20 Kitchen Trends for 2025 That Set the Tone for Next Year |
There’s something special happening in kitchen design right now, and it’s exciting. Where kitchen trends had once felt like they were only heading in the direction of sprawling, architectural, open-concept spaces, there’s been a slight turn in favor of schemes that feel more intimate, welcoming, and decorative.
“I think everyone expected the open-concept bubble to last forever, but the newer kitchen trends are seeing walls being built back up and our spaces becoming more self-contained,” says Livingetc‘s interiors editor Emma Breislin. “Open concept is definitely still a thing, but it doesn’t lend itself so well to the more characterful, individual expressions of design we’re seeing in the modern kitchen of 2025.”
In this edit of the 20 most important trends in kitchens our editors have spotted coming through for 2025, this idea informs a lot of how we’re remodeling and decorating these rooms now. Having worked for years as a specialist journalist in kitchen design, I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go — I think these ones won’t be a flash in the pan, and they talk to a wider shift in how we’re designing these workhorse spaces.
What are the defining kitchen trends of 2025?
In this list, I’ve tried to ensure you’ll find the most relevant, transformative and latest trends for kitchens right now, covering all the key areas, from materials and storage to color and style. While not all these trends will work together in perfect harmony in one space, what you will notice is a connected theme that’s all about challenging what you know about kitchen design, and creating spaces that feel interesting and original. The kitchen of 2025 wants to make a style statement, and it wants to make sure you don’t follow cookie cutter design principles.
1. The Mood – Dramatic Jewel Boxes
(Image credit: Christopher Stark. Design: K Interiors)
How much different from the white, open-concept spaces of yesteryear could the idea of the kitchen ‘jewel box’ be? “Surprise and delight abound with every surface, material, and texture chosen to evoke excitement,” says interior designer Kristen Pena, who designed the moody burgundy kitchen above. “The jewel box draws you in, makes you feel as beautiful as you are, and entices you to stay. Whether spending time intimately chatting, mixing a cocktail, or hosting the most lavish of soirees, the jewel box is where you want to be.”
Think dark, rich kitchen color schemes, brass accents and dramatic countertops and you’ll get the idea.
2. The Hood Trend – Tiled Extractors
(Image credit: Jess Isaac Photography. Design: Jacqui Seerman)
Extractor hood ideas that blend into their surroundings are often the most elegant design intervention for kitchens, and by choosing a material such as tile to clad a range, you’ll have a dynamic, and affordable, way to make a feature that doesn’t overtake your kitchen design.
For Jacqui Seerman, making a design focal point with the hood is a growing kitchen trend. “The market has long been dominated by large, monolithic hoods in materials like slab, stainless steel, brass, and plaster,” she explains.
“While timelessly beautiful, the shift toward tile reflects a broader trend toward artisanal, hand-hewn, and textured materials. From kitchen countertops to walls and hoods, tile introduces a refreshing sense of material diversity and craftsmanship.”
3. The Stool Trend – Yoyo Stools
(Image credit: Ema Peter. Design: Gillian Segal)
I’ve spotted these curvaceous metal bar stools, as featured in this kitchen by Gillian Segal, everywhere as of late — so did some digging into their provenance. Designed by the late great furniture designer Jean Royere, the ‘Yoyo’ stool is a design classic, loved by modern interior designers.
4. The Must-Have – The Statement Coffee Bar
(Image credit: Christopher Stark. Design: Banner Day Interiors)
While breakfast cabinets have tended to hide away drinks appliances, with the rise of ‘show-off’ coffee makers and aesthetic cup displays, the statement coffee bar has become something that tops the wishlist for kitchen remodels.
“As it turns out, these coffee bars can’t help but become focal points, as you instinctively gather to them, whether first thing in the morning, or when entertaining guests,” says Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors who designed the kitchen above. “This one even more, as it’s the first wall you see as you enter through the door into the kitchen.”
Even with its clever arch design, these doors recess into a pocket, keeping the counters clear when making coffee in this spot.
5. The Layout – Partitioned Spaces
(Image credit: Werner Straube Photography: Design by Summer Thorton Design)
The open plan kitchen, one of the most important shifts in design and architecture in our homes in the past 20 years, is also evolving as people try to capture a sense of openness with the practicality of defined, separate spaces. Be it interior glass windows to generous arched doorways, room dividers can shape and structure to a large space, as well as offering functional benefits too, like helping to limit noise travel and cooking smells, when opting for an enclosed partition.
