These are the kitchen trends that are set to dominate 2025 – discover how you can use them in your home
Meet the latest kitchen trends that will transform spaces in 2025, as we move away from minimalism towards inviting, layered spaces
Get ready to discover some exiting new style directions for kitchen trends in 2025. From daring worktops with brave patterning to velvety, matt finishes on cabinetry, the latest kitchen trends will help you push boundaries and redefine functionality in your next kitchen project.
Expect a fusion of natural and manmade materials with innovative tech, rich, earthy colour palettes and atmospheric lighting all coming together to create an inviting, social space that reflects your personal style.
Fleeting fads and designer statements are resolutely not on the agenda this year when designing a kitchen. We’ve noticed a clear rejection of fast fashion and a move towards more environmentally responsible design. Above all, designing a kitchen this year involves building to last, with a strong emphasis on timeless style and durable materials that won’t be headed to landfill any time soon. Here's our line-up of the top kitchen trends set to dominate in 2025.
Key themes for kitchen trends in 2025
“There are plenty of exciting new kitchen ideas to take your pick from this year, but we’ve also identified a much larger, over-arching trend towards textural layering,” says Jayne Everett, creative director of Naked Kitchens.
This trend has been steadily gaining momentum over the years, but it's now picking up pace, likely due to the growing influence of professional interior designers and the increased accessibility of kitchen design inspiration. Once you’ve witnessed how much more enticing a kitchen can be when it’s imbued with layers of interest and character, it’s difficult to settle for conventional, utilitarian designs ever again.
“Think upholstered seating, mixed materials like timber and stone and cosy rugs underfoot. Layering is all about elevating the kitchen from functional space to a sophisticated centrepiece of the home,” adds Jayne. So, if you are planning a kitchen this year, don’t take a linear approach, layered is the way to achieve an impressive yet comfortable cooking space.
1. Kitchen worktops will dial up the drama in 2025
Demand for bold, high-energy kitchen worktops is set to soar as brave renovators embrace statement surfaces that bring undeniable impact in their wake.
“There’s been a marked shift away from the simpler patterns, like Carrara marble, that were once popular,” notes Jayne Everett, creative director of Naked Kitchens. “Now, we’re seeing strong demand for striking designs where countertops extend into large splashbacks, creating a cohesive look that truly highlights the bold veining and texture of the material.
"Waterfall worktops are also being embraced wholeheartedly this year, elegantly wrapping around kitchen islands or cabinetry ends for a seamless, sculptural effect.”
It's not just the style of surfaces that is getting braver, edge detailing is gaining more attention, too. “Whereas a simple bevel edge was once the norm, 2025 is set to bring more intricate profiles, like ogee or ovolo, especially with thicker worktops that are used to make an impactful kitchen island idea, or on dressers or bar areas,” explains Jayne.
In 2000, following a successful career in finance, Jayne and her husband left London and settled in Norfolk to raise their young family. In 2005, her passion for design led to the couple founding Naked Kitchens. As creative director, Jayne now oversees the design of new showrooms and kitchen styles.
2. Tap into terracotta for a hot kitchen colour trend
Terracotta is a slow-burning kitchen trend that’s now skyrocketing into a timeless classic that is destined to become a top choice for many spaces and kitchen units in 2025.
“Over the past year, we’ve witnessed something of an earthy renaissance, with terracotta-inspired shades slowly taking centre stage,” says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet. “Terracotta hues also create a connection to the outdoors, aligning with the growing trend of biophilic design.”
Besides its earthy, rugged warmth, the appeal of terracotta lies in its versatility. “Terracotta tones blend seamlessly with other natural elements like wood, stone and plants and can be used to evoke a sense of cosiness, whether the overall direction of your kitchen design is contemporary or traditional,” explains Jen.
“Tapping into people’s desire for organic and grounded spaces, these warm shades are the perfect way to evoke a sense of nature.”
With more than 15 years’ industry experience crafting dream kitchens, Magnet’s head of design, Jen Nash, recognises how important the kitchen is within the home. For her, details are everything, and her role is to balance trends with timelessness to help clients achieve their kitchen goals.
