Kitchen design experts predict the top trends that will shape kitchens in the upcoming year. Warm tones, rich colors, and natural materials are set to take center stage, replacing the cool and muted palettes of previous years. Briana Gershenzon, partner and design head at Renovation Sells, notes the shift towards kitchens with warmth and character, moving away from the stark bright-white look that has dominated in the past.
In 2025, expect to see warm earth tones like shades of brown, deep green, rich burgundy, and soothing navy blue as key players in kitchen color schemes. Designers anticipate a focus on layering textures and materials, incorporating mixed metals, statement backsplashes, metallic accents, and honed finishes for a stylish look.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen makeover or building a new one, here are the top color trends for 2025 according to experts.
1. Embracing Warm Earth Tones
Shae Wilder from BlueStar highlights the rise of earth tones and nature-inspired colors in 2025. Warm, deep hues such as brown, mushroom, and clay are gaining popularity, reflecting a desire to connect with the outdoors. Terracotta, mustard, rich greens, and natural materials like wