Blog
See the warm woods, sculptural curves, seamless designs and smart innovations that debuted at the 2026 KBIS trade show by Mitchell Parker
Every surface tells a story, and 2026 is a year where design speaks directly to emotion. This year’s interior design trends emphasize individuality, warmth, and connection, blending artistic expression with the calming presence of nature. Across homes, hospitality spaces, and workplaces, texture and tone take center stage, turning tile and countertops into statement pieces that shape each design. The five defining trends of 2026, Whimsical Modernism, Midimalism, Biophilic Luxury, Earthbound Serenity, and Vintage Revival; invite creativity from every angle. Picture a bathroom inspired by Whimsical Modernism, where soft marbles and patterns or prints create an Art Deco meets mid-century modern aesthetic. Or a kitchen grounded in Midimalism, pairing structured porcelain slabs with gently textured wall tile for a look that feels serene yet expressive.
Cherry. In home design, it’s iconic. A wood species that grows more distinguished with time, it delivers a rare duality: honoring tradition yet amenable to trend or personal style. Cherry offers designers a material that carries its own character while remaining a willing participant ready to make the most of the space it inhabits. Nature’s Patient Artistry Cherry’s defining trait isn’t what it is, but what it becomes. Beginning its journey in delicate blushing tones ranging from soft pink to warm amber, cherry embarks on a gradual metamorphosis, deepening into lustrous browns that grow richer with each passing season. This living patina—a natural response to oxidation, light exposure, and its own molecular origins—ensures that cherry cabinetry becomes more compelling over time, developing a look that’s nigh near impossible to replicate in synthetic materials. The species’ smooth, fine grain provides a receptive canvas, while mineral streaks, pin knots, and subtle sap wood variations authenticate its organic inception. These natural markers tell cherry’s story, adding dimension without disrupting its unmistakable refinement.
We’ve been around long enough to know: the most thoughtfully designed spaces don’t conform to predetermined patterns − they respond to how life is actually lived. As daily routines evolve and homes expand with particular purpose, solutions must do more than just organize; they should be crafted to anticipate, accommodate, and adapt to the ebb and flow that defines contemporary living. The 2026 Medallion Product Premiere reflects this commitment through life’s calm and chaos by introducing fresh selections that embrace bespoke functionality.
If you’re familiar with a certain 2006 film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway or the book that inspired it, then you’re familiar with one of its key lessons: trends do not emerge by accident. As detailed in The Devil Wears Prada, trends are carefully cultivated through a bit of sophisticated soothsaying that anticipates cultural shifts, lifestyle changes, and our collective design consciousness. Similarly, the professional development of designers and forecasters responsible for these selections is no accident either. Guided by years of training and experience, these experts possess the enviable ability to see the future—or at least the future of style trends. Taking into account everything from global events to social media patterns, fashion runways to architectural movements, they annually perform a broad examination of varying factors that can narrowly predict which hues will resonate in tomorrow’s homes. The Return of Teal As with most trends, the popularity and promotion of color is cyclical. If Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year “Hidden Gem” is any indication, a beloved shade often associated with the mid and late 20 th century is popping again on what seems to be a roughly 30-year rotation: teal. If you’ve seen more teal of late, you’re not alone. Teal speaks to our current cultural moment: a desire to feel both grounded and optimistic. It’s a shade that bridges the calming psychological qualities of blue with the rejuvenating organic energy of green, creating spaces that offer sanctuary and exude celebration.
