2025 Kitchen Design Trends on the Horizon
The kitchen of 2025 will strike a balance between innovation and style, featuring hidden prep kitchens, smart technology in butler’s pantries, and sustainable materials meeting luxury design. While we don’t have a crystal ball, we’re seeing clear trends emerge—like flexible layouts for indoor-outdoor living, and a rise in secondary kitchen spaces and beverage stations. From bold design choices to energy-efficient appliances, 2025’s kitchens will combine modern functionality with timeless appeal.
Personalization and Customization
As homeowners increasingly look to make their kitchens their own, personalization will take center stage. From custom cabinetry to unique backsplashes, these trends allow for creativity and individuality in the kitchen.
If you can dream it, we can build it. This custom cabinet face designed by our own Emily Kreber is a great example of what we can do with Drury Design Select Custom Cabinetry line. Stop by our showroom to see this incredible piece up close!
1. Custom Cabinetry
Personalized cabinetry will be a defining feature in 2025. From bespoke storage solutions to unique designs, homeowners will opt for cabinets that fit their specific needs and aesthetic, making kitchens more functional and reflective of their personal style. Also, keep an eye out for Micro Shaker-style cabinets and Evolved Shaker Doors to shake things up.
2. Statement Wallpaper and Backsplashes
Wallpaper and backsplashes can stand out if you let them.. Expect to see backsplashes with intricate patterns, metallic finishes, and artistic designs that act as focal points in the kitchen.
Artistic hardware is the icing on the cake for many a project, including this French Country Kitchen in Hinsdale.
3. Sculptural and Artistic Hardware
Cabinet hardware will be more than just functional in 2025. Sculptural pulls and knobs will be used as design elements to add personality and flair to the kitchen.
Materials and Finishes with Depth
Materials will play a crucial role in making kitchens feel rich, warm, and inviting. From natural stones to textured wood, these materials will create a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship. Mixing materials is expected to continue to trend. Fabric fixtures are also expected to show up more often. Also – metallic kitchens could be making a comeback.
4. Natural Stone Surfaces
While quartz and marble remain popular, natural stones like soapstone and quartzite will make a comeback, offering unique veining and textures that add depth to countertops and backsplashes.
Reeded front panels offer texture and artistry to cabinets. The technique brings a stunning contrast of colors out of walnut.
5. Textured Cabinet Fronts
Woven, mesh, and reeded materials will bring texture and visual interest to cabinet fronts, replacing traditional painted finishes. These tactile details help break up the expanses of cabinetry while adding warmth.
6. Warm, Rich Wood Tones
Wood tones, particularly oak, walnut, and maple, will add a sense of comfort and warmth. Light and mid-tone wood stains will be popular, enhancing kitchens with natural textures and promoting a biophilic connection.
7. Large Format Tiles
In 2025, larger tiles will be the go-to choice for kitchen floors and backsplashes. These tiles not only make a space look bigger but also reduce grout lines, making maintenance easier and adding a sleek aesthetic.
Bold Colors & Personalized Touches
The kitchen is increasingly becoming a space for self-expression. Color and personal style will take center stage, allowing homeowners to create kitchens that reflect their tastes and lifestyles.
8. Rich and Dramatic Cabinet Colors
Bold, jewel-toned cabinetry will continue to dominate, with hues like emerald green, aubergine, and ochre taking center stage. These saturated colors bring vibrancy and personality to the kitchen, turning it into a focal point of the home.
9. Vibrant Color Palettes
From deep blues and greens to unexpected shades like dusky teal and burgundy, colorful cabinetry and walls will continue to make kitchens feel more lively and personal.
10. Softened Bold Colors
Soft-meets-bold colors like sage greens and earthy browns will create sophisticated yet inviting spaces. These colors will pair beautifully with organic textures like stone and wood to bring warmth to the kitchen.
11. Colorful Appliances
Vibrant appliances, such as emerald green ranges and retro mustard refrigerators, will be a popular choice for homeowners wanting to make a statement. These appliances serve as functional art pieces, transforming the kitchen’s visual appeal.
Functional and Multifunctional Spaces
Kitchens in 2025 will not only be stylish but incredibly functional, designed to support multiple uses. From secondary kitchens to oversized islands, these trends highlight the importance of efficiency and flexibility.
Oversized kitchen islands have are worth their weight in bonus storage!
12. Oversized Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands will grow larger and more stylized in 2025, becoming multi-functional hubs for cooking, dining, working, and socializing. They’ll serve as both a workspace and a statement piece, providing ample room for family gatherings and entertaining.
