What Are the Best Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2026?
To remodel a kitchen, you’ll need more than just colorful cabinets and trendy finishes. You must focus on creating a space that works better, lasts longer, and adds value to your home. The goal should be to avoid creating an outdated kitchen or adding renovations that do not match your style.
If you’re working on your kitchen, consider leveraging trends that bring style, functionality, and long-term appeal. Whether you’re making a few changes or planning a complete renovation, this updated September 2026 guide recommends the top kitchen remodeling trends for the best results.
Increasing Use of Wooden Cabinets
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 59% of industry professionals say wood-grain cabinets are becoming more popular than painted cabinets. More homeowners are moving away from stark, clinical white kitchens. People are prioritizing oak, walnut, and warmer-toned maples, which are often paired with clean, modern lines.
- Who is adopting this trend: Homeowners seeking a calming, wellness-focused home environment and people who avoid all-white or high-gloss modern kitchens.
- Why it works: Wood introduces natural imperfections, grain patterns, and depth. Wood cabinets are neutral and age beautifully.
Pro tip: Use rich wood cabinets for your kitchen island or lower cabinets, and pair them with open shelving to keep the kitchen feeling light and airy.
Disappearing Appliances
Disappearing appliances or invisible kitchens are becoming more popular. This is because they transform the space from an industrial-looking area with large stainless-steel appliances into a more simplistic environment. In the invisible kitchen, refrigerators, dishwashers, and even stovetops are seamlessly integrated or concealed behind matching custom cabinetry.
- Who is adopting this trend: Homeowners with open floor plans in which the kitchen is fully visible from the living and dining rooms, and those seeking to eliminate visual clutter.
- Why it works: Hiding furniture makes small kitchens look larger, and larger kitchens look like intentional living rooms
Pro tip: Choose your appliances before finalizing your cabinet layout, and budget extra for the precise installation labor.
The Shift to Smart Storage
More people are moving away from generic shelves toward highly engineered storage solutions tailored to specific tasks. Most homeowners are prioritizing specialized built-in storage during renovations. This is all in a bid to improve functionality rather than expand a kitchen’s size.
- Who is adopting this trend: Condo and small-home owners who cannot expand their kitchen walls, and homeowners who use small appliances, such as espresso machines and blenders.
- Why it works: Smart storage keeps clutter out of sight and cuts the need to bend down or dig through cabinets to find items.
Pro tip: Do not just add generic drawers. Instead, customize your cabinet interiors based on where actions take place.
Usage of Layered Lighting
Layered lighting is no longer just a high-end design option but a standard for kitchen remodeling projects. Instead of relying on a single, flat overhead light source, this approach uses ambient, task, and accent lighting. Homeowners can use LEDs, smart dimmers, and tactile, concealed fixtures.
- Who is adopting this trend: Homeowners whose kitchens are fully integrated into dining and living spaces and those installing automated systems.
- Why it works: Layering lights, such as adding under-cabinet LEDs, ensures your countertops and entire kitchen stay bright and safe.
Pro tip: Design your lighting plan before finalizing cabinet planning, and ensure all sources have a consistent color temperature.
Layout Changes
Homeowners are moving away from strictly open-concept areas toward broken-plan living and zoned spaces. Beyond just changing finishes during kitchen remodeling projects, people are moving walls and appliances to create distinct cooking areas.
- Who is adopting this trend: Families sharing a space who need distinct, separate functional zones and people who want a high-performance cooking area.
- Why it works: It allows for specialized secondary spaces, such as dedicated coffee/beverage stations, which keep the main kitchen clutter-free.
Pro tip: Design self-contained zones rather than focusing strictly on the distances between your fridge, sink, and stove.
Top Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
To get the best results when remodeling your kitchen, you must work with a reliable contractor. However, choosing one can be tricky, since most advertise a similar service. If you live in Glendale, here are the top contractors that offer kitchen remodels:
Glendale Elite Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Pricing/cost ranges: Pricing depends heavily on materials, layout shifts, and square footage. Minor cosmetic or mid-range remodels cost between $25,000 and $50,000. Full structural layouts scale upward into the $60,000 to $120,000 range.
Design styles: Modern and contemporary, traditional and open-concept, and classic luxury.
Materials/finishes: Engineered quartz, custom-fabricated solid wood, classic subway tile, and frameless glass.
Project timelines and permitting: Timelines are strictly scheduled and communicated during initial consultations, and their team navigates local zoning.
ROI/home value impact of remodels: Mid-range kitchen remodels recover up to 74.5% of their cost at resale, while upscale bathroom overhauls typically deliver a 60–70% ROI.
Contractor vetting criteria: The company holds a valid, active California CSLB C-class license and is fully bonded and insured.
Sustainability/energy-efficient renovation options: They install energy-efficient LED lighting networks, smart home climate and lighting controllers, water-saving eco-fixtures, and Energy Star appliances.
Local market context: The company provides localized remodeling across the distinct micro-markets of Los Angeles County.
Glendale Elite Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling is a licensed general contractor based in Glendale, California. They specialize in residential and commercial structural renovations. The company offers luxury, mid-range, and open-concept design-and-build kitchen conversions, especially with 23% of home improvement projects involving remodeling the kitchen.
Pros
- Full-service execution
- Strict regulatory compliance
Cons
- Longer wait times
Silver Moccasin Builders
Pricing/cost ranges: A budget kitchen remodel starts around $28,000, a mid-grade remodel costs $45,000, and a high-end remodel starts at $85,000.
Design styles: Modern open concept and contemporary luxury.
Materials/finishes: Quartz, granite, and marble, as well as metal finishes, custom millwork, and luxury semi-custom wood selections.