Quartz and soapstone countertops offer distinctive designs that last. Quartz offers a sleek, modern look with greater durability, consistent design, and minimal upkeep. Soapstone brings a natural feel with heat resistance and a soft matte finish that deepens over time. The best fit for you depends on your desired style, budget, and upkeep. Quartz vs. Soapstone Curious about the similarities and differences of quartz and soapstone countertops? Explore what sets them apart. What Is Quartz? Quartz countertops are made of abundant natural quartz crystals that are then combined with binders and pigments to create its final, beautiful product. This process enables quartz countertops to be extremely durable, nonabsorbent, and resistant to stains, scratches, and chips. Available in a wide range of designs, colors, and consistent patterns, quartz also presents a uniform look from slab to slab. What Is Soapstone? Soapstone is a natural stone quarried in large blocks, then transported to fabrication facilities and cut into slabs of desired thickness. Despite its softness, it’s dense and nonporous, with excellent resistance to heat, acids, and chemicals. Its color typically ranges from gray to green or bluish tones, often with subtle veining. Over time, the surface darkens and develops a rich, natural patina. Performance: Quartz vs. Soapstone Quartz and soapstone stand out as popular surface materials. Discover the differences between how the two perform. Maintenance Quartz countertops are maintenance free, stain resistant, naturally nonabsorbent, and certified, and they never need sealing. To clean, just wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. Soapstone is also nonabsorbent and easy to clean, but requires regular oiling to prevent staining, enhance its patina, and maintain a consistent appearance over time. Durability Quartz is highly durable, resisting scratches, stains, and chips for lasting performance. Soapstone is softer and more prone to scratches and dents, though many marks can be buffed out with effort. While soapstone handles heat better in some cases, sudden temperature changes may damage either material, so trivets are always recommended. For greater peace of mind, Cambria quartz surfaces come with a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty. Appearance Quartz countertops offer a wide range of consistent colors and patterns, making them a versatile choice across styles and color schemes—while creating a cohesive look in any space. Soapstone features soft, matte finishes in darker tones like gray, green, and blue, often with natural veining. Its surface darkens over time, developing a dark patina. Cambria offers quartz designs that capture the look of other natural stones, including soapstone. Environmental Impact Quartz is harvested by removing small aggregate quartz stones, which leaves a smaller footprint and generates less waste. This harvesting practice allows for more optimal native vegetation restoration. Soapstone is a natural material with a generally low environmental impact, though quarrying and transporting it still carry costs. Responsible sourcing can help minimize its footprint. Available at Cabinet-S-Top, 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256 - 330.239.3630
Quartz and quartzite countertops are both stunning choices for your home. While quartzite’s natural variations create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, quartz provides consistent patterns and a wider range of colors and styles. Both are extremely durable, while quartz is maintenance free due to its nonporous surface. Explore the unique characteristics of each when looking for the perfect fit for your space. Choosing between quartz and quartzite countertops? We’re here to help you find the right fit for your home. What Is Quartz? Quartz countertops are made of natural quartz crystals combined with binders and pigments to create the final product. This process enables quartz countertops to be extremely durable, nonabsorbent, and resistant to stains, scratches, and chips. Available in a wide range of designs, colors, and finishes, Cambria quartz surfaces also offer rich depth, texture, and versatile edge profiles for a truly luxurious look. What Is Quartzite? Quartzite begins as a natural sandstone transformed by intense heat and pressure over time. This metamorphic process creates a durable stone with unique veining patterns, often resembling the look of marble. Blocks are then quarried, cut, shaped, and polished into slabs for use in design. Quartzite’s natural appearance and distinctiveness lend a timeless quality to interior spaces. However, due to its porous nature, it requires regular sealing to prevent staining and etching. Performance: Quartz vs. Quartzite Both quartz and quartzite offer exceptional durability and lasting beauty. Discover the differences between how the two perform. Maintenance Quartz and quartzite countertops have different maintenance needs due to their distinct compositions. Cambria quartz surfaces, being nonporous, are stain resistant, never need sealing, and are NSF-51 certified for safe food preparation. Simply wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. To maintain its beauty, quartzite’s porous surface requires regular sealing and immediate cleanup of spills to prevent staining. Durability Both quartz and quartzite are highly durable, known for their resistance to scratches and chips. This strength makes them excellent choices for high-traffic areas like kitchens. While quartzite is more heat resistant than quartz, we recommend using a closed-weave hot pad or solid trivet to protect either surface. Cambria quartz surfaces are backed by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty to ensure peace of mind for a lifetime. Appearance Quartzite countertops feature unique veining patterns, but their limited color options can restrict their use in different room aesthetics. Furthermore, the natural variation from slab to slab can make it challenging to match pieces within the same installation or space. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, offer a wide palette of consistent colors and patterns from slab to slab, ensuring a uniform look throughout your space. Due to its versatile nature across various styles and colors, quartz is a popular choice, with Cambria setting the standard for design innovation. Environmental Impact Quartz is harvested by removing small aggregate quartz stones, which leaves a smaller footprint and generates less waste. This harvesting practice allows for more optimal native vegetation restoration. Quartzite is quarried from the earth in large blocks and then cut into slabs, making it resource-intensive. The durability of both quartz and quartzite reduces the need for frequent replacement, making them environmentally favorable choices.
