Homeowners Seen Ushering in ‘New Era’ of Kitchen Design

BEACHWOOD, OH — Homeowners are ushering in “a new era” of kitchen design defined by individuality, layered aesthetics and rich, organic colors. At the same time, current trends are reflecting “the end” of the all-white kitchen era and the rise of personalization over strict style labels.

Those are among the findings of the 2026 Kitchen Trend Survey, an annual report from MasterBrand Cabinets, the Beachwood, OH-based manufacturer whose brands include Aristokraft, Bertch, Decorá, Diamond, DuraSupreme, Homecrest, KitchenCraft, Mantra, Omega and Starmark.

“Kitchens today are less about adhering to a single style and more about curating a space that feels personal, functional and inviting,” said Stephanie Pierce, senior director of marketing operations and innovation for MasterBrand, whose report was based on an online survey of more than 1,100 dealers and designers in the U.S. and in Canada.

“From richer wood stains to bolder paint finishes, homeowners are embracing combinations that tell their own stories that are outside of the longstanding white kitchen,” Pierce observed.

According to MasterBrand, soft modern, transitional and modern traditional remain the top three kitchen styles, although the popularity of transitional is steadily declining.

“Once a bridge between traditional and modern, transitional design is giving way to clearer, more defined categories with ‘soft modern’ taking the lead,” MasterBrand said. “This marks a pivotal moment in kitchen design, as homeowners increasingly reject the idea of a ‘middle ground’ style in favor of more distinct, character-driven looks.”

Coastal design has surged into the top five styles, and farmhouse is now more often blended with other aesthetics rather than standing alone, MasterBrand said.

“Homeowners are pulling from a wide range of influences – rustic, midcentury, raw organic – and mixing them in unexpected ways,” the company commented. “This freedom reflects a broader desire for individuality and personal expression, resulting in kitchens that feel layered, authentic and uniquely reflective of their owners.”

According to MasterBrand, for the first time in nearly a decade, white finishes have dropped from the top spot in homeowner preferences. Light-toned stains now lead, followed by off-whites and beiges, signaling a return to natural warmth and organic depth. Homeowners are also embracing the full stain spectrum from medium to dark, creating cabinetry palettes that feel richer and more inviting, the company said.

Greens, especially muted and sage, have overtaken gray in popularity, echoing the trajectory of blue a decade ago. All-white cabinets are third in popularity, MasterBrand said, noting that the “2026 Impactful Finish of the Year,” is Lush Forest, a nearly black deep green “that delivers richness and drama while offering surprising versatility.”

Earthy tones like terracotta are emerging as well, signaling a broader move toward grounded, nature-inspired palettes. Bold color is no longer reserved for islands; perimeter cabinetry is catching up, ushering in a more confident approach to color throughout the kitchen, the company said.