Beautiful Kitchen Design, Decor and Remodel Ideas for 2026

Jean Stoffer Interior Design – pendants

I’m so inspired by this stylish kitchen design featuring a light wood island, cane counter stools, and modern pendant lights.  From Studio McGee:

Here’s another view of this stunning kitchen design:

I love this timeless kitchen design from Ali Henrie Design.  We have the same pendant lights in our kitchen.  Photo by Rebekah Westover.

pendant lights – similar rug

Two tone kitchen cabinets, a marble backsplash, and lovely coastal-inspired pendant lights and wood counter stools make this lake house truly special.  From Park and Oak Interior Defsign:

This stunning kitchen remodel from Vivir Design features a mix of white and wood cabinets, rustic wood beams, waterfall countertops on the island, and modern black and white pendant light fixtures:

This timeless kitchen design, from James May Homes, is a great example of how to mix white and wood cabinetry in an artful way.  

vase – counter stools – pendant lights

2. Modern Coastal Kitchens

Brass pendant lights and sconces are a great way to create a focal point and add coastal style to your kitchen.  

Jenny Martin Design – Coast Prestige Homes

Chic brass lantern pendant lights and a mix of white oak and white kitchen cabinets add a chic modern coastal touch to this gorgeous open kitchen layout.

The Cabinet Gallery Utah – Cambridge Home Co. – lantern pendants

This modern coastal kitchen design from Pure Salt Interiors features chic pendant lights and woven counter stools:

This modern coastal kitchen features statement pendant lights, woven counter stools, and a unique backsplash design. From Pure Salt Interiors.

This beautiful modern coastal kitchen also features striking pendant lights and woven counter stools.  From Salt Design Company.

Unique wood counter stools and woven pendant lights bring a touch of modern coastal or beach house style to this lovely small open kitchen layout.

Pure Salt Interiors

This beautiful coastal kitchen from AGK Design Studio features chic striped barstools, and a beautiful blue-gray island color in Sherwin Williams Smoky Candle.

See my post, Modern Coastal Kitchen Ideas and Trends for 2026, for more coastal kitchen inspiration.

3. Warm White Kitchens

This light-filled space, with its large center island, is perfect for hosting and entertaining.  (We chose the same pendant lighting and counter stools for our kitchen.)

Bullard Design Studio – Lindsay Salazar Photography – counter stools – pendants

I love the mix of sleek polished brass and polished nickel in this elegant kitchen featuring coffered ceilings and warm marble countertops from Brandon Architects and Patterson Custom Homes:

Love this classic design with white floor-to-ceiling cabinets, stylish pendant lights, and seagrass counter stools.  From Salt Design Co.

I love the sophisticated mix of white and off-white cabinets in this chic kitchen from Whittney Parkinson:

I love the beautiful mix of white kitchen cabinets, black countertops, and brass fixtures in this lovely space from Jen Langston:

This light and airy kitchen was designed by Studio McGee and Erin Hansen for Christine Andrew.  Here is a source for the beautiful counter stools.

This timeless kitchen features wooden beams, woven pendants, and an amazing view.  From Marianne Simon Design.

This lovely kitchen features white cabinets, a herringbone patterned backsplash, and a statement window.  From Chelsea K Designs.

Love this open kitchen featuring brass sconces, marble countertops, and wood flooring in a herringbone pattern.  From The Fox Group.

4. Small Kitchen Ideas

This small kitchen idea features a masterful mix of brass sconces, a black lantern-style pendant light, and polished nickel faucet and cabinet pulls.  From Jean Stoffer Interior Design:

This beautiful classic kitchen features black framed windows, chrome fixtures, and brass pendant lights, from Christopher Architecture:

For more small kitchen ideas, see my post, 2026 Small Kitchen Ideas with a Classic, Timeless Aesthetic.

5. Kitchen Layouts with an Island

This timeless kitchen features a white oak kitchen island with fluted detailing and modern pendant lights.  

Kate Marker Interiors

This coastal kitchen features a classic mix of navy blue, white, and brass light fixtures.  The blue island color is Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore.  From Andrea McQueen Design.

Love this beautiful modern farmhouse kitchen with black cone pendant lights, a light gray kitchen island, and woven counter stools.  From Salt Design Company.

Stunning pendant lighting, a black waterfall countertop, and built-in wine rack enhance this modern space from Millworks:

A soft green curved island, warm woods, and unique pendant lighting enhance this stunning design from Jean Stoffer Interiors:

Here’s a light-filled space with striking pendant lights, unique counter stools, and a gray-blue island.  From Brandon Architects, Patterson Custom Homes, and Brooke Wagner Design.

This lovely kitchen features a white oak kitchen island and warm white cabinetry. 

