Kitchen design trends you’ll see everywhere in 2025

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Goodbye clutter, hello hidden appliances and pantries

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Sustainability and wellness, calming earth tones and lighting design will have the biggest impacts in kitchen design over the next three years, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2025 Kitchen Trends Report.

Emerging trends include personalized design, clutter reduction, multifunctional appliances and biophilic design, which focuses on bringing the outdoors inside and a connection to nature.

Here’s a look at the trends the NKBA believes will have the biggest wow factor this year:

COLOURS AND MATERIALS

• The bright colours and earth tones of the 1970s will be popular, while the muted mid-century modern aesthetic of the 1950s will see a resurgence.
• Colourful kitchens that showcase personality as opposed to the clean and classic white kitchen. Statement colours will primarily be incorporated into backsplashes, islands, cabinets, wallpapers and wall paints.
• White and grey kitchens remain off-trend, with green topping the list for the second year and blue and brown making their respective mark.
• Mix-and-match backsplashes add a unique touch to the kitchen. Lighting fixtures will increasingly feature differing materials.
• Cabinets will be a primary place for incorporating statement colours into the kitchen. White oak kitchen cabinets are the clear favourite.

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“Natural wood tones, especially light oak, walnut and birch, will continue to be popular, creating warmth in the kitchen,” says NKBA member Dorothy Tsui, co-founder and creative director of Bobeche Interiors, a residential interior design firm based in Markham.

“These wood finishes can be used in cabinetry, flooring or accent pieces, complementing the other colour choices in the space. Light oak is a soft, light wood tone that adds warmth and lightness to modern kitchen designs. Walnut is a rich, dark wood that adds sophistication and contrast to lighter-colored finishes. Birch is a pale, neutral wood that works well with both modern and rustic designs.”

While neutral tones will remain popular, expect to see a rise in bold colours and textures, Tsui predicts. “Rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep blues and mustard yellow will make a statement in cabinetry and backsplash design,” she says. “Natural textures such as raw wood, terrazzo and even stonelike finishes will be integrated into countertops, flooring and even cabinet faces.”

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MORE EMERGING TRENDS

• Ovens with steam cooking/air frying technology to support healthier cooking methods.
• A focus on water and air quality.
• Large windows will be a popular way to bring more light into kitchens. Herb and veggie gardens are increasingly making their mark in kitchens.
• Open pantries and shelves are out, as homeowners want clutter-free kitchens with concealed elements, such as hidden doors, panel-ready fronts for appliances and walk-in pantries.
• Natural light and lighting quality. Lighting is used to create different moods, such as brightness while drinking coffee in the morning or a darker atmosphere for a cocktail party.

Thanks to working from home either part-time or full-time, homeowners are interested in remodelling to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the kitchen. Appliances with more than one function are popular, as is adding a second island. Sinks with food prep and serving areas are becoming popular.

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Finally, as personalized design continues to rise in popularity, 71 per cent of NKBA survey respondents agree their clients prefer a colourful kitchen to let their personalities shine through and 75 per cent agree homeowners want a kitchen that’s unique to them. Decorative hardware, statement lighting and pops of colour in artwork are all ways to showcase personality.

That ‘70s show makes comeback

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) anticipates 1970s colour palettes will be popular in 2025. Designer Natalia Hara, co-founder and creative director of One Group Design + Build of the Greater Toronto Area, shares her advice on how to incorporate them into your home.

“The revival of ’70s colour palettes offers a unique opportunity to combine earthy tones with vibrant colours like greens, teals and blues,” says the NKBA member. “To achieve a balanced look, we can use warm earth tones such as terracotta, camel or ochre as a foundational base. These hues can be applied to walls, large furniture pieces or rugs, creating a grounded and nostalgic backdrop that captures the essence of the era.”

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Introducing vibrancy through accents and smaller decor pieces is a good next step, Hara advises. “Bright greens, teals and blues work beautifully as throw pillows, art, vases or even lampshades. These pops of colour stand out against muted earth tones, adding a dynamic and playful energy to the space.

“For a more cohesive look, we can incorporate retro-inspired patterns such as geometric or abstract prints that integrate both the earthy and vibrant hues. A teal-and-ochre wallpaper or a mustard-and-turquoise rug can provide depth and reinforce the ’70s aesthetic.”

Natural materials like wood, rattan or cork bridge colour palettes. Finally, greenery and warm lighting will enhance the design. “Plants complement both earthy and vibrant colours while adding a fresh, natural touch,” Hara says. “Warm lighting can help bring out the richness of the earth tones and soften the intensity of the brighter shades, tying the design together seamlessly.”

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