Wood Kitchen Cabinets Are Officially Back in Style for 2026, According to a New Report
If a kitchen makeover is on your home projects to-do list, you might be looking for inspiration to add to your vision board. Remodels can cost a pretty penny, and it feels like kitchen trends change all the time, so it’s fair to want to have a little data to back up your design choices.
However, the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA/KBIS) 2026 Trends Report recently came out, and it may convince you to keep your wood grain cabinets as they are — and give you other insights on how to keep your kitchen looking fresh.
The Report Shows That White Oak Cabinets Are Rising in Popularity
According to the NKBA Trends Report, wood cabinets are all the rage, with 59% of surveyed designers, remodelers, showroom professionals, and contractors identifying it as a popular trend. More specifically, 51% of respondents stated that white oak is the preferred cabinet material among those currently renovating.
Compared to the orange-toned oak cabinets of the early 2000s, white oak is a bleached cousin with ashy undertones and an almost whitewashed finish. It can read antique, beachy, Scandinavian, or modern, depending on the style of cabinetry, and is a more soothing tone than that high-gloss orange we’re used to.
What Else the Kitchen Trends Report Predicts
The Kitchen Trends Report also shows that wood flooring is on the rise for kitchens, as is natural quartzite and quartz for countertops and backsplashes. And to further the calming feeling in the kitchen, the study states that neutral colors are also the most popular pick for kitchens at the moment, with greens and blues following close behind.
These classic and neutral design elements may have to do with the fact that respondents also said they want their kitchen renovations to feel timeless, and there’s nothing more timeless than natural wood and stone. With white oak and quartz as a base, you can easily lean into different aesthetics with accessories or wall colors as your style changes over the years.
If you already have oak cabinets or any cabinetry that’s a wood grain, you can easily refinish them in a white oak style with a whitewash staining method. Or, if you’re a renter, try using a white oak peel-and-stick wallpaper to get the designer look for less.
Think neutral and natural for your upcoming kitchen makeover, and you’ll likely be happy with it for so many years to come! Visit the Kitchen Trends Report to learn more about what to expect in the kitchen design world.