This example from interior designer Summer Thornton is a good balance for those who still love the open plan concept. “The apartment’s architecture was strong so the kitchen divider had to have similar aesthetic weight and strength,” explains Summer, the founder of Summer Thornton Design. “Steel and glass with just enough detailing would feel modern but not get trumped by the historic architecture.”
6. The Seating Trend – ‘Communal’ Bench Seats
(Image credit: Shade Degges. Design: Medium Plenty)
As kitchens become more sociable spaces, the way we approach seating in them has changed too. Now we want the type of seating that makes it easy for people sitting in the kitchen to interact with someone cooking — comfortable seating that makes people want to linger in these spaces. Be it banquettes, window seats, booths, or small diners, this eat in kitchen idea encourages you to spend more time in this room.
In this kitchen by design and architecture studio Medium Plenty, banquette seating around the kitchen’s dining table is complemented by a deep kitchen window seat, designed to entice hang-out sessions in this hub of the home.
Beyond the comfortable seating, the color scheme is even designed to encourage the family to linger. “The palette is very warm with lots of deep oranges and hints of pink that contrast the more neutral dining zone nearby,” says Gretchen Klebs, founder of Medium Plenty. “All of the pillows are custom in varying sizes and fabrics and the complimentary wall sconces are placed in a playful pattern just above. Altogether, it has a very inviting, playful and textural appeal that offers a little surprise for the senses.”
7. The Small Kitchen Trend – Chopped Islands
(Image credit: Pion Studio. Design: Studio Akurat)
Feel your space is too tiny for a kitchen island? Designers have the perfect solution that adds an island on a smaller scale. Say hello to the chopped or half kitchen island trend. In this design, one or more corners of the island are removed to get an angled edge. This brings down the overall footprint of the island but still retains its sense of proportion and use.
“By simply offsetting the directions set by the walls and juxtaposing the outcome with the apartment’s main axis we defined a shape that felt in harmony with its surroundings no matter from which direction you would approach the furniture piece,” says Maciej Ryniewicz, creative director and founder of Studio Akurat.
8. The Tile Trend – Zellige
(Image credit: Lang Thomas Photography. Design: Britney Groneck)
When it comes to kitchen tiles, zellige remain the most popular choice we’re seeing in contemporary spaces.
“In terms of tiles, it’s zellige all the way,” says Candace Shure, founder of Shure Design Studio. “People are obsessed with the hand-hewn look and subtle earthy tones of the classic Moroccan tiles right now. Specifically the square shape and in varying shades of taupe and creams.”
“They add depth, texture and movement to any type of space,” adds interior designer Britney Groneck, “and in my opinion, will never go out of style.”
9. The Color Trend – Light Blue
(Image credit: Megan Taylor. Design: 2LG Studio)
We saw many of the color trend predictions for 2024 come true this past year, especially around light blue tones — a color that has often felt too childish or traditional for modern interiors before. “Cool, pale blue is a calm, restful shade — a little bit dreamy, a little bit ethereal,” says Ellen Finch, deputy editor of Livingetc. “If the outside world feels too busy right now, this shade can help create a sanctuary in which you can decompress.”
A beautiful foil for many of the other kitchen trends we’re seeing surge now, like brass and dark wood, for example, it’s a surprising color to see used for modern cabinetry, where we might expect it more in country-style kitchens. But it just seems to capture the mood of the moment — something we’re calling “Playfulism” here at Livingetc.
10. The Hardware Trend – Pared Back Design
(Image credit: George Barberis. Design: Casework)
When it comes to handles and hardware, a pared-back approach is the chicest way to finish a kitchen right now over the more ornate designs we’ve seen in previous years. “A unique mix of materials and textures for kitchen cabinet knobs are having their moment,” says Nadia Watts, founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design. “Integrated pulls are sleek and functional and handleless cabinets are all the rage. Sleek, clean lines still rule with knobs and handles going incognito allowing simplicity to shine and the cabinetry to take center stage.”
In the green kitchen above, Casey Keasler of Casework developed an intriguing minimalist style for the design. “They’re fully custom, and something we’ve actually been working on for years that started with the finger pulls in my own home,” she tells us. “This time around, we incorporated my personal experience of custom finger pulls and worked with our cabinet makers to make dial it in even further. Cabinet hardware changes the look of cabinets and while we didn’t want the look of no hardware, we wanted something similar and minimal.”
