If your kitchen still has the honey oak cabinets from when your home was built in the early 2000s—or white cabinets that have seen better days—you’re not alone. Fort Myers is full of solid, well-built kitchens that just need a color refresh to feel current again. The good news? The trends heading into 2026 are perfect for Southwest Florida homes, and updating your cabinet color has never been easier.
The End of the All-White Kitchen
For years, the all-white kitchen reigned supreme. But that era is officially over. Industry data from the National Kitchen and Bath Association shows that 71% of homeowners now prefer kitchens with color and personality. Designers across the country are steering clients toward warmer, more interesting palettes—and the shift couldn’t be better timed for Florida homeowners who want kitchens that feel connected to our coastal surroundings.
This doesn’t mean white is gone forever. It’s simply evolving. Instead of stark, clinical whites, designers now recommend warm whites like Benjamin Moore White Dove or Farrow & Ball Wimborne White. These softer tones feel more inviting and hide the inevitable fingerprints and smudges better than bright white ever did.
Green Takes the Lead in 2026
Green has emerged as the fastest-growing cabinet color, jumping from 76% designer approval in 2025 to a projected 86% in 2026. But we’re not talking about the bold kelly greens of decades past. Today’s greens are softer and more sophisticated—think sage, gray-green, and muted olive tones that feel touched by nature.
For Fort Myers homes, these colors work beautifully. Sherwin-Williams Acacia Haze and Farrow & Ball Cromarty are two favorites among designers. They complement our natural light, pair well with both modern and traditional hardware, and create a calming atmosphere that suits the Florida lifestyle.
Blues That Work for Gulf Coast Homes
It’s no surprise that blue continues to be a favorite in Southwest Florida. Navy remains strong at 78% designer approval, especially for two-tone kitchens where darker lower cabinets ground the space while lighter uppers keep things bright.
Softer coastal blues and seafoam greens also work wonderfully in Gulf Coast kitchens. These shades mirror the water just beyond your lanai and bring that relaxed, beachy feeling indoors without veering into overly themed territory. Pair soft blue cabinets with brushed brass hardware—a combination local designers consistently recommend—for a timeless coastal look.
Warm Neutrals and Natural Wood Tones
The other major trend for 2026 is the return of wood. Natural wood tones have surpassed painted cabinets for the first time in nearly a decade, with 59% of designers identifying wood grain as a rising trend. White oak in particular is having a moment, offering warmth without the orange undertones of traditional oak.
For homeowners who prefer painted cabinets, warm neutrals are the way to go. Sandy beiges, creamy taupes, and greige (gray-beige) tones create a welcoming foundation that works with Florida’s abundant natural light. Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki, captures this earthy direction perfectly.
Bold Accent Colors for Kitchen Islands
If you’re not ready to commit to color on all your cabinets, consider a bold island. Deep reds, burgundies, and rich mahogany tones are emerging as popular choices for statement islands. PPG’s Warm Mahogany and Sherwin-Williams Sommelier lead this category.
Navy blue islands also remain a Southwest Florida favorite, providing dramatic contrast against lighter perimeter cabinets. This two-tone approach lets you embrace trends on a smaller scale while keeping the rest of your kitchen more neutral.
Two-Tone Kitchens: The Southwest Florida Favorite
Speaking of two-tone, this approach has become one of the most requested styles in our region. The formula is simple: lighter upper cabinets paired with deeper lower cabinets or a contrasting island. Popular combinations include white uppers with navy lowers, cream uppers with sage green lowers, or warm gray uppers with a rich wood-tone island.
Two-tone kitchens create visual interest while maintaining the bright, airy feel that suits Florida homes. They also let you incorporate trending colors without overwhelming the space.
Choosing Colors That Last in Florida’s Climate
Here in Fort Myers, color is only part of the equation. Our year-round humidity—often exceeding 60%—means finish selection matters just as much as the shade you choose. Semi-gloss and satin finishes significantly outperform matte in humid environments because they repel moisture rather than absorbing it.
Professional-grade waterborne catalyzed polyurethane systems, like the Italian-imported Renner and Milesi products used by quality refinishers, are specifically engineered to withstand Florida’s challenging conditions. These finishes resist chipping, cracking, and peeling while maintaining their beauty for years.
One critical note: any newly painted or refinished cabinets need adequate cure time—typically two to three weeks in Florida’s humidity—before heavy use. Rushing this process is the primary reason cabinet finishes fail prematurely.
How to Update Your Cabinets to 2026’s Hottest Colors
The most cost-effective way to embrace these trends is through professional cabinet refinishing. While replacement cabinets can cost $8,000 to $30,000 or more, refinishing typically starts around $1,500 to $5,000—and you can choose any color in the world with no restrictions.
The process is surprisingly quick, with most refinishing projects requiring just two days of onsite work. Your existing cabinets get the same factory-quality treatment that brand new cabinets receive, and you’re left with a kitchen that looks completely transformed.
Whether you’re drawn to the sage greens dominating designer feeds, the coastal blues that complement Gulf views, or a bold navy island that makes a statement, updating your cabinet color is one of the smartest investments you can make in your Fort Myers home.
Ready to bring your kitchen into 2026 with a fresh new color? Contact Cabinet Renew for a free in-home consultation to explore your options. We’ll help you choose a color and finish that looks beautiful and lasts in Florida’s unique climate.