Predictions for popular kitchen colors in 2026, including buttery yellows and emerald green tones like matcha.
Predicted Kitchen Color Trends for 2026
In 2026, kitchens are set to embrace warmer, more dynamic, and textured palettes, moving away from stark contrasts and overly bright colours. Here are some key trends to look out for:
Silky, translucent colours inspired by frosted glass Designers are introducing custom kitchen finishes that capture depth and fluidity in colours such as caramel, blue, green, and red. These nuanced hues are a daring yet sophisticated departure from traditional neutrals, offering a fresh take on kitchen design (Wallpaper*).
Sunbaked hues with a 1970s influence but modernized Expect terracotta, saffron yellows, and rich, earthy reds that feel timeless and warm without being overpowering. These colours have a dynamic quality that shifts with natural light, ideal for lively, convivial kitchen spaces (Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Forecast).
Restorative darks Deep, nocturnal shades that provide a sense of comfort and enclosure, pairing well with natural materials like raw wood and brushed metals to avoid heaviness. These can create a moody and intimate atmosphere in kitchen spaces (Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color Forecast).
Warmer, muted tones moving away from stark whites Kitchen colour palettes will include warmer whites, beiges, and taupes, reflecting a shift toward warmth and approachability while still allowing blacks and accents for contrast (YouTube source on Rustic Modern trend).
Butter yellow Butter yellow is gaining attention as a standout shade for 2026 kitchens, with a comforting and nostalgic charm. Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore, predicts a strong shift toward soft, muted color palettes, with butter yellow being the standout shade of the year (YourHomeStyle).
Matcha green Matcha green is becoming popular in kitchens, with a surge in green paint sales, particularly matcha-toned, chalky shades. YesColours, a UK-based B Corp paint brand, reports a 150.4% increase in green paint sales over the last six months (YesColours).
Blue Blue is a timeless choice for kitchens, with Alisma Azzurro Blue gaining attention. Pantone declared 'Mocha Mousse' 'Color of the Year' for 2025, but black remains a timeless, versatile colour for kitchens, providing a bold and refined base (Pantone).
Warm browns Warm browns, specifically Mocha Mousse, are predicted to continue being popular in kitchens in 2026. Transformative Teal, a specific shade of teal, is described as a fusion of blue and aquatic green that reflects the diversity of nature and taps into an earth-first mindset. In 2026, the colour teal is predicted to make an impact in interiors, including kitchens, by WGSN (WGSN)
Powder blue Powder blue, a soft pastel, is being embraced for its serene, soothing qualities. Powder blue fits into the desire for a calming atmosphere, with Mohammed Bharucha stating that it offers a sense of tranquillity (Interior Design Tips).
Subtle neutrals Subtle neutrals like white, cream, grey, and beige can help create a soft minimalist style or serve as a backdrop for brighter pops of colour. These neutral colours also make it easy to refresh a kitchen by switching out furniture and accessories without a full redesign.
These colour choices offer a blend of warmth, depth, and texture, ensuring that kitchens in 2026 remain inviting and dynamic spaces.
In the realm of crafts and lifestyle, crochet designs featuring soft, muted colors like butter yellow, matcha green, or powder blue could add a touch of soulful elegance to kitchen interiors in 2026, harmonizing with the year's trending color palettes. As home-and-garden enthusiasts seek to bring warmth and tranquility into their kitchen spaces, crafting decorative accents with these colors could be an ideal way to breathe life into the fusion of interior-design trends and modern kitchen crafts.
