Top kitchen trends are dangerous to report on, simply because every media outlet has their own experts. Further, each expert has his or her own opinion. However, we understand that as designers you get asked by clients “what’s in these days”? “Is what I’m considering for my new kitchen in or out?” “What are the top kitchen trends for 2025?”
To help with answers to these questions, we’ve rounded up some of the top kitchen trends for 2025. Hopefully, our research reported here will give you a resource to refer to when you get asked the “what’s trending” question.
Top Kitchen Trends
Kitchen design is always evolving, so every year reveals something new. Or a twist on an existing trend. And 2025 predictions are no different.
Here’s a list of the buzz words describing top kitchen trends. We’ll look at each of these in more detail.
- Softer whites, warmer, earthier colors
- Efficient lighting
- Semi-custom cabinetry featuring quality construction
- Mix and match metals with matte finishes
- Bold backsplashes
- Natural wood
- Minimalist, clutter-free design
- Integrated indoor / outdoor spaces
- Multi-function kitchen islands
Many of these items have been around for years. Kitchen trends in 2025 bring a new spin on those old favorites.
1. Softer, Warmer, Earthier Paint Colors for Cabinet Finishes
During the last decade everyone wanted a bright white painted finish for their new kitchen cabinets. Now, they want softer colors, including warm neutrals like cream and pale greige and other earth tones.
Below is Benjamin Moore’s earthy and warm Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate.
The 2025 Kitchen Trends Report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) informs us that homeowners want to blend color and finishes to create a space that reflects their tastes and personalities. This is not new, but the ways in which they are expressing themselves is different.
Beyond cabinets, how are the new neutrals being used?
Kitchen renovators are requesting cabinet finishes that are the same color as the walls to blend with the kitchen. Further, they are choosing backsplash materials that continue the color scheme from countertop to ceiling.
For base cabinets, homeowners are choosing stained wood or painted cabinets in shades of green or blue. According to the NKBA, green is the most popular color for the kitchen. From calming sage to bright emerald, green isn’t going anywhere. Both greens and blues are timeless favorites.
2. Efficient Lighting is a Top Kitchen Trend
Beyond being functional, lighting has become a key kitchen design feature. Thus, homeowners want lighting that contributes to their kitchen’s style plus increases kitchen functionality. They’re asking for versatile lighting. i.e., task lighting organized into zones, dimmable under-cabinet lights, soft ambient lighting, and lots of natural light, all integrated into a functional lighting scheme.
You will probably be asked about pendant lights over the island: Are they still a thing? Not the same styles we saw in the past decade. However, over-the-island lighting is essential. With the many, many options available for lighting, any style, shape or color goes in 2025.
3. Quality Constructed Semi-Custom Cabinetry is a Top Kitchen Trend
One of the top kitchen trends in 2025 is a move toward semi-custom cabinetry that looks and feels like custom, yet is accessible price-wise for homeowners.
Semi-custom cabinets allow people renovating their kitchens to choose finishes and storage options that meet their lifestyle and personal design preferences.
4. Mix and Match Metal Finishes
Matte black finishes for decorative hardware and other metals in the kitchen were popular a few years ago, but designers say that those days are over. In 2025, look for softer finishes, such as brass and polished nickel, for knobs and pulls and other decorative hardware.
Matching metals is out. No longer does the faucet have to match the drawer pulls. Mixing metals in the kitchen will continue to be a top trend in 2025.
5. Bold Backsplashes
Backsplashes used to be an afterthought. Not anymore. Now they are front and center in kitchen design because they give homeowners a way to add character and personality to their kitchens. Statement backsplashes are definitely a top kitchen trend for 2025.
Part of the design trend is the backsplash that matches the countertops. Extending the quartz, quartzite or marble on a countertop to become a backsplash has become popular. There’s even a name for it: “countersplash”.
We’re not going to go into all the options available for backsplash materials and the myriad ways backsplash materials can be arranged to create eye-catching designs. The Spruce has a very nice article with many backsplash design ideas and options.
6. Minimalist, Clutter-free Design is a Top Kitchen Trend
Decluttering has always been popular, but the emphasis in 2025 is creating a sense of calm by keeping countertops clear.
The NKBA reports open shelves and open pantries have become less desirable kitchen design elements in 2025. People now want their cabinets to include built-in storage to ensure that every item has its place, thus minimizing clutter. There are many clever ways to incorporate hidden storage into a kitchen.
