KBIS 2026 Trends by Dana Triano Designs

KBIS 2026 Trends in Kitchen & Bath Design | Dana Triano Designs – Summit, NJ Interior Designer

Recently, I attended the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida — one of the most influential events in the design industry each year. It was a great way to see whats emerging in the marketplace and there is no substitute for to seeing product in person and being ahead of what is to come.

This years KBIS 2026 showcased innovation, craftsmanship, and thoughtful solutions for modern living. From unique cabinetry details to integrated technology, the show revealed where kitchen and bath design is headed — and how homeowners in can bring these ideas into their own spaces. Here are a few standout KBIS 2026 trends I found especially inspiring.

Cabinet Hardware – Curved Details and Painted Metal

Cabinet hardware is no longer just functional — it’s a statement. At KBIS 2026, I noticed oversized pulls, mixed metal finishes, custom backplates, and textured details like knurled and reeded surfaces. These pieces act like jewelry for your cabinets, adding personality and style. In Kitchen and Bathroom renovations, the right hardware can elevate even classic cabinetry, making small details feel impactful and intentional. This is a favorite tool or trick to utilize even when your aren’t fully renovating a space or starting a new build. Fresh hardware instantly elevates and can showcase personality.

There were several standout cabinet hardware vendors there including Handel & Handel and Armac Martin. All brands continue to showcase their range of brass finishes which adds that rich, weighty warmth of color.  Moreover, every piece feels like jewelry for the cabinetry.

New for me brand Modern Matter, presented mixed materials and for a custom look they are now they’re collaborating with Benjamin Moore, to offer elevated custom painted hardware. Imagine fully color-drenching a room and carrying that exact hue onto your knobs and pulls! It’s such a thoughtful touch to make a space feel completely cohesive and custom.

Range Hoods as the Custom Kitchen Centerpiece

Range hoods have become a focal point in 2026 kitchen design. From plaster-wrapped designs to warm wood cladding and metal accents, they now serve as architectural features rather than just ventilation.

Curves are taking over the kitchen — especially when it comes to range hoods. In addition, we’re seeing a move away from sharp, boxy forms toward softly rounded sides and eased edges that feel far more sculptural. Designers are embracing metal in every way — as a subtle accent or as the main statement, wrapping the hood in rich, expressive finishes. Additionally, designers are introducing leather-wrapped elements, adding an unexpected layer of texture, warmth, and a tailored, furniture-like feel. The range hood has evolved beyond functional ventilation — it now serves as a true focal point and a defining design feature in the kitchen.

In any kitchen, a custom hood anchors the room visually and enhances the overall design. It’s one of the most dramatic and effective upgrades you can make in a kitchen renovation.

Rounded Corners, Arches & Soft Shapes Everywhere

Another major trend from KBIS 2026 is the embrace of rounded edges and soft shapes throughout the home, especially in bathroom details. Rounded front corners of vanities felt soft when paired with curved top or pill shaped mirrors. Curved freestanding tubs like this concrete cold plunge by Concretti Design were fun to see.

This theme wasn’t limited to bathrooms, it found its place in product throughout the home — curved staircases, railings, doorways, lighting, cabinet hardware and even exterior fireplaces.  Collectively they created a unified sense of flow and continuity to the show. I liked seeing these details layered in so many spaces and could see them being used in small touches or in every room.

Integrated Surfaces – Cooktops and Wireless Charging

Integrated surfaces are redefining kitchen design in exciting ways. Countertops now do more than provide workspace. Induction cooking technology is advancing to move beyond the standard glass surface that we have seen to date. For this display at Daltile, the vendor Invisacook showcased individual burners installed underneath a porcelain countertop which would allow the heat to transfer in a similar way without the visual of the burner itself. Singles could be used in small areas like breakfast counters or dual burners for guest houses creating a seamless, minimalist look while enabling efficient cooking. Pads cover the burners for safety while in use. I can envision a lot of ways to use this including one current client that lives in California. She is excited to save some space in her large kitchen island for use when hosting. I’ll be curious to see how this technology continues to develop!

Meanwhile, bathroom vanities also received an upgrade with the ability for counters now to include built-in wireless charging stations, so devices can power up conveniently on the counter without wires. Think shavers, phones, airpods, watches. Perhaps this is a way to finally get your phone off of your nightstand while you sleep?

Together, these forward thinking innovations give homeowners the oppurtunity to have kitchen and bath spaces that are both practical and visually sleek.

Layered Lighting – LED Strips used throughout the Home

Integrated lighted is becoming more mainstream with light effects layered into all elements of casegoods and hard surfaces. Both subtle and functional, integrated LED strips accented cabinetry interiors throughout and made their way into toe kicks, stairs and more. LED molding has a built in channel to accept lighting strips and was offered in a variety of profiles as a unique way to get lighting into Interior architecture.

Bathroom design is also embracing layered lighting which provides the perfect mix of task and ambient light without relying solely on decorative fixtures. Toe kick lighting integration provided a soft “night-light” effect. As for illuminated mirrors I preferred the styles with softer backlight lighting, though front lit models were prevalent and are replacing sconces in many modern bathrooms. Most illuminated mirror options also offer highly functional features to change the light color temperature, which can cycle through warmer and cooler lighting to mimic daylight and evening lighting schemes.

Bringing KBIS 2026 Trends Back to Summit, NJ

At Dana Triano Designs we will use these products to inspire our upcoming kitchens and bathroom designs and educate clients on what is to come in the marketplace. We love design that feel timeless and livable but above all functional and these new introductions will continue to make our designs tailored for each clients daily needs.

I’m excited to incorporate these KBIS trends into projects by Dana Triano Designs and blend innovation with the refined, tailored approach my clients expect.

Feeling inspired? Let’s connect!