It’s been two years since we last gathered a builder, an interior designer and a kitchen manufacturer to dissect the state of the modern kitchen. In that short span, a lot has changed – and much has stayed the same.
Post-pandemic life has settled into a new rhythm. Kitchens are still working overtime, but now within tighter footprints, higher budgets and increasingly lifestyle-driven use. Add the steady rise of food delivery apps, with roughly one in four Canadians using them regularly, it’s clear the role of the kitchen is evolving from a pure production space into something more layered, flexible and intentional.
To understand where kitchens are headed in 2026 and beyond, we reconvened interior designer Laura Thornton (Thornton Design), Jimmy Zoras (Distinctive by Design Fine Cabinetry Inc.), and Eurodale Design + Build partner Jim Cunningham, for a fresh perspective on what matters most, and what’s okay to toss in the archives.
What is the single most critical thing you try to design, or convince clients to include in their kitchens?
Laura Thornton (LT): Without question, quality and thoughtful planning. The kitchen is the most used space in many homes, so the things you touch daily need to work hard and stand the test of time. Cabinetry, faucets and hardware aren’t places to cut corners; they’re touched hundreds of times a week and need to be durable, functional and beautiful.
But materials alone aren’t the foundation. Planning is. A kitchen should work for your life, not against it. We always start by asking how clients cook, entertain, clean, store and move through the space. A good designer can make anything look pretty; a great one ensures the kitchen actually functions beautifully day after day.
Jim Cunningham (JC): From a design and build perspective, integration is everything. The most critical kitchens are the ones where architecture, millwork, lighting, mechanical systems and finishes are all considered together, not in isolation. We spend a lot of time helping clients understand that the success of a kitchen isn’t about one stand-out feature, but how seamlessly everything works as a whole. Proper clearances, thoughtful appliance placement, storage that anticipates real behaviour — these are the decisions that determine whether a kitchen feels effortless or frustrating. When you get the fundamentals right, the space not only looks better, it ages better, too.
Jimmy Zoras (JZ): Purposeful storage is the most critical element. Every appliance, drink and device needs a permanent home, so the kitchen stays calm, functional and future-ready. When storage is planned properly, from appliance garages to beverage fridges and hidden charging stations, countertops stay clear and the kitchen works with you, not against you.
What trend feels outgoing or passé? Have white cabinets finally left the building?
LT: The sterile, all-white kitchen is definitely fading. White isn’t ‘out,’ but it’s being softened and layered with natural textures and contrasting materials that bring warmth and soul. We’re also seeing a move away from heavy upper cabinetry. Instead, pantries, appliance garages and concealed storage free up walls for statement hoods, sconces and open shelving. Kitchens are becoming more expressive, more personal and less cookie-cutter.
JC: White kitchens still exist, but they’re no longer the default. Clients are more confident now, more willing to embrace wood tones, colour and contrast. From a resale standpoint, warmth has replaced stark minimalism. Functionally, we’re also seeing fewer decorative, but impractical choices. Kitchens today are expected to work hard, and anything that sacrifices usability for looks tends to fall out of favour quickly.
JZ: White cabinetry hasn’t disappeared, but it’s stepped out of the starring role. In 2026, it’s more often a supporting element, balancing darker tones or highlighting architecture. The shift is toward warmer palettes: Creams, greiges, taupes and natural woods that feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect.
What’s the next “hot” thing for kitchens in 2026 and beyond?
LT: Kitchens are becoming furniture-grade living spaces. We’re seeing more built-in banquettes, character-rich islands and integrated millwork that connects the kitchen visually to the rest of the home.
Statement hardware, mesh inserts, decorative wire fronts and hand-finished woodwork are also gaining momentum with a return to craftsmanship. And smart lighting is now essential: Dimmable task zones, ambient glow for evenings and discreet outlets that support real living.
JC: The biggest shift is toward longevity over trend-chasing. Clients want kitchens that feel current now but still relevant 10 years from today. That means fewer gimmicks and more timeless materials, flexible layouts and thoughtful detailing.
We’re also seeing more interest in concealed functionality. Pocket doors, appliance panels and multi-use islands, for example, are spaces that adapt as lifestyles change without requiring a full renovation.
JZ: Rather than following trends, I focus on elements with staying power: Full-height architectural backsplashes, warm metals such as nickel and brass, workstation sinks that support real cooking and sculptural hood fans that anchor the space. These are upgrades that elevate form and function long-term.
With urban kitchens shrinking and food delivery apps on the rise, how is kitchen design changing?
LT: We’re seeing less emphasis on oversized ranges and bulk pantry storage. Instead, kitchens are designed as refined, multi-use spaces, beautiful enough to entertain in, efficient enough for daily routines. Smaller, high-performance appliances and concealed storage are replacing excess.
JC: Delivery hasn’t eliminated the need for good kitchens; it’s clarified it. Kitchens are now command centres with coffee stations, reheating zones, snack prep, work surfaces and storage hubs. In smaller spaces, clutter shows immediately, so intentional planning becomes even more critical.
JZ: The result isn’t less kitchen, it’s a more deliberate one. Even if clients aren’t cooking nightly, they still need smart storage, efficient layouts and durable materials. The kitchen remains central to daily life, just used differently.
Best budget bang-for-your-buck for high visual or lifestyle impact?
LT: Invest in quality the first time. The items you touch daily, such as cabinetry, hardware, faucets and lighting, should all be well-made. Cheap products wear out quickly and get replaced, costing more in the long run. Real value is how a kitchen performs years after the photos are taken.
JC: Strategic upgrades that don’t require structural change deliver the best return. Lighting, hardware and millwork details can dramatically elevate a kitchen without a full rebuild. It’s about choosing improvements that enhance the daily experience, not just aesthetics.
JZ: Hardware, without question. It’s the jewellery of the kitchen. Affordable, functional and visually powerful, the right hardware can transform cabinetry, introduce warmth or contrast and give a custom feel without major disruption.
The last word
The modern kitchen is no longer just a place to cook, it’s a living space, a gathering place and increasingly, a reflection of how we actually live. As footprints shrink and lifestyles evolve, thoughtful planning, quality materials and intentional design matter more than ever. Whether you cook nightly or order in more often than not, a well-designed kitchen still anchors the home, not through excess, but through purpose.
When planning your own kitchen, function is as important as form, and working with experienced professionals who provide written contracts, are licensed, insured and offer warranties, can make the difference between a space that looks good and one that truly works.