Lena Dunham's Unexpected Kitchen Color Palette Transforms A Tiny Space into A Bijou Jewelbox – These Expansive Shades Are Trending for 2026

While reading Lena Dunham's new memoir, Famesick, I was struck by how often she spoke about her homes. The writer and actress details spaces in New York, Los Angeles, and Connecticut, conveying a genuine love for unexpected color palettes and playful vintage finds. Today, the kitchen in her charming New England cottage still embodies this unique, whimsical style.

Lena's Cornwall, Connecticut space features light blue cabinets, a teal backsplash, and pops of yellow. The color-rich space is a masterclass in decorating with teal. Her stunning zellige tiles create a striking backsplash to the black and white checked floors and reflect the light of her upper window.

She adds even more interest with a pink floral chandelier and decorative glassware lined along the top shelf. A white Knoll Saarinen Tulip table (like this from Heal's) centers the space, surrounded by yellow dining chairs. I'm also incredibly charmed by Lena's turquoise Smeg Kettle, just like this one from Amazon.

Though Lena's design is bold, her personality-forward design may be moving towards the mainstream for 2026. To dive into the increasing popularity of blue-green and teal spaces, let's step into Lena's world. I've also curated an edit of my favorite teal kitchen accents, and spoken with experts on how they see this 2026 design trend developing.

Shop The Teal Kitchen Edit

The rise of teal, as we see in Lena's kitchen, is correlated with the general emboldening of color trends this year. Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, explains: 'Color is being used with more intention and confidence than ever before. We’re entering a moment when color carries weight, people want spaces that feel intentional and expressive.'

She continues: 'Searches for ‘color of the year 2026’ are up by +3,233%. We predict Transformative Teal, the fluid fusion of blue and green, to be Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year. Whether subtle or dramatic, these techniques add instant sophistication and visual impact to any space.'

The timelessness and versatility of teal, as demonstrated by Lena Dunham's zellige tiles, lend it to a rise in popularity alongside this shift. Design expert Shelley Cochrane advises: 'A wonderful combination of two universally beloved colors, blue and green, teal strikes the perfect balance between lively confidence and moody energy. This season, be bold and embrace the vivacity, depth, and warmth of teal within the home.'

So, how are designers decorating with this jewel accent tone? Tiling, as Lena demonstrates, is one way to do it, but there are a range of options.

Shelley recommends: 'For a showstopping scheme, color drench the space in saturated shades of teal, from the walls and floor coverings to the furniture and accessories. This will deliver a bold and captivating effect, enveloping the space whilst imbuing a sense of drama and cozy atmosphere. Consider the fabrics and complement the maximalist nature of these statement shades with the tactility and opulence of velvet.'

She adds: 'This trend works especially well in the dining room, where the cocooning nature of teal creates the perfect intimate backdrop for candlelit entertaining with friends and family.'

Whether you admire bold tones or revile them, now is the perfect time to try. As Lena Dunham's space demonstrates, the more personality in your home, the more polished it will look.