8 rustic kitchen trends set to be big in 2025
It's true that the premise of a 'rustic kitchen' can be misunderstood when assessing modern trends.
At its most simplistic, a rustic kitchen relies almost entirely on old farmhouse bones, and neglects homey touches and soft furnishings in favour of something rugged and pared back – the result can be a chilly one. Yet, at its best, a rustic kitchen is the beating heart of the house: it's the place you may, as a child, have dreamed of being served a bowl of soup with a husk of bread at an enormous, battered wooden table. It is quintessentially English, quintessentially country, and above all else, profoundly comforting.
As such, we have certain expectations when scouting for our favourite upcoming rustic kitchen trends. While these kinds of kitchens typically feel most at home in period abodes – complete with range cookers, Butler sinks and open shelving – an increased interest in imitating country house style (no matter the age of one's property) is diversifying rustic trends as we know them.
Read on for our predictions for 2025, and why it's worth trying them out at home...
Plummy accents
It can't be denied that 2024 was the year of damson, but rich, berry tones aren't going anywhere for 2025. When brought into a country kitchen, the effect is an indulgent, enveloping one – warming in winter and stylish come the summer. Pair it with brass hardware, copper pans on display, and marble countertops for a look that's effortlessly elegant.
Helen Parker, Creative Director at deVOL Kitchens, explains: "Dark colours have been around for quite a while now, but dark blues and greys of a few years ago have been overtaken by warmer reds, deep clarets and black. These colours are more traditional - you would have seen them in country homes in Victorian and Georgian times. Dark woods are now really popular for kitchen cupboards and furniture, whether it is a vintage pantry or a brand new prep table, the warmth of woods and brick floors works so well with red and berry coloured paintwork."
The Cook's table
The cook (or chef)'s table dates back to the Victorian period, when most kitchens would have a large but slim workstation, used for food prep and storage. An unsung yet heroic alternative to the ever-desirable kitchen island, the cook's table is easier to manoeuvre and more suited to the narrow spaces often found in period properties.
Less visually dominating than an island, it is also less likely to interrupt the flow of movement and light in a kitchen. Another bonus: it's considerably more affordable. This table is part of a bespoke kitchen by Artichoke, but reclaimed wood cook's tables are easily sourced second-hand (and look just as good, if not better, when they're a bit weathered).
Delft design
Showcased here in the splashback of a Norfolk farmhouse, illustrated tiles are having a resurgence. Originating in 16th-century Delft, these blue and white ceramic tiles have inspired young female ceramicists such as Petra Palumbo and Sasha Compton.
Modern revisions are seeing the tiles become evermore personal with niche designs, alluding to hobbies and interests that enable decorators to express their unique personalities.
Colourful ceilings
Painting the ceiling is an easy and affordable way to immediately elevate a kitchen's character. Frome-based textile designer Annika Reed paired her green cabinetry with a cheerful yellow ceiling – Parasol by Paint & Paper Library – inspired by sunny skies and the warm hues of Morocco.
It may be wise to consider the colour wheel when choosing a shade for your ceiling: while Annika chose next door neighbours, a bolder choice may involve choosing a shade opposite to your cabinets and counters.
Patrick O’Donnell, International Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball, advises: "A splash of whimsical fun, brighter contrast on the ceiling works especially well with a strong colour on your kitchen walls, it will make the room feel more cohesive, especially if you carry the same colour over the ceiling as on your trim.
"However, consider keeping the colour scheme simple, with no more than three colours, as any more can feel distracting in a room that usually has lots of adornment with utensils and crockery on show!"
Vintage artwork
Artwork is an inspired way to infuse personality and fond memories into a rustic kitchen. If you've opted for a neutral palette and simple materials, your favourite second-hand artwork can introduce a pop of colour without interrupting a more rough and ready feel.
They're easy to find at flea markets, country fairs or online from independent sellers. You can use an art print, but we recommend an old oil on canvas propped on a shelf or sideboard to get a textural look.
Fussy flourishes
Typically, a rustic kitchen evokes a pared back, homespun space. Yet it's the kitschy, decorative details that are often the missing ingredient to making the kitchen the most homely room in the house. A sink skirt is a great way to add some flounce in your favourite fabric, as is a pretty, frilly table lamp. Both also have their practical benefits: a sink skirt can stylishly hide all manner of disorganised sins!
Kajsa McLaren and Laura Burch, founders of smock London, explain: "The key to softening the utilitarian nature of kitchens is to bring in soft textures, atmospheric lighting and feminine details. Our edit58 X smock London lampshades have an elasticated fitting, meaning you can whip them off and pop them in the washing machine if they do have a passing glance with the bolognaise! Lisa, from edit58, uses these shades to stunning effect in her Cotswold barn kitchen (left)."
Ceramic lighting
Low, undulating pendant lights have been trending for some time – interiors loyalists will recall Matilda Goad & Co's rattan pendant collaboration with Edit 58 back in 2018. But these are now emerging in their most rustic form: hand and wheel thrown ceramics.
These pendant lights were a bespoke commission by Hannah Stacey Ceramics for the home of interior designer Laura Logan, and the matte quality of the stoneware adds a simplistic, farmhouse feel.
Tactile textures
Natural materials are imperative to achieving a rustic look – the more textural, the better. If you're lucky enough to have reclaimed or original brickwork in your kitchen, don't be afraid to strip away the plaster and leave it exposed.
Alternatively, vary the materials on display: layer marble countertops with wooden breadboards, hand-turned ceramics and woven basketry.
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