The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando wrapped up recently, and the big story for 2026 is warmth. Natural wood grains, subtle stains, and earthy palettes dominated the exhibits, moving away from stark whites toward spaces that feel inviting and authentic. Houzz’s latest kitchen and bath trends reports back this up, showing wood overtaking white as the preferred cabinet choice, with medium tones leading the way.

One wood that’s quietly shining in this shift is Alder. It’s not always the flashiest name on the floor, but its versatility makes it a smart pick for capturing many of the looks designers showcased at KBIS.

Alder takes stains beautifully thanks to its smooth, even texture and subtle grain. This lets it adapt to a range of finishes, from light and airy to deeper, moodier tones. At KBIS, we saw plenty of warm, natural woods across cabinetry and vanities, like those earthy browns and soft oaks that bring depth without overwhelming a room. Alder can mimic those vibes effortlessly. A light, natural, or clear satin stain highlights its gentle character, creating that fresh, modern-organic feel popular in contemporary kitchens. Go a bit darker with a warm brown or mocha, and Alder delivers the richer, more expressive depth seen in many of the displayed collections.

In kitchens, Alder works well in transitional or casual styles that dominated the show. It pairs nicely with mixed elements, such as painted accents, matte hardware, or stone countertops, for layered interest. You can use it for full-cabinet runs or just on an island to add contrast and texture. Its softer nature also makes it forgiving for custom details like fluting or shaker profiles, aligning with the tactile, handcrafted touches trending now.

Bathroom vanities follow a similar path. Houzz notes wood tones leading for vanities, often in earthy shades that turn the bath into a serene retreat. Alder’s ability to hold custom stains means it can go light and spa-like with a subtle wash, or richer for a grounded, furniture-inspired look. Floating designs or simple shaker doors in stained alder feel timeless and practical, especially with matte finishes that resist everyday wear.

Whether you’re aiming for the light, welcoming woods, or something with more character, Alder offers flexibility without sacrificing that natural appeal everyone was talking about at KBIS. It’s a practical choice that still feels elevated and current.
To help sell the Alder vision, Cascade has created brochures featuring actual stained Alder samples highlighting these emerging trends. If you sell Alder or are considering using it as a mainstay in your product line, these brochures would be invaluable. If you need sales support to sell more Alder, let us know, and we will get a box in the mail for you.