If You're Repainting Your Kitchen in 2026, These 'New Neutrals' Are the Sophisticated Colors to Have on Your Radar
These kitchen colors are all about warmth and personalized style
Kitchen neutrals are changing. Bright white no longer fits the bill, and as trends lean towards hues that feel warmer and more considered, there are new neutrals that interior designers are championing.
Softer, more lived-in schemes are having a moment, and the kitchen colors you choose are key to the look. And if you love a neutral kitchen but are sick of the same white hues, you'll be pleased to hear there are some new neutrals making waves this year.
4 'New Neutrals' Dominating Kitchens This Year
When we talk about 'new neutrals,' we are referring to shades that aren't the most obvious when it comes to a pared-back kitchen. These colors bring warmth and personality without feeling bold or overwhelming. And they aren't the obvious whites and beiges we have become so used to.
'After years of all-white minimalism dominating kitchen design, 2026 welcomes a refreshing shift toward warmth and sophistication,' says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. And that's exactly the words to describe these new neutrals – here are 4 to consider in 2026.
1. Rich Cream Color Palettes
This kitchen is undeniably neutral, but it feels warm and inviting as soon as you enter. For a similar feel, try Mannequin Cream by Benjamin Moore.
Nothing says neutral more than white, but stark shades can read cold and uninviting. Which is why it's being replaced with a warmer, richer alternative – cream. This once seemingly outdated hue is returning to kitchens, creating a softer, cozier feel.
'We are installing cupboards in rich but pale creams – we think of it as a clotted cream, which works subtly alongside muted butter yellow tones, just a shade or two darker. We then add an authentic, darker shade such as mossy green or green-toned brown,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens.
The revival of cream kitchens is not just a warmer alternative to white, but also signals a shift from the bolder hues that have dominated kitchen color trends for so long. 'It’s the gentle, undramatic colors that are becoming more popular. No more bold statements, back to good old-fashioned creams,' says Helen.
In this kitchen, cream paint has been applied to the cabinets, walls, and mantel, creating an all-encompassing scheme that feels warm and traditional. The black countertops add a timeless contrast, and each element combined proves that a simple swap from white to cream can make all the difference to the appeal of your design.
For a classic take on cream, Farrow & Balls White Tie is a warm but subtle shade, while Rich Cream 2153-60 by Benjamin Moore is, well, a bit richer. It's a palette that is far more versatile than you might think.
2. Light, Muted Pinks
The kitchen cabinets here have been painted in Pristine OC-75, creating a warm, sophisticated look. It's a perfect pairing with gray countertops.
There's something really rather soothing about the return of pink kitchens, particularly as a new take on neutrals. They feel soft yet sophisticated, pared-back but not boring. And perhaps unexpectedly, they tick a lot of the boxes when it comes to the most coveted kitchen styles this year.
'An off-white kitchen will always be a timeless design, but light pinks offer a softer, more unexpected approach. They bring a flattering glow to a space, and with surprising versatility, light pinks can work well with different hard surfaces in a kitchen,' says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore.
'More mature and softer shades of pink, like Pristine OC-75 and Opal OC-73, can bring a sophisticated but still welcoming note to the design. These types of hues can feel slightly more approachable and are a great introduction to pink if you typically lean towards neutrals,' she explains.
Choosing the right shade of pink is key to its success. Something too bright and preppy can read slightly juvenile, but the most important factor is the undertones and how they read in your kitchen. And it all comes down to natural light.
'Pinks can be a little temperamental when it comes to lighting. Lean into warmer, lighter pinks if your kitchen has cooler, more shadowed lighting. If the lighting is warmer and brighter, look to pink paint colors that are slightly cooler and have a bit more saturation to help balance out the light,' Arianna recommends.
3. Warm Stone and Mushrooms Hues
Painting the lower cabinets in this kitchen a warmer, richer neutral instantly elevates the whole scheme – Farrow & Ball's Roasted Macadamia has similar undertones.
Now more than ever, kitchen colors are being inspired by nature. And when it comes to neutrals, warmer palettes found in the natural world, from mushrooms to stonework, are all being reimagined in designs.
'Warm neutrals are definitely having a moment in kitchen design, and I think they’ll only grow stronger in 2026,' says Carina Raymond, interior designer and founder of Studio Raymond.
'These shades have a softness and subtlety that people are really craving: gentle creams, stone tones, mushroom shades, and warm putties that instantly make a kitchen feel calm and timeless. They’re incredibly versatile and work beautifully with both contemporary and more traditional cabinetry styles.'
This chic kitchen proves just how impactful this richer neutral palette can be. The rich, mushroom-inspired color on the kitchen cabinets infuses the whole room with warmth and character, which is perfectly balanced by the lighter yet equally warm hue on the walls.
Benjamin Moore's Shiitake Mushroom has a rich depth that feels so at home in a neutral kitchen, but if you prefer something a little lighter and a touch warmer, Sherwin-Williams' Stone Lion or Farrow & Ball's London Stone are a great options.
4. Olive Green Tones
The deeper green tone of the cabinetry was custom-made to emulate a classic Land Rover color, and for a lighter contrast, Farrow & Ball's Smoked Trout has been used for the island.
For something a bit more saturated that acts as a neutral, olive green is an enduring shade to consider. Similar to those mushroom-inspired shades, olive green is a color found in the natural environment, so it can instantly blend into kitchen design as a rich neutral.
'Olive green offers a wonderful alternative to neutral colors, such as tans, beiges, and grays. This soothing, yet intriguing color blends seamlessly with various materials and hues,' says Hannah Yeo, of Benjamin Moore. For a darker hue, Mediterranean Olive 2142-10 is a timeless choice, or for a lighter shade, try Providence Olive HC-98.
The best way to embrace olive green as a neutral kitchen color is to pair it with finishes and materials that also feel at home in a natural palette, such as wood details and stone kitchen countertops.
'To bring in a touch of the outdoors, layer in natural elements such as wood and stone. Butcher block countertops and lighter hardwood floors will enhance the olive kitchen color beautifully. For a touch of luxury, consider adding golden hardware accents and vibrant greenery.'
White kitchens will always feel relevant, but these new neutrals offer a warmer, richer, and more inviting way to create a pared-back design in 2026. It's about creating a scheme that feels personalized, timeless, and full of subtle contrasts. And that's exactly what you will achieve with these charming kitchen colors.
