ASB REMODELING · LEXINGTON, KY
Kitchen Remodel Trends 2026
8 design trends shaping modern kitchens — and how to bring them home
What’s Trending in Kitchens This Year
From cabinetry and hardware to windows and smart appliances — the ideas homeowners are investing in right now.
Two-Tone Cabinetry
Warm wood lowers, white or navy uppers — the #1 Lexington kitchen request. Maximum visual impact without a full gut renovation.
Warm Metal Hardware
Brushed brass, copper, and champagne gold replacing chrome. A $150 hardware swap changes the entire personality of your kitchen.
Quartz Countertops
Engineered quartz wins on durability and design range. Granite for natural stone fans; butcher block for warmth — with proper sealing.
Larger Islands
Multi-level islands with seating on two sides — dining spot, prep zone, and charging station in one. Biggest return per square foot.
Smart Appliances
Panel-ready fridges and dishwashers that vanish into cabinetry. WiFi and voice control are now standard in high-end Central KY builds.
Sustainable Materials
Reclaimed wood, locally sourced stone, low-VOC finishes. Today’s homeowners want materials with a story and a lighter footprint.
Two-Tone Cabinetry
Two-tone cabinetry has become the most-requested kitchen upgrade in Lexington for 2026. The classic combination pairs warm wood lower cabinets — walnut, oak, or hickory — with white, navy, or sage upper cabinets. This approach creates visual depth and character without the cost or complexity of a full gut renovation.
Warm wood lowers ground the space and add natural warmth that all-white kitchens lack. White or navy uppers keep the kitchen feeling bright and airy while creating that sophisticated contrast. The result is a kitchen that feels custom-designed and uniquely yours.
ASB Recommends: Pair natural walnut or white oak lowers with Sherwin-Williams "Naval" (SW 6244) or Benjamin Moore "White Dove" (OC-17) uppers. Hardware in brushed brass or champagne gold ties the two tones together beautifully.
Two-tone cabinet refinishing typically runs $3,500–$7,000 for an average kitchen. A full replacement with two-tone doors runs $12,000–$28,000 depending on size and materials. Request a free estimate →
Warm Metal Hardware
Chrome is officially out in Central Kentucky kitchens. Brushed brass, champagne gold, copper, and matte black have taken its place — and for good reason. The warmth of brass or the drama of matte black transforms a cabinet face without touching a single door.
A $150–$400 hardware swap is the single highest-return upgrade you can make to a dated kitchen. In terms of visual impact per dollar spent, nothing comes close. We’ve seen complete personality shifts in kitchens from this one change alone.
Pro Tip: Choose ONE metal finish and use it throughout — cabinet pulls, faucet, light fixtures, and range hood. Mixing metals requires intentionality; if you’re not confident, stay with a single warm metal across all fixtures.
Popular pulls from Emtek and Rejuvenation pair beautifully with Brizo or Kohler faucets in matching finishes. Need help with a full kitchen update? →
Quartz Countertops
Engineered quartz has overtaken granite as the countertop of choice for Central Kentucky homeowners — and it’s not hard to see why. Quartz requires no sealing, resists staining better than natural stone, and comes in consistent, predictable patterns that work perfectly for matching slabs.
For natural stone enthusiasts, granite remains a beautiful and durable option — it just requires sealing every 1–2 years. Butcher block brings warmth to islands or secondary prep areas, but must be oiled regularly and kept away from standing water.
ASB Recommends by Use Case:
High-traffic kitchens → Quartz (Silestone, Cambria, MSI Q)
Statement pieces → Waterfall edge quartz or leather-finish granite
Budget-conscious → Modern laminate from Formica or Wilsonart
Total installed cost typically runs $2,000–$5,000 for quartz. Get a countertop estimate →
Larger Islands
The kitchen island has evolved from a prep surface to the social hub of the home. Today’s Central Kentucky homeowners are requesting multi-level islands with seating on two or three sides — creating a dining nook, prep zone, and charging station all in one footprint.
