Is white cabinetry dying?
Will 2026 be the year that white cabinetry dies? Results from the annual National Kitchen and Bathroom (NKBA) Survey predict a kitchen colour shake-up in the year to come.
From the hundreds of expert designers questioned nationwide, 40% predict earthy kitchens to be all the rage in 2026, a shake-up from the crisp white kitchens of recent years. Forest greens offer that New Zealand bush-feel from home. “For me, earthy is outdoorsy, it’s warm and cosy. People are loving these shades as they continue their shift away from whites and greys. I think earthy is here for a while,” says senior kitchen designer Jo Comins.
Designer Dawn-Lee Oberdries notes another common trend. “Timber and creamy tones are very popular at present. They allow for accessory finishes like antique colours to shine; tones which we are also starting to see trend.” Matte remains dominant, with 51% of designers preferring the finish.
In benchtop trends, porcelain refuses to lose its four-year-streak as the material of choice, with a 79% majority. NKBA designers foresee deep and earthy tones in 2026 alongside warm and natural shades, but an increasing range of porcelain and cost-effective rate makes it hard to knock.
WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT
Move over white, wood is in. Results show designers believe 2026 will be the year of timber cabinetry, with 58% predicting walnut to be the most popular finish. Walnut and oak will feature alongside warmer cream and sand tones, which designer Dawn-Lee says is a wonderful base for complementing wood grains.
With the shifting colour palettes, Anna Blackwell of Millbrook Kitchens says mid-century is making a comeback. “We are seeing a lot of beautiful greens and warmer colours return to the kitchen, with many clients requesting a mid-century look. I would say the higher-end market has always enjoyed the style of mid-century; however, it is nice to see the mid-range market embrace the timber vibes. To do mid-century right, I recommend incorporating lots of wood, warm tones, mixed metals, and colour,” says Anna.
