6 Kitchen Trends Definitely on Their Way Out in 2025, According to Designers

A new year brings a fresh perspective, and with it, a shift in kitchen design trends — some that fade gracefully, and others that are best left behind completely. As 2025 quickly approaches, many homeowners are starting to ask: Which kitchen design choices are officially on their way out? From overly polished designs to appliance concepts that don’t make much sense anymore, it looks like this’ll be the year that kitchens transform into spaces that prioritize both form and function.

To uncover which trends are aging less-than-gracefully, I turned to seasoned designers who know the industry inside and out. They shared the styles and features that they’re ready to leave in 2024, giving an inside look into what’s next for the heart of the home. Whether it’s saying goodbye to impractical materials or retiring aesthetics that feel more dated than dynamic (sorry, farmhouse fans!), these tidbits reveal what’s no longer serving our kitchens.

Here are the kitchen design trends losing their luster — and the ones gaining momentum — as we look to what’s on the horizon for 2025.

6 Outdated Kitchen Design Trends That Won’t Make It to 2025

1. Flat Black Cabinets

As much as dark cabinets have been trending, unfortunately, flat black cabinets are finally falling out of favor. These days, designers say homeowners want kitchens that feel brighter, warmer, and more inviting. Their stark, matte finish often absorbs light, making spaces feel smaller and less dynamic. 

“They also lack the personality I think a kitchen should have,” says Carolyn Cerminara, award-winning designer and founder of Cerminara Design. “What I’m seeing more of (and loving) is black-stained white oak with that beautiful rift-cut texture, paired with a classic shaker profile.” This look gives a space more depth without looking overly trendy.

2. Matte Black Hardware

Along with black cabinets, black hardware is also on its way out. This is due to its starkness, proving that people really do want to warm up their kitchens. “There’s a growing preference towards softer gray and silver tones of nickel or graphite to help soften the visual intensity of hardware,” says Priya Vij, founder of cabinet hardware company Hapny Home. Thanks to the diverse ranges of gray hues, homeowners have more flexibility and versatility, plus, these shades aren’t nearly as bold or harsh.

3. Polished Finishes

“In line with the move away from stark black finishes, I’m seeing a shift away from shiny, mirrored polished finishes toward more satin, brushed, or matte finishes,” Vij notes. “These are visually softer and blend into a space more easily.” This look helps to create a more timeless aesthetic since the finishes aren’t as distinguishable throughout the years. It’s also worth adding that polished finishes need much more cleaning and maintenance than their counterparts due to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches that are way more visible.

4. Modern Farmhouse

Although the modern farmhouse aesthetic has been a favorite among homeowners in recent years, that trend is finally (and unfortunately, for some) passing. The overuse of shiplap, barn doors, and distressed finishes has made the style feel less fresh and unique over the years, making many people opt for something new, say designers. “Some people held onto [the farmhouse trend], but by 2025, it’s going to feel completely outdated,” Cerminara says. “Instead, I’m encouraging clients to go for something more classic and timeless, or to push the envelope with a sleek, supermodern aesthetic. It’s all about balance and making your space feel fresh.” 

Cathleen Ryan, interior designer and design sales manager at Country Kitchens, adds: “After having so many kitchens that look the same, it’s a time to really embrace individuality and put your mark on the space — it’s your home and should reflect your personality.”

5. Overly Minimalist Designs

Plain and simple, the trends of the new year are all about leaning into personality. “In 2025, people are craving kitchens with some charm,” explains Nancy Swanton, CEO of Abundant Home Design. “Think layered textures, warm elements, and a lived-in appeal that makes the space feel like home.” No longer are all-white or all-black kitchens dominating — rather, touches of color, different materials, and even unique appliances are taking center stage.

6. Open Shelving

If there’s one trend all designers can agree on that’s making its way out, it’s open shelving. “I get the appeal of open shelving — it can make a kitchen feel more open and airy, but in reality, it’s not practical for most people,” Cerminara says. This concept is particularly tough for families and those who want to keep things looking clean and tidy. Bottles, vases, plates, glassware, bowls, and so much more can cause any space, big or small, to look more cluttered thanks to open shelving. 

Vice President of Corporate Design Studio at KB Home, Gena Kirk, adds that while this shelving can look nice, it also requires constant maintenance. Dust, upkeep, and quite a lot of rearranging can make this trend not worth it to keep around, especially compared with typical upper cabinets.

The solution? I’ll let Barbara Vargas, North East design specialist at nobilia North America tell you: “We’re starting to see homeowners opt for closed cabinets with glass doors or even partially open cabinetry that offers a similar airy feel to the open shelves, but with the added benefit of being more organized and less prone to dust and clutter.”

3 Kitchen Design Trends Taking Over in 2025

Now that you know which designs are out, here’s what’s in for 2025:

1. Clever Cabinetry

Simply put, today’s homeowners want functionality and efficiency in their kitchens. With the focus on maximizing storage and organization, features like pull-out pantry systems, corner carousels, and hidden compartments are great solutions for less-cluttered spaces. These designs not only make the area more user-friendly, but they also create a sleek and seamless look (think more modern without feeling cold).

“Matching cabinets throughout the kitchen is becoming less common,” Kirk adds. “Mixing and matching different styles, materials, and colors can add visual interest and personality.”

2. Colored Cabinets

Out with the old, in with the new! White cabinets are a classic, but colorful kitchen touches are only growing in popularity. “While 2024 was more about muted and pastel colors, 2025 will see brighter and bolder jewel-toned colors like oxblood and burgundy reds, emerald greens, and even bright yellows,” Vij says. “Adding a pop of unexpected color will liven up any kitchen!” 

In the same vein, two-tone cabinets are predicted to be big in 2025. How do you achieve the look without painting your cabinets, might you ask? “Adding a contrasting island with warm wood stains or black rift-cut textures paired with shaker profiles is an easy way to add depth and visual interest,” Cerminara says. “It’s classic but still feels fresh and modern.” Plus, this gives homeowners more creativity when it comes to the overall aesthetic of the space. (For those who aren’t ready to go all-in on color in the kitchen, Ryan notes that they can start small and incorporate more color in their decor and items that can be switched out more easily.)

3. Distressed and Antique Fixtures

“There’s truth behind the popular mantra, ‘what’s old is new again,’ as the demand for antique, aged, or distressed hardware and fixtures is coming back into trend,” Vij says. “It’s especially evident in the continued popularity of unlacquered brass, which patinas naturally over time. These finishes give a vintage and worn-in feel, which adds to the room’s overall warmth and coziness.” 

For a more modern and impactful twist, she recommends pairing a distressed fixture with a bold, saturated cabinet color to balance the visual intensity. Making the kitchen — or any space, for that matter — truly your own is all about finding personalized touches that speak to your taste, no matter what the trends might be.

While parting ways with popular fixtures and styles can feel bittersweet, it’s also the perfect time to create a space that’s more timeless, functional, and truly yours. ”Overall, for 2025 and beyond, kitchens are no longer just functional. They’re evolving into spaces that are as stylish as they are practical,” Cerminara explains. “These trends are all about creating kitchens that feel personal, beautiful, and designed for the way people actually live.”

What do you think about these trends on their way out in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!