2026 Cabinet Color Trends According to Industry Experts
The latest cabinet color trends prioritize comfort and lasting appeal. Clients are moving toward kitchens that reflect a personal touch and a connection to nature without sacrificing sophistication. To meet this demand, experts predict a dominance of deep greens and blues, authentic wood tones, and creative two-tone color pairings.
- Beyond White: Posh Greens and Blues
While white remains a timeless staple, clients are asking for color that feels grounded and expressive. Kitchen cabinets in shades of green and blue are dominant. According to the 2026 NKBA Design Trends Report, 86% of designers expect green to lead color palettes, while 78% say blue is the prominent accent color. These shades resonate with homeowners looking for visual calm and emotional warmth.
From ROC Cabinetry’s Jade Green to Midnight Blue, and Lakeside Blue (coming soon), these tones blend modern refinement with classic depth. Designers pairing these shades with brass or brushed gold hardware, light quartz countertops, and natural wood shelving are achieving a balanced, high-end look.
- Authentic Wood’s Comeback
Natural wood finishes are reasserting their place in design portfolios. This reflects growing client interest in materials with tactile appeal. The NKBA report notes that 59% of professionals have seen increased demand for medium to dark wood tones. This signals a return to the authenticity and texture of natural finishes.
ROC’s Hazelnut Oak, Natural Wood, and Cotton Oak (coming soon) finishes capture this resurgence beautifully. They provide a rich, versatile base. Medium stains complement light stone or concrete, while darker stains offer a striking contrast against matte black accents.
Adding wood into mixed-material kitchens also allows professionals to showcase craftsmanship and material integrity, qualities that discerning clients increasingly prioritize. Expect to see continued growth in hybrid designs, where wood grain meets painted accents for balance and contrast.
- Easy Contrast: The Two-Tone Advantage
Professionals are adopting a more strategic approach, blending colors, materials, and textures to achieve dimensional, luxe results. According to the Houzz U.S. Kitchen Design Trends Study, nearly 1 in 5 homeowners pick upper and lower cabinets in contrasting finishes. Popular pairings are:
- jade green+ smoke oak
- sliver gray + charcoal black
- truffle brown + origami white
- midnight blue+ origami white
This layered look gives flexibility when working with varied layouts or lighting conditions.
- 2026: The Year of Comfort and Connection
Homeowners want authentic spaces that suit their lifestyle. This mindset has shifted cabinet selection from simply an aesthetic choice to one that emphasizes material integrity, texture, and personality.
They’re also favoring better storage solutions, modular designs, as well as richer tones. Lighting will also continue to play a key role. Interior cabinet lighting is used in 72% of designs and under-cabinet lighting in about 82%, according to that same NKBA Design Trends Report.
- The Rise of Texture and Finish Innovation
Design is evolving, shifting preference toward tactile cabinetry. The finish choice is critical, governing light reflection, maintenance, and long-term performance.
According to the Houzz U.S. Kitchen Trends Study, more homeowners prefer surfaces that reduce glare and hide everyday wear. ROC Cabinetry offers both matte and glossy options engineered for precision and performance. The Matt White, Matt Gray, Matt Blue, and Matt Charcoal Black panels deliver a refined, low-sheen surface that supports color consistency.
On the other hand, the Glossy White finish delivers a clean, mirror-like surface that reflects light effectively. Designers also leverage mixed-sheen combinations to define spatial zones. For example, using matte textures on lower cabinets to ground a layout and glossy finishes on upper cabinets to subtly reflect ambient light. Chic cabinet color combinations include:
- Glossy White + Matt Blue
- Matt Charcoal Black + Glossy White
- Matt Gray + Matt White
Last Thoughts
At ROC Cabinetry, we equip industry pros with dependable, stylish kitchen cabinets that meet evolving standards. Whether your next build calls for timeless wood tones, rich painted hues, or custom contrast, our styles and finishes are designed to support your vision and your business.