Today’s islands routinely include: pop-up electrical outlets, USB charging ports, under-counter beverage refrigerators, deep pot drawers, and open shelving on the seating side. Waterfall edge countertops add architectural drama.
Critical Planning Note: The island must not block the flow between sink, stove, and refrigerator. We always walk clients through a working layout before any materials are selected — this is where most DIY renovations go wrong.
Kitchen islands consistently return 60–80% of their cost at resale. Design your island with ASB →
Smart Appliances
Panel-ready appliances are the defining feature of high-end 2026 kitchens in Central Kentucky. A panel-ready refrigerator or dishwasher blends completely into the surrounding cabinetry — the only clue is the handle. The visual effect is a seamless, furniture-like kitchen that looks intentional and luxury.
Beyond aesthetics, WiFi and voice control are now standard expectations. Smart ranges with remote preheat, refrigerators that track inventory, and dishwashers that optimize cycles are all available at realistic price points.
ASB Works With:
Refrigerators → Samsung Bespoke, Thermador, Bosch panel-ready
Dishwashers → Bosch 800 series (quietest in class), Miele
Ranges → Wolf, Thermador, GE Café series
Prioritize energy efficiency ratings and service availability in Central Kentucky. Talk to us about appliance planning →
Sustainable Materials
Central Kentucky homeowners are increasingly asking for materials with a story and a lighter environmental footprint. Reclaimed white oak from Kentucky barns, locally quarried limestone countertops, and low-VOC cabinet finishes are all regularly requested in our project quotes.
Sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing style or durability. Reclaimed wood adds character and patina that new materials can’t replicate. Low-VOC finishes protect indoor air quality — especially important in kitchens where you cook and eat daily.
Sustainable Options We Recommend:
Reclaimed wood → Islands, floating shelves, and accent walls from local reclamation yards
Locally sourced stone → Kentucky limestone and sandstone for tile and countertop applications
Low-VOC finishes → Benjamin Moore Natura, Sherwin-Williams Harmony
Sustainable kitchens often photograph better and appraise higher. Plan your sustainable kitchen →
PRO TIP FROM ASB
The #1 mistake homeowners make?
Choosing trendy finishes before locking in the layout. A beautiful island means nothing if it blocks your kitchen triangle. Plan function first — style second. We always walk clients through a working layout before any materials are selected.
— American Saddlebred Builders, serving Central KY since 2015
What Lexington Homeowners Are Saying
Real results from real Central Kentucky homeowners
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“ASB completely transformed our dated kitchen. The two-tone cabinets with brass hardware turned out even better than we imagined. Every detail was handled perfectly.”
— Sarah M., Nicholasville KY
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“We added a larger island with quartz countertops. The whole process took three weeks and was stress-free. The team communicated every step.”
— David & Karen T., Lexington KY
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“From the initial walkthrough to final inspection, ASB was professional. Our kitchen feels twice as large now. Highly recommend.”
— Jennifer W., Georgetown KY
Which Upgrade Is Right for Your Budget?
SMALL BUDGET
Swap the hardware
Brass or matte black pulls cost $50–200 and transform cabinet appearance overnight.
MID-RANGE
Countertops + island
Quartz counters + extended island gives the biggest visual and functional ROI.
FULL REMODEL
Two-tone + smart layout
Full redesign with two-tone cabinets, integrated appliances, and new windows for maximum impact.
Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen?
We serve Lexington, Nicholasville, Georgetown, and all of Central Kentucky.
Free consultations — no pressure, no obligation.
More Kitchen & Remodeling Resources
Best Kitchen Countertop Options for Lexington Homes →
Compare quartz, granite, butcher block, and tile
Layout ideas, seating configurations, storage solutions
Open-Concept vs. Traditional Kitchens →
Which layout fits your lifestyle and home value goals
Request Your Free Kitchen Consultation
No pressure. No obligation. We’ll call you back within 1 business day.