11. The Island Trend – Monolithic Stone
(Image credit: Yellow Cloud Studio)
Dramatically dark and veined stones continue to be a popular look for kitchens, but you can take it one step further by carving unique kitchen islands out of blocks of stone. The latest stone islands feature ribbed or fluted detailing and can lift a large apartment kitchen and fill it with personality.
When it comes to the choice of stone, kitchen design trends these days are favoring a mix of classic and contemporary styles. “In terms of marble colors, the most popular choices are timeless white and light-colored marbles,” says Aparna Kaushik, founder & architect at Aparna Kaushik Design Group. But while white marble, such as Carrara or Calacatta, remains a top choice due to its elegant and clean appearance, which complements various kitchen designs, it’s the bold applications that are found in the trendiest of homes designs.
12. The Pantry Trend – Unexpected Color
(Image credit: Joe Schmelzer. Design: Mercantile & Merchant / Ryan Perella)
When it comes to kitchen pantry color ideas, there is a shift towards using darker tones, to fill this space with personality, while also providing a little practicality. Even where kitchens are kept neutral, hiding away pantries with a pop of color makes these spaces feel special and happy, just like in this design by Sam Donnely, designer and property developer at Merchant & Mercantile.
“The pink pantry is a riff on traditional English pantries, that are so practical,” Sam says. “We thought it was a good spot to really go for some fun and personality without overwhelming the living space,” Sam says. ‘”I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t smile when they see it, and who doesn’t want a little joy with their cereal?”
13. The Luxury – The Back Kitchen
(Image credit: Image credit: Haris Kenjar, Studio credit: Hoedemaker Pfeiffer)
The back kitchen trend has been gaining popularity, especially since celebrities world over have embraced this concept too – most recently seen in Kris Jenner’ home. This highly essential space hides all the clutter of the main kitchen. Think: dishes, linens, dry goods, appliances, groceries, hardware and more. In fact, for busy families, this space is used as part pantry, part prep kitchen and part storage space.
As the kitchen is becoming more and more a room to host parties and for friends to gather around, the need for this space has increased. “People prefer not to have dirty dishes and mess on display while entertaining,” says Kashi Shikunova, director of interior design practice Yam Studios. “It’s essential to ensure that the scullery offers plenty of storage and workspace.” This space houses cleaning facilities such as a spacious sink and possibly a dishwasher, along with cooking equipment and a fridge, making it the perfect functional space.
14. The Faucet Trend —Fun Brights
(Image credit: Prue Ruscoe. Design: YSG Studio)
If you’re wondering how to choose a kitchen faucet, it’s time to go bold. It’s natural to turn to muted color palettes, but that wouldn’t be a Livingetc-approved trend without a little twist. It’s the pop of a jewel-bright tone or a bright color on the faucet that gives a little jolt of energy a room like this really needs.
In this kitchen by YSG Studio, there’s an example of unexpected red theory that brings this kitchen to life. “The deep Mexican reds and ochres stroke walls (and ceilings) giving it an instantly aged patina, while a brighter shade activates the kitchens island feature with an energetic pulse, sandwiched between two types of natural stone to enhance the complementary pairing,” says Yasmine Ghoniem, Director YSG Studio.
15. The Countertop Trend – Porcelain
(Image credit: Billy Bilikhodze. Studio credit The Wall)
While marble, granite and quartzite have long been the most common materials for kitchen counters, new innovations have seen porcelain step into the arena of best kitchen countertop material. It makes sense – as substance, it’s hardwearing, durable and – just as importantly – quite beautiful to look at.
“Porcelain countertops offer a multitude of benefits that make them an ideal choice for kitchens,” says Aparna Kaushik, founder & architect at Aparna Kaushik Design Group. “Their exceptional durability ensures they can withstand the rigors of daily kitchen activities, resisting chipping, scratching, and cracking.”
16. The Cabinet Style – Slim Shaker
(Image credit: George Barberis. Design: Casey Keasler)
Shaker kitchen cabinets are a design classic, but for a more contemporary take on the look, designers have been choosing slimmer panels on doors to elevate the look.
“We’ve been calling this a slim line Shaker cabinet,” explains Casey Keasler of Casework. “It’s similar to the traditional Shaker cabinet door, only instead of a 2″ or 3″ frame, it’s 1/2″.”
