Kitchen Trends for 2026 in Washington: Warmth, Function, and Thoughtful Design
Of all the home renovations in the Tacoma, Washington area, kitchen remodels are one of the most popular. The saying, the kitchen is the heart of the home, is repeated for a reason: it’s true. Kitchens are a place of connection and care, where families and friends gather, and memories are made alongside meals.
We’re excited about the direction of kitchen design in Washington in 2026. As trends shift away from stark, all-white kitchens toward warmth, texture, and functionality, we are seeing the influence of the Pacific Northwest on home design: a connection with nature, craftsmanship, and intentional living. Whether a kitchen remodel is in your plans for the new year, or you're just curious about the kitchen design trends we’ll see in 2026, read on.
Warmth and Texture Take Center Stage
Homeowners crave kitchens that feel inviting, not sterile. While minimalism and smooth surfaces had their place, today’s kitchens will layer texture through cabinetry, natural stone, gorgeous tile, and beautiful finishes. There’s a balance between beauty and everyday usability, and the kitchens of 2026 will strike it perfectly.
Warm wood, used as accents, flooring, and cabinets, brings a sense of calm and groundedness to kitchens that homeowners crave. And many homeowners are preferring textured materials to add depth and interest to their spaces. For example, matte lacquer cabinets are a popular choice. They hide imperfections and, because they don’t reflect light, make a kitchen feel cozy. Other examples of texture in the kitchen include
Fluted cabinetry
Natural stone elements
Woven accessories
Veined stone
Patterned tiles
Interesting flooring
Nature-Inspired Design
We’ve already seen this trend in Washington and other places around the country, and it will continue: earthy color palettes are replacing bright white. As nature-inspired hues gain popularity, kitchens will shift from white everything (which looks clean and bright but can feel stark and cold) to warm and welcoming colors that feel peaceful and inviting.
Wood tones warm up any space. It has rich grains and textures that bring a timeless beauty and elegance to any space. Wood accents fit well with every style and have staying power.
Colors like sage green, mocha, mushroom, and soft taupes take center stage as warm neutrals we all love and crave.
These shifts in color and design preferences speak to the connection that Washington residents feel with the outside. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful, and it’s only right that our homes reflect some of that natural beauty.
Natural Materials with Character
The connection to nature and use of natural materials also gives each home space to be unique. For example, natural stone like marble with visible veining is very popular—and no two pieces of stone are the same. Choose materials that feel authentic and unique instead of overly polished for a home that has character built right in.
Quartzite countertops are another popular option for 2026 kitchens. Made from sandstone, quartzite looks like marble but is more durable (heat- and scratch-resistant, etc). It has the gorgeous and unique veining that is so popular.
Beauty Without Clutter: The Rise of Prep Kitchens and Walk-In Pantries
While open floor plans are a staple in home design that will always be popular to some degree, many homeowners today are looking for ways to enhance connection without having everything on display. Kitchens in particular should feel orderly, serene, and intentional—which can be a hard ask when they’re also the place where dirty dishes and food prep mess tend to be.
Prep Kitchens
A great solution that supports both entertaining and everyday life is the prep kitchen. Versions of this trend would also be sculleries and butler’s pantries. No matter which variety you choose, all of these trending kitchen features have a few things in common:
They provide meal prep space that is separate from the main kitchen, so the messiest tasks can be behind closed doors. This leaves the main kitchen tidy and free for connection and gathering.
They often include secondary sinks and dishwashers, and sometimes even ovens, so hosting and clean-up are a breeze.
They house appliances to keep clutter out of the main kitchen.
They have storage (cabinets, shelving, counter space) for extra food, serving dishes, and whatever else you need.
Pantries
Another trend we love in 2026 kitchens is the walk-in pantry. These gorgeous spaces have as much thought and care put into them as the rest of the house. Many times, today’s walk-in pantries will have counter space, built-in shelving, appliance garages, and thoughtful organizational systems. They will also often have stunning light fixtures, windows, and even tiled backsplashes, so they tie in seamlessly with the rest of the home.
Walk-in pantries are a top request in new construction homes and will continue to be throughout 2026. But what if you’re remodeling your current home? With the help of a kitchen designer (part of why we always recommend working with a design-build team), you can reimagine existing and underused space to give you a dreamy walk-in pantry. For example, if you rarely use your formal dining room, you may be able to rework it into a stunning walk-in pantry, laundry room, and mud room—three rooms you’ll use all the time instead of one you use once or twice a year. Of course, that’s only one possibility and may not work for your home. But your designer can help you come up with a plan that will.
Cabinet Trends for 2026: Subtle and Sophisticated
In a definite move away from the all-white cabinets that have dominated kitchens for a decade, we’re seeing light-stained wood as the most popular cabinet color choice. White oak is the clear favorite for kitchen cabinets in 2026. Red oak with a light colored stain is also popular. Second place (after light wood) goes to off-white cabinets: a creamy, soft alternative to the bright white look.
Door Styles and Details
Simplicity reigns in kitchen remodels in 2026. Flat paneled doors and slab front cabinets will be the most popular option. Both of these styles are clean and modern, warm without being fussy. They can be mixed with thoughtfully-placed open shelving and the occasional glass front for a look that focuses on quiet detail. Integrated, subtle pulls and hardware complete the classy design.
Making a Statement
Focal points are important in every room, and the kitchen is no exception. While kitchens in 2026 are leaning warm and subtle, there’s still room for drama and excitement.
Bespoke range hoods give a luxury look to a functional piece—the perfect marriage of form and function.
Fluted and reeded detailing on cabinetry, the island, and accessories provides texture and warmth, while looking anything but ordinary.
Curved or softened edges on countertops and backsplashes will begin to take center stage in 2026, giving a dramatic and unexpected look.
Subtle checkerboard tile backsplashes and flooring are making a comeback as well, adding a little fun without going overboard.
Appliances: Smarter and Sleeker
Smart appliance technology is becoming standard in kitchen remodels. They provide convenience, comfort, and safety while saving time and energy—what’s not to love? In 2026, we will see a rise in the popularity of induction ranges. These appliances offer incredible speed, increased safety, precision heating, and superior energy efficiency. Because they heat using electromagnetic technology, they do require special cookware, but many people swear that once they start using their induction range, there’s no going back.
Regardless of the type of appliance, kitchen trends in 2026 will see them blending into cabinetry for a seamless look. They will be sleek and beautiful in their own right, prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing design.
Designing a Kitchen that Lasts
Kitchen trends in 2026 will point toward spaces that are warm, functional, beautiful, and intentional. With an emphasis on natural materials, thoughtful storage, and subtle statements, kitchen remodels in 2026 will look and feel perfect.
And while even the best trends come and go, a well-designed kitchen will stand the test of time. That’s why working with a design-build team like Massey Remodel + Design is the right decision for your Tacoma kitchen remodel. We can help you choose the best of the trends, the ones that make sense for your family and lifestyle, and create the kitchen of your dreams in 2026. Contact us today and let’s get started.