Looking toward 2026, one design direction stands out above the rest: homes are becoming warmer, more personal, and more comfortable than ever before. The era of stark white, overly minimal interiors is fading, making room for spaces that feel welcoming, lived-in, and inspired by the natural world. At Cabinet-S-Top, we’re already embracing these emerging trends in our renovation projects, pairing classic design elements with a modern, approachable aesthetic. Below are the 2026 home design trends we’re most excited about—and how we can help you incorporate them into your space. 1. Warm, Earth-Inspired Color Schemes Cool grays and crisp whites are giving way to richer, more grounded hues. In 2026, shades like olive green, soft clay, mushroom, and terracotta will take center stage in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. Design tip: Warm neutral colors shine when paired with natural wood cabinets and hardware in soft gold or matte black for a refined yet inviting look.
Quartz and concrete countertops both bring bold, modern aesthetics to a space. While concrete offers one-of-a-kind customization, quartz delivers that same contemporary look with added durability and less maintenance. Choosing the right surface depends on your design goals, usage priorities, and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with over time. Quartz vs. Concrete Curious about the similarities and differences of quartz and concrete countertops? Explore what sets them apart. What Is Quartz? Quartz countertops are made of abundant natural quartz crystals that are then combined with binders and pigments to create its final, beautiful product. This process results in maintenance-free surfaces that are extremely durable, nonabsorbent, and resistant to stains, scratches, and chips. Available in a wide range of designs, colors, and consistent patterns, quartz also presents a uniform look from slab to slab. What Is Concrete? Concrete countertops are custom-made surfaces formed from a mix of cement, sand, aggregates, and water. Poured into molds and sealed after curing, concrete is durable and heat resistant—though some sealers may be prone to heat damage. Its porous surface requires regular sealing to help prevent against stain, moisture, and damage. Known for its industrial aesthetic, concrete offers full customization for shape, finish, color, and texture—all affecting its final cost. Performance: Quartz vs. Concrete While both quartz and concrete surfaces create a contemporary look, they perform differently when it comes to durability, upkeep, and design consistency. Discover the differences between how the two perform. Maintenance Quartz countertops are maintenance free, stain resistant, naturally nonabsorbent, and NSF-51 opens in a new tab certified, and they never need sealing. To clean, just wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. Concrete countertops are naturally porous and must be sealed to resist stains, moisture, and damage. Even sealed, they require ongoing care: spills should be wiped up immediately, pH-neutral cleaners must be used, and sealing often needs to be done annually. Durability Quartz countertops are highly durable, resisting chips, scratches, and stains. They handle daily use well, though a trivet should be used to protect from heat. Concrete is strong and long lasting but more prone to chipping, cracking, or scratching without proper reinforcement or care. Sealing helps protect its porous surface, with durability depending on mix, support, and maintenance. Cambria quartz surfaces are backed by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty to provide peace of mind for life. Appearance Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors, patterns, finishes, and thicknesses—including 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm options. Designs can reflect the look of natural stone or concrete while delivering consistency from slab to slab. Concrete has a natural, industrial look that can be fully customized. It can be molded into any shape, finished to various textures, and embedded with materials like glass or stone, and may develop a patina over time that adds character and variation. Environmental Impact Quartz is harvested by removing small aggregate quartz stones, which leaves a smaller footprint and generates less waste. This harvesting practice allows for more optimal native vegetation restoration. Concrete is made from widely available local materials, but its production is labor-intensive and requires additional energy for mixing, curing, and transport. Using recycled materials or low-carbon alternatives can help reduce its impact. Available at Cabinet-S-Top, 1977 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256 - 330.239.3630