17. The Lighting Trend – Architectural Pendants
(Image credit: Cave Interiors)
While every aspect of the lighting is important, the lighting which goes over the island is an opportunity to have some fun and make a statement. For the last few years, the drop pendant – usually put up as a trio, has ruled the roost when it comes to kitchen island lighting. But this year we will see a sharper look which owes its design to striking architecture that makes a statement.
“We selected these modern architectural pendants to complement the curves of the island and to offset the more traditional aspects of the kitchen design,” says Georgina Cave, founder and creative director of Cave Interiors. “Creating a sculptural and unexpected design was key to the entire scheme.”
18. The Backsplash Trend – Countersplashes
(Image credit: James Merrell)
Is there anything more stunning in a kitchen than a countersplash? A wall of interrupted stone or marble from counters to kitchen backsplashes adds an instant focal point to a kitchen adding beautiful natural textures and shapes – modern kitchen backsplashes just keep getting more graphic.
“Using the same material across counters and backsplashes also helps reduce the materiality of your kitchen, and introduce fewer harsh lines,” says interiors editor Emma Breislin. “Lowering the contrast is one of the easiest wins to make your kitchen feel modern when remodeling in 2025,” she adds.
19. Go Sustainable
(Image credit: Benedetto Rebecca. Design: Charles Cohen Designs)
Speaking of living more wholesome and sustainable lives, this is also having an impact on the materials we are now choosing to build our kitchens from, or decorate them with, like eco paints. Designer Hayley Robson predicts that: ‘Materials will be purer and natural, rather than too polished or plastic. The concept of mixing materials will continue and we will see the trend for upcycling, reuse and hand-crafted pieces develop.’
“Much like fashion, we are conscious of our consumption; we will invest in craftsmanship, timeless and statement pieces – we’ll buy less stuff and make it last longer, with the clashing of styles resulting in a timeless aesthetic.”
20. The Wood Finish – Colorful Stains
20.
(Image credit: The Misfit House)
Because wood can come in more than just various shades of brown. You can get all those lovely natural textures that come from raw wooden kitchen cabinets but opt for a colored stain for a bolder look – this is the same approach we’re seeing in the world of colored concrete. “I’ve started applying beautiful colored stains on wood,” says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “Stains allow you to celebrate the beauty of the wood grain while pushing it beyond its raw, natural state to enhance the overall beauty of the kitchen by adding rich texture.”
“So far, we’ve worked with grays, purples, violets, and pinks, but clients can have any color they want,” says Charlie. “This chimes with increasing consumer demand for personalization in the kitchen; creating something unique to the individual.”
Color and texture? Ticks two of the biggest kitchen trends for 2025 at once.
Is open shelving on trend in kitchens in 2025?
(Image credit: William Abranowicz. Design: Jeffrey Dungan Architects and Beth Webb)
The tide is starting to turn on one of the biggest kitchen trends of recent years — open shelving. While it’s become a shortcut for less imposing cabinetry, ‘truthfully, the benefits of open shelving are solely aesthetic,’ says Bob Bakes, Head of Design at Bakes & Kropp. It comes at the cost of more sensible storage, and there are ways to get the best of both worlds.
This kitchen is a great example of enclosed storage (so less dusting), with an open feel thanks to glass fronted cabinets, perfectly styled in the way that kitchen shelving would be. ‘We took a lot of the storage and background pieces out of the main kitchen and tucked them around the corner in a butler’s pantry, and with the rest of the kitchen we used steel and reeded glass along with bleached wood and marble to complete the serene scene,’ says Jeffrey Dungan, founder of Jeffrey Dungan Architects.
What does a 2025 kitchen look like?
Imagine a kitchen packed with all the trends we’re seeing in 2025.. what does it look like? It’s undoubtedly a social space, where families congregate and parties take place. While open concept to a degree, it’s also somewhere we’re seeing more structure than kitchens of previous years, whether a “broken plan” layout, or with separate pantries, back kitchens or laundry rooms (often taking a bolder approach to their designs).
Forget white cabinets — they’re more daring. Soft pastel shades are the new neutrals, though it may well be beige, too. Or it might just be a dark, enticing kitchen with moody glamor.
What is the most popular kitchen style now?
When it comes to kitchen trends, people are still looking for timeless appeal. With that in mind, Shaker style kitchens are still the ones we’re seeing most used in homes. For more contemporary kitchens, however, we’re seeing more streamlined, minimalist versions – without decorative molding, and often even with slimmer frames.
Slab doors are more popular with more modern spaces, especially where the “invisible” kitchen look is desired, helping cooking spaces feel more part of your general living quarters.
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