Your New “Home” for the Holidays Starts Now!
By Crystal Hadley, Kitchen and Bath Department Showroom Manager, Dillman & Upton , a MANS Family Company
The holidays may be behind us, but for many homeowners, they leave something else lingering: clarity. After weeks of hosting, cooking, gathering, and squeezing everyone around the kitchen island, it becomes unmistakably clear where the true “home” of the house really is.
It’s the kitchen—the new heart of the home.
Whether it was where friends gravitated with a glass of wine, where family gathered to snack and chat, or where the final plate was set down after dinner ended, the kitchen once again proved itself to be the essential gathering place of the home. And for many people, the holidays also highlighted what wasn’t working in their kitchens as well as it could.
As we move into 2026, kitchen design is evolving in ways that directly reflect how families live, entertain, and connect today. Here’s what we’re seeing…and why now is the perfect time to start thinking about what your next “home for the holidays” could look like.
Storage Takes Center Stage: Prep Kitchens, Pantries & Hidden Function
One of the most noticeable shifts in kitchen design is a renewed emphasis on storage and behind-the-scenes functionality.
Homeowners are increasingly requesting larger pantries, prep kitchens, coffee stations, and butler-style spaces that allow the main kitchen to remain clean, open and welcoming. These secondary spaces are often used to house microwaves, small appliances, and bulk grocery items—especially for families who shop at warehouse stores—so the primary kitchen can stay focused on gathering and entertaining.
In many homes, these spaces are created by thoughtfully expanding into adjacent rooms, back entries, or underused areas. The result is a kitchen that feels calmer, more organized, and far better suited for hosting—without sacrificing practicality.
Softer, Warmer Design Through Curves
After years of sharp edges and straight lines, kitchens are beginning to soften—both in design and comfort.
Curved islands and arched doorways are becoming increasingly popular because they make spaces feel more inviting. These design elements reduce visual harshness and help kitchens feel more comfortable and lived-in. Many homeowners are looking to move away from the rigidity of traditional shaker styles and toward spaces that feel more welcoming and relaxed.
The goal is no longer just clean design; it’s comfort.
Natural Warmth Replaces Cool Grays
Color palettes continue to shift toward warmth and nature-inspired tones.
Natural wood plays a major role in this change, especially lighter stained woods like white oak. Cool grays are fading out, replaced by warmer neutrals and softer whites that feel more timeless. While white cabinetry isn’t disappearing entirely, it’s being warmed up to feel less stark and more organic.
Cabinetry styles reflect this same mindset. Simple, clean designs such as slim shaker doors offer a modern look that still feels classic, helping kitchens stand the test of time.
Natural Stone Makes Its Return
Quartz remains a popular and reliable choice for countertops, but there’s growing interest in natural stone—particularly quartzite.
Materials like Taj Mahal quartzite are in high demand because they bring warmth and subtle movement to the space. These stones work beautifully with natural wood cabinetry and warm metal finishes. Homeowners are also moving away from overly dramatic veining in favor of more refined, understated surfaces that feel calm and cohesive.
Granite, with its speckled appearance, continues to be less popular, as homeowners gravitate toward materials that feel more natural and less busy.
Hardware and fixtures are reinforcing the trend toward warmth. Brushed brass and gold-toned finishes remain popular for their ability to soften a space and add subtle elegance. These finishes pair especially well with neutral wood tones, natural stone, and muted color palettes, helping kitchens feel polished without feeling over-designed.
Green as a Timeless Accent
Green continues to emerge as a standout accent color in kitchen design.
Shades such as Evergreen Fog have proven to be surprisingly timeless, much like navy blue before them. Often used on islands or accent cabinetry, these greens add depth and interest without overwhelming the space. When paired with natural materials and live plants, they reinforce a connection to nature and make kitchens feel vibrant and alive.
Smart Kitchens, Seamlessly Integrated
Technology is becoming a bigger part of kitchen design, but in a more thoughtful way.
Smart appliances that connect to apps—such as ovens and refrigerators—are increasingly common. At the same time, homeowners want technology to blend into the design rather than stand out. Microwaves and appliances are often concealed behind pantry doors or integrated cabinetry, allowing the kitchen to feel warm and cohesive while still benefiting from modern convenience.
Why Now Is the Time to Start Planning
January is often when homeowners begin seriously thinking about kitchen projects…and that’s precisely the perfect time to do so! After the holidays, the hustle and bustle fades, and people have time to reflect on how their space performed. Many realize their kitchen felt too small, lacked storage, or simply didn’t support the way everyone naturally gathered around the island.
A full kitchen renovation—from initial design through installation—can take six months or more, depending on the scope of the project and decision-making process. Starting early in the year allows homeowners to plan carefully and avoid rushing, especially if the goal is to have the kitchen completed well before the next holiday season.
Everything You Need
At Dillman & Upton, kitchen design is about far more than cabinets or materials. Our team provides a true design-and-build experience , guiding homeowners from early concepts and detailed selections all the way through coordinated installation. With seasoned designers , an in-house installation team, and dedicated project coordination, the focus is on delivering peace of mind—not just products.
The result is a kitchen that doesn’t just look beautiful, but functions effortlessly and supports how families truly live and gather. Because when the next holiday season arrives, the kitchen should feel exactly like what it’s meant to be: home.
