2026 Cabinet Trends: What’s “in” in Custom Woodwork
With 2026 now upon us, the world of custom cabinetry is embracing simplicity, natural beauty, and creative design. At Animas Craft Woodworks, we’re seeing clients move away from high-maintenance, complicated materials and toward cabinetry that’s soothing, functional, and full of personality. Here’s what’s truly trending for the year ahead:
1. Natural Wood Tones & Simplicity
Today’s homes are gravitating toward cabinetry that celebrates the authentic look and feel of wood—without the fuss of reclaimed material. The trend is to choose a wood species that’s naturally beautiful, like White Oak, Walnut, or Mahogany (yes! Mahogany is back!), and let its grain and color take center stage. Instead of heavy stains, consider low-VOC, water-based clear finishes for both the look and sustainability. These finishes won’t yellow over time, protect indoor air quality, and keep your cabinetry looking fresh and natural. The result is a soothing, elegant space that’s easy to care for and never goes out of style.
2. Greens & Plums: The New Accent Colors
Color remains a powerful tool in kitchen and bath design, and for 2026, deep greens continue to reign as a favorite—timeless, calming, and endlessly versatile. Plum is also making waves, offering a rich, dramatic alternative that’s both soothing and bold. If you love color but want flexibility, consider painting an accent wall that increases the dramatic effect of real wood cabinetry. Wall color is easy to update, so you can highlight your woodwork or change the vibe with just an afternoon of DIY.
3. Room Divider Cabinets: Creating Spaces, Not Just Walls
As people rethink the open-concept trend, room divider cabinets are becoming the go-to solution for creating defined spaces—without the mess of construction. Whether it’s a bookcase, entertainment center, or custom bar, these cabinets add storage and character while separating living areas. Unlike framing and drywall, which can take weeks, divider cabinets are built in the shop and installed in a day or two. They do double duty: providing privacy and becoming a functional, beautiful focal point in your home.
4. Curves & Custom Geometry
Cabinetry is moving beyond straight lines. Custom layouts now often include curved islands, arched details, and built-ins with gently rounded edges. These elements add visual interest and softness to kitchens, living rooms, and even entertainment centers. Bars and vanities are especially fun spaces to experiment with curves, creating a sense of movement and uniqueness. The ability to customize geometry means your cabinetry truly fits your space and your style, making every project a one-of-a-kind centerpiece.
5. Get Wild with Your Vanity
Vanities—especially in powder rooms—are the perfect place to let your creativity run free. Because these spaces are small and used for short periods, you can go bold with color, shape, and materials without overwhelming the rest of your home. Think dramatic sinks, intricate woodwork, unexpected finishes, or furniture-style vanities that look like heirloom pieces. Top it all off with a fun and unique wallpaper. Powder rooms are your chance to make a statement, surprise your guests, and enjoy something totally unique every day.
6. Furniture-Style Pieces
There’s a growing demand for cabinetry that looks and feels like fine furniture. Freestanding vanities, hutches, and media centers with turned legs, apron fronts, and exposed joinery bring warmth and character to any room. These pieces combine traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience—think soft-close drawers (or even replacing the smooth modern drawer action with the real feel of a craftsman style wood drawer slide), hidden organizers in powered drawer boxes, and a more open and less “bulky cabinet” feel. Furniture-style cabinetry works beautifully in kitchens (especially islands), bathrooms, living rooms, and anywhere you want a piece that stands out for all the right reasons.
7. Library Walls: More Than Just Books
Library walls are having a renaissance, and it’s easy to see why. They provide a place to display books, treasures, games, and travel finds. They turn any wall or corner into a personal statement. A well-designed library wall can act as an architectural statement, define a gathering space, serve as the perfect backdrop for your next video conference, or help organize your family’s hectic life. Whether you want a compact nook or a floor-to-ceiling showpiece, library walls are about expressing your story and organizing your life in style.
8. Lighting: The Unsung Hero
Lighting is no longer an afterthought—it’s a design feature. Under-cabinet lighting makes food prep safer and more enjoyable, while in-cabinet and glass-front display lighting turn storage into art. Bookcase and library wall lighting create a cozy ambiance. For bathrooms, automatic toe-kick lights are a game-changer for nighttime “trips.” The right lighting eliminates shadows, highlights your cabinetry, and transforms the feel of your entire space. The best part is that lighting isn’t even very expensive. And dependable remote switches - that mount on your wall and look just like they are wired in - make installation much easier than you might think. Choose lighting that is adjustable for both brightness and temperature (color). For that intense holiday baking day, brighten it up with cool light that lets you see everything you’re doing in fine detail. Then dim the lights and turn it warmer to wind down on relaxing evenings.
Thinking about a cabinetry project for 2026? Let’s talk about how these trends can work in your home—while staying true to your style and needs. Schedule a consult and let’s discuss the possibilities.