1Outdoor Integration
Sam FrostSpaces that straddle the line between inside and out are increasingly common, especially elaborate outdoor kitchens, according to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and its 2025 Trends Outlook report. “Designs are increasingly blending indoor and outdoor spaces to foster social engagement and a connection to nature. Advancements in materials support this desire with durability and enhanced aesthetics.”
2Dining Nooks
Stacy Zarin GoldbergColby is also seeing an expansive rise in requests for cozy dining nooks. “Separating the dining area from the kitchen can be an effective way to create a peaceful, comfortable seating nook that provides the perfect versatile backdrop for family dinners and busy breakfast times. This can help reduce noise and clutter from kitchen food prep while often being a more efficient use of space than a full dining room. Make use of bay windows or unused corners and add personality with paneling, colored cushion fabrics, and banquette seating.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3Plaster Range Hoods
Joseph Bradshaw“Plaster hoods are less of a trend and more of a classic in my books! I think we’re steering away from the metal and going for a more organic look when it comes to hood options,” says interior designer Nicole Arruda. In addition to the material, she is also seeing the rise of warm whites throughout the kitchen. “It’s a great alternative to stark white and can warm up the space perfectly. Classics are classics for a reason!”
4Sculleries or Dirty Kitchens
Joseph BradshawAccording to Swanson, “Over the past several years, there has been an uptick in what some designers begrudgingly call a ‘dirty kitchen’ and more lovingly refer to as the back kitchen—essentially a working kitchen behind the primary space that functions as another cooking, prep, and cleanup area.” Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn has also seen spaces like this on more and more client wish lists—people have grown tired of an open floor plan that leaves their daily mess on display.
Related Story: What Is a Scullery? A Guide to This Old-School Kitchen Layout
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5Floating the Countertop Up the Wall
Lauren MillerExtending the quartzite or marble on your countertops to serve as the backsplash has gained traction; take, for example, this kitchen by Sam Sacks Design. “This design choice can be a little more expensive, but in the long run, it extends the life of your kitchen because it's timeless and has a clean look,” says Megan Gorelick Interiors.
6Colorful Cabinets
Kirsten FrancisEmily Arthur, chief creative officer of Isla Porter, has been seeing clients take more risks with their choice of cabinet colors. “Rich red and yellows being the most popular this year. There is something comforting and optimistic about a yellow kitchen that feels timeless. An icy blue mixed with a dark red burgundy is also finding its way into both modern and traditional kitchens which is a great playful palette that feels fresh again,” she says.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7Dining Furniture with Storage
Courtesy of Sixpenny“We’re all looking for ways to maximize the space we have, and sneaky storage can be a real lifesaver, whether you’re looking for a spot to stash throws and games in a living space, or for soft seating that doubles as a toy chest in the playroom,” says Rob Natale, the chief of design at the furniture brand Sixpenny. The brand has seen a major uptick in asks for functional dining furniture. A sleek storage banquette can seat more guests than traditional chairs, but it can also offer a home for all of your extra table linens and serveware.
8Communal Seating Arrangements
Read McKendreeSkip bar-style seating at your kitchen island and enjoy quality conversations with your loved ones where everyone feels involved. “Conversational islands are definitely back versus looking at the cook doing all the work or feeding you island-side,” says Swanson.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9Combination Islands
Anastasia CaseyAccording to Anastasia Casey of IDCO Studio, we'll get the best of both worlds these next few years when it comes to kitchen islands. “We'll see way more combination islands in the kitchen. This means that 50 to 60 percent of the island will have closed storage below, while the remaining 40 to 50 percent will have simple furniture-style legs with large top drawers and open space below for counter-height stools to tuck under,” she says.
10Ornate Lighting
Madeline Harper“I feel like people are starting to lose the desire for an understated kitchen, and the larger-than-life trend is back,” says designer Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design. “For instance, light fixtures that are oversized and a statement piece will be the look of the year.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11Gold Hardware
Lindsay SalazarAccording to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), matte black will take second place as homeowners go for gold. Kitchen sink faucets in matte, satin, and brushed finishes will be gleaming in warm metallics to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
12A Blend of Materials
Chantell & Brett Quernemoen“We'll also be seeing the continuation of wood tones in kitchens, with the combination of wood and painted cabinetry in more innovative ways,” says Casey. For example, this year will bring cabinet towers in stained wood with lower cabinets in a painted finish.
