The 2026 Kitchen Trends Worth Paying Attention To

The 2026 NKBA Kitchen Trends Report is here, and it doesn’t just confirm what we’re already seeing in remodels across Middle Georgia. It lays out exactly where kitchens are headed. From cabinetry and countertop choices to layout updates and lifestyle features, this report highlights what homeowners are prioritizing next. 

If you're planning a kitchen remodel in the next year or two, this is what you should be paying attention to. 

1. Say Goodbye to Granite. Quartz Still Leads the Pack 

Granite may still have its loyal fans, but the data tells a different story. Quartz continues to dominate for countertops, and for good reason. It delivers the look of natural stone without the maintenance headaches. According to the report, 78% of design professionals expect quartz to remain the top choice. 

Quartzite, the real stone version, takes second place. Meanwhile, granite has dropped to less than half in popularity, and marble is even lower. That shift reflects a growing focus on easy upkeep. 

DRC insight: We’re installing more quartz than ever. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and works with nearly any design style. 

2. Transitional Style Is Still on Top 

Some styles come and go. Transitional design holds steady. It’s a balanced mix of traditional and modern, with simple cabinetry, clean lines, and neutral palettes. According to the NKBA report, 72% of respondents still see transitional kitchens as the most requested style. Minimalist, contemporary kitchens are trending up as well. Farmhouse and cottage aesthetics are dropping off the list. 

DRC insight: Transitional design gives you more flexibility long term. You can update finishes and fixtures without changing the whole layout. 

3. White Oak Cabinets Are Everywhere 

White oak has been building momentum, and it's now the top choice for kitchen cabinetry. Designers like it for its warm undertones and soft grain. According to the report, 50% of pros favor white oak, with walnut next in line. 

Cabinet style is trending more modern, too. Clean, flat-panel fronts are becoming more common than detailed profiles. Shaker cabinets still hold their ground, but the move is toward simplicity. 

DRC insight: White oak paired with black hardware and slab-style doors works across styles. We’ve used it in both transitional and modern kitchens with great results. 

4. Neutrals Dominate, but Green and Blue Are Picking Up 

Neutral colors like white, gray, and soft brown continue to lead. The report shows 96% of pros expect neutrals to remain the dominant choice. However, greens and blues are gaining ground, particularly in islands, tile, or accent walls. 

DRC insight: A neutral base lets the kitchen feel bright and clean, while a navy or sage green island can give it a distinct personality without overwhelming the space. 

5. Contrasting Islands and Matte Finishes Are Gaining Ground 

Homeowners are split when it comes to matching counters and islands. According to the report, 56% prefer a contrasting look, while 44% want everything to match. What most people do agree on is finish. Matte and honed countertops are now preferred over polished. 

DRC insight: We’re seeing more requests for soft matte counters with subtle veining. They reflect less light and feel more natural, especially when paired with flat-panel cabinetry. 

6. Tile Is Still Popular, but Solid Slab Backsplashes Are Climbing 

Tile remains the top backsplash material. Ceramic and porcelain are affordable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of styles. However, solid surface backsplashes made from quartz or quartzite are rising quickly. These provide a seamless, grout-free look that fits today’s cleaner kitchen designs. 

DRC insight: For homeowners who want a low-maintenance kitchen, slab backsplashes are a solid upgrade. They also make the space feel more modern without being trendy. 

7. Engineered Wood Flooring Is Now the Top Choice 

Engineered wood has surpassed traditional hardwood as the preferred flooring option. It offers the same visual warmth as solid hardwood but is more resistant to moisture and easier to maintain. The NKBA report shows 78% of designers choosing engineered wood, while only 59% still favor natural hardwood. 

DRC insight: Most of our clients want something that looks and feels like real wood but performs better over time. Engineered options hit that mark, especially in kitchens where durability matters. 

8. Kitchens Are Becoming Multi-Use Spaces 

One of the biggest takeaways from the report is how kitchens are expanding beyond food prep. More homeowners are asking for additional zones that support their routines. Coffee stations, pet feeding areas, built-in seating, and small work-from-home nooks are among the most requested features. 

The most popular add-on by far is a beverage area, with 85% of professionals noting it as a top request. Other features include attached mudrooms, casual dining zones, and better flow between the kitchen and living areas. 

DRC insight: We design kitchens around how our clients actually live. That might mean a hidden coffee bar, a wine fridge under the island, or even a built-in desk. These additions don't just add function — they change how the space is used every day. 

Final Thoughts 

The 2026 kitchen trends focus on clean materials, practical design choices, and features that support everyday living. Homeowners are prioritizing layouts that feel open, finishes that are easy to maintain, and elements that serve multiple functions. 

If you're planning a remodel, let these trends guide your decisions, not dictate them. A great kitchen reflects how you actually live. At Danny Reed Construction, we design spaces that are built with purpose, tailored to your needs, and finished with quality that lasts. 

If your kitchen is due for an upgrade, we’re ready when you are. Fill out our contact form to get started.