The Future of Home Design: National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2026 Trend Report & Tour

Kitchen and bath designers and showrooms were present at Lightovation, and Tricia Zach, Director of Research for the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), presented the 2026 Kitchen and Bath Trends report, offering a look at current and upcoming trends in residential baths that will have the biggest impact in 2026 and beyond. Rather than treating kitchens and baths as separate zones, designers increasingly view them as connected lifestyle spaces, reflecting broader shifts in how people want to live.

Following the presentation, designers took part in a guided showroom tour, connecting these trends to real-world lighting applications and seeing firsthand how the forecasted ideas are already influencing products and design solutions across the market.

Six Themes Defining 2026

1. Making Spaces Your Own

Personalization has evolved from a luxury upgrade to a mainstream expectation. Homeowners want spaces reflecting their individual routines and preferences. In kitchens, this means mixed cabinet finishes, personalized islands, and decorative lighting expressing personality. In bathrooms, there are shower presets, customized storage, and dynamic lighting that changes the mood. Younger homeowners leverage personalization for self-expression, while older homeowners prioritize solutions that support daily routines and comfort.

2. Wellness as a Baseline

Wellness is no longer an add-on but a design expectation. Homeowners want environments that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In kitchens, larger windows, improved ventilation, and cleaner indoor air are becoming baseline design elements. Bathrooms are increasingly spa-inspired, featuring wellness-focused showers, light therapy, and intentional spaces for relaxation. Younger homeowners tend to prioritize natural light and immersive design experiences, while older homeowners prefer calm, uncluttered spaces with thoughtful transitional features.

3. Smarter Functionality

Homeowners want spaces that work harder and smarter for them; think kitchens with adjoining pantries for hidden storage, open layouts to support multiple activities, and higher ceilings that enhance light and openness. Bathrooms feature larger showers, intentional storage, and built-in amenities like charging stations and hidden power strips. Younger households value flexibility, while older homeowners prioritize organization and ease of access.

4. Seamless, Organic Design

The aesthetic mood is shifting toward calm and a connection with nature. Warm neutrals, soft greens, and natural wood tones create grounded, restorative spaces. Material continuity with countertops extending into backsplashes, panel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry creates a seamless flow. Bathrooms lean into earthy elements, blending natural color palettes, large-format tiles, and biophilic touches that create calm, personalized spaces with broad generational appeal.

5. Purpose-Driven Technology

Homeowners don’t want more technology—they want smarter, more intuitive technology. Features that simplify daily routines, such as Wi-Fi–enabled appliances and motion-sensor lighting in kitchens, along with programmable showers in bathrooms, are expected to operate quietly in the background. Younger homeowners lean into connectivity, while older homeowners want comfort and ease of use.

6. Universal Design

Universal design is being reframed as thoughtful design that supports people comfortably through every stage of their lives. In kitchens, clear pathways, ergonomic storage, multi-height work surfaces, and layered lighting are intentional and luxurious. Bathrooms feature barrier-free showers, integrated seating, and wider clearances that blend seamlessly into elevated, spa-like spaces. When done well, universal design feels beautiful and supportive, not clinical.

Five Key Trends in Kitchen and Bathroom Lighting for 2026

1. Warmer Finishes and Richer Color Palettes
   Lighting is moving away from the black finishes that dominated the past few years, shifting instead toward warmer tones like bronze, brass, and amber. These finishes add depth and softness, while adjustable color-temperature lighting allows designers to fine-tune the mood and highlight warm metallic tones, bringing a more inviting, layered feel to kitchens and baths.
   
   
2. Layered, Diffused, and Textured Glass
   Exposed bulbs are giving way to layered, textured glass that softens and diffuses light, creating a more luminous effect. Frosted, colored, and sculptural glass—ranging from smoky and amber hues to alabaster finishes—adds warmth, depth, and visual interest, especially in bathroom vanities and sconces where atmosphere matters most.
   
   
3. Integrated LED Vanities and Illuminated Mirrors
   LED-integrated vanities and lit mirrors continue to gain momentum, particularly in bathroom design. These all-in-one solutions offer simplified installation, adjustable color temperature (CCT), smart memory settings, and built-in defoggers, making them an attractive option for both designers and builders.
   
   
4. Oversized and Statement Lighting
   Scale continues to grow as lighting becomes a focal point. Designers are leaning into oversized fixtures—especially bold pendants—while moving away from traditional chandelier forms. Larger-scale lighting adds drama and presence in kitchens and bathrooms, turning functional pieces into design statements.
   
   
5. Natural Materials and Added Dimension
   Natural materials such as wood, leather, brass, and alabaster are playing a larger role in lighting design, paired with layered finishes and dimensional details. In bathrooms, flanking sconces with varied textures and tones add depth, while biophilic elements help bring a sense of nature and calm into the space.

What It All Means

Homes are becoming more personal, intuitive, and wellness-driven, with kitchens and bathrooms designed to support daily life while evoking feelings of calm and cohesion. Warm materials, layered lighting, and smarter technology work together to create spaces that adapt to different lifestyles and life stages—balancing comfort, functionality, and design in a way that feels intentional and enduring.

You can see all the trends at the June edition of Lightovation, taking place June 24-27.