If you hadn't already heard, red is making a comeback in kitchens this year. But if there's one shade that's quietly taking over schemes, it's the rich, warming tones of merlot.
Much like the French wine, this kitchen color is equal parts moody and sophisticated, working beautifully in spaces that err more traditional or embody a more contemporary style.
It's a color designers predict is here to stay – it's chic, timeless, and unexpected. And it's a color that's entering our kitchens in many different ways, so it's not just about painting your cabinets; there are smaller tweaks you can make to add a pop of this trendy shade. Here's why merlot is the one color you should be bringing into your kitchen in 2026.
Decorating with moody colors has dominated over the past few months. And while the rich greens and burgundy hues that have dominated are here to stay, there's something new and unexpected about a merlot kitchen.
'Merlot is a rich, full-bodied hue that adds sophisticated depth to any space. Its deep plum undertones lend a luxurious feel to this burgundy shade, making it ideal for creating dramatic statements or cultivating intimate, cozy environments,' explains Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams.
While it's a similar shade to burgundy, a color we are all utterly obsessed with, it has slightly different undertones that can often lean more purple than red. How it reads will depend entirely on the formula and the light.
'Like the grape it’s named after, merlot is a rich, blackened red with notes that range from deep berry to cinnamon brown to purplish wine. This dramatic hue brings visual impact to a kitchen, infusing it with sophistication and a sense of luxury,' explains Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.
This alluring shade is about more than just color. It represents the way we view our kitchens, evolving into lived-in, inviting spaces, rather than a functional room zoned just for cooking and food prep.
'There’s a clear shift toward warmth and depth in interiors right now, and merlot tones capture that beautifully. We’ve been moving away from the stark whites and cooler neutrals of the past decade and leaning into hues that feel layered, grounded, and a bit nostalgic,' says Ashley Haley, founder and principal designer of Oslo Design Co.
'In kitchens especially, these richer shades evoke a sense of comfort and permanence. They feel collected, not contrived, which aligns so closely with how I approach design at Oslo Design Co. Every space should feel lived in, not just styled,' she explains.
How to Bring Merlot Hues into Your Kitchen
There are so many ways to bring shades of this rich, wine-inspired color into your kitchen, from paint and tiles to charming decor. Here are a few designer-approved methods that look oh-so chic.
1. Embrace merlot cabinetry
It might be one of the most obvious, but introducing merlot hues through your kitchen cabinets is a timeless way to add a sophisticated touch to your design.
'Merlot cabinetry makes a bold statement and adds depth and drama to the kitchen. It works well with a range of natural stone countertops, ranging from quartzite to soapstone - creamy, grays, or white with their veined varieties add elegance and contrast,' says Emily.
And while merlot cabinetry is an emerging look as we head into 2026, it actually has strong roots in historic kitchens, especially when it's applied to furniture and cabinets for an all-encompassing look.
'It's actually a very traditional color that was very often used in country house kitchens. This rich, deep red works anywhere and can make a piece of furniture instantly feel grand and smart. Mix with black granite or slate for a truly authentic look,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens.
2. Elevate a kitchen alcove
It's not unusual to have a random kitchen alcove or two, especially in an older home. They open up a wonderful opportunity to create something design-focused and elevated, like the home bar in this kitchen, where merlot tones are the star of the show.
'This space in our Countryside Tudor Remodel had such incredible natural light and original character, so I wanted a finish that would feel sophisticated yet soulful. The merlot tone added just the right balance of contrast against the creamy perimeter cabinetry and brass hardware,' says Ashley.
'It feels bold but timeless, and it grounds the space in a way that makes your morning coffee feel like a ritual. It also nods to the Tudor architecture without feeling traditional, which was important to me in this home,' she adds.
This bar nook may be small, but Ashley has gone bold on color, introducing merlot tones through the glossy tiles, cabinets, and decor with the round vase, which is very similar to this Glazed Terracotta Vase from Pottery Barn.
'I love using it in a way that feels a bit unexpected, on a wet bar, scullery, or coffee nook like this one. These smaller zones are the perfect opportunity to take a risk with color while still keeping the overall palette cohesive. It’s all about using color to create emotion, and this tone instantly makes a kitchen feel more intimate and inviting.'
3. Bring rich red hues through your countertops
Kitchen countertops are evolving – while classic white marble will always be in style, designers are gravitating towards bolder hues and veining for a unique, personality-filled kitchen.
These deep, rich red-purple hues are the perfect choice. In this space by Crystal Sinclair Designs, blue kitchen cabinets pair with an island wrapped in a merlot-toned marble, creating the ideal balance of light and dark. But it also works well with neutrals, especially natural wood tones.
'It also looks stunning next to natural oak, which brings in a tactile, organic balance. Texture is key here, mixing matte paint finishes with warm metal accents keeps the palette feeling intentional and collected,' says Ashley.
4. Make your backsplash tiles the star of the show
Tiles are a striking way to add color and drama to your kitchen, especially when it comes to merlot. Your kitchen backsplash, in particular, is a great place to introduce this moody hue in an impactful way, like in this design.
'Merlot is incredibly appealing because it offers a deep, statement color that still feels timeless and anchored. When used in a tile, merlot's complex variations beautifully catch the light, and the color delivers an immediate sense of warmth. This color is perfect for a high-impact kitchen backsplash,' explains Jamie Chappell of Fireclay Tile.
'Rich shades of merlot can bring wonderful depth and warmth to a kitchen. The color works beautifully as a tiled backsplash, adding a touch of character without overwhelming the space,' adds Isabel Fernandez, director at Quorn Stone.
5. Add merlot hues through kitchenware and decor
If you don't want to make any major changes to your kitchen, then decor and your everyday essentials are a stylish yet non-permanent way to experiment with new colors.
It could be as simple as a vase on your island, a bold casserole dish that lives on your cooktop, or even a striking counter lamp that blends style and ambience. It's about finding the simple things that make cooking and everyday tasks easier, yet elevating them with a new color.
If you're not sure where to start, these stylish, shoppable pieces are the perfect way to introduce shades of merlot to your kitchen without committing to a complete new look.
Charge plates are not only great for aesthetic tablescapes, but also for putting on display in your kitchen. This merlot hue is perfect for fall hosting, and will look so sophisticated layered with wood cutting boards and brass accents.
We've all seen and loved the Addison Ross bobbin salt and pepper mills, and they come in the perfect shade for this kitchen color trend. It's the perfect moody mix of red and purple, and they look so chic displayed on open shelving.
Cookware that doubles as decor is always a win, and this Le Creuset Dutch oven will not only work hard in your kitchen but look good while doing so. Keep it out on the hob at all times for a splash of merlot.
Your everyday essentials are always a great way to introduce a new color to your cooking space. This set of two tea towels features a charming frill detail and a handy loop for hanging. Plus, they've got the perfect, deep merlot tone.
I know what you're thinking – this wine rack isn't the right color. However, filled with a few bottles of your favorite merlot wine, it's the perfect way to bring this wine-inspired hue into your kitchen.
Designers love a kitchen countertop lamp for style and ambiance, and this merlot design is a stunning choice. Another Addison Ross bobbin design, it's cordless, rechargeable, and easy to wipe down if you get any food splatters on it.
While it's similar to burgundy kitchens, merlot has more variations, from rich reds to moody purples and even muddy browns, so it's a versatile hue to embrace this year. From painted cabinets to zellige tiles and small decor, designers say you should expect to see this color everywhere this season and beyond.
