Philadelphia Interior Design Trends
As kitchen designers working in chic Philadelphia neighborhoods and posh Main Line suburbs, we know what homeowners are looking for when it comes to kitchen design. Below are five of the top trends we’re seeing in 2026 kitchen interior design.
What Kitchen Cabinet Styles Are Trending for 2026?
Natural Wood Cabinetry
Homeowners are gravitating toward timeless natural stains and warm woods. We are seeing less painted cabinets, but we are seeing natural woods mixed with painted accent pieces. “Over the last five years, we’ve seen light-colored oak taking over modern interiors, but now homeowners are embracing darker and warmer stains too,” says designer Sean Lewis. In Philadelphia, the warm natural woods look appropriate in older Craftsman and Colonial-style homes. Cherry, stained maple, and oak continue to be the most requested woods.
Custom Cabinetry Features That Add Comfort and Hide Messes
Over the last year we’ve seen more clients asking to customize their cabinets to organize their daily lives and sneak in storage wherever possible. This is especially true for bakers, foodies, and growing families.
Built-in storage banquettes that provide seating
Hidden paneled appliances
Appliance garage cabinets to hide small appliances
Hidden cork boards for notes or calendars
Pop-up mixer stands for additional counter space
Trending Kitchen Materials
Natural Materials: Handmade Tile and Natural Stone
Homeowners are falling in love with texture and embracing the beauty of natural hand-made products. Backsplash tiles with uneven edges and subtle color variation add depth, interest, and a handmade quality that’s missing from machine made products. At Airy Kitchens, we love to source local materials that highlight the craftspeople and products that reflect the heritage of Pennsylvania and the Northeast Atlantic region.
Trending materials that we’re seeing in kitchen designs include:
Handmade zellige tile
Natural slate floor tile
Hand painted backsplash tiles (including delft tile)
Terrazzo tile
Hand-troweled plaster wall finishes
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Work Station Sinks
As kitchens grow in size, so do their sinks. Work station sinks include cutting boards, strainer baskets, and drain boards that hang within the sink. Now sinks can act as a prep area ready for washing, cutting, disposing, and storing prepped food. Some homeowners are even installing multiple faucets to allow for simultaneous use at their giant sinks. Materials like fireclay, stainless steel and composite stone continue to be preferred for their durability.
Curves Are Hot in Interior Design
Curves, arches, and scalloped edges are appearing everywhere in 2026 interior design trends. Whether as bold statements or subtle details, designers are adding character and charm to once contemporary spaces. “If you don’t have ornate historic moldings to replicate, an arched opening can add interest and usually looks appropriate in homes old and new.” says designer Sean Lewis. We’ve also seen curves showing up in bullnose counter profiles, curved cabinets, and organic, undulating wall tiles.
Scalloped tiles can be incorporated for a playful element in both kitchens and bathrooms.
Trending Kitchens Colors for 2026
Earthy, rich paint colors are rising in popularity for cabinetry and walls. Trending shades include mushroom, warm white, and rich merlot. These colors add depth and warmth in kitchens and living spaces. Tone-on-tone palettes create simplicity and sophistication while natural textures add depth and interest.
Warm neutrals remain the most requested color palette, and many homeowners are looking for warm colors paired with natural wood cabinetry and black hardware. Mixed materials provide a modern update that is still appropriate for kitchens in both contemporary and historic homes in Philadelphia and the Main Line.