13. Secondary Kitchens 2.0
Secondary kitchens, also known as “dirty kitchens,” will become even more common. These spaces, dedicated to meal prep and cleaning, will help keep the main kitchen clutter-free, serving as the behind-the-scenes workhorse.
This client wanted an island dedicated to making pizza.
14. Multi-Zoned Kitchens
As kitchens continue to serve as spaces for cooking, entertaining, and working, multi-zoned layouts will rise in popularity. Homeowners will designate specific areas for each activity, creating functional, organized spaces that flow seamlessly.
Having island seating doesn’t preclude the functionality of a dining table in the kitchen. The option makes this Elmhurst kitchen the go-to place for family time and entertaining situations.
15. Kitchens with an Island and a Dining Table
The trend of combining a kitchen island with a dining table will continue. In 2025, both features will work in harmony, providing distinct spaces for dining and socializing while maximizing functionality.
16. Freestanding and Portable Island for Small Kitchens
Freestanding islands will offer flexibility in small kitchens. Whether stationary or on wheels, these islands can be moved around to serve as additional prep space, a casual dining spot, or even a workstation.
Technology and Innovation
The integration of technology in the kitchen will continue to shape its future. From AI-powered appliances to smart storage, these innovations will make kitchens more efficient and user-friendly.
17. AI-Powered Appliances
Smart kitchen appliances will become more advanced in 2025, with features like AI-driven cooking modes, voice activation and integrated smart food identification systems that optimize cooking processes and offer personalized recommendations.
A Wolf 15″ induction cooktop is the perfect solution if you prefer a gas range but still want to boil water in just over a minute.
18. Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops, known for their efficiency and sleek design, will dominate kitchens in 2025. These cooktops not only cook efficiently but also double as extra counter space when not in use.
A favorite trick of the trade is becoming more common: utilzing storage space behind a cabinet wall to give extra depth to appliance garages.
19. Smart Storage Solutions
With multifunctional kitchens becoming the norm, smart storage solutions will be essential. Concealed cabinets, pull-out shelves, and integrated drawer systems will help maintain an organized and clutter-free space.
Cozy and Inviting Atmospheres
The kitchen will continue to be a space where people gather to cook, eat, and connect. As a result, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere will be key in kitchen design for 2025.
Curves are as comfy as they are creative… and poised to come back in 2025! Ask your designer how they can be incorporated into seating and more!
20. Round and Curved Furniture
Furniture with rounded edges and soft curves will make kitchens feel warmer and more inviting. Circular tables, curved seating, and even rounded mirrors will bring an organic, modern touch to the space.
21. Warm Wood and Biophilic Design
Wood tones, particularly in cabinetry and flooring, will continue to warm up kitchens. Paired with natural light and plants, these materials will create kitchens that feel cozy and connected to nature.
Comfy light fixtures once relegated to other parts of the house are now center stage in the kitchen.
22. Soft Lighting with Natural Materials
Lighting will play a significant role in creating warmth and ambiance in the kitchen. Expect to see fabric lampshades, natural rope, and glass elements that bring a touch of softness and texture to the space.
Space-Saving and Efficiency for Small Kitchens
Small kitchens will continue to get smarter and more efficient in 2025. By incorporating innovative layouts and design elements, even the smallest spaces can feel luxurious and functional.
23. Layered Designs in Small Kitchens
In small kitchens, layering textures, colors, and materials will create visual interest and make the space feel more dynamic. By mixing contrasting materials like reeded panels and contrasting wood finishes, small kitchens can become a design statement.
24. Matching Countertops and Backsplashes
To make small kitchens feel more cohesive and spacious, designers will continue to use the same material for both countertops and backsplashes. This seamless look not only adds a sense of luxury but also expands the visual footprint of the kitchen.
Strategic color choices elevate this compact kitchen, transforming a limited space into a bold design statement that maximizes both style and functionality.
25. Two-Tone Color Schemes in Small Kitchens
Two-tone color schemes, contrasting bold cabinetry with light countertops, will be popular in small kitchens. This approach prevents the overwhelming effect of too much white and adds depth to a compact space.
The Impact on Chicago Homes
These 25 trends reflect more than just aesthetic preferences — they represent a fundamental shift in how Chicago homeowners view and use their kitchens. We’ve already incorporated many of these innovations into our clients’ homes in recent years. While solving problems and enhancing our clients’ lives will always be our focus rather than merely following trends, it’s gratifying to see many of our design solutions now being recognized as leading-edge approaches across the country.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you incorporate these design innovations into your Chicago home, whether you’re planning a full renovation or strategic updates to your existing kitchen space.