Home remodeling trends are always evolving, but we’ve never believed in chasing what’s “in” at the expense of personal style. However, inspiration can be helpful—especially when it reflects how homeowners are really living today.
We asked award-winning designer Krista Agapito, Director of Sales at S&W Kitchens, to share what she’s seeing across kitchen and bath projects. Instead of overly modern or trend-driven spaces, homeowners are gravitating toward designs that feel grounded, tactile, and thoughtfully tailored to everyday life.
At S&W Kitchens, our design team works with homeowners every day across kitchens, bathrooms, and full-home remodels. Based on what we’re seeing in real projects—not just showrooms or social media—these are the kitchen and bath trends shaping 2026.
Natural Materials Are Back (and They’re Here to Stay)
Natural materials are no longer a “luxury accent.” They’re becoming the foundation of modern kitchen and bathroom design.
Homeowners are leaning into real wood cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and wood flooring in kitchens—materials that age gracefully and feel authentic. Instead of highly polished or artificial finishes, there’s a growing preference for surfaces with subtle movement, variation, and warmth.
In kitchens, this often shows up as:
- Wood cabinetry with visible grain
- Stone countertops with organic veining
- Wood floors that flow seamlessly from living spaces into the kitchen
In bathrooms, natural materials help soften the space, creating a spa-like environment that feels calming rather than clinical. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s character.
From a long-term perspective, these materials also add value. Natural finishes don’t cycle in and out of style the way trend-driven colors or high-gloss materials do, making them a smart investment for homeowners planning to stay put.
Texture Is Doing the Heavy Lifting in Design
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the rise of texture as a primary design element.
Cabinet doors with fluted or reeded details, super-matte finishes, and subtle grooves are everywhere—for good reason. These textures add depth without overwhelming the space, especially when paired with clean, simple layouts.
Texture is showing up across kitchens and baths in several ways:
- Fluted or reeded cabinet fronts
- Matte or brushed countertop finishes
- Textured tile on backsplashes and shower walls
- Soft-touch finishes that feel as good as they look
These elements invite interaction. You don’t just see them—you feel them. That sensory layer makes a kitchen or bathroom feel more custom, more intentional, and more personal.
Moody, Color-Drenched Spaces Are Gaining Ground
Light and bright will always have a place, but darker, moodier spaces are making a strong move—especially in secondary areas of the home.
Color-washing a room—using the same deep tone across walls, ceilings, doors, and built-ins—creates a cohesive, immersive effect. Instead of feeling heavy, these spaces often feel tailored and sophisticated.
We’re seeing this trend extend beyond living rooms into:
- Primary bedrooms
- Home offices
- Bars and wine rooms
- Statement powder baths
Built-ins that match the wall color help everything blend seamlessly, allowing materials and lighting to take center stage. When done correctly, moody spaces feel intentional rather than dark—and incredibly inviting.
Layered Lighting Is No Longer Optional
Lighting design has moved far beyond basic overhead fixtures.
Homeowners now expect lighting to enhance both function and atmosphere. In kitchens and baths, that means layering ambient, task, and accent lighting to support how the space is actually used.
Some of the most requested lighting upgrades include:
- Toe-kick lighting along cabinetry
- Ambient lighting under knee spaces at bars or islands
- Integrated lighting inside pantries and storage areas
- Soft, indirect lighting to complement under-cabinet task lighting
These details don’t just look good—they improve usability, safety, and comfort. Thoughtful lighting can completely change how a kitchen or bathroom feels at different times of day.
Easy Accessibility (Without Sacrificing Style)
Functionality has always mattered, but today’s homeowners want smart design that stays visually clean.
One of the fastest-growing trends is the “back kitchen” or hidden pantry—a secondary space where the real work happens. These areas allow small appliances, prep mess, and storage to stay out of sight, keeping the main kitchen open and uncluttered.
We’re also seeing:
- Butler’s pantries that double as prep or beverage stations
- Open shelving with exposed wood rollouts
- Improved lighting in utility spaces to make them feel intentional, not forgotten
The result is a kitchen that looks calm and polished but works incredibly hard behind the scenes.
What These Trends Mean for Your Remodel
The common thread across all of these trends is intention.
Homeowners aren’t remodeling just to update finishes, they’re investing in spaces that feel better to live in every day. Texture, lighting, material choices, and layout decisions are all working together to create homes that feel timeless, comfortable, and deeply personal.
When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, trends should guide—not dictate—your decisions. The best designs balance what’s current with what fits your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
At S&W Kitchens, our designers focus on helping homeowners navigate these choices thoughtfully, combining proven trends with practical experience to create spaces that stand the test of time
Find a showroom location near you to start your remodeling journey today!
Article contribution from Krista Agapito, Director of Sales at S&W Kitchens