October is National Kitchen & Bath Month—an ideal time to explore the kitchen and bath design trends shaping upcoming remodeling and construction projects.

At Web-Don, staying on top of changes in our industry is a company-wide commitment. We attend important industry events and trade shows, connect with manufacturers, and follow research from organizations such as the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

Our goal is simple: to understand what’s changing, discover what’s new and help contractors prepare for what their customers will be requesting next.

Here are some of the most important kitchen and bath trends we’re watching.

Function Is the New Luxury

Beautiful design still matters, but homeowners increasingly define luxury by how well a space works.

According to NKBA research, kitchens are becoming personalized, multipurpose hubs for cooking, entertaining, working and everyday family life. Dedicated beverage stations, pet-feeding areas, larger kitchen islands and highly organized storage are all gaining attention.

For contractors, the details behind the design are becoming increasingly important. Customers want cabinetry that maximizes every inch, durable countertop materials that simplify upkeep and layouts that make daily routines easier.

Warm, Natural and Personal Design

The all-white kitchen isn’t disappearing, but warmer, more individual spaces are moving to the forefront.

NKBA research points to warm neutrals, natural wood tones, soft greens, blues and earthy browns. Light woods and visible grain add warmth, while painted cabinetry and carefully selected accent colors give homeowners more ways to personalize their kitchens and bathrooms.

The larger trend is not one particular color. It is the move away from a cookie-cutter look toward combinations that feel collected, comfortable and connected to the rest of the home.

Seamless Surfaces and Easier Maintenance

One of the most practical kitchen and bath trends we’re seeing is a preference for fewer seams, fewer grout lines and less visual clutter.

In kitchens, countertops increasingly extend up the wall to create a coordinated backsplash. In bathrooms, large-format wall panels and slabs create a cleaner appearance while reducing the maintenance associated with traditional grout lines.

Products such as quartz, solid surface, THINSCAPE® Performance Tops and Wetwall™ can help contractors deliver the streamlined look customers want—with surfaces designed for durability and easier care.

Bigger, Better Showers

The shower continues to become the centerpiece of the primary bathroom.

In NKBA’s 2026 Bath Trends research, 55% of industry professionals said increasing shower size is more important to customers than including a bathtub. Curbless entries, built-in seating, shelving, multiple shower functions and spa-inspired features are becoming more common in bathroom remodeling projects.

This trend also supports another important priority: creating bathrooms that remain comfortable and accessible as homeowners’ needs change. Attractive grab bars, wider entries, benches and barrier-free showers can provide safety without making a bathroom feel institutional.

Kitchen and Bath Storage That Works Harder

Homeowners want kitchens and bathrooms that look calm and uncluttered—but that requires more thoughtful storage behind the scenes.

In kitchens, appliance garages, charging stations, pull-outs, deep drawers and specialized cabinet organizers help keep countertops clear. Bathroom vanities are being configured with outlets, storage for hair tools, drawer dividers and space for everyday personal items.

I encourage contractors to discuss storage early in the planning process. It can prevent compromises later and help customers get more value from the available space.

Lighting Has Become Part of the Plan

Lighting is no longer an afterthought. NKBA reports that natural light, overall lighting quality and task lighting are among homeowners’ most important kitchen design considerations. Under-cabinet lighting, interior cabinet lighting and statement fixtures are all expected to remain popular.

Bathrooms are also using layered lighting for grooming, relaxation and nighttime safety. Planning cabinetry, mirrors, electrical access and lighting together can make installation more efficient and produce a better finished space.

Smart Technology—When It Solves a Real Problem

KBIS continues to showcase new kitchen and bath technology, but the most promising products are not simply “smart.” They make everyday tasks easier.

Recent innovations include appliances that can be monitored remotely, integrated charging, adjustable cabinetry, improved water-saving fixtures and technology that supports wellness and accessibility.

The key is purposeful integration: technology should simplify the experience, not complicate it.

What These Kitchen and Bath Trends Mean for Contractors

The best kitchen and bath projects combine good design with practical installation, durable materials and reliable performance. Homeowners may begin with inspiration photos, but they depend on knowledgeable professionals to turn those ideas into spaces that work.

That is why we continue to explore new products, monitor kitchen and bath industry trends, and stay connected to the manufacturers and design professionals helping shape the future. From cabinetry and countertops to decorative surfaces and bathroom wall systems, the Web-Don team is here to help contractors find solutions that meet changing customer expectations—and get the job done right.

Visit your local Web-Don branch to explore products, see available samples and talk with our team about your next kitchen or bath project.