Stacy Garcia, CEO & Chief Inspiration Officer, Stacy Garcia Design Studio, on 2026 K&B Design Trends
As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: kitchens and baths are no longer just functional spaces – they are deeply personal environments designed to support wellbeing, creativity and connection. Homeowners are craving interiors that feel intentional, restorative, and reflective of who they are. At the heart of this shift is what I call “The Era of Purposeful Living”, a movement shaping design choices across color, materials and form.
Stacy Garcia Valenova Deco Sand Beige 5×5 Textured Matte Ceramic Tile. Image: TileBar & Stacy Garcia
Through the release of our 2026-2027 Trend Report, developed in collaboration with leading brands across furniture, textiles, tile and flooring, we’ve identified six key trends that reflect broader cultural, environmental, and technological shifts. While each trend has its own visual language, they share a common thread: thoughtful design that balances beauty, sustainability and self-expression.
Calm Foundations with Soul
Across kitchens and baths, we’re seeing a strong move toward calming, nature-driven palettes anchored in soft whites, warm neutrals, and grounded wood tones. These hues create a timeless foundation while allowing texture to take center stage. Tactile materials – honed stone, fluted wood, matte finishes – add depth and warmth, turning everyday routines into sensory experiences.
This sensibility is especially evident in Peak Serenity, a trend inspired by the quiet calm of high-altitude landscapes. Light-filled kitchens and spa-like baths embrace simplicity without feeling cold, pairing minimal forms with cozy, touchable materials. The result is a quiet luxury that feels effortless and restorative.
Stacy Garcia ArtBlock Grigio Gray 4×16 Glossy Porcelain Tile. Image: TileBar & Stacy Garcia
Nature as Muse
Biophilic influence continues to shape interiors, but in 2026 it’s evolving beyond greenery into form, texture and materiality. Terra Forma grounds spaces in raw, sculptural elements that celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Think organic stone countertops, textured wall surfaces and earthy finishes that feel both modern and timeless.
Similarly, Modern Mesa draws inspiration from desert landscapes and artisanal craft. In kitchens and baths, this translates to warm clay tones, handmade tile and sculptural silhouettes that blend rustic charm with refined design. These spaces feel rooted and authentic – a response to consumers’ growing desire for sustainability and craftsmanship.
Personality Through Color & Contrast
While neutrals set the stage, homeowners are increasingly using accent color and pattern to express individuality. Trend-forward hues inspired by nature – sunbaked terracotta, mineral blues, mossy greens – are showing up in cabinetry, tile backsplashes and statement vanities.
For those craving more drama, Eclectic Extravagance celebrates bold color, rich textures and intentional contrast. This maximalist approach brings personality and playfulness into kitchens and baths through unexpected finishes, graphic patterns and saturated hues – all thoughtfully layered to feel curated rather than chaotic.
Stacy Garcia Radius Forest Green 6×6 3D Crackled Glossy Ceramic Tile. Image: TileBar & Stacy Garcia
Timeless Design with a Modern Twist
Heritage and history are also influencing 2026 interiors. Legacy Lounge blends classic elegance with modern ease, pairing refined craftsmanship with warmth and approachability. In kitchens and baths, this might show up as traditional silhouettes reimagined with contemporary materials or a touch of glam softened by playful details.
At the same time, innovation is shaping the future through Dream Weave, where digital influence and surreal textures create immersive environments. While more subtle in residential kitchens and baths, this trend introduces fluid surfaces, dimensional finishes and lighting that shifts with mood and movement.
Stacy Garcia Home, Etched Geometric Salt Glaze peel and stick wallpaper. Image: Stacy Garcia
Designing with Intention
Ultimately, these trends reflect a broader cultural shift. Consumers are slowing down, making more considered choices and seeking spaces that support how they live – not just how they entertain. Kitchens and baths are becoming sanctuaries where function meets feeling, and where thoughtful design fosters comfort, creativity and connection.
As we move into 2026, the most successful spaces will be those that feel personal, purposeful and enduring – designed not just for today, but for the lives unfolding within them.
—Stacy Garcia is founder and chief inspiration officer of New York-based Stacy Garcia® Design Studio. She is also chairholder at the Color Marketing Group, where she specializes in identifying and analyzing emerging trends.