Appliances with cabinet fronts are very popular and work to create a minimalist vibe.
In keeping with the idea of the clutter-free kitchen as a top kitchen trend in 2025, people are asking about a butler’s pantry, prep kitchen or “dirty kitchen.” They are trying to keep their cooking mess to a minimum, and these secondary kitchens provide a solution.
The auxiliary kitchen is a dedicated space reserved for the messy work of food preparation and cleanup that is hidden from view of the heart of the home. The dirty or prep kitchen should ideally include small appliances, a sink, dishwasher, fridge-slash-freezer, and oven that’s behind a closed door. Thus, the main kitchen acts more like an entertaining or gathering space.
7. Sustainability, Universal Design and Wellness – All Top Kitchen Trends
Timeless good looks and enduring usability are the goals of sustainable kitchen design. The focus is on natural and durable material choices that age beautifully and don’t lose their charm over the years. Thus, the end result is a reduction in the number of kitchen remodels to update outdated trendy looks.
Further, sustainability refers to longevity and usability. Kitchens that feature universal design and accessibility principles, so that homeowners can continue to use their kitchens as they age.
As homeowners continue to focus on wellness, they are choosing environmentally-friendly materials with enduring qualities. In addition, recycled surfaces are trending in 2025 kitchen designs.
8. Indoor / Outdoor Integration
Bringing the outdoors in by using earth tones and colors found in nature is a top kitchen trend in 2025. Further, to accommodate people’s craving for a connection to nature, they are asking for living spaces that combine inside and out. They want a way to transition between their indoor kitchen and their outdoor space to combine the best of indoors and outdoors.
Natural wood finished cabinets help to create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. They bring the beauty of nature inside.
Weather-resistant cabinetry, built-in grills, pizza ovens, and beverage centers are essential for creating a fully functional outdoor kitchen and entertaining space. It seems that everybody loves the idea of indoor to outdoor entertaining, especially with large family gatherings.
9. Natural Wood is a Top Kitchen Trend for 2025
Wood is back, it’s better than ever and it’s here to stay! Designers report that 2025 is seeing the revival of wood cabinetry in many different shades and finishes. Of course, wood cabinets have never been out of style. It is now and always has been a great way to add texture and warmth to kitchen design. 2025 shows cabinetry finishes in medium tones that pair beautifully with other natural materials, like stone.
Natural wood finishes on cabinets bring an organic vibe to kitchens, especially when they’re part of a contemporary minimalist design.
10. Kitchens Doing Multiple Duty
Why is it that people always gravitate to and hang out in the kitchen?
In our post-Covid work-from-home era, kitchens now have to do double duty. It’s a place to prepare meals, yes—but it’s also a sitting area, a dining room, a place to do homework, a spot to listen in on a Zoom call, where people gather when there’s a party or family game night.
So, it’s no wonder that multi-function kitchens are a top kitchen trend in 2025. In fact, they never really went out of style, but like other items on our trends list, this one gets an update.
An eat-in kitchen can feature built-in seating. And as a bonus, this configuration can come with extra storage options. A personal favorite is the banquette. Stylish and practical, this is one trend that is definitely here to stay.
A kitchen island arrangement that encourages more social interaction is the conversational islands. A kitchen island with seating on three sides is perfect for chatting.
Conclusion
What are our key takeaways from this article?
Many of the top kitchen trends for 2025 reported here are ones we’re familiar with, now made trendy again with a twist or re-treatment.
Certainly, efficient lighting isn’t anything new. Yet with the lighting options available to homeowners, beautiful, functional and versatile lighting schemes can be personalized to their individual preferences.
Semi-custom cabinetry has been around for years; however, today’s semi-custom cabinetry offers inset construction, raised panel doors and finishes that were not available in the past.
So which of the trends is new? Making the backsplash an integral part of the overall kitchen design is new. During past decades, the backsplash was nothing more than a practical way to protect the walls in the kitchen from cooking activities. Now we’re seeing bold and colorful tile patterns and the countersplash that takes the countertop material up the wall. A brave new design world, indeed.
Bob Aungst Cabinet Sales is a full-service rep agency with the goal of matching kitchen designers and remodelers with the cabinet manufacturers best suited to their business’ style and clientele. Owner Bob Aungst III represents Brighton Cabinetry, US Cabinet Depot, Integrity Cabinets and StyleCraft Luxury Custom Cabinets.