3. The new way to colour drench kitchens
You’ve no doubt heard of colour drenching, whereby entire rooms are enveloped in a single shade across all the walls, ceiling and woodwork. Well, there’s an exciting new approach for 2025, called double drenching, and it’s just as transformative but, dare we say it, a little more liveable for a kitchen wall colour idea.
The term has been coined by Little Greene, as a “fabulous way to confidently embrace and combine colours that might not typically be seen and used alongside each other in a single scheme”.
Double drenching works by combining bold colours that aren’t tonally similar but are still colour-adjacent, on the same side of the colour wheel, so there is contrast but not a colour clash. Suitable for both modern kitchen ideas as well as more traditional spaces, it's an effective way to add impact to your space.
This project by The Main Company shows how double drenching can really come together in a kitchen. “The darker, richer green colour on the walls is a nod to the history and age of the building, while the lighter, brighter toned Citrine green on the cabinetry references the modern extension – the two colours work together to complement the old and new features of the property,” explains senior designer, Julia Dale. “With double drenching, it is about colours you would not necessarily put together, yet it works, it really works!”
A qualified interior designer, Julia has worked for The Main Company for more than six years, specialising in kitchens and joinery. She loves nothing more than seeing her designs successfully installed and happy clients!
4. Suspended shelving takes centre stage
Suspended metal shelves are set to become more popular than ever as a kitchen storage idea in 2025. As technological advancements in downdraft extraction on hobs have gained wider adoption, designers have been able to explore more unconventional options beyond the traditional hanging chandelier or trio of pendants typically placed above a kitchen island.
“By introducing layered interest at varying heights within a room, these shelves add an industrial-chic edge to a kitchen, often toughening up and bringing a contemporary twist to a traditional scheme,” says Reuben Ward, lead designer, Blakes London. “Although they can offer additional storage, their primary appeal lies in their decorative function. However, hanging a mesh on the lowest shelf can provide an intriguing way to store pots and pans, assuming your cookware is attractive enough to be displayed!”
If you’re considering embracing this kitchen shelving idea, Reuben warns it’s crucial to plan ahead, especially regarding its placement. “You’ll need to reinforce your ceiling or wall to bear the extra weight of the bracket, which is a process that’s much easier at build stage rather than retrospectively,” he explains.
“You may also want to integrate kitchen island lighting into your feature shelf, which will require first-fix electrics to be concealed within the ceiling early in your project. Glass shelving will allow light to pass through, creating a lighter, floating effect in the space, while timber will bring more gravitas and be more forgiving of the inevitable dust accumulation.”
With a degree in architecture, Reuben started his career in practice working on listed residential and commercial buildings in the West Country. Not long after securing planning permission for a new build project for The Duchy of Cornwall, Reuben moved to London to use his layout and problem-solving skills designing exemplary kitchens. As well as more opportunities to play with finishes and materials, Reuben enjoys the faster pace at which he sees his kitchen designs come to life.
5. Make your kitchen finishes matt in 2025
“In 2025, we anticipate the focus will shift towards more matt textures, particularly on cabinet doors, offering a sleek, sophisticated look that complements modern kitchen designs,” says Josie Medved, design manager, Symphony Group.
This new breed of matt finishes, aka super matt, are being embraced for their refined, velvety feel and light-absorption that provides a sophisticated dead flat look. Recent advancements in surface technology have led to innovative easy-clean nano-coatings that will allow you to embrace this tactile trend without fussing about fingerprints and smudges. “A matt finish is low maintenance, making it perfect for families and busy lifestyles,” adds Josie.
While it’s possible to get matt doors in a wide variety of pale colours, this sensual finish really comes into its own in dark shades, as shown in the navy kitchen idea pictured, where the low sheen depth appears much more dramatic.
If you're considering painting your kitchen cabinets in 2025, a similar super-matt finish would be a smart way to go.
