Kitchen Trends That Are Being Left Behind In 2025 And Beyond

There are some kitchen trends that are being left behind in 2025, and we can hear the frustration from here. You might be wondering why the next best things in kitchen design seem to become part of the past so quickly. The answer is simple: social media. "Platforms like Instagram and TikTok hype up certain styles, but once everyone has them, they start to feel overdone," Kate Fuller, interior designer and content creator, exclusively tells House Digest. "Kitchens that once looked trendy — like modern farmhouse everything or ultra-sleek white spaces — are now being replaced with cozier, more personalized designs."

Luckily, we touched base with top designers for a greater understanding of what's in and what's out, but more importantly, why. In this House Digest exclusive, our experts reveal the reasoning behind these ever-changing trends. This way, whether you are planning a major kitchen renovation or just want to make a few small tweaks, you can avoid fleeting fads and focus on the real classics in kitchen design. "Social media makes it easy to spot when something is becoming too trendy, which means design cycles move faster than ever," Fuller notes. So, by understanding these cycles, you can avoid getting caught up in them.

Once very popular, any kitchen or eating area with a grungy, urban, industrial flair is now considered very dated by our experts. "The industrial aesthetic with its exposed pipes, Edison bulbs, and raw materials has reached its peak," Nikki Klugh, an award-winning interior designer and the principal designer of Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc., tells House Digest in an exclusive interview. 

To avoid the faux coolness and character of exposed brick and restaurant-grade appliances, Klugh recommends kitchens that seem cozier and more lived-in. "In 2025, people are shifting towards a softer, more refined modern look that blends warmth with clean lines, replacing the starkness of industrial design." This might look like swapping harsh stainless steel or black metal fixtures with something a bit warmer. Think brushed brass or warm bronze instead. This way, things still look sleek, but just a touch more inviting. You might also introduce more wooden elements, like butcher block countertops or warm-toned cabinetry, to balance out any concrete or metal surfaces. Finally, consider cozying things up by making changes like replacing stark metal stools with cushioned ones like Hoobro's Barstool Set.

Plenty of kitchens that have been designed in the past few years have been covered with gray everything. Unfortunately, this trend is well overdone due to its widespread use and the overall lack of character that too much of the color can provide. "Once the go-to neutral, gray tones are being replaced by warmer, earthier hues like taupe, greige, and beige," Klugh shares. "Gray has begun to feel overused and lifeless, whereas warmer tones bring depth and a more inviting feel to modern kitchens."

This shift away from the hue is likely not to be a passing trend, as warmer tones can make a kitchen feel more livable in general. Unlike cool grays, which can sometimes appear sterile or flat, the earthier tones that Klugh suggests can add fullness to a space. These colors work beautifully alongside natural materials like wooden countertops, stone islands, and even woven textures like rugs and wall hangings. This creates a more layered and welcoming environment. For those hesitant to move completely away from gray, try using warmer hues to balance existing cool elements. 

Getting the backsplash right in your kitchen is essential not only for aesthetics but for functionality, too. As the kitchen is a wet space, designers often use tile to prevent sheetrock decay. However, one of the most widely-used patterns, subway tile, is on its way out. "Subway tile might feel timeless, but plain white subway tiles are being swapped out for bold statement backsplashes," Klugh warns readers. 

Instead, there are a few other options that designers are reaching for to fill the void. "Large-format tiles, zellige tiles with organic textures, or slabs of marble and quartz that extend from countertop to ceiling for a seamless, luxurious look" are what's in, according to Klugh. If you like the smaller format of subway tiles and aren't quite ready to let go, zellige tiles may be your best bet. Originating from Morocco, these clay tiles are typically glossy but have a bit of an uneven surface. They add some nice visual texture and a touch of artisanal charm, even in neutral hues like white.

Flat panel cabinets are over in 2025. "I think homeowners are moving away from flat, handleless kitchens and opting instead for traditional kitchens, with shaker panel doors, for example," Holly Lomax, founder of Effortless Interior Design, exclusively tells House Digest. Flat panels typically have a click-to-release option or small indentations along their top or side to pull them open. They do not have the traditional hardware that many are used to. Yet this is the exact reason this trend is dying out: Flat panel cabinets are simply too minimalist.

