Design Trends

KBIS Takeaways: 2026 Design Trends

Sara, designer at Stewart Construction, attends KBIS to explore what’s next in kitchen, bath, and home design.

Design Trends We’re Bringing Home from KBIS

Every year, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, better known as KBIS, brings together designers, builders, manufacturers, and industry professionals from across the country to explore what’s next in kitchen, bath, and home design. From emerging materials and new product launches to evolving lifestyle trends, it’s one of the biggest opportunities for designers to stay inspired and informed.

For designers, attending KBIS is about more than spotting trends. It’s a chance to experience products firsthand, study craftsmanship up close, and better understand where design is headed before ideas begin showing up everywhere else. It also gives us the opportunity to bring fresh inspiration and thoughtful solutions back to our clients.

And yes, there were a lot of steps logged along the way. Sara covered what felt like miles of showrooms, gathering inspiration, ideas, and innovations we’re excited to share.

Getting Back to Nature

Warm wood cabinetry, natural stone, and organic materials were everywhere this year. Designers and manufacturers alike are leaning into spaces that feel grounded, calming, and connected to nature.

Instead of overly stark or ultra-polished finishes, we saw more texture, variation, and materials that celebrate their imperfections. Rift-cut oak, walnut, travertine, limestone, and handmade surfaces continue to gain momentum, helping kitchens and bathrooms feel warmer and more lived in.

Beauty in the Details

One of the biggest takeaways from KBIS was the attention being paid to craftsmanship and detail.

Texture is playing a major role in making spaces feel layered and intentional. Hand-glazed tile, fluted wood details, mixed metal finishes, integrated lighting, and thoughtfully designed millwork added depth throughout many of the showrooms.

Rather than relying on one dramatic statement, many spaces felt elevated because of the smaller moments working together cohesively.

Bold, Yet Refined

Color and personality are still very much present, but in a more curated and sophisticated way.

Rich greens, warm earth tones, deep blues, and moody accents appeared throughout the show, often paired with natural textures and softer materials to keep spaces feeling balanced. Wallpaper, sculptural lighting, statement stone, and furniture-inspired cabinetry brought character without overwhelming the room.

The overall feeling was less about trends for the sake of trends and more about creating spaces that feel personal, timeless, and layered.

Function Still Leads the Way

Beyond aesthetics, many of the innovations showcased at KBIS focused on how homes support everyday living.

We saw continued growth in concealed storage, integrated appliances, layered lighting, wellness-focused features, and flexible spaces that adapt to the way people actually live. There was also a strong emphasis on quality materials and long-term durability rather than fast-changing styles.

The best designs continue to balance beauty with functionality, something we always strive for in our own projects.

Looking Ahead

Trade shows like KBIS are a reminder that great design is always evolving. While trends come and go, the most successful spaces continue to prioritize thoughtful details, natural materials, comfort, and the way a home feels to live in every day.

We’re excited to bring some of these ideas into future projects and continue finding ways to create homes that feel timeless, personal, and built for real life.