6. Green kitchens are getting a fresh update for 2025
Pistachio green is set to be a standout kitchen colour trend for 2025, bringing a fresh and calming vibe in its wake. Striking the perfect balance between warmth and coolness, this gentle, nature-inspired shade offers a perkier alternative to the moody grey-greens of recent years.
While it can work well on cabinetry as a painted kitchen idea, pistachio green is particularly effective on accent walls or as a kitchen splashback idea, where it delivers an uplifting splash of colour without overwhelming. Its understated elegance makes pistachio easy to layer with other soft tones like cream, stone, and pale pink, but it can also act as a harmonious contrast to deeper greens.
“Pistachio green pairs well with a variety of other colours and materials,” agrees Stacey Cobley, senior designer at Harvey Jones. “From wood and stone for a more ‘natural’ and ‘earthy’ feel, to metallic finishes such as brass and copper, it is just a lovely way to introduce colour to a kitchen whilst still feeling neutral and timeless.”
7. Mix natural and manmade kitchen materials
Sure, a beautiful marble-clad kitchen with exquisite book-matching and coordinating splashbacks is nothing short of incredible. But if you’re a keen cook, there will be a price to pay for going all-natural. Literally, in the form of regular repolishing and sealing to eliminate scratches and watermarks. This year, clever kitchen renovators are playing to the strengths of different surfaces by taking a pick-and-mix approach to avoid making a common kitchen design mistake.
“The trend for blending natural and manmade surfaces in the kitchen offers the best of both worlds,” explains Oliver Webb, director, Cullifords. “By combining the organic beauty of materials like natural marble or onyx with the durability and easy maintenance of engineered alternatives, there are no compromises between form and function.”
The key to pulling it off is thoughtful placement in your kitchen layout. Reserve natural materials for vertical elevations, such as island fronts and splashbacks, where their texture can shine. Then use manmade surfaces in high-traffic or hard-hitting areas for convenience and longevity. This coming together of man and nature is set to bring warmth, character, and functionality to kitchens in 2025.
8. The new way to create kitchen display areas
Open shelving is old news; the new way to avoid the closed-off look of solid cabinets is via stylish glass display cabinets. We’re not talking about freestanding dressers on the periphery of the kitchen, this trend sees countertop glazed cabinets positioned right in the thick of the cooking action.
Suitable for contemporary styles as well as more traditional wooden kitchen ideas, the effect is just as lovely and laidback as the trend for swapping wall units for open shelving that felt so revolutionary a decade ago, but with a lot less dust! It's also a great look for open-plan kitchens that double up as a key living space.
“These modern display cabinets are designed to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Crucially, they should be stocked with everyday cookware and crockery so it’s all conveniently close to hand – although there’s nothing wrong with a few decorative items on the highest shelves,” says Paul Welburn, senior designer, Roundhouse. Anything truly unattractive can be stored in your base unit drawers or larder.
Design-wise, think a contemporary take on old apothecary units or mid-century style Crittall framing. The display case trend is also perfect for introducing another material or finish in the kitchen, and if you know you won’t be tidy internally, specify uber-trendy reeded glass!
9. Tile up to the ceiling
Kitchen wall tile ideas are constantly being reimagined to keep things fresh and exciting – not only on the tile design front, but also in the way and where they are installed. We’ve seen trends for tiling the front of island units, tiling behind glazed wall cabinets and even the comeback of tiled worktops. This year, however, tiling is getting seriously adventurous and they are being worked from worktop level right on up to the ceiling.
“Tiling a wall up to the ceiling is a high statement look – especially if you dare to be brave with a bold pattern. Continuing tiles beyond the standard splashback point can also help draw the eye up, increasing the sense of height and, in a small kitchen like this one, a little goes a long way,” adds Carly Allison, head of product design, Fired Earth.
For a subtler look that’s equally striking, try going for a full wall of pale encaustic tiles – the undulating surface will capture the light in the most intriguing way. And if there’s a cooker hood in the way? Go ahead and tile the wall right over the top. More is more with this top kitchen tile trend.
