The Unexpected Kitchen Color We Thought Would Be a 'Phase' Is Now 2026's Biggest Mood Maker
This moody palette is reintroducing itself as a new neutral, blending timeless appeal with personality-led design
Last year, we were all obsessed with moody red and purple shades. From burgundy and plum to oxblood and merlot, these deep hues dominated kitchens of every size and style.
But if you thought these looks were a fleeting kitchen color trend, think again. Not only is this palette enduring, but it's widely considered a truly timeless color scheme for your cooking space, cementing itself as a true mood maker for 2026 and beyond.
Article continues belowThe Enduring Appeal of Deep Red and Purple Kitchen Colors
Oxblood cabinetry pairs beautifully with a warm neutral on the walls. It feels layered, inviting, and utterly lived in.
What started with burgundy kitchens quickly evolved into shades of plum and oxblood, and eventually even merlot. It was perhaps the biggest color trend of the year. But as it continues to endure, can we even really call it a kitchen trend anymore?
'Deep burgundy, oxblood, and plum have that perfect mix of warmth and drama. They’re rich without feeling overpowering and instantly make a kitchen feel cozy and warm,' says interior designer Uns Hobbs.
While these hues might sound bold on the surface, they really act as quite the opposite. 'They’ve stuck around because they behave like strong neutrals; they pair easily with wood and stone and don’t date the way trend-led colors can,' she explains.
For something more purple-adjacent, the plum tones in this kitchen give this moody color trend a more contemporary twist.
Maggie Burns of Maggie Richmond Design agrees, adding, 'Shades of burgundy have always felt like more of a neutral to me. They can add warmth and depth to a space in a similar way that incorporating elements of wood can do, but in a different and bolder way.'
Rich reds and purples may have had their rise to the spotlight recently, but they actually have some quietly traditional roots. 'Burgundy is a very traditional colour that was very often used in country house kitchens,' says Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL Kitchens.
'It works anywhere and can make a piece of furniture feel instantly grand and smart,' she adds, highlighting its natural pairing with the growing desire for freestanding pieces, another kitchen idea showing strong signs of longevity.
How to Use These Timeless Colors
Don't be afraid to mix unexpected colors. Here, burgundy cabinetry becomes the perfect pairing with mustard yellow walls.
There's no doubt that burgundy, oxblood, and plum shades will be a continuous presence in kitchens in 2026 and beyond, but expect more creativity and boldness in the way they are introduced.
'We’re seeing these tones used on cabinetry, islands, and accent areas, often paired with warm metals, natural wood, and stone to create contrast and balance,' says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.
'In 2026, we’re using them more intentionally, with a statement island or lower cabinetry rather than the whole room, often layered with warm woods, soft neutrals, and aged metals,' adds Uns.
For a softer kitchen scheme, deep red hues look beautiful when combined with subtle pink hues.
'For something that lasts, you can’t go wrong pairing these tones with creamy whites, neutral paint with a pink tone like Farrow & Ball Oxford Stone, with walnut or natural stone like a black granite or marble – it keeps the look timeless, chic, and easy to live with,' she notes.
If you want something a bit more unexpected, move away from paint colors and look to kitchen materials that blend style and function. 'We're exploring some beautiful burgundy stones right now for the countertops in a kitchen in the West Village, and I couldn't be more excited,' says Maggie.
Burgundy marble countertops have proved to be a striking choice, bringing drama and personality to schemes. And tiles work just as beautifully. 'We're also working on a project using a beautiful oxblood zellige tile as the backsplash in an appliance garage – such a fun hidden pop of color in an otherwise neutral kitchen,' she adds.
The On-Trend Pairings To Try
Black countertops and burgundy cabinets prove a perfect match in this traditional kitchen.
Perhaps the greatest appeal of deep red and purple is their versatility. Depending on the colors and materials you pair them with, you can create a totally different style and atmosphere in your kitchen.
If you like the more traditional look, Helen recommends pairing burgundy or oxblood kitchen cabinets with 'black granite or slate for a truly authentic look.' These darker countertop materials still provide a contrast to the deeper tones, just a bit more subtly. But that doesn't mean you can't also embrace lighter tones and neutrals, too.
'These deeper hues pair beautifully with warm whites, soft neutrals, and natural materials like wood and stone,' says Emily. These materials really complement the richness of the burgundy and oxblood tones, providing a balance of tones.
'Carnelian SW 7580 is one of my favorite shades to recommend in kitchens for homeowners, and it can be paired with softer shades like Alabaster SW 7008 or Natural Linen SW 9109 to create a balanced, elevated look that feels both classic and current,' she recommends.
It's clear to see why this once-trending color has evolved into a staple hue for a timeless kitchen. 'These shades bring depth, richness, and a sense of warmth that makes kitchens feel more inviting,' says Emily.
'They add personality, drama, and mystery while still feeling grounded and sophisticated. Their connection to natural, earthy tones gives them staying power and versatility across styles.'
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