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Modern Matter Blog
KBIS 2026 Trends We Spotted Booth-to-Booth
5 Trends Designers and Homeowners Don't Want to Miss
Every year, KBIS gives us a snapshot of where kitchen and bath design is heading, and 2026 made one thing clear: spaces are becoming more immersive, more tactile, and far more personal. Walking booth-to-booth, we saw a shift toward design that feels intentional at every level, from cabinetry color to the smallest detail.
Here are the five trends that stood out most to us at KBIS 2026.
Image courtesy of Emerald & KBIS
1. Color Drenching Evolves into Full-Room Immersion
If KBIS had a color theme this year, it was this: color is no longer an accent—it’s a statement.
Designers are moving beyond simple “color drenching” and embracing full-immersion millwork, where cabinetry, trim, cabinet hardware, and appliance pulls all share the same palette. Matte finishes, and deeper, saturated hues dominated the show floor, creating spaces that feel cohesive and deeply intentional.
What excited us most? Hardware is finally joining the color story. Designers are increasingly seeking color-matched pulls and knobs that continue the monochromatic look. This is exactly why our Benjamin Moore collaboration resonated so strongly at KBIS.
The collection features six powder-coated finishes, including a custom match to Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette AF-655, as well as more cheery hues inspired by Newburyport Blue, Mint Chocolate Chip, Head Over Heels, Waterbury Cream, and Dinner Party.
2. Natural Materials Are Back—But More Layered Than Ever
Another clear theme across KBIS 2026 was the return of warm, tactile materials. Wood cabinetry, visible grain, and organic finishes were everywhere, with white oak emerging as a favorite. But the trend didn’t stop at wood; it’s about layering materials to create warmth and contrast.
Across booths, we saw combinations like wood cabinetry paired with natural stone, woven textures mixed with metal accents, and organic tones balanced with crafted details.
This layered approach is a design philosophy we’ve embraced at Modern Matter for years. While our hardware is crafted from solid brass, we love incorporating materials like wood, rattan, and leather to add depth and tactility.
Our Pure Salt x Modern Matter collaboration celebrates this exact idea, bringing together woven rattan, hand-stitched leather, and natural wood accents in hardware designed to be felt as much as seen.
Image courtesy of Kohler
Kohler faucet with wood detail
Brizo’s Frank Lloyd Wright Collection. Image courtesy of Brizo
3. Kitchens and Baths Are Embracing Personality
One of the most refreshing takeaways from KBIS this year: designers are moving away from “safe” interiors. Even when palettes stayed neutral, the details were bold. We saw patchwork stone installations, sculptural plumbing fixtures, and hardware treated like jewelry throughout the show.
The rise of natural stones, with pieces designed to rotate and reconfigure, reflects a broader desire for spaces that feel bespoke and personal.
That same philosophy applies to hardware. At Modern Matter, our gemstone hardware embraces natural variation in veining, tone, and pattern. Each piece is slightly different, which brings an authentic, collected feel to kitchens and baths.
GE Appliances's booth
SKN Cabinet's booth
Daltile's booth. Image courtesy of Emerald & KBIS
4. Bathrooms Are Becoming True Wellness Spaces
Bathrooms at KBIS 2026 were less about utility and more about experience.
We saw glowing freestanding tubs, sculptural towel warmers, and wellness-driven innovations designed to turn everyday routines into rituals. Technology is also helping improve efficiency, from water-saving shower systems to smarter plumbing solutions that reduce clutter.
As bathrooms become more spa-like, every touchpoint matters, especially hardware. At Modern Matter, we believe bathroom accessories should transcend utility. Our solid brass robe hooks, towel bars, toilet paper holders, and accessories are designed to elevate the everyday experience, bringing thoughtful design to the details people interact with most.
Image courtesy of TOTO
5. Invisible Technology Is the Future of the Kitchen
The smartest innovations at KBIS 2026 weren’t flashy; they were seamless. Across the show floor, we saw technology embedded directly into cabinetry and architecture, from hidden wireless charging to integrated storage solutions designed to keep countertops clear.
The goal? Reduce friction in everyday life. As homes become smarter and technology disappears into the background, physical details become even more important. Handles, knobs, and hooks become the interfaces of daily living, the parts of the home we actually touch.
Image courtesy of Fabuwood
Cosentino's booth. Image courtesy of Emerald & KBIS
The Big Takeaway from KBIS 2026
Walking the KBIS floor this year, the message was clear: design is becoming more immersive and more human-centered. Color, material, texture, and technology work together to create spaces that feel personal, intentional, and deeply tactile.
And as kitchens and baths continue evolving, one thing remains true: the smallest details often make the biggest impact. At Modern Matter, that’s exactly where we love to work.
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