If you’re planning a renovation in 2026, these are the kitchen colours the experts predict to be big this year…

Every year, there are certain kitchen cabinetry shades that seem to stand out against the rainbow of options available these days. Last year, for example, we saw warm terracotta and red rise in popularity; the year before that, green was the go-to hue.

Wood is, without a doubt, one of the biggest trends at the moment, from skinny Shaker doors in dark walnut to blond fluted oak islands. However, if you prefer a dose of colour in your kitchen, I reached out to my industry contacts to discover what’s going to be trending in 2026.

Sage kitchens

Yes, green is certainly not going anywhere in 2026. With the rise of biophilic design and homeowners craving a connection to nature, it remains a popular option for renovators looking to upgrade their kitchens. But one particular tone comes out on top – sage green. It is soft, calming, and versatile, suiting a range of kitchen styles. In fact, over the last six months in 2025, bespoke kitchen company Tom Howley saw an 83% rise in sales of its Moonstone paint (a pale sage).

“Choosing the right kitchen colour is about balancing longevity with personality, and sage green does exactly that. It brings a softness that feels calm and welcoming, while still offering more depth and interest than a classic neutral,” says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company. “In a kitchen, where people spend so much of their time, sage green creates a sense of warmth and understated elegance that won’t date, making it a considered and enduring choice.”

Vibrant nature-inspired colours

If you prefer a bolder hue, up the saturation with confidence in 2026. For example, George Glasier, co-founder of Pluck, says kitchen cupboard greens will be fresh and leafy this year. “More muted, soft shades have been embraced with vigour, understandably so, but a punchier shade, that feels like looking at moss or bracken in summer, so evocative of life, will be the green of 2026.”

Timeless and characterful, blue shades are also predicted to continue to be big in 2026. “Coastal blues and greens are all about calm sophistication and natural inspiration. Whether soft and airy or deep and dramatic, these colours evoke the sea, sky, and landscape, turning kitchens into spaces of relaxation, style, and enduring beauty,” says Cassie Jones, brand manager at Masterclass Kitchens.

William Durrant, owner of Herringbone House, adds that rich, calming teal will also be a stand-out colour in 2026. “Perfect for statement kitchens, this shade works beautifully on cabinetry, bars, or upholstered seating. It pairs effortlessly with terracotta and ochre tones for a warm, harmonious palette,” he advises.

Moody, velvety hues, from deep clay red to aubergine

Colour confidence is certainly growing this year, says Cassie. “Homeowners are embracing character and heritage with rich, expressive hues, from deep reds to warm burnt orange. These tones, especially when paired with natural wood accents, strike a beautiful balance between nostalgic design and contemporary comfort,” she explains.

Similarly, George says we’ll be seeing more rich, dark yet still warm kitchen cabinetry tones such as deep clay reds and plums. “For me, these colours get lost if used as a small accent, so they work better when used on a larger area. They look beautiful with glints of metal, pale blues, woods and beiges. They are sumptuous, velvety colours that feel earthy and grounded,” he explains.

Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock Trading Co., agrees, adding that these moody tones, like paprika, midnight blue and deep brown, will be emerging to add contrast and richness. “Paired with natural stone, warm woods and brushed metals, these colours create kitchens that feel both inviting and expressive,” she says.

Black kitchens

Dark kitchen colours are back on our radar in 2026, whether you fancy an all-over moody look or a ‘fusion’ style with a mix of classic and more modern cabinets, wood and metallics. Black was actually Masterclass Kitchens’ second most popular painted Shaker finish in 2025. “Whether styled with warm neutrals, contrasting woodgrains or a bold pop of colour, dark kitchens exude confidence and create a premium, design-led statement,” says Cassie.

Warm neutrals

At the opposite end of the spectrum, neutrals will be equally sought after by renovators in 2026, but not your classic whites and greys. It’s the earthy tones that will become the new neutrals, says Lewis Buckley, designer at Harvey Jones.

“Mushroom browns, clay taupes, and sage greens are increasingly popular with our clients as they bridge the gap between cold neutrals and dark coffee colours,” he explains. “They demonstrate a considered and timeless approach to colour and will add depth beautifully to Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer (an elegant off-white).”

Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, is also seeing a shift towards earthier palettes, with softer greens, warm neutrals and an increased use of natural materials such as wood. “These are often introduced through islands or open shelving to balance painted cabinetry.”

What’s more, butter yellow, which took over the interiors industry last year, will also join these earthy colours in the ‘new neutrals’ kitchen category in 2026. “The cool whites and cool greys of years gone by are giving way to softer, sun-kissed tones that bring warmth and joy into the home,” says Cassie. “Paired with burnt orange, natural oaks or calming neutrals, butter yellow creates a soothing backdrop for timeless, feel-good design.”

Remember…

Trends are fun, but they naturally ebb and flow, so when it’s time to pick your new kitchen colour, it’s important to consider your personal style, likes, and dislikes in order to make the right choice. “We encourage homeowners to think carefully about the space, the amount of light and the materials that will sit alongside the colour before making a final choice and to think how they want a space to feel as this really helps guide the decision making,” advises Peter Humphrey, founder and design director at Humphrey Munson.

For more advice on choosing a kitchen colour, click here.

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