This shift in trend back to more traditionally styled cabinets is due to a desire for more old-school, antique styles. Inspired by old British kitchens, these artisan aesthetics are warmer, homier, and overall more familiar — offering a touch of nostalgia to the space instead of the sterile, industrialized feel of minimalism.

Plus, in a world of mass-produced home decor items that just about everyone has thanks to social media, leaning towards options with more character helps you distance yourself from the Amazonification of your home. Because of this, more and more people are gravitating towards artisanal pieces that took some craftsmanship to create — including cabinets. "With this style of kitchen, you can see the construction: the frame, the hinges, the handles," Lomax continues. "These things lend character to a kitchen because you are more aware of how it was made and how it can be interacted with."

In 2025 and beyond, designers are focusing even more on the most efficient appliance options for kitchens. "Gas ranges, while still popular, are being replaced in some households by induction cooktops due to their energy efficiency, safety, and precision," Klugh says. "Induction technology also aligns with sustainability trends as homeowners move toward greener living." Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to directly heat cookware instead of heating the cooktop surface or coils. When a compatible pot or pan is placed on the burner, the magnetic field generates an electric current. This creates an instant heat. Induction cooking is a little safer than gas or electric methods, especially in households with kids, as it can reduce the likelihood of burns.

Yet the push for energy efficiency extends to other kitchen appliances and design choices beyond just cooktops. For example, there are now many more options for things like smart refrigerators with energy-saving modes and dishwashers that use less water than they have in years past. Beyond appliances, sustainability is also influencing material choices. You might notice that recycled and eco-friendly countertops, LED lighting, and water-saving faucet fixes are becoming standard in modern kitchen designs. Smart home technology also plays a huge role in this shift toward convenience and sustainability, as it lets you monitor and reduce energy through app-controlled appliances.

Cabinet finish fads do come and go, but glossy, high-shine finishes are unlikely to endure the trend cycles. "High-gloss cabinetry and countertops are falling out of the limelight, as they can feel cold and overly modern in a way that lacks warmth and tactility," Klugh says. They are too corporate and can make even the coziest of homes start to feel more like an office break room. As an alternative, Klugh recommends three options, giving consumers plenty of choice. "Matte finishes, textured woods, and honed stone have taken their place, offering a more grounded and sophisticated aesthetic," she says.

Even so, if you select matte options, be sure to tread carefully about adding any matching hardware to the mix. "Matte black hardware and fixtures were huge for a while, but they can be a bit harsh and high-maintenance (hello, fingerprints)," Fuller adds to this point. Instead of matte fixtures, which might seem too flat against matte cabinets and countertops, anyway, Fuller also encourages readers to lean into brighter, cozier options that are more likely to stay in style longer. "Now, people are leaning into warmer metals like antique brass and polished nickel for a more timeless feel," she says.

Integrated lighting is built into kitchen features, appearing as under-cabinet lighting or in shelves and ceilings, rather than as separate installations. People used to like this style for its smooth profile and modern appearance. These lights were also usually hidden, so there are plenty of kitchens that seem to have missing fixtures unless you knew exactly where to look. Yet they are quickly falling out of fashion. "People are moving away from integrated lighting and towards individual light fittings that have personality — and patina," Lomax says.

Much like the cabinet trend, modern kitchens are now prioritizing function and style. However, a second layer to this shift is that lighting options are also a great way to add personality to a kitchen. With integrated lighting, there was a real lack of character. To fix this, "aged brass and bronze wall lights angled over countertops are becoming especially popular," according to Lomax. For example, this set of Rover Adjustable Arm Metal Wall Sconces add a unique look while allowing you to illuminate specific food prep areas.

While some might argue that all-white kitchens will never go out of style, some of our experts disagree. This is likely more true if the classic color scheme doesn't have any updates to modernize it. "One kitchen trend that's definitely on its way out is the all-white kitchen," Fuller warns. "Don't get me wrong — white kitchens are classic, but people are starting to want more warmth and personality in their spaces."