Food Network star Molly Yeh made this work in her own home kitchen, as seen here. The baking area has a cool and practical marble top, while the island is a butcher block with wood drawers for prep and serving.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13Going Green
Stacy Zarin GoldbergWhen asked about kitchen color trends this year, the NKBA said greens will be the top choice. From calming sage to power-packed emerald, green isn't going anywhere. Green is easy to incorporate into your kitchen's color scheme and can make kitchen cabinets sing.
14Elevated Coffee Breaks
Alison VictoriaYour coffeemaker deserves to be on full display. Homeowners are looking to install beverage stations in their kitchens. This upgrade includes coffee bars with built-in coffee makers, wet bars, and smoothie stations with room to store glassware in the cabinets.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15Decorative Range Hoods
Robert Peterson / Rustic White InteriorsThe NKBA reports we'll see an uptick in creative range hood designs, including wood, stainless steel, and mixed materials for a custom look. You can always achieve the trend by painting over an existing wooden hood if you want to continue a specific color story in your home.
This custom range hood in designer Alison Victoria's Atlanta loft was created by Mark Wentz of Americo Fabrication & Design. “I wanted a hood unlike anything you've ever seen, one that's artistic and also functions properly,” she says.
16Under-Counter Refrigerators
Jared Kuzia According to Swanson, the trend of under-counter refrigeration is going wide as manufacturers respond with dual refrigerators and dual under-counter refrigerator drawers. “The idea of appliances living in nontraditional kitchen spaces continues to be a trend, and it's really all over the house wherever you want to be able to reach quickly for a cold drink. It's still in the kitchen, but it's also headed downstairs to the bar and into movie rooms,” she says.
The prep sink and under-counter refrigerator drawers in this bar by designer Vani Sayeed allow for seamless serving.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17True Outdoor Bars
Douglas FriedmanThe expansion of beverage stations is headed outside too! People want to be able to entertain outdoors at maximum capacity. “You can have dinner in your beautiful kitchen upstairs but keep the party at home—and out of the main kitchen,” says Swanson.
HurleyHafen designed this epic Napa Valley outdoor space with a bar, dance floor, and long dining table for hosting friends and family.
18Warm Wood
Tim WilliamsThe NKBA and Swanson are looking forward to welcoming warm natural wood tones back into kitchens. Natural materials bring organic air to kitchens, especially when they're part of a contemporary, midcentury, or Scandinavian design.
Interior design firm BHDM added modern updates to this 1970s Catskill home originally designed by local Japanese American architect Ikuyo Tagawa.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19Stress-Free Layouts
Corrine Mathern StudioClear your kitchen of fuss and clutter with a thoughtfully designed minimalist layout. Think cabinets and appliances with push-to-open technology, plenty of pantry space, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, easy-to-clean quartz countertops, and grout-free floors. These features cut down on chores for easy cleaning and upkeep. Minimalist doesn't mean boring, as proven by this neutral kitchen designed by Corinne Mathern Studio.
20Bold Color All Over
Erin Konrath PhotographyDesigner Kathryn Murphy says, “I see kitchens getting more personalized as color continues to win out over white, incorporating art or a great wallpaper alongside luxury functional choices.” Enhance the charm of color with bold accent colors, a unique backsplash, and even vibrant light fixtures as Murphy did in this kitchen.

Kate McGregor is the former Digital Editor at House Beautiful, where she wrote countless stories on home renovation costs, design inspiration, and plant care. After years of experience writing commerce and search-optimized content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often inspire people’s spaces. She previously worked as the Assistant Market Editor at ELLE Decor where she identified top products and brands in the industry and interviewed emerging designers on their thoughts on the latest interior design trends. Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below