Kitchen Remodeling Concord NC & Charlotte: 2026 Design Trends and Planning Guide
The kitchen is the heart of every home in Cabarrus County, Mecklenburg County, and the Lake Norman region. Whether you live in a 1990s ranch in Kannapolis, a historic bungalow in downtown Concord, or a newer build in Skybrook North, Highland Creek, or The Peninsula, the way families use kitchens in 2026 has completely changed—and the designs we’re creating at Morris Homes & Design reflect that shift.The Biggest Kitchen Layout Mistakes We Fix Every Week in Concord & CharlotteThe Isolated Kitchen Triangle
Old layouts kept cooking, cleaning, and refrigeration in a tight triangle. Today’s families want multiple work zones so two or three people can cook at once without bumping elbows.
Zero Island Seating
In 2026, almost every kitchen we remodel in Huntersville, Mooresville, and Davidson includes an island with seating for at least four—often with a second prep island or beverage center.
No Walk-In Pantry
Hidden “working pantries” behind the main kitchen are now standard in every mid-to-upscale remodel we do from Harrisburg to Lake Norman.
2026 Kitchen Design Trends We’re Installing Right Now in Concord & CharlotteWarm wood tones are back: white oak, walnut, and rift-cut oak cabinets mixed with painted perimeters
Matte black, brushed brass, and champagne bronze fixtures (often mixed in the same kitchen)
Fluted or reeded cabinet details and range hoods
Quartz and quartzite countertops with dramatic veining
Appliance garages and hidden charging drawers
Double islands: one for prep with sink, one for seating and serving
Integrated LED lighting under cabinets, inside drawers, and in toe-kicks
Smart refrigerators with interior cameras and voice assistants
The Most Popular Kitchen Layouts We’re Building in 2026Open-Concept L-Shape with Double Island – Perfect for Cox Mill, Christenbury, and most new Concord neighborhoods
Galley-Style with Dedicated Working Pantry – Perfect for narrower historic homes in downtown Concord and Kannapolis U-Shape with Cozy Breakfast Nook – Remains a favorite in older homes throughout Huntersville and Mooresville Kitchen + Scullery Combo – The luxury feature we’re adding to high-end remodels in The Point, Sailview, and Northview Harbour on Lake Norman How to Layer Kitchen Lighting Like a Pro (The Step Most People Overlook) Layer 1 – Ambient: recessed cans combined with statement pendants or a chandelier
Layer 2 – Task: under-cabinet LED strips plus lighting inside drawers and cabinets
Layer 3 – Accent: subtle toe-kick glows and illuminated glass-front cabinet interiors Storage Solutions That Work in Everyday North Carolina Homes Pull-out spice racks positioned right next to the range
Deep drawer organizers for pots, pans, and lids
Corner cabinet LeMans swing-out systems
Soft-close trash and recycling pull-outs
Vertical dividers for trays and baking sheets
Morris Homes & Design has earned its reputation as the go-to team for kitchen remodeling in Concord NC, Charlotte, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Lake Norman because we design around how your family really uses the space—not just magazine-worthy photos. Ready to create your perfect kitchen? Reach out today for a free design consultation.
Bathroom Remodeling Concord NC & Lake Norman: 2026 Trends and Layout Ideas That Work
Same for this: Bathroom remodeling in Concord NC, Charlotte, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Lake Norman has evolved from basic updates into creating personal spas that families never want to leave.2026 Primary Bathroom Trends We’re Installing This YearWet rooms (freestanding tub inside zero-entry shower)
Curbless showers with linear drains
Large-format porcelain slabs (fewer grout lines)
Floating vanities with LED motion lighting underneath
Backlit mirrors with defoggers and Bluetooth speakers
Heated floors (standard in every primary suite we build)
Dual shower heads + rain panels
Matte black, brushed gold, and polished nickel mixed metalsSmart Layout Ideas for Small and Large BathroomsSmall hall/guest baths (under 60 sq ft): Pocket doors to save swing space
Wall-mounted toilets and floating vanities
Shower niches instead of corner caddies
Recessed medicine cabinetsLarge primary suites (100+ sq ft): Separate water closet with pocket door
Makeup vanity with natural light
Linen towers built into the wall
Freestanding tubs under windowsTile & Material Trends That Hold Up in Carolina HumidityPorcelain wood-look planks for heated floors
Marble-look quartz for vanity tops (no sealing!)
Textured accent walls behind vanities
Pebble shower floors for drainage and massageWe handle every detail: plumbing relocation, waterproofing, tile, lighting, and final styling—so your bathroom feels like a retreat, not a construction zone.