Fuller's criticism of this design is a common one. White is indeed a great neutral color that can offer a solid building block for different elements. However, if only layered with itself, you run the risk of your kitchen looking more like a hospital ward than part of a functional home. "Instead of that crisp, sterile look, we're seeing more rich, earthy tones, wood finishes, and even bold cabinet colors making a comeback," she continues. Such cabinet colors include butter yellow and deep burgundy.

If you like the white look, lean into it, but also incorporate updated pieces to bring your kitchen to 2025 and beyond. Instead of cooler undertones in your white paint, go for warmer, creamier options on cabinets and walls. Or, if you're more of a design risk-taker, coat your island in a bold hue or opt for a vivid backsplash tile.

Open shelving has long been a controversial design trend, and one that many have urged people to think twice before adding to their kitchens. The reasoning from those opposed is always the same: It's simply not a functional option. "It looked great in Pinterest-perfect kitchens, but in real life, it's just a dust-collecting nightmare," Fuller says. "Unless you love constantly rearranging your dishes to keep things looking styled, closed cabinetry is making a much-needed return."

Despite its downsides, it's not like we're never going to see open shelving again. Plenty of people still appreciate its ability to create an airy feel in the kitchen while showcasing beautiful dishware or decorative pieces. Even its harshest critics might agree that it's a great way to display art. So in 2025, if you still feel attached to the idea, try a more balanced approach. Try incorporating a single open shelf above a coffee station or mixing closed cabinets with a few glass-front doors for an airy vibe. If you already have open shelves and aren't ready for a total cabinet rebuild, reserve them for frequently-used everyday essentials like plates and glasses. These dishes are typically cycled through so often that they won't have time to collect dust.

There are so many different types of kitchen countertops that choosing the best option for your budget, functional needs, and taste can feel overwhelming. However, in 2025 and beyond, there is at least one style that should be easy enough to strike from the list. "Those super-veiny quartz countertops that were everywhere? They're starting to feel a little too artificial, with more homeowners opting for subtle, natural-looking stone instead," Fuller warns readers.

Instead of these dramatic patterns, look for countertops with softer veining and muted tones. Carrara Marble is expensive but tends to work great for this look, as it usually has a delicate gray veining on a white or light gray background. Soapstone is another great option that is also environmentally friendly. It typically comes in muted grays, greens, or blacks with subtle, soft white veining and has a matte finish that develops a patina over time. It's not used as often in kitchens, making it a bold choice, but one that is less likely to fall out of style due to oversaturation in the market.

You might have noticed that kitchens in recent years are beginning to look a lot less like kitchens and instead blend more easily with other rooms in the house. That is, many appliances are being hidden. Fridges and dishwashers are concealed by panels that look like cabinets, and more people are embracing integrated cooktops that blend in with the cabinets, too. There are even sinks that are being carved into stone countertops that hardly look like sinks at all. However, as noted, making these changes tends to constitute a major kitchen remodel, so they are likely to be expensive. Just hiding the microwave, especially if it's over-the-range, from view is a great entry-level option to this trend. "These [microwaves] are being replaced by built-in microwave drawers or sleek countertop appliances," Klugh says.

The reasoning behind this shift is simple but runs in opposition to other trends like integrated lighting or flat panel cabinets disappearing. "Over-the-range microwaves disrupt the visual flow of kitchens, and modern design emphasizes integrated, seamless appliances," she says. In some cases, people don't want things to just work properly; they want them to be hidden unless needed, too.

Off the heels of "Fixer Upper," farmhouse-infused everything for kitchens became increasingly popular in the 2010s and well into the 2020s. However, in 2025, farmhouse-style lighting is one trend that is struggling to continue to find its place. "Fixtures like barn-style pendants or lanterns are no longer in demand," Klugh shares. "The farmhouse trend has given way to more sophisticated and modern designs that incorporate mixed materials and clean lines."

Clean lines simply mean a fixture without too much ornamentation. Think simple shapes and easy colors, like the Modern Gold Flush Mount Light Fixture by XSDeTu or the Lynnoland Modern Chandelier. Both options can incorporate metal into a space focused on more natural options like wood and fabric, while neither lighting choice looks like it belongs in a barn. This contrasts nicely with decor options that are still going strong, like functional farmhouse sinks or classic hardwood flooring.