Design Lovers Are Swapping Out Whites and Grays for Expressive Terracotta Shades in 2026 – Jimmy Fallon's Kitchen Cabinet Color Leads the Way

Interior experts are replacing classic neutrals with sophisticated terracotta hues, but Jimmy's kitchen has been ahead of the curve for over a year already

Jimmy Fallon
(Image credit: Arturo Holmes/MG21 via Getty Images)

Every January, thoughts turn to the trends poised to shape how we design in the year ahead. However, when it comes to kitchen crazes, we need the promise of longevity. As fun as some trends are, kitchen features need to stand the test of time, so choose something sophisticated and luxurious without being overpowering. The fiery terracotta paint on Jimmy Fallon's kitchen cabinets.

Despite being among the most revered kitchen cabinet trends of 2026, terracotta offers lasting quality. While whites, grays, and neutral wooden tones have long been favored for their timelessness, terracotta offers something different.

'These colors feel like a gentle embrace, offering comfort but also a hint of creativity and confidence. It’s as if we’re ready to welcome a little more personality back into our lives, but in a way that still feels considered.'

Shop the Terracotta Kitchen Edit

It's impossible to say that terracotta will replace the classic white kitchen entirely, but this shade is giving tradition a run for its money. It proves that sophisticated shades can still be statement-making, and, above all, fun.

Similarly, alongside terracotta, Kate notes that she's observed a growing love for richer, more expressive shades like deep blues. 'For example, Little Greene’s 'Adventurer', a deep, plummy aubergine, is also emerging as a standout shade for 2026,' she says. It reflects a shift toward bolder, moodier colours that add personality to a room, rather than relying solely on neutral tones.'

Ultimately, the kitchen trends of 2026 show that timeless design and personality can coexist, just as Jimmy Fallon’s terracotta cabinets prove. Shades like terracotta and deep plum blues bring warmth and character without overwhelming a space. In embracing these richer tones, our kitchens are becoming rooms that feel both sophisticated and inviting, full of personality and enduring style.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.