10. Comfy kitchen islands
The best kitchen islands have a working side and a social side. If you’re wondering how to really maximise the latter, check out the hot kitchen-diner idea for drop-down dining table/banquette combos.
"Opting for soft seating at the kitchen island, rather than, or as well as, traditional bar stools, is gaining traction in 2025 as it transforms your island into a more inviting and comfortable gathering spot,’ says Mike Fetherston, design director, Hetherington Newman. ‘Plushly-padded banquette-style lounging creates a relaxed, living room-like atmosphere and is perfect for leisurely brunch or casual entertaining.’
While undoubtedly bigger than a standard island, merging island, soft seating and dining can work out more spatially efficient when designing a kitchen-diner. To get it right, choose durable, easy-to-clean fabrics that can handle spills and stains, and go for a pedestal-style table to avoid battered knees as you slide in and out.
11. Table lamps take over kitchens
In response to the growing call for kitchens that are less utilitarian and more focused on relaxation, table lamps are the new way forward for a mood-enhancing kitchen lighting idea.
"Familiar in living areas but overlooked for the kitchen, table lamps are a brilliant addition as they instantly add a relaxed and cosy atmosphere that's perfect for softening the space's typically task-oriented lighting,’ says Hollie Moreland, creative director, David Hunt Lighting.
It's not just the unexpectedness of a table lamp in your cooking hub that appeals, a shapely lamp in bold colours has the power to really perk up a dull corner. "The warm glow of a lamp or two helps create a more inviting, homely feel and with a plethora of finishes and colours available there is great flexibility to find a design that suits, and which can deliver an added layer of pattern, colour and character.’
If you're currently planning how to light your kitchen and want to pull off the look, Hollie recommends placing lamps on an island, sideboards, or even tucked in a corner of the worktops. To avoid making a kitchen lighting mistake, however, Hollie recommends keeping them away from high-traffic areas and heat sources. "Opt for lamps with compact bases and durable materials," she adds.
FAQs
What kitchen hardware is on trend for 2025?
“Hardware is often a last-minute addition, but it can really make or break the completed look and feel of your cabinetry,” says Oscar Roberts, managing director, Turnstyle Designs. This year, kitchen hardware trends are moving towards simpler designs in organic materials like wood, leather and burnished metals.
While many of the warm metal finishes we already know and love are likely to remain popular, the trend-savvy are reconsidering cool metallics like brushed nickel and even chrome. These silver-toned finishes have long been overshadowed by brass and bronze but now we’re anticipating a surge in sales as designers seek classic alternatives with a little more brightness and shine.
Alongside the return of cool metals is a growing appreciation for mixing things up. Experimenting with hardware in different shapes and finishes when designing a kitchen island island versus on the perimeter units for example, or just mixing metals generally, across taps, appliances and handles. The obsession with painstaking coordination just doesn’t work with the more organic, layered aesthetic coming through in kitchens for 2025.
“Handles and knobs, anywhere in the home but particularly on kitchen cabinetry, will receive tens of thousands of uses throughout their lifetime, so whatever hardware you choose, just make sure it’s solidly made and built to last,” adds Oscar.
Whether you are planning a bespoke kitchen that is completely tailored to your space or looking for a more affordable, off-the-peg design, incorporating one or more of these kitchen trends into your space in 2025 is the perfect way to ensure it feels fresh and up to date.
New kitchen costs will, of course, vary hugely from one supplier to the next depending on the type of materials, finish and appliances you opt for. So whether you're renovating a kitchen or adding a brand-new one to an extension, it's therefore essential to have a clear budget in mind before you start shopping for units and worktops. Think about where to spend and where to save on your new kitchen so you can prioritise what's important to you in your new space.
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Linda Clayton is an experienced journalist, specialising in homes and interiors for more than two decades, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. She’s a fastidious product reviewer, design obsessive, serial renovator, and amateur runner. Now on her fourth renovation project (a Victorian redbrick in Devon), when not busy at her keyboard, she can usually be found stripping wallpaper, grouting tiles or cleaning up after the builders. Again.