When it comes to custom cabinetry in Murfreesboro, TN, the finish you choose sets the entire tone for your kitchen. At Cabinet Empire Nashville, we stay ahead of design trends to help homeowners create spaces that feel both current and timeless. Located at 585 N Council Ave in Gallatin, we serve Murfreesboro and all surrounding areas with quality craftsmanship, personalized service, and fast turnaround time. Whether you are planning a complete kitchen remodel or simply updating your cabinets, our team offers a huge selection of finishes to bring your vision to life.
Wood Tones Take the Lead
The biggest shift in custom cabinetry for 2026 is the return of natural wood finishes. According to the 2026 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, wood-tone cabinetry has officially edged out white as the most popular choice among renovating homeowners for the first time in years . Wood tones are now selected by 29% of homeowners compared to white’s 28%, marking a six percentage point swing toward warmer, more organic finishes .
Among the most popular wood finishes for custom cabinetry in Murfreesboro, TN, medium tones lead the way at 15%, followed by light wood at 11% and dark wood finishes at 3% . This trend reflects a broader shift away from the cool grays and stark whites that dominated the 2010s toward spaces that feel warmer, more grounded, and more personal .
Specific wood species are also trending. White oak has become the most requested wood species for cabinetry, prized for its versatility and distinct grain pattern . New stain options for white oak include natural finishes like Pickled White and Almond Shell, which highlight the wood’s organic beauty .
Warm Neutrals and True-Brown Stains
Beyond traditional wood tones, warm neutrals are gaining significant traction. Dura Supreme Cabinetry has introduced two new fashion-forward stains for 2026: Whiskey Barrel and Desert Sand . These true-brown hues are described as organic and warm yet modern and sophisticated, complementing everything from contemporary to traditional designs .
Industry experts note that these soft, neutral brown stains continue to grow in popularity because they bring warmth to a space without feeling dated or heavy. They are becoming the perfect foundation for creating timeless, elevated interiors . Цe offer a wide selection of warm stain options to help you achieve this look for your custom cabinetry.
White, But Warmer
While white cabinets have slipped from the top spot, they remain firmly in the mix at 28% of renovations . However, the expression of white is changing. Instead of crisp, high-contrast whites, designers are leaning toward softer, warmer tones with greater subtlety .
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026, Cloud Dancer, reflects this shift: a soft, chalky white with warmth built in, explicitly positioned as a departure from the clinical whites that dominated kitchens for a decade . Off-white cabinets now account for 15% of renovations . These creamy whites act as a calm canvas that enhances contrasting elements, adding depth without dominating the space.
Herbal Greens and Nature-Inspired Tones
Green continues to play a defining role in custom cabinetry in Murfreesboro, TN trends for 2026. However, there is a shift away from the deep, dramatic greens toward lighter, more herbal shades. Clean olives, fresh sages, and smoky fern tones are key shades to watch. Valspar’s 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Eucalyptus, sets the tone for this direction, bringing a sense of calm and familiarity to modern kitchens. At our company, we offer a variety of green finishes for your custom cabinetry, from subtle sage to bold olive tones. Green has now surpassed gray in popularity, appearing in 6% of renovated kitchens compared to gray’s 5%.
Painted Finishes and Bold Accents
While wood tones are trending, painted finishes remain relevant. Keystone Wood Specialties has added new paint colors for 2026 including Liberty Blue, Pistachio, and Manna . Matte black also continues to show staying power, with improved coating technology making it more resistant to scratching and fading .
Matte Soft Black from Wood-Mode offers a softer take on true black, available across multiple white oak veneer options . Metallic finishes such as gold, silver, and bronze are also gaining attention .
The Rise of Two-Tone Kitchens
Nearly one-quarter of homeowners now opt for contrasting upper and lower cabinets, known as the “tuxedo kitchen” . In these designs, white remains the dominant choice for upper cabinets at 40%, followed by off-white at 19% and wood tones at 17% .
For lower cabinets, darker finishes take the lead, with wood finishes at 37%, followed by blue at 19% and green at 14% . This approach allows homeowners to incorporate multiple trends, such as pairing painted perimeter cabinets with a wood island or mixing warm and cool tones .
Textured Finishes and Fluted Detailing
Texture is becoming increasingly important in cabinetry design. Fluted cabinetry and grooved paneling are emerging as ways to introduce depth and movement without overwhelming the space . These details allow light and shadow to interact across vertical surfaces, adding rhythm and tactility .
Reeded cabinet doors can now be paired with both wood tones and painted finishes, offering flexibility for homeowners seeking custom cabinetry with character . We can help you incorporate these textured elements into your custom design.
How Cabinet Empire Nashville Can Help
At our company, we offer a huge selection of finishes to match any design preference. Our custom cabinetry in Murfreesboro, TN features real birch wood doors, full plywood boxes, soft-close hardware, and high-quality finishes that resist scratches and everyday wear. Our team provides personalized guidance to help you choose the perfect finish for your home.
FAQ
Q: What is the most popular cabinet finish for 2026?
A: Wood tones are now the top choice at 29%, edging out white at 28%. Medium wood tones are the most popular, followed by light and dark finishes .
Q: Are white cabinets still in style?
A: Yes, but warm whites and off-whites are preferred over stark whites. Pantone’s Cloud Dancer reflects this shift toward softer, creamier whites .
Q: What colors are trending for custom cabinetry in 2026?
A: True-brown stains, herbal greens, warm neutrals, and matte black are all trending. Green has now surpassed gray in popularity .
Q: What is a “tuxedo kitchen”?
A: A two-tone kitchen with contrasting upper and lower cabinets. White remains popular for uppers, while wood, blue, and green lead for lowers .
Q: What wood species is most requested for cabinets?
A: White oak is the most requested wood species, valued for its versatility and distinct grain pattern .
Q: Does Cabinet Empire Nashville offer trending finishes?
A: Yes, we offer a huge selection of finishes including warm wood stains, painted options, and custom colors to match your design vision.
Contact Cabinet Empire Nashville
Ready to explore trending finishes for your custom cabinetry in Murfreesboro, TN? Contact us today:
Cabinet Empire Nashville
📍 585 N Council Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
📞 615-229-8369
🌐 www.cabinetempirenashville.com
Call today to schedule your free consultation. Let our team help you choose the perfect finish for your dream kitchen.