Project timelines and permitting: Kitchen remodels take 6 to 12 weeks, and the firm handles the full submission of architectural and structural plans directly to building departments.
ROI/home value impact of remodels: Remodels that open dark spaces or integrate kitchens with main living areas traditionally yield the highest return.
Contractor vetting criteria: Led by a licensed general contractor with comprehensive general liability protections.
Sustainability/energy-efficient renovation options: The company integrates energy-efficient lighting designs, high-efficiency plumbing layouts, and resource-conscious insulation/ventilation.
Local market context: This contractor operates across the Greater Los Angeles Area, including Pasadena, Altadena, and Glendale.
Silver Moccasin Builders in Glendale is a full-service design-build firm. They specialize in architectural design, home renovations, structural transformations, and kitchen remodeling across Los Angeles and Pasadena. Given that Los Angeles County alone had approximately 3.73 million housing units in 2025, the company is locally owned and operated. It offers residential and commercial construction and remodeling according to its LinkedIn profile.
Pros
- End-to-end management of remodeling projects
- Locally owned and has community roots in LA County
Cons
- Regional limits
Victory Home Remodeling
Pricing/cost ranges: Cost structures are completely tailored around custom project blueprints, material tiers, and layout modifications. The company provides free initial consultations and detailed digital estimates
Design styles: Modern minimalist, open-concept transitional, contemporary, and updated traditional styles.
Materials/finishes: Engineered or natural stone countertops, backsplash tiles, and custom millwork/cabinets
Project timelines and permitting: Kitchen remodeling projects typically take four to eight weeks, and the company expedites building permit approvals through local city councils and departments.
ROI/home value impact of remodels: Kitchen renovations historically yield some of the highest returns on investment (ROI) for residential properties, typically around 55% to 70% of cost.
Contractor vetting criteria: Victory Home Remodeling is licensed, certified, and insured as a general building contractor in California.
Sustainability/energy-efficient renovation options: The company offers options that include energy-efficient LED task-lighting layouts, water-saving smart fixtures, and low-VOC finishes.
Local market context: They serve areas across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Torrance, Montebello, Hawthorne, Irvine, Walnut, and Whittier
Victory Home Remodeling is a residential general contractor based in Los Angeles, California, where 36% of city housing units are owner-occupied. It operates as a full-service general contractor focused on interior spaces. The company offers kitchen remodeling, bathroom layout redesign, room additions, and ADU garage conversions.
Pros
- Handles everything under one roof
- Local permitting familiarity
Cons
- Geographic limitations
Discount Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Pricing/cost ranges: Standard kitchen remodels generally range from $30,000 to $100,000, although specific job quotes require a custom consultation.
Design styles: Modern, minimalist, classic, traditional, and transitional.
Materials/finishes: Custom cabinetry, premium countertops, such as quartz or granite, specialized tile work, modern vanities
Project timelines and permitting: Kitchens or larger structural layout overhauls usually require four to eight weeks.
ROI/home value impact of remodels: Minor kitchen renovations see an average return of roughly 70% to 80% ROI and yield high value at resale.
Contractor vetting criteria: The company owner is a licensed General Contractor with an engineering degree.
Sustainability/energy-efficient renovation options: Modern water-saving plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient LED lighting configurations, and long-lasting building materials.
Local market context: This local Glendale contractor follows Southern California structural and environmental guidelines.
Discount Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling is a general contracting company based in Glendale, CA. Its services include new construction, room additions, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling, especially since 54% of U.S. homeowners undertook a renovation project in 2024 alone. The business is operated by its owner, Gary G., a mechanical engineer.
Pros
- Managed by a licensed mechanical engineer
- Services are affordable
Cons
- Limited access to custom, high-end materials
Comparing Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Turning your kitchen into a more modern model can be capital-intensive. However, the secret is working with a reliable contractor. Choosing one can be tricky, especially if you’re working on a remodeling project for the first time. Here is how these contractors stand side by side:
| Contractor | Key Feature | Best For | Limitation |
| Glendale Elite Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling | Full-service execution | Luxury and structural remodels | Longer wait times |
| Silver Moccasin Builders | End-to-end project management | Large renovations | Regional limits |
| Victory Home Remodeling | Local permitting expertise | Customized kitchen remodels | Geographic limitations |
| Discount Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling | Affordable services | Budget-conscious homeowners | Limited high-end materials |
Conclusion
The Problem: Leveraging the right kitchen remodeling trends and choosing a reliable contractor can be challenging. Homeowners need to balance design expertise, costs, materials, and the contractor’s ability to implement the desired trends and deliver excellent results.
Key Takeaway: Pick trends and a contractor based on your remodeling goals, budget, preferred design style, and project scope. Compare each contractor’s experience, services, pricing, materials, timelines, and local expertise before making a decision.
Next Steps
- Define your kitchen remodeling goals and budget
- Compare contractors based on experience and services
- Review materials, design styles, and project timelines
- Check licensing, insurance, and permitting expertise
- Choose a contractor that fits your needs and long-term home goals
FAQ
What kitchen features can increase a home’s resale appeal?
Timeless cabinetry, durable countertops, efficient appliances, practical storage, and quality lighting can improve functionality. They also make a remodeled kitchen more attractive to buyers.
Should you remodel a kitchen all at once?
A complete remodel can create a more cohesive result. However, phased upgrades may be preferable when budget, time, or household needs limit the project.
What mistakes should homeowners avoid during kitchen remodeling?
Homeowners must avoid setting unrealistic budgets, choosing trends over functionality, ignoring workflow, and underestimating storage. They must also make design decisions before confirming appliance dimensions.
