If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in Tampa Bay this year, you’re walking into one of the most exciting design cycles we’ve seen in a while. The big theme for 2026 is simple: homes are getting warmer, more personal, and more functional. Think natural materials, softer finishes, better lighting, and features that make everyday life easier.

Below is a practical guide to the biggest 2026 kitchen and bath trends, plus how to think about them for homes in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the surrounding area.

Kitchen trends for 2026

Warm wood is back (and it’s replacing the all-white look)

The all-white kitchen isn’t “wrong,” but the market is clearly shifting toward warmth. Houzz’s 2026 kitchen remodeling trends show wood cabinetry gaining share, with renovating homeowners increasingly choosing wood tones over white.
In Tampa Bay, this is a natural fit because warm woods pair well with coastal light, wide-plank floors, and indoor-outdoor living.

How to apply it locally:

• White oak, medium-toned woods, and natural stains work beautifully with Florida daylight.
  
• If you still want a bright kitchen, use wood on the island and lighter perimeter cabinetry.

Natural stone and “quiet luxury” surfaces

Natural materials are winning in 2026, especially countertops and backsplashes that feel elevated without being loud. The NKBA/KBIS 2026 kitchen trends call out natural materials as a leading direction and note quartz and quartzite as top choices for surfaces.
That “quiet luxury” look also shows up in Houzz’s broader 2026 design reporting around refined stone choices and subtle drama rather than heavy contrast.

How to apply it locally:

• Quartz remains the practical leader (durability + low maintenance), but quartzite and stone backsplashes are gaining for high-end projects.
  
• Consider a slab backsplash behind the range for a cleaner, more premium look.

Islands are becoming true workstations

In 2026, islands aren’t just seating. Homeowners want islands that do more: deep sinks, integrated storage, and better workflow. Houzz’s fixtures coverage also highlights workstation-style functionality as a continuing direction in kitchen sinks and fixtures.

How to apply it locally:

• Add pull-out trash, hidden appliance garages, and extra-deep drawers.
  
• Build in under-island storage wherever possible for a cleaner countertop. 

Hardware is more textured, more “lived-in,” less shiny

Hardware in 2026 is trending toward patina, texture, and artisan detail. Better Homes & Gardens points to patinated finishes, organic forms, and textured surfaces as major hardware directions.
You’ll also see a move away from “perfect” shiny hardware toward finishes that age well, such as living finishes and unlacquered looks.

How to apply it locally:

• Warm metals, bronzes, aged finishes, and mixed textures look especially good in coastal-modern kitchens.
  
• If you’re near the water, choose finishes that fit your maintenance tolerance (some “living finishes” change over time by design).

Bathroom trends for 2026

Bathrooms are turning into spa-style retreats

The bathroom is now a “recovery room” in the best way. The NKBA/KBIS 2026 bath trends emphasize the styles, materials, finishes, and tech that shape bath design, and the broader market direction is clearly toward comfort and elevated daily experience.

How to apply it locally:

• Layered lighting (task + ambient) is huge for Tampa homes where natural light varies between morning and afternoon exposures.
  
• Consider comfort upgrades that feel luxurious without blowing the budget: better ventilation, higher-end shower trim, quiet fans, and improved storage. 

Tile is leaning more natural, earthy, and handcrafted

Tile in 2026 is moving toward natural stone looks, warmer earth tones, unique shapes, and artisan mosaics. Better Homes & Gardens highlights natural stone, square tiles, specialty shapes, and “luxe earth tones” as key tile trends.

How to apply it locally:

• Coastal doesn’t have to mean bright white. Earthy greens, sand tones, and warm neutrals still feel Florida, just more elevated.
  
• Consider slip-resistant flooring options for wet zones (especially for families). 

Showers are getting more architectural

Showers are becoming a focal point with details like curves, bolder tile choices, and more intentional layouts. Homes & Gardens notes trends such as architectural curves, moody tile, brushed nickel alternatives, and statement details like benches and material contrast.

How to apply it locally:

• A built-in bench, niche lighting, and better glass details can dramatically upgrade the feel of a shower.
  
• Large-format panels and simpler grout lines can create a cleaner look and easier maintenance. 

Finishes are warming up and becoming more layered

Across kitchens and baths, 2026 is favoring warmer metals and more character-driven finishes. Bronze is being positioned as a standout “it” finish for 2026, valued for warmth and patina.
In practical product trends, mixed finishes and new finish directions have been highlighted in fixtures as well.

How to apply it locally:

• Brushed or satin finishes tend to hide fingerprints and water spots better than polished options.
  
• For coastal homes, choose finishes that balance style with salt-air practicality.

What this means for Tampa Bay homeowners

In Tampa Bay specifically, the best 2026 remodels will:

• Use warmth (wood, textured finishes, softer neutrals) to keep spaces feeling inviting
  
• Prioritize function (storage, lighting, workflow) so the space lives well day-to-day
  
• Select materials that match your environment (humidity, coastal conditions, cleaning habits)
  
• Focus on timeless bones with trend-forward accents (hardware, lighting, tile features)

ANM Contracting can help you make the right calls

Trends are fun, but the real win is choosing what fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. If you have questions about what’s worth doing now versus later, or how to blend modern coastal design with long-term value, ANM Contracting can walk you through it.
If you’re planning a kitchen or bath remodel in Tampa Bay, reach out and we’ll help you map the right scope, finishes, and timeline.