Kitchen Design Trends Shift From All‑White to Bold, Earthy Hues

Leading interior designers are moving away from the classic all‑white kitchen. In a recent design contest, Leslie Davis re‑imagined a white kitchen in Hoover by adding continuous cabinetry, warm custom wood millwork, River Black granite island, and brass hardware, creating a balanced contrast between crisp white and natural materials.

Industry experts also note a broader color shift for cabinets. Sherwin‑Williams director Sue Wadden says homeowners are increasingly choosing richer tones over white and gray, highlighting shades such as deep violet Carnelian (SW 7580) and muted pinks. Amr Samaha of Samaha Studio illustrates the trend with a French white‑oak cabinet paired with a maroon paint, emphasizing the visual impact of contrasting colors. The emerging palette for 2026 includes burgundy, wine‑colored hues, soft pinks, warm greige, and taupe, offering designers a range of options to add depth and personality to kitchen spaces.