Kitchen trends are perhaps some of the most fickle; the colors, shapes, and styles that are 'in' are constantly changing, and yet a kitchen is surely the room you want to feel the most stylish, so how many of these 'trends' should you follow anyway? As a Kitchen Editor, I am constantly having these conversations – what trends are fleeting and which are the timeless 'trends' you should actually pay attention to.
My designer sources tend to be the biggest influence on the trends I report on, so when I spoke with iconic designer Shea McGee about her latest kitchen project (a design itself that sparked the emerging trend for curved silhouettes), I was keen to find out which 2026 kitchen trend she is most excited about.
Three distinct styles are at the top of her list, blending enduring style with endless function and unique design. Here's what she had to say about the trends, and why she thinks they are the ones to consider.
Shea McGee's Favorite 2026 Kitchen Trends
'When it comes to design trends, I always look for what feels timeless, not temporary. I love when a design feels current without chasing what’s in,' says Shea. 'Thoughtful details, quality materials, and livable function will always outlast a trend – but there are a few directions I’m really excited about for the year ahead.'
1. Curved and Sculptural Profiles
Curves, curves, curves. We talked about them in our 2026 kitchen trends forecast, and it's a detail Shea is a particular fan of, demonstrated in her latest kitchen project we recently toured too.
'I love how soft, rounded lines bring elegance and ease to a kitchen. They break up all the straight edges and make the space feel more custom and collected – less modular, more designed,' she explains.
There are so many ways to introduce these more organic silhouettes into your kitchen. Take notes from Shea by softening the edge of your kitchen backsplash, or keep things simple with round lighting or curved furniture – the right bar stool, like McGee & Co.'s Molly Stool, can have more impact than you might think.
Introducing curves to your kitchen could be as simple as decorating the walls with a round photo frame. This design from Shea's collection at Target is a chic option to bring a personal touch to your design.
Lighting fixtures naturally feature curves, so embracing a design like this one creates a soft, sculptural feature above the island while still adding function. Layer three in a row for a striking yet cohesive look.
A bar stool had to be included, especially a design as beautifully curved as this one. It's not only a great way to introduce the trend into your kitchen, but a softer back profile makes the seat much more comfortable.
2. Material Richness and Layering
White kitchens were once the hallmark of a stylish home, but they have been falling a little bit flat recently. Instead, everyone is craving something warmer, more layered, and characterful. And it's a shift in trends that Shea says is perhaps the most exciting.
'We’re moving away from flat, all-white kitchens to spaces that mix natural woods, patinated metals, textured stones, and soft finishes. It’s about depth, warmth, and character – kitchens that feel lived in, not just styled,' she notes.
A few simple changes can take a white kitchen from stark to stylish. Layer wooden cutting boards as decor and marble accessories on your countertops, introduce shelving in an elegant material with brass brackets, or, if it's in the budget, install a freestanding wooden island at the center of your kitchen.
Wooden cutting boards are the one feature designers always add to kitchens, and they are a great way to add warmth to your design. This round board from McGee & Co. incorporates the trend for curves, too.
You don't have to have marble countertops to bring this luxurious material into your space. These salt and pepper shakers are a small but meaningful (and functional) way to bring a new texture into your design.
If you have the space, a freestanding wooden island is a chic and timeless feature to add to your kitchen. They come in various sizes, styles, and prices. This one is simple and a little bit rustic, and currently less than $250!
3. People-Centric Layouts and Gathering Zones
'Kitchens are the true heart of the home. I’m drawn to trends and designs that invite people in – kitchen island ideas that double as homework spaces, storage that supports real life, layouts that make everyday living easy,' Shea explains.
There are so many ways you can implement this trend, whether you're planning a remodel or a simple refresh. Comfortable island seating or the return of eat-in areas are great options, creating a small, cozy seating area for dining, socializing, and even as a homework station.
You might also want to consider dedicated zones or stations to rituals you carry out daily, whether it's a coffee bar, a breakfast prep area, or even storage specifically designed for the produce you grow in your backyard.
It's about creating a kitchen that's tailored to you, works for you, and grows with you. As Shea explains, 'That balance of function and beauty is what keeps a space feeling relevant long after the trend cycle moves on.'
A stylish but compact bistro table like this one will instantly create a dining nook. Just pair with a couple of chairs and style the space around with prints and lighting for a mini zone within your kitchen.
This cabinet is the perfect base for a coffee station. It comes with LED lights, Wireless Charging, USB Ports, and plenty of storage for mugs and essentials. Plus, the top shelf is perfect for your prized coffee maker.
If you're sticking to island seating, upgrade your seats to something more comfortable. This counter stool features a delicately curved backrest and a stylish striped seat cushion, both maximizing comfort.
Shea has called it – 2026 is the year or kitchens that are layered and offer bespoke functionality. It's an evolution of the lived-in style that has been rising for a while now, but in a more tailored, personalized way.
