Goodbye plain white, hello personality! In 2026, kitchens are getting bolder and smarter with colour. Homeowners and designers alike are leaning into richer palettes and warmer tones, proving that you don’t need a full renovation to make a big change.
Paint remains one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen – from walls, to trim, to islands. Read on for expert tips about achieving a durable and aesthetic result with your kitchen palette in 2026.
1. Start With The Right Primer
A lasting kitchen finish starts before the colour hits the wall. In 2026, we’re seeing the resurgence of rich, deep cabinet colours, paired with warm neutrals – think deep, earthy greens, burgundies, and blues. Those rich cabinet tones will require a strong primer, so depending on your context, try PPG Seal Grip. It bonds to glossy cabinets, islands or trims, which makes repainting a breeze, while adding a mildew resistance coating.
Timber Tip
If you’re looking for a product that will hide old cabinet, trim or wall colours, we recommend Sico GoPrime. It also expertly seals stains and works extremely well on new drywall.
2. Opt For Durable, Washable Finishes
Kitchens are high-traffic and often messy areas, so your paint finishes must hold up. Look for washable matte finishes on walls, and satin or semi-gloss finishes on cabinets, trim, and islands. Don’t shy away from rich colour-blocking, but be sure to add light accordingly.
For 2026, many major paint brands, including our recommended SICO brand, are highlighting deep greens, burgundies and muted blues as their Colour of the Year. Paired with natural wood, these rich tones create a warm, elevated, and high-end kitchen look.
Timber Tip
Try a two-toned cabinet in 2026! Pairing a natural wood island with Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus paint colour would make for a perfectly inviting kitchen!
3. Build Moisture Protection Into Your Walls
Timber Tip
For behind monolithic slabs, tiles and other moisture-prone areas, install GlasRoc® Tile Backer. With its durable fibreglass mat, you can feel confident that it will work overtime to resist moisture build-up!
And don’t forget: prep like a pro! That means cleaning, filling, sanding, taping, priming and using quality brushes and rollers for smooth coverage. With the right prep, your deep cabinet kitchen colours and warm neutrals will pop for years!
From choosing the right primer to selecting durable, washable paint finishes, TIMBER MART pros are here to help you every step of the way. Stop by your local store for expert advice and the products you need to get started!
