If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or just curious to see what’s happening in the design world, I’ve rounded up ten of the most popular kitchen trends you can expect to see in 2025!
I get it—following the trends is not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally, I like to keep a pulse on things to discover new and interesting ideas, and I’m often inspired to come up with my own take on it. In interior design, trends tend to evolve much more slowly than in fashion—think years or even decades rather than months—so you may already recognize some of these ideas gaining momentum.
Designing a home requires a lot of time, effort and expense. Kitchens in particular tend to be the largest investment and most permanent fixture in a home, so it’s essential to approach these trends thoughtfully. With that in mind, let’s explore these 10 trends for 2025!
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1. Brown Kitchens
You may have heard by now that brown is the color of the year. This also happens to coincide with another big kitchen trend of wood tones—and lots of them.
This could in part be a direct response to the cold, sterile black/white/gray trend that still somehow manages to linger after more than a decade of overuse. This year we’re craving warmth—in kitchens and throughout the entire house.
Whether it’s natural wood or brown paint, cabinetry, floors, walls, tile or trim—brown is back in a big way.
2. Medium and dark wood tones
The light and bright kitchens of yesteryear are making way for the richness and contrast of darker wood tones. Bring on the drama.
It’s not all about the traditional dark woods, however—medium toned wood has become increasingly popular. Just be careful to avoid the 80’s orange oak, or the 90’s-00’s cherry wood.
Darker wood tones give a more traditional and historic feel, and can add more warmth to a space than a lighter wood.
If you’re into this trend but don’t want to overdo it, consider introducing wood tones on a smaller scale—a kitchen island, table, shelving, hutch, or counter stools.
3. Color Drenching
We’ve seen it in bedrooms and bathrooms, so it’s no surprise this trend has found it’s way into kitchens. Color drenching refers to painting every surface (cabinets, trim, walls, ceiling) in the same color. This can create a cohesive look in a space, and can help mask unwanted features.
While this trend really took off last year, it has been around for ages in other parts of the world. It definitely adds an element of sophistication to a space—and you don’t have to completely commit by painting the ceilings.
It can also be a relatively low cost, low commitment way to make a big change in a kitchen (or if you’re lucky to have one, a butler’s pantry!)
4. Butler’s Pantry
Also referred to as a scullery or a back kitchen, these new-and-improved pantries have become a highly desired feature in today’s modern kitchen design plan.
Located just off the main kitchen, these separate “mini-kitchens” are designed for food storage, preparation, and entertaining. They often include sinks, appliances, and any other essentials you can fit into the space.
If you don’t have the space or budget to add a separate room to your kitchen, you can give your existing pantry the special treatment by replacing the shelving with cabinetry, adding countertops, and small appliances if space allows.
5. Contrasting Cabinetry
Incorporating contrasting cabinetry is one of the top ways to keep your kitchen from feeling flat and builder-grade. It could be as simple as choosing two different cabinet colors/finishes, or my personal favorite, integrating a hutch or special piece of furniture into the design.
We have two of these pieces in our kitchen—a refinished barrister bookcase used for pantry storage, and the top of an antique hutch for our cups and small appliances. The mix of new + antique is an unexpected touch, and those details are what makes a kitchen feel unique and custom.
Thrift stores and Facebook marketplace are treasure troves for affordable antique wood pieces—check them often!
6. Curves and rounded edges
Curves and arches have been a hot commodity for the last several years in design, and lately they’ve been making their way into kitchens in fresh and creative ways.
The most popular application is with kitchen islands—anywhere from a subtle rounded edge to a full half circle.
These fluid shapes help to create movement and add softness to a space. We’re planning a rounded peninsula in our next kitchen and my brain is overflowing with ideas!
7. Stone slab backsplashes
Veiny marble continues to reign supreme in kitchens and bathrooms, and these days, more is more. Whether it’s applied to a wall, covering a range hood, or even wrapping around an island—statement stone slabs are taking up more real estate in kitchens than ever.
Tile backsplashes are giving way to full stone slabs, often extending seamlessly from the countertops to the ceiling. A popular (and less expensive) option is to apply it as a partial wall, and add a matching stone ledge/shelf along the top.
