The Latest Cabinet Refacing Trends in 2025–2026
The latest styles and finishes homeowners are choosing when upgrading with cabinet refacing.
If your kitchen feels dated but your cabinet boxes are still in good shape, cabinet refacing is one of the smartest ways to get a “new kitchen” look—without the cost and disruption of a full remodel. And right now, homeowners are leaning into trends that add warmth, texture, and contrast while keeping the overall design timeless.
Here are the top cabinet refacing trends we’re seeing—and how homeowners in Tampa Bay, FL and Charleston, SC are using them to transform their kitchens.
1) Warm wood tones are leading again
For years, bright white dominated kitchen design. That’s shifting. Recent Houzz trend reporting shows wood cabinetry rising to the top of homeowner preferences, with species like white oak and maple gaining momentum.
Refacing-friendly take:
Wood-tone cabinet doors (or wood-look finishes) are an ideal refacing upgrade because they deliver warmth and character without requiring a full cabinet replacement.
Where it shines locally:
- Tampa Bay: wood tones pair beautifully with bright coastal light and airy countertops
- Charleston: warm wood complements historic architecture and classic Southern interiors
2) Two-tone kitchens are evolving (not disappearing)
Two-tone kitchens aren’t “out”—they’re getting more refined. Houzz trend data highlights continued interest in contrasting lowers, and wood tones remain a leading choice when homeowners want contrast without harsh color blocking.
Refacing-friendly take:
Refacing makes two-tone simple: choose one finish for perimeter cabinets and a different finish for the island or lowers. You get the designer look with less downtime.
Popular pairings:
- Light uppers + wood lowers
- Warm neutral perimeter + darker island
- White oak perimeter + deep charcoal/black island
3) “New neutrals” are replacing stark white
Design sources are consistently calling out the move away from stark, clinical whites and toward warmer, softer neutrals—think cream, warm stone, mushroom tones, and olive-leaning hues.
Refacing-friendly take:
These shades are forgiving, timeless, and easier to live with—especially in open-concept homes where the kitchen flows into living areas.
If you want a safe trend that won’t date quickly:
Pick a warm neutral for the perimeter and add personality on the island.
4) Statement islands are still the “wow” moment
Homeowners continue to treat the island as the design anchor—often choosing a bolder color or finish to create contrast. Houzz reporting also notes growing interest in warmer, more natural elements (including wood features) that bring the kitchen back to an inviting, lived-in feel.
Refacing-friendly take:
If your kitchen has an island, you can often create a dramatic “after” photo by refacing the island differently than the perimeter—without changing the layout.
Example look:
A warm wood perimeter paired with a
Havana Black island is a high-contrast combo that still feels classic.
5) Function-first upgrades (the trend that never goes out of style)
The most consistent theme across the NKBA trend reporting is the push toward functionality, clutter reduction, and smarter storage.
Refacing-friendly take:
Refacing isn’t just doors. Many homeowners also upgrade function while refacing:
- Soft-close hinges and drawer glides
- Pull-out trash/recycling
- Deep drawer conversions
- Spice pull-outs and tray dividers
- Pantry organization and roll-outs
These aren’t “flashy” trends—but they’re the upgrades people rave about after installation.
6) Hardware is getting bolder (and more personal)
Homeowners are treating hardware like jewelry: oversized pulls, mixed finishes, and more tactile details. Some design coverage specifically calls out mixed metals and statement hardware as a continued direction.
Refacing-friendly take:
If you’re refacing, it’s the perfect time to update hardware because it completes the look—and it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to make cabinets feel custom.
How to choose a trend that won’t feel dated
Trends are fun—but your kitchen should still feel great in 5–10 years. Here’s a simple filter we recommend:
- Choose timeless for the perimeter (warm neutral or wood tone)
- Add trend on the island or hardware (easy to update later)
- Prioritize function (you’ll notice it every day)
This approach gives you a kitchen that looks current now and still feels intentional later.
Cabinet Refacing in Tampa Bay & Charleston, SC
If you’re in Tampa Bay or Charleston, SC, cabinet refacing can be the perfect fit when:
- Your cabinet boxes are structurally sound
- You want a major visual upgrade without a full remodel
- You want modern style + better function with less disruption
At About Face Cabinetry, all design consultation work is done in your home, so your selections are made with your kitchen’s lighting, layout, and finishes in mind.
Ready to explore options?
Schedule a free in-home consultation and we’ll help you choose a cabinet refacing design that fits your home—and your goals.
