These 7 Kitchen Trends Are Going to Rule 2025, According to Designers
Each year, kitchen trends come and go. However, in most homes, what stays the same is the notion that this room is the heart of the home. It’s where family and friends come together to make memories and the room that sustains you physically. So you probably want to spend a little bit of time thinking about what it looks like — and what’s going on with kitchen design in the larger interiors world.
Certain design choices have their moment and then seem to fade, while others seem to stay relevant for years. You might still love an aesthetic feature that was super popular a few years ago (like mesh cabinet doors), or maybe you’re still waiting for a trend to speak to you. Either way, it’s fun to pay attention to what’s on the rise with designers to see if that aligns aesthetically with the feeling you want to capture in your own kitchen.
That’s why I tapped a handful of interior designers to predict what kitchen trends you can expect to rule this next calendar year. I’m looking forward to seeing these come to light because they’re all bold, exciting, and fresh, all things I want my kitchen design to reflect — and maybe you do, too.
Bold Color Palettes
Richer colors are having a moment, especially food-inspired ones with Pantone releasing their delicious, cozy color of 2025, Mocha Mousse, and Pinterest declaring 2025 the year of cherry red. You can expect to see people experimenting with more saturated, stronger hues in their kitchens. “One of the most obvious trends in interior design today is the return of bold, expressive color,” says DuVäl Reynolds, founder and principal designer of DuVäl Designs.
“After years of neutral dominance, people are ready to embrace spaces that exude personality and warmth. Color is making a comeback, not just in soft accents but as a foundational element in room design.” Consider painting your cabinets a bright shade, installing a funky colorful backsplash tile, or adding punchy artwork to your walls.
Evolving Kitchen Islands
A freestanding island is definitely a dream kitchen feature, but kitchen island trends are currently evolving. Specifically, designer Jessica Blue predicts people will move away from very oversized islands in 2025. “Perhaps the traditional idea of a massive island is a bit dated and not original,” Blue explains. “Storage space can be acquired by adding on peninsulas or placing storage furniture like hutches in the kitchen to help break up all those blocks of cabinets.”
Interior designer Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms agrees, noting that kitchen design is becoming more visually connected to the other rooms of the home. She’s noticed islands are starting to look a bit more like vintage furniture in particular. “Your kitchen is taking cues from your living room,” Storms says. “[Think] islands that look more like apothecary tables or something from an English Haberdashery shop mixed with patina metals.”
Jennifer Carter, principal and lead designer of Studio Envie, is noticing these kitchen island changes, too, and the impact they’re having on the way the room as a whole functions. “We’re seeing a renewed desire for cozy eat-in corners that welcome family and friends into the kitchen in an inviting way that is not centered around the island,” Carter says. She credits this change as stemming from a shift in people’s design preferences, which place coziness over resale value.
Luxe Ice Makers
It used to be that no cocktail or mocktail was complete without a fancy garnish like a twist of a lemon peel or sprig of sensational thyme. However, ice cubes are taking center stage now, at least where high-end kitchen design is concerned. “Ice machines have leveled up with some now making sphere ice for your whiskey,” Storms explains. “There is nothing better than perfectly chipped ice or pellets for your swanky party or nightcap.”
According to Storms, appliances that provide luxury ice cubes will likely pop up in kitchens in the new year. If you’re looking for one in particular, consider getting two for one with Signature Kitchen Suite’s 48-inch built-in French door refrigerator. The fridge has four drawers, one of which is a Dual Ice Maker that creates two different ice shapes, trapezoidal and spherical Craft Ice. Talk about a fancy bevvie!
Natural Wood Finishes
You might have thought wood-toned cabinets were a thing of the past. Well, Reynolds wants you to think again. “Wood is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence in cabinetry design, moving beyond the realm of painted cabinetry,” Reynolds shares. “Natural wood tones, with their warmth and organic appeal, are being embraced for their ability to bring texture and depth to a space.”
Although he sees lighter oaks, rich walnuts, and reclaimed woods really surging, Reynolds thinks any wood tone can work in the right application and context. You can also try wood tone mixed with solid cabinetry, as seen in this gorgeous two-tone cookspace designed by Reynolds himself.
Closed-Plan Layouts
Open-concept layouts have been popular for a long time. And it’s no wonder — they’re airy and make rooms feel like they flow right into one another, creating the illusion of spaciousness. However, Blue thinks kitchens might benefit from four walls and doors (though an interior window or pass-through might give you the best of both worlds). “Not every home needs to be an open concept,” Blue says.
“Sometimes, keeping a clear division among rooms helps with functionality and creates the potential for distinct visions within each space.” A closed-plan layout also keeps cooking messes off display and aromas more contained, if these are things that bother you.
Exotic Materials
You’re likely accustomed to seeing certain materials in kitchens — butcher block countertops, subway tile backsplashes to name a few. However, Reynolds thinks unconventional materials are about to dominate by making major statements in the kitchen. He cites “custom stone backsplashes with dramatic veining” as being chief on this list. “These bespoke elements not only elevate a space but also reflect the personality and story of the homeowner,” Reynolds explains.
“The emphasis is on creating interiors that feel personal, luxurious, and unlike anything else. This trend signals a move away from cookie-cutter designs and toward embracing artistry and individuality in every detail.”
Fancy Coffee Features
In the new year, you might see more and more beverage amenities appear in kitchens. “Built-in fancy coffee or espresso machines are making a comeback,” Storms explains. “Between hybrid working schedules or just wanting barista-level drinks, these are making their way back into butler pantries” and beyond.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
