Top Kitchen Design Trends 2025: Cabinets, Colours & More

The kitchen remains the heart of the home, yet its purpose has transformed. Beyond merely a cooking space, it now serves as a versatile hub for socialising, working, and unwinding. Consequently, kitchen design trends are adapting to mirror evolving lifestyles, technological progress, and a stronger focus on sustainability.

Whether you’re embarking on a complete kitchen overhaul or a minor update, keeping up with design trends can guide you toward choices that are both chic and practical. Here’s a rundown of the top kitchen trends to watch, from cabinetry selections to colour schemes.

Table of Contents

1. Natural Materials Are Making a Comeback

In 2025, kitchens are embracing a warm, organic, and serene vibe, starting with materials. Natural stone, wood, clay, and rustic ceramics are gaining traction.

Wooden worktops, raw oak cabinets, and stone splashbacks lend texture and authenticity to spaces. These tactile elements foster a connection to nature, which many homeowners seek in today’s world.

Sustainable materials are also vital. Recycled worktops and eco-conscious cabinetry look stunning while minimising environmental impact—a perfect blend for design enthusiasts mindful of their ecological footprint.

2. Bespoke Shaker Doors Are Highly Sought

Shaker-style cabinetry remains timeless, with its appeal stronger than ever. Made to measure shaker doors, in particular, are increasingly popular among homeowners desiring a perfect fit and premium quality.

Unlike standard doors, bespoke options offer flexibility in size, colour, and finish, suiting both classic and modern kitchens. Their clean lines and understated details deliver a timeless aesthetic, while custom sizing optimises every inch of space.

Whether refreshing an existing kitchen or building anew, this tailored approach ensures a polished, cohesive look.

3. Two-Tone Cabinets Keep Gaining Popularity

Uniform cabinetry is fading as two-tone kitchen designs take centre stage. Combining shades like navy and cream or sage green with soft grey creates contrast and visual appeal.

A common setup features darker lower units and lighter upper cabinets, grounding the space while keeping it airy.

Two-tone designs also let homeowners inject personality without overpowering the room. Pairing subtle hues with bold accents offers a stylish yet balanced aesthetic.

4. Statement Lighting Takes Centre Stage

Lighting has evolved beyond mere utility to become a central design element. Pendant lights over islands, under-cabinet strips, and large ceiling fixtures create focal points and define zones.

Sculptural designs in brass, matte black, or coloured glass add drama and sophistication. Dimmable systems are also trending, letting you switch from vibrant morning light to soft evening ambience.

In open-plan spaces, lighting distinguishes the kitchen from adjacent living or dining areas, blending style with functionality.

5. Colour Returns – But in Subtle Ways

All-white kitchens are losing ground. In 2025, colour is making a comeback, though not in loud, dominant shades.

Soft, earthy tones like olive green, navy blue, terracotta, and warm neutrals such as taupe or beige are leading the way. These hues create a welcoming, refined backdrop that pairs well with natural materials.

If bold cabinetry feels daunting, try adding colour via tiles, painted walls, or small appliances. A coloured tap or range hood can transform a neutral kitchen.

6. Integrated Appliances for a Streamlined Look

Modern kitchens prioritise clean lines and uncluttered surfaces. Integrated appliances are key, with fridges, dishwashers, and microwaves hidden behind cabinetry for a seamless look.

Handleless cabinets and concealed storage enhance this minimalist vibe, making the kitchen feel like an extension of the living space—sleek, calm, and unobtrusive.

Smart appliances align with this trend. Wi-Fi-enabled ovens, voice-activated extractors, and fridges that monitor groceries boost efficiency without sacrificing style.

7. Open Shelving – But Less of It

Open shelving remains polarising. While stunning in curated displays, it’s often impractical for daily use.

The 2025 compromise? A blend of open and closed storage. One or two open shelves showcasing plants, ceramics, or cookbooks add charm, while closed cabinets hide clutter.

If choosing open shelving, match it to your worktops or cabinet colour for a unified appearance.

8. The Rise of the Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands remain a cornerstone feature, their prominence only increasing. They fulfil multiple roles—cooking, dining, and even serving as a workspace for remote working.

Modern designs feature larger, bolder islands with waterfall edges, contrasting colours, or integrated sinks and hobs. Some homeowners are even choosing double islands where space allows.

Multi-level islands that separate cooking and dining zones are also gaining traction, especially in open-plan layouts, defining functions while keeping the space open and airy.

9. Practical Pantries and Concealed Larders

Storage remains a key focus in kitchen design, with pantries experiencing a notable revival. Whether it’s a walk-in pantry, a slide-out larder, or a custom cabinet, a dedicated area for dry goods and small appliances keeps the main kitchen more organised.

Today’s pantries blend beauty with functionality. Open shelves, sliding drawers, and built-in lighting create highly practical storage solutions. Some even serve as coffee nooks or cocktail stations.

A concealed pantry also preserves a sleek aesthetic, allowing you to hide clutter while keeping essentials easily accessible.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen design in 2025 strikes a balance between style and utility, aesthetics and practicality, tradition and modernity. Whether you’re refreshing cabinet doors, exploring colour, or adopting smart appliances, these trends reflect how we live today.

When planning your kitchen journey, draw inspiration from these ideas but customise them to fit your space and lifestyle. Ultimately, the best kitchens are those that truly work for you.