Elizabeth P. Lord-Levitt, CMKBD, MSRECM, CLIPP is the principal designer of Denver-based Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design. A member KBB’s editorial advisory board, she shares her thoughts on the design trends we’ll see in 2026.
What are the color trends you expect for kitchens in 2026 and beyond?
I expect to see the color trends in kitchens evolving into richer hues and textures. Walnut, dark stained oak and soapstone countertops will become more prevalent in 2026.
What about color trends in primary bathrooms?
I foresee color trends in bathrooms still maintaining a lighter and spa-like feel, with natural tones and textures through lighter cabinet wood tones and lighter colored tiles.
What smart technology trends in the home do you foresee for 2026?
I see more AV integration with automated window coverings and lighting controls. As designers become more exposed to and educated on smart home technology, their clients’ projects will start to include more home integration features. Soon, an AV integrator will be become just as important as a plumber on a jobsite.
Will open-plan kitchens still be coveted in 2026 and beyond?
I don’t feel layouts are a trend; they’re more specific to a space and a client’s wants and needs. Open-concept plans can provide versatility in a space, while some clients may prefer a more compartmentalized way of living.
Will all-white kitchens still be coveted in 2026 and beyond?
I think clients are moving away from all white everything. It doesn’t provide contrast and texture in a space, which creates warmth and an inviting feel. Stark and sterile is out.
Spa-like bathrooms are all the rage today. What do you see coming down pipeline in that regard?
I think we will see more requests for health and wellness features in a bathroom, like bidets, steam showers and aromatherapy features.
Will wellness elements like improved air and water quality in the kitchen and bath gain momentum? If not, which wellness trends can we expect?
See above! In addition, I see more clients requesting features associated with indoor air quality materials, like the use of plaster and whole-house humidifiers.
Design: Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC. Photo: Courtesy Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC
What kind of cabinet and storage innovation can we expect to see in 2026?
I expect to see more automation with cabinet features, and more creative use of storage accessories.
Do you think sustainable design will become a norm instead of an exception moving forward? Why or why not?
As cities and building jurisdictions start to implement more restrictions regarding environmental impact from the building industry, contractors and designers will start to prioritize sustainable building. This will include recycling building waste and deconstruction on jobsites. It will also include sourcing materials locally.
Will (color)tunable lighting become more mainstream?
Lighting plays a key role in any designer’s project, and it’s often underutilized. Lighting can greatly impact the look and feel of a space, and introducing tunable lighting allows the vibe of a space to transform with minimal effort.
Do you expect client requests for living-in-place design features in kitchen remodels to grow or decline? Why?
I think requests for living-in-place design features in kitchen remodels to maintain the same, if applicable to a project and space. Prioritizing a client’s limitations or abilities will only increase their positive experience in the space.
Do you expect client requests for living-in-place design features in bath remodels to grow or decline? Why?
I think requests for living-in-place design features in bathroom remodels to maintain the same, if applicable to a project and space. Prioritizing a clients limitations or abilities, will only increase a client’s positive experience in the space.
Do you see the ‘back kitchen’ trend in luxury projects continuing?
Absolutely. A butler’s pantry or scullery has now become a must-have in any kitchen design when applicable. A back space that can be used for function allows the main kitchen to be aesthetically pleasing and less cluttered with necessary small appliances and storage.
Laundry rooms: Will they grow beyond the tried-and-true washer/dryer design to include other elements like steamer closets?
Laundry rooms will absolutely start to become a multi-use space that includes steamer closets. As more utilitarian appliances and features become more readily available, clients will start to request them in their spaces. I am also doing more 2-in-1 washer dryers in primary closets or spaces closer to bedrooms for ease of use and functionality.
Will design for pets accelerate in 2026? What features will we see?
I think pets and their needs will still be a priority in projects. Dedicated food bowl locations, water bowls with direct water access and pet food storage or litter box locations may limit the versatility of the space, but for pet owners, it creates value and functionality through intentional design choices.
