fresh and light alternatives to some of the heavy dark and dated wood cabinets we’re removing, it can also look a bit sterile if not carefully executed.
Fading Kitchen Trend: Bleached-out or grey-toned wood
Grey had it’s moment and as quickly as it became popular, it disappeared with a whimper of “Millennial grey”. After decades of warm, honey or cherry-toned wood, grey and bleached wood seemed like the fresh, modern choice, but as with anything, too much of a good thing is still too much. If we’d stopped with the wood tones, perhaps the trend would have had more longevity, but suddenly everything was grey, and with no colour variation homes started giving all the warmth of Cellblock B.
Fading Kitchen Trend: Renovating for resale
While this isn’t a specific design choice, we’re glad it’s a trend that seems to be fading. Whether it’s because more people are choosing to stay in homes longer, (could be a sign of the economic times) or we’ve just tired of living in homes that weren’t designed around our unique style and lifestyle, considering the future owners in our personal renovations is becoming less of a thing. It’s your home, your space, and it should fit you like a glove, even if that glove isn’t in the pre-selected shades of oatmeal. It’s time to inject more of ourselves into our homes and build spaces that bring us joy, and we’re here for it.
(What DOES a kitchen renovation cost these days? Read our article for a detailed rundown here)
So now that we know what trends are fading for 2026, what are the rising stars in home renovation?
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Natural textures
You can’t beat nature for creating beauty. Whether you’re looking at stone, tile or wood products for your home renovation, we’re seeing an emphasis on wood grain, dynamic veining in stone and tile that feels unique and handmade. Perfection has given way to character and visual movement in the materials homeowners are choosing for their new spaces. While other rooms, like bedrooms and living rooms, have the option of fabrics and rugs to help warm the space and provide layers and pattern, kitchens and bathrooms need to be easy to clean and sanitize. Most surfaces need to be wipeable, so if you’re too safe with your material choices, you run the risk of creating a space that feels too sterile. Finding warmth and movement in your wood and stone can bring in that warmth and layering that’s so important in a cohesive design.
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Custom touches
As the trend of renovating for resale fades, we’re seeing a lot more thought being put into how you, as a homeowner, will actually use your home. We’re noticing more customers ditching “what we’ve always done” and thinking creatively about how to make their own spaces work for them. Whether it’s bolder design choices like colours or patterns, or functional changes (docking stations, hot chocolate stations, custom shower benches, shaving niches, integrated toilet paper dispensers, extra appliances or hidden features to name a few), homeowners are building for themselves and we couldn’t be happier. Not only does this trend delight us and stretch our creativity, it also results in unique homes that you’re going to feel good in. Have an idea? Talk to our Design Team and let’s explore it!
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Colour
White kitchens aren’t going anywhere yet, but we’re seeing a lot more bold use of colour than we have in previous years. Deep, luxe, saturated colours are coming back, mixed either with fresh white, natural wood tones or both. As the colour of woods warm back up from the bleached out or grey tones of the last few decades, green is a natural complement. If you love the combination but have commitment issues, painting walls in those deep accent colours is a budget-friendly alternative to investing in more permanent and costly-to-change uses of the trend (cabinets, tiles, etc). Colour drenching is still popular, especially in small spaces like powder rooms or pantries, and the use of bold wallpaper adds something unique and unexpected.
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Layered patterns and intentional mismatch
There was a time when everyone wanted to be the same. The stores sold identical art prints, and everything we did in our homes kind of felt a bit cookie-cutter. In order to “be on trend” we simply copied what we saw and bought what was offered, but in trade we hid our personality and our own collections and built spaces devoid of individuality. With more of a focus on creating a curated, collected and timeless space, more homeowners are bringing out their unique and treasured items, and choosing materials that don’t “match” to layer together into a fresh and personalized look. This trend is also great because as some of those smaller décor trends (think furniture, fabrics, lamps and decorative items) come in and out of fashion, it’s possible to accessorize thoughtfully on a small scale without feeling the need to renovate again.
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Hiding the mechanics
For a time all the gadgets were in—touch screens, calendars, control panels, small appliances—now while we’re not seeing fewer of these items in use, they are no longer given prominence in the space. Televisions that can display your household calendar are being switched out for ones that look like a piece of art while not in use, command centres are being tucked out of sight and small appliances find homes inside cabinets or walk-in-pantries. Homeowners are loving added functionality but blending it with the peacefulness of an uncluttered countertop and hiding the screens and gadgets that scream for your attention. It makes sense to create a sanctuary within our homes to escape that constant barrage of visual stimulation we spend much of our time surrounded by, but the space also needs to function well, so let’s find that balance together.
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Matching backsplashes
With the increased availability of thinner stone and porcelain slabs, we’re seeing a lot more matching backsplashes in new kitchens. When done well, the grain of the stone can continue from the horizontal surface to the vertical one seamlessly for maximum visual impact. Whether you’re looking at subtle minimalistic texture or bold veining, this look is fresh and beautiful.
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Clever use of extra space
Whether your home is large or small, there are often odd corners that were maybe intended for a specific use, but don’t really fit into your overall needs or aesthetic. We’re seeing an increased desire to give purpose to some of that unused space in your homes. Maybe it’s adding a built-in storage to an unused china cabinet niche, a beautiful banquette to a sprawling bay window or creating a reading nook I one of those weirdly-shaped corners of your home (what were the home builders thinking with those?). Whatever use makes sense for you, there is a solution to help make the room feel custom and intentional.
Kitchen Trend for 2026: Accessibility
More people are intentionally renovating with the intention of staying put as they age, and it makes sense. If you’re planning to stay in your home as long as possible and you’re renovating, now is the time to think forward (even if it’s a still a few years away) and make the subtle changes that can enhance your quality of life for years to come. Outfitting lower cabinets (especially corner cabinets) with pull-outs to minimize bending and crouching to access your belongings, widening aisles to give ample space for mobility aids, and choosing hardware carefully can all make living in your space easier as you age. Other home renovation projects like creating main-floor bedroom spaces and accessible bathrooms are also experiencing a surge in popularity.
Renovation trends are always a tricky balance… it’s as easy to fall out of love as it is to fall in love with a certain look, and when you’re paying tens of thousands of dollars to create your dream aesthetic, you want to make sure you’re in it for the long haul. Are you truly in love? Or is this a design crush on the latest flavour? We want you to love the space you’re in for as long as our products last (which is, admittedly, a pretty long time), so being honest with yourself, being willing to balance the fads with some classics, and layering in more of your unique style and lifestyle can give your design the enduring longevity you need and the bright newness you want.
At Gateway Kitchen + Bath we’ve been designing and building custom spaces for our customers for over 40 years. Our goal is to listen to your needs and desires, creatively design with an emphasis on beauty and functionality, quote accurately, execute competently, and then celebrate with you as you experience your newly-renovated home. If you’re looking for a team to walk with you from conception to completion, our Design and Project Management teams are ready to help!
