The Definitive Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Colors for 2026: Expert-Approved Palettes

PublishedDec 6, 2025 1:00 AM EST

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What does 2026 have in store for kitchen design? InDesign Psychic, our community of editors, experts, and tastemakers predicts the trends arriving soon to a kitchen near you.

Design professionals rarely repeat the same sofa fabric or shower tile across projects—each home demands its own curated selections. Yet the pros are keenly attuned to emerging trends, particularly for the most-renovated room in the house: the kitchen. Each year, we survey interior designers to identify the kitchen cabinet color poised to define the coming year. For 2026, a remarkable consensus emerged. Here are the swatches the industry’s leading voices recommend specifying next.

The Leading Choice: Gray-Green

Deep neutrals are set to dominate kitchen renovations in 2026. Thinkdeep mushroompalettes and warm walnut-style stains. These tones allow homeowners to make a bold, distinctive statement without the commitment risk of vibrant gem-toned cabinetry.–Galey Alix, founder ofGaley Alix Design

Rich, grounded, earthy tones andsubtle greensare taking center stage. Consider Farrow and Ball’sFrench Graypaired withMouse’s Backfor a sophisticated, layered look.—Alexandra Azat, founder ofPlaster and Patina

Cromartyby Farrow & Ball is asubtle sage greenthat pairs timelessly with a creamy white wall. It delivers a measured statement without overwhelming the space. For those drawn to cottage-inspired aesthetics, this is the quintessential “Cotswolds” green.–Chloe Legras, creator ofBoxwood Avenue

In 2026, kitchens will continue to move beyond bright white and into soulful, grounded tones such assage,clay, andwarm wood. These hues bring depth and emotion to a space, reflecting the shift from sterile perfection to authenticity and character.—Claire O’Connor, cofounder ofO’Connor Estates

Mossy charcoal,mineral greens, andwarm boneshades with depth and patina are defining the new palette. These colors carry the tactile quality of the natural world.–Anu Jain, founder ofAtelier Oleana

The Runner-Up: Dark Red

Red has been a defining color for the past couple of years, and 2026 marks its transition into the kitchen. Adeep redormaroonkitchen makes a sophisticated statement.Sommelier by Sherwin-Williamswould deliver striking impact on kitchen cabinetry.—Drew Michael Scott, founder ofLone Fox

Deep taupes,putty, and earthy shades feel timeless yet fresh. A deeper tonal palette that stays grounded—warm wood cabinetry,deep burgundy,andrich brown—adds atmosphere without feeling loud and pairs beautifully with natural stone.—Amanda Leigh, cofounder ofHouse of Rolison

Deep reds,burgundies, andrich dark woodslike walnut and smoked oak are poised for popularity in 2026. After years of white and pale oak, homeowners are seeking kitchens with soul and drama. —Sarah Tract, founder and principal designer ofSarah Tract Interiors

Rich, earthy color is the new neutral. Awine-toned plumfeels warm, modern, and expressive—a sophisticated alternative to conventional cabinetry tones.–Barrett Cooke, cofounder and principal designer ofArterberry Cooke

A full merlot kitchen delivers a dramatic, enveloping effect—particularly effective in a long, narrow space where bold cabinetry choices can be fully embraced. Historic homes lend themselves naturally to this kind of design exploration and impactful material decisions.–Ghislaine Viñas, founder ofGhislaine Viñas

The Honorable Mentions

Dark Green and Blue

Deeper, moodier colors are set to take over from all-white kitchens.Rich forest greens,deep navies, and even layeredmaroon or winetones feel sophisticated and grounding, pairing beautifully with natural wood accents.–Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer ofMarian Louise Design

Expect to see more earth-inspired tones, whethersoft tansthat blend with the wall color or bolder shades likeearthy greens,black-currant reds, anddeep, slate blues.–Sarah Randolph, principal designer ofRandolph Interior Design

Feel-good palettes with a hint of 1970s nostalgia are on the rise. Deep, moody shades likeSherwin-Williams’ Dard Hunter Greendeliver a refined yet characterful kitchen aesthetic.–Annie Obermann, cofounder and principal designer ofForge & Bow

Subtle Stains

The movement is away from flat, painted finishes and towardwarm, tonal stainsthat let the wood’s natural character come through. Consider white oak with a soft driftwood wash, rift-cut walnut with subtle bronze undertones, or cerused finishes that highlight the grain’s movement.—Kimberly Oxford, founder ofKimberly Oxford Interiors

Stained woods remain an enduring choice, andmid-tone stains with warm honey notesare making a definitive comeback. Mixing a medium or darker stain with warmer buttery whites creates a balanced, inviting contrast.—Evan Krenzien, cofounder ofShane & Pierce

Powder Blue

After a period defined by warmth in kitchen design,powder bluehues are emerging as a refined alternative. A timeless color that works beautifully with rich wood tones, as well as both cool chrome and raw brass finishes. Powder blue also layers elegantly with chocolate brown—a pairing gaining momentum in the coming year. A favorite subtle variation isBenjamin Moore’s Gentle Gray.—Liz Hoekzema, cofounder ofKLH Custom Homes

Brown

Dark chocolate brownfunctions as a refined neutral with exceptional versatility. It complements a wide range of materials and pays homage to classic timber kitchen traditions.—Leanne Kilroy, creator ofGood Bones

After an extended period of quiet luxury, 2026 will be defined by quiet richness. Cabinets are moving towardrich taupes,browns, and muted colors with depth and presence.–Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and creative director ofSilo Studio Design

Cream and Off-White

As the industry moves away from traditional white kitchens, cabinet colors are shifting towardcreams,off-whites, andgreige tonesrather than bright white. Bold shades likedeep blueanddusty rosewill also gain traction in 2026, along with more kitchens incorporating mixed materials, such as painted cabinets paired with wood grain.–Karin Bohn, founder and creative director ofHouse of Bohn

A timeless white kitchen remains enduring regardless of trend or season;warm whiteslikeFarrow & Ball’s Wimborne Whiteis a distinguished choice. Buttery yellowis also re-emerging as a compelling option. —Ariel Okin, founder ofAriel Okin Interiors

Lydia Geisel

Home Editor

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

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