As gorgeous as it is, marble is also one of the most expensive and high maintenance stones, which makes it a less than ideal choice for most of us. Fortunately, there are many alternatives out there that offer a similar luxurious feel in a more practical stone.
For our next project, I’m looking into Taj Mahal Quartzite and Magnifica Encore Porcelain.
8. Silver finishes
While unlacquered brass continues to be a favorite among top designers, silver is stepping into the spotlight and having its moment to shine.
Mixing metals is a great way to add depth and prevent your design from feeling flat. Consider incorporating silver through faucets, knobs and pulls, appliances, lighting, or accessories.
Polished or brushed nickel is a timeless choice, offering a warmer tone that pairs beautifully with gold or brass. Like unlacquered brass, it’s a living finish, meaning it will develop a patina over time.
9. Flush mount lighting
Sorry recessed lights, you’ve been canned—flush mounts are the new talk of the town.
If you browse through the Instagram pages of top designers today, you’ll notice there’s one thing noticeably missing in most kitchens—recessed lights. In fact, take a look through the photos in this post and you’ll find that most of them have flush mounts, or only pendants over the island.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from spotlights to standard flush mounts in every finish. I love the idea of being able to direct the lighting and set the mood (why do you think Ikea showrooms are so inviting?) but I’m not sure how I feel about drawing attention to a bunch of lights on the ceiling. What’s your take?
10. Lime paint and plaster
The limewash trend is still going strong, and it’s not uncommon to see it used in kitchens. If you love the subtle movement and elegance of a marble wall but not the price tag, consider lime wash or venetian plaster. They’re both made from natural materials and will give you a similar organic feel for a fraction of the price.
Most commonly used on range hoods or walls above a backsplash, these treatments add interest to an otherwise blank wall and fit best with rustic, minimalist and/or traditional European or Mediterranean kitchens.
I coated our Hacienda range hood in venetian plaster and it has held up beautifully. Just make sure to properly seal your finish to protect it!
And there you have it, ten of the most popular kitchen trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this year. Have you also noticed these becoming more common lately? Any that you really love, or not so much?
Get the look
If you’re loving the inspiration photos, here are some designer-approved picks to incorporate these trends into your kitchen:
Meanwhile at the Spanish Sanctuary—we’re still stuck in pool permitting purgatory, waiting to get the green light to move forward. But, we’ve made progress on the bunk room and I’ll be sharing more updates soon in my stories—make sure you’re following me there for all the latest!
Natalie Schmotzer says
I am with you on the lighting and the brown! I like the medium woods. Do not love the beige trend, especially yellow undertones, but yes, creamy white ok. Here in the Pacific NW, we get lots of dingy days, and beige and darker brown depress me…and yes, the cleaning factor for darker colors. Love some of the mixed wood finishes, like white and medium tones, and mixing metals. Jenna, you are the best, and I am glad you keep us up to date with trends!
Alanah says
Just love these cosy vibes!
Ivory says
These kitchens are absolutely beautiful. I would be happy to have either one of them in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing
KJ says
A long time ago I lived in a house with cheap brass- which explains why I hate brass. A longer time ago I lived in a very old, late 1800’s, apartment with chrome fixtures. Influenced me for the next 40+ years. My brand new kitchen has classic white cabinets on the parameter, stained black cabinets on the island, and shiny chrome fixtures, knobs, and pulls. I consider it classic. I adore looking at what is new (and I love the old pieces mixed in) but I will go for classic designs every time to stand the test of time. Because I just built a house I am still obsessed with light fixtures.
Cynthia Solomon says
Super fun Jenna!! You worked hard finding and sharing all these amazing kitchens! Thank you!!
Jenna Sue says
So glad you like the post, Cynthia!
Paula Hubbard says
I won’t have any of these designs in my home. I want a bright, welcoming, and open kitchen where I can enjoy cooking and socializing.
Jenna Sue says
As long as you love it, that’s all that matters!