Studio McGee

See my post on Kitchen Island Ideas and Trends for more beautiful kitchen layout ideas with an island.

6. Painted Kitchen Cabinets

See my posts, Warm White Kitchen Ideas; Popular Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors; and Blue Kitchens You Will Love for more kitchens with colored cabinets.

Scout & Nimble

I love the sage green lower cabinets in this modern Scandinavian style kitchen from Anthology Interiors:

Here’s a stylish two-toned kitchen with an elegant classic feel, featuring warm white kitchen cabinets, statement pendants, wood beams, and a large arched window.

AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography

A beautiful gray and white two-toned kitchen from Linnea Lions, via House and Home:

One of my favorite kitchens, featuring dark lower cabinets, white countertops, and open shelving, from The House of Silver Lining:

This beautiful European farmhouse style kitchen features a patterned tile backsplash, rustic wood island, and vintage Turkish runner, from Amber Interior Design:

Here’s a gorgeous blue kitchen with a dark navy subway tile backsplash and brass sconces, pulls and faucet, from Anne Rae Design.  See more blue kitchen cabinet ideas in my post, Beautiful Blue Kitchen Ideas.

7. Galley Style Kitchen Ideas

I couldn’t find many examples of true galley style kitchens; however, perhaps the following images will give you some ideas of what you can do with a small or narrow galley kitchen.

Kristan and Co.

Love this stunning space, complete with glass-front upper cabinets, white lower cabinets, brass accents, and a wood kitchen island.  From Precision Cabinetry and Design – Photo by Stephanie Russo.

Gorgeous natural woods and fresh greenery enhance this stunning modern kitchen from Mowery Marsh Architects:

Love this classic gray and white kitchen from Amber Interior Design – Photo by Tessa Neustadt:

A beautiful European style kitchen with off-white (Swiss Coffee) cabinets and blue-grey Lacanche range, from Studio McGee:

This chic modern kitchen features vaulted ceilings and amazing pendant lights and chandelier; design by Kate Marker Interiors:

8. Kitchen Pantry Ideas

For those who love a touch of luxury, a butler’s pantry is a timeless addition.

Scout & Nimble

The kitchen pantry is more than extra storage space; it’s a beautiful extension of the kitchen, with a style all its own. 

AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography

AKB Design Studio – Sylvie Li Photography

If you have the space, placing the pantry behind a central dividing wall is a great option.

Studio McGee

This elegant kitchen pantry features abundant storage space and a chic checkerboard tile floor.  From Clark and Co.:

A beautiful butler’s pantry, featuring soft green cabinets, from Jean Stoffer Design:

I love everything about this stunning pantry, from the checkerboard tile flooring, to the built-in window seat, to the organization and open shelving.  From Brandon Architects:

Such a charming walk-in pantry design–from Bria Hammel Interiors, via Style Me Pretty:

A beautiful kitchen pantry with arched doorway and rolling ladder, from Studio McGee:

Here’s another beautiful pantry from Studio McGee. 

Here’s a second photo, taken from farther back, so you can see how Studio McGee incorporated the hidden pantry via a door that looks like cabinetry.

Last, but definitely not least, is this dream kitchen pantry from Jean Stoffer Design:

For more kitchen pantry ideas, see my post, Dream Kitchen Pantry Ideas and Inspiration.

I hope you found this post informative and helpful.  Please let me know if you have any questions about kitchen style, small kitchen ideas, or home decor.  Have a wonderful day! xo Jane

Where to Shop for Kitchen Lighting, Decor, and Furniture

Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for coastal style kitchen fixtures, counter stools, and decor. 

See my post, Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love, for beautiful kitchen lighting sources.

Serena & Lily
Dear Keaton
Wayfair
Williams Sonoma
Quince
McGee & Co.
Pottery Barn
Rejuvenation
Amazon

And here are some favorite kitchen lighting, backsplash, counter stool, faucet, and hardware ideas.  

Kitchen Counter Stool Ideas

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Kitchen Faucet Ideas

Cabinet Pulls and Knobs

For more kitchen style, design and decor ideas, here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:

A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

Warm White Kitchen Ideas: Timeless Design, Paint Colors and Inspiration

Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas, Trends and Decorating Styles for 2026

The 10 Most Beautiful Home Decor Trends for 2026

Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love

Dream Kitchen Pantry Ideas and Inspiration

Kitchen Counter Stools: Beautiful Ideas for Every Style and Budget

Kitchen Island Layout Ideas and Inspiration

A Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions

Kitchen Paint Color Ideas and Inspiration + Best White Paints for Kitchen Cabinets

A Simple Guide to Decorating with Transitional Style

Beautiful and Affordable Turkish Oushak Runners for the Kitchen

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Modern Coastal Kitchen Ideas and Trends for 2026

How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home