6 cabinet trends designers say will make all-white kitchens feel dated in 2027

MasterBrand’s annual survey of more than 2,000 designers and cabinet dealers reveals where kitchen design is headed next.

For years, designers have predicted the all-white kitchen was on its way out. Now, while it’s not disappearing overnight, MasterBrand, one of the nation’s largest cabinet manufacturers, found in its annual survey of more than 2,000 cabinet dealers and designers that homeowners are continuing to embrace warmer wood tones, richer colors, and more personalized details than they’ve chosen in years.

To find out why and learn about the other cabinet trends shaping kitchens in 2027, we spoke with Stephanie Pierce, MasterBrand’s director of design and trends. Here’s what she says homeowners can expect to see more of in the coming year.

Meet Our Expert

• Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand

01 of 06

Warm Wood Cabinets Are Outranking Stark White

White kitchens are no longer the dominant look they once were—according to MasterBrand’s survey, white has dropped to the fourth most preferred cabinet finish, behind light wood stains, creamy off-whites, and mid-tone stains.

“We’ve all run out of nice things to say about white kitchens,” Pierce jokingly says. “That’s not to say that white kitchens are going away. White kitchens are classic—they’ll always remain. But they spent 15 years in a dominant spot.”

As stained wood continues to gain popularity, Pierce says homeowners should also consider how different wood species naturally age over time. “Wood doesn’t stand still,” she explains. “If it’s cherry, it’s going to go darker. If it’s walnut, it’s likely to age lighter.” Understanding how different woods evolve can help you make a more informed choice.

02 of 06

Modern Traditional Design Is on the Rise—and It’s Going Organic

Soft modern and transitional are still the top kitchen styles, but designers are increasingly embracing modern traditional and “raw organic” design, reflecting a shift toward warmer, more personalized spaces.

“The rules have all kind of fallen by the wayside,” Pierce says. “We’re in an era where we’re making new rules, and we’re creating new aesthetics.”

That means homeowners are mixing classic details with modern design while incorporating natural materials, wood grain, and Scandinavian- and Japanese-inspired influences. As Pierce puts it, “As soon as you bring nature into the home, you’re most likely bringing in wood grain and warmth.”

03 of 06

Green Is Becoming the Go-To Cabinet Accent Color

Homeowners are more confident than ever about adding color to the kitchen. MasterBrand found that 88% are willing to experiment, most often on islands, perimeter cabinets, or by mixing cabinet finishes.

“We’re seeing a preference for blues and greens, with greens being dominant right now,” Pierce says. “The green spectrum is all over the place.”

But green isn’t the only color having a moment. Pierce says warm, earthy hues like terracotta are also gaining popularity. From soft sage to rich olive and terracotta, these nature-inspired colors complement warm wood cabinetry and reflect the growing demand for organic, personalized kitchens.

04 of 06

Decorative Cabinet Details Are Replacing Plain Shaker Styles

For years, simple Shaker cabinets dominated kitchen design. They’re still a classic, but designers are now looking for new ways to add more texture and architectural interest.

Flat-panel doors continue to rise in popularity, while raised-panel styles are making a comeback in more traditional kitchens. Designers are also incorporating details like reeded cabinet fronts, arched doors, glass inserts, and wire-mesh panels to create a more customized look.

Pierce expects arches to stick around. “I don’t see them falling out anytime soon,” she says. “I’d bet they’ve got at least another two years.”

05 of 06

Appliance Garages Are Becoming Hidden Lifestyle Stations

Appliance garages aren’t exactly new, but the way homeowners are using them has evolved dramatically. Rather than just hiding the toaster, today’s versions function as coffee bars, beverage stations, pet centers, homework hubs, and storage for everyday essentials. “Should we not call it an appliance garage anymore?” Pierce jokes.

The idea is to create dedicated stations that keep frequently used items accessible without contributing to countertop clutter. In larger kitchens, that can even mean incorporating multiple appliance garages!

06 of 06

The Kitchen Work Triangle Isn’t the Rule Anymore

The classic kitchen work triangle—positioning the stove, sink, and refrigerator for maximum efficiency—has been design gospel for decades. But in today’s kitchens, people aren’t just cooking.

According to MasterBrand, 57% of designers now use a hybrid approach that blends traditional work zones with activity- and lifestyle-based layouts tailored to how each family actually uses the space.

“The kitchen work triangle was introduced in the 1940s,” Pierce says. “It was really designed for a single-cook kitchen. It’s not really fitting today’s lifestyles.”

Modern kitchens have to accommodate multiple cooks, entertaining, remote work, meal prep, and even takeout nights. Because of this, designers are prioritizing flexible layouts that reflect how homeowners actually live rather than sticking to a strict design formula.

Related: The Best Kitchens Break These Outdated Decorating Rules, Designers Say

Read the original article on Real Simple