10 Kitchen Trends for 2025

If you are planning a kitchen renovation or just curious to see what's happening in the design world, I have rounded up ten of the most popular kitchen trends you can expect to see in 2025!

ashley montgomery design kitchen — *Ashley Montgomery Design*

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 am 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 plenty of time, effort and expense. Kitchens in particular tend to be the largest investment and most permanent fixture in a home, so it is essential to approach these trends thoughtfully. With that in mind, let us explore these 10 trends for 2025!

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.

2025 kitchen trends: brown kitchens — *Ashley Montgomery Design*

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 are craving warmth—in kitchens and throughout the entire house.

Whether it is 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.

2025 kitchen trends: brown kitchens and wood tones — *Blanc Marine*

It is 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 are into this trend but do not 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 have seen it in bedrooms and bathrooms, so it is no surprise this trend has found it is 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.

blue color drenched butlers pantry — *W Design Collective*

While this trend genuinely 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 do not have to completely commit by painting the ceilings.

mushroom kitchen cabinets — *Jean Stoffer Design*

It can also be a relatively low cost, low commitment way to make a big change in a kitchen (or if you are lucky to have one, a butler's pantry!)

burgundy color drenched butler's pantry — *Kelsey Leigh Design*

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.

dark brown raisin kitchen cabinets. butler's pantry — *Oho Interiors*

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.

butler's pantry with gray cabinets — *Light and Dwell*

If you do not 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.

butler's pantry with light greige cabinets — *Tiek Design Group*

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 unfussy as choosing two different cabinet colors/finishes, or my personal favorite, integrating a hutch or special piece of furniture into the design.

built in wood hutch kitchen cabinet — *One Kin 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.

wood upper kitchen cabinets with soapstone counters — *Seldin Design Studios*

Thrift stores and Facebook marketplace are treasure troves for affordable antique wood pieces—check them often!

contrasting wood kitchen cabinets — *Collected Living Design*

6. Curves and rounded edges

Curves and arches have been a hot commodity for the last several years in design, and lately they have been making their way into kitchens in fresh and creative ways.

brown kitchen with rounded island — *Ashley Montgomery Design*

The most popular application is with kitchen islands—anywhere from a subtle rounded edge to a full half circle.

kitchen with rounded island — *Whittney Parkinson Design*

These fluid shapes help to create movement and add softness to a space. We are planning a rounded peninsula in our next kitchen and my brain is overflowing with ideas!

rounded fluted island with wood cabinets — *Sarah Sherman Samuel*

7. Stone slab backsplashes

Veiny marble continues to reign supreme in kitchens and bathrooms, and these days, more is more. Whether it is 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.

marble island kitchen — *The Bespoke Group*

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.

marble kitchen backsplash with shelf ledge — *Athena Calderone*

As striking 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 am 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.

white and wood kitchen with ceiling beams and stone wall — *Marie Flanigan Interiors*

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.

ivory kitchen cabinets with soapstone counters — *W Design Collective*

Polished or brushed nickel is a timeless choice, offering a warmer tone that pairs beautifully with gold or brass. Like unlacquered brass, it is a living finish, meaning it will develop a patina over time.

traditional kitchen with marble backsplash and dark wood island — *Tiek Design Group*

9. Flush mount lighting

Sorry recessed lights, you've been canned—flush mounts are the new talk of the town.

white kitchen with marble backsplash and flush mount lights — *Bide Studio*

If you browse through the Instagram pages of top designers today, you will notice there is one thing noticeably missing in most kitchens—recessed lights. In fact, take a look through the photos in this post and you will find that most of them have flush mounts, or only pendants over the island.

kitchen with flush mount lighting — *Alexander and Co.*

They come in all shapes and sizes, from spotlights to standard flush mounts in every finish. It helps to keep the idea of being able to direct the lighting and set the mood (why do you think Ikea showrooms are so inviting?) but I am 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 is 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 are both made from natural materials and will give you a similar organic feel for a fraction of the price.

lime wash kitchen wall and range hood — *Light and Dwell*

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.

natural kitchen with wood cabinetry — *Yond Interiors*

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!

lime wash kitchen wall and range hood with marble backsplash — *Katie Harbison*

And there you have it, ten of the most popular kitchen trends you will be seeing everywhere this year. Have you also noticed these becoming more common lately? Any that you genuinely love, or not so much?

Get the look

If you are loving the inspiration photos, here are some designer-approved picks to incorporate these trends into your kitchen:

Meanwhile at the Spanish Sanctuary—we are still stuck in pool permitting purgatory, waiting to get the green light to move forward. But, we have made progress on the bunk room and I'll be sharing more updates soon in my stories—make sure you are following me there for all the latest!