Kendra says
oof! When you said wood cabinets were in I was like yay! Then you said be careful for 90’s oak and 2000’s cherry woods – I have cherry cabinets!! 🙁 Oh well, I still really like them and figure as long as I can update everything else around them in the kitchen, they can stay as is.
Jenna Sue says
They may not be what’s “on trend” at the moment, but if you like them that’s what matters! Good for you for not being swayed by the trends 😉 And who knows, they’ll probably become popular again soon.
Christina Yep says
I LOVE this roundup, and it’s exactly what we’re seeing a lot of too. To be honest, it’s such a relief. I love the shift back to more classic aesthetics, but more organic and natural feeling.
My burning question, is what is coming next after cream and brown? I’ve been wracking my brain… This is taking on such momentum, just like the black and white farmhouse trend, the grey trend before that…all did. We have some Nordic aesthetics happening where I’m located as well. And in between all of that was the blush era, the mint era, the deep navy/green era and now the sage era…
Someone please share with me…what comes after brown? 😉
Jenna Sue says
Haha predicting trends is anyones guess! Because they take ages to cycle though, brown/beige should be around for a very, very long time. It’ll probably be the standard on HGTV in a decade 😉
Kimberly Beaty says
I’m team recessed, too! But love me some sconces straddling the hood and pendants over the islands.
Those dark brown kitchens. . . with every speck of dust showing, needing a wipe down pretty much DAILY to keep them looking nice. . . huge no-go for me! That high maintenance issue alone tells me that this trend will be incredibly short-lived as soon as the naive swooners discover how much work it is to keep them looking nice! (I have SW Naval – a navy blue – cabinets currently, so ask me how I know. . . 😉) I don’t need the extreme mentioned – sterile white with black – but those dark cavernous kitchens/homes depress me! I personally love the classic medium-honey wood tones with soft creamy whites (not dingy yellow/ivory) lots of windows/natural lighting and greenery. We’ve built 5 houses/completely remodeled the one we’re currently in, and will build another pretty soon! I love your site as a planning resource. . . and your house! 🥰
Jenna Sue says
I can see the beauty in each style. Light and bright has been popular for so long now, the pendulum was bound to shift in this direction. I do love the cozy feel of darker spaces — as long as there’s enough natural light to balance it out.
Emily says
I bet most of these kitchens have recessed lights they have just been photoshopped out. Studio McGee has said before they photoshop them out.
Jenna Sue says
Honestly, that popped into my head when I was writing this too. I hate how they do that (with outlets also!). Gives us unrealistic expectations.
Karen says
Love love it all
Cici Haus says
I painted my kitchen cabinets a deep purpley-brown almost three years ago and I absolutely adore it. I custom mixed it because there was just nothing I liked at the time, but purple brown by Little Greene Paint Co (which is now in the US!) was my inspo though mine is a bit more purple. Highly recommend 😉
I’m also pro silver fixtures, rounded pieces, mixing materials and everything on this list except semi-flush mounts. Personally, I think they look so silly and distracting all over the ceiling – like pimples. And going without anything but over the island in a kitchen is a nightmare. I know from experience because 2/3s of our can lights stopped working over the last year (just got them replaced) and I literally couldn’t wash dishes at night because I couldn’t see. It was awful. Team can lights for life.
Jenna Sue says
You were ahead of the trend! Love Little Green Paint, they have the most delicious burgundy-brown shade I used on our nightstands.
I’m not sold on the flush mounts either. I am looking into upgraded anti-glare recessed lights for our next kitchen though.
Michele M. says
Interesting. Some of those kitchens are swoonworthy to be sure. As for your question to kitchen lighting. I LOVE recessed lighting and wouldn’t replace it for the world. I like the clean lines it provides. Also I am not sure how I feel about all the roundness of the cuts – I am old enough to be reminded of the 70s and all its roundness. Still too soon for me, haha. Mid century isn’t my thing. But I LOVE the two tone cabs – the one that looks like a wardrobe made me drool on my keyboard.
Thx for all the inspo and info. SO sorry you are still waiting on the permit for the pool. What on earth is taking them so long? That’s so weird! Can’t wait to see it all. Have a wonderful day.