The Kitchen Cabinet Trend Designers Say Will Dominate 2026

A sleek cabinet trend is expected to be everywhere in 2026. According to the Houzz annual predictions report, flat-panel cabinets are making a comeback. The simple cabinetry features smooth, flat panels and replaces decorative framing with streamlined edges. The cabinetry style has long been associated with a contemporary, European-inspired aesthetic, but experts say it can adapt to a variety of styles.

"Flat-panel cabinetry is becoming more popular because homeowners are realizing just how versatile this silhouette really is," says Cathleen Gruver, lead interior designer at Gruver Cooley. You may picture a stark white, minimalist kitchen when you think of flat-panel cabinets (or the white panelled doors with oak trim that were everywhere in the '90s), but they can actually be incredibly warm and inviting—while still sleek and stylish—when done in warm wood tones and paired with matte finishes. And for those who value functionality, flat panels are much easier to clean than cabinets with intricate grooves.

If you're planning a kitchen renovation in 2026, here's what the pros have to say about the flat-panel cabinet trend.

Behind the Flat-Panel Trend

According to the Houzz research, flat-panel cabinets are the second most popular cabinetry style after Shaker-style cabinets. Gruver attributes their popularity to their versatility. "Flat fronts act as a chameleon in the home; They can lean modern and tailored, or they can soften into a warm, approachable backdrop depending on the finishes and hardware you pair with them," the designer says.

Flat-panel cabinets are currently produced in a range of materials, including high-grade laminate with wood-grain detailing, enhancing their visual appeal and versatility. "With the reactionary trend of moving beyond the white and black, or all-white kitchens of the last decade, the vendors have reacted, releasing some interesting new finishes that should prove to be popular in the coming years," says Seth Ballard of the Washington, DC-based firm, Ballard+Mensua Architecture.

On a practical note, flat-front cabinets are easy to clean because they have no intricate carved details or elaborate framing that collect dust and grime. "They offer clean lines, easy maintenance, and a quiet visual presence that lets the architecture, materials, and craftsmanship shine," Gruver says. If you want a kitchen that feels elevated without being overly designed, the designer says flat-panel cabinetry delivers this balance effortlessly.

Are Flat-Panel Cabinets Timeless or Just a Fad?

As with every design trend, the big question is: are flat-panel cabinets timeless, or are they just another fad? Cabinetry is a significant financial investment, so considering the aesthetic's longevity is important. Experts are divided on this topic; Gruver considers flat-panel doors to be a timeless choice when designed thoughtfully.

"Their simplicity lends itself to longevity—there are no ornate details that can date quickly, and they adapt beautifully as a homeowner’s style evolves," the designer says. She often recommends them in stained woods, because the natural grain adds depth and warmth and tempers any stark modern edge. "This makes the cabinetry feel grounded, classic, and right at home in both historic renovations and new-builds," Gruver adds.

On the other hand, Ballard says, "I don’t think the flat-panel cabinets are a timeless look." He notes that they were initially considered modern or contemporary, known as European-style cabinets at the time. The sleek cabinet design was copied by simpler brands and reproduced repeatedly, often appearing sterile when finished in a stark, high-gloss finish.

What Type of Hardware Pairs Well with Flat-Panel Cabinets?

"With this clean style of cabinetry, we often prefer to have minimal or no visible hardware," says Stefan Hurray, an associate at BarnesVanze Architects. To maintain a streamlined front, avoid any hardware that would distract from or disrupt the clean-lined look. Hurray recommends the magnetic push, which eliminates the need for visible hardware. "All doors should be on a hidden ‘Euro’ hinge to keep the clean lines," Hurray adds.

If you plan to install hardware, experts recommend several types. "Basic 'tab' pulls are minimal and disappear for those wanting the more sleek look," Ballard says. To make a statement with the hardware, Ballard suggests more artistic pulls. If you want to land somewhere between no-pulls and statement pulls, he recommends minimalist pulls.

For Gruver, hardware is where personality comes in. "Hardware completely changes how flat-panel cabinetry reads," she says. For clients seeking a minimalist, seamless look, the designer opts for touch-to-open technology, which keeps the cabinets quiet and uninterrupted. For a more expressive moment, she prefers a sculptural pull or a long, linear handle for a striking architectural detail. "We also mix finishes often, focusing on complementary sheens and tones rather than perfect matches—a polished nickel paired with a warm, brushed brass is a pairing we love because it adds nuance without overpowering the simplicity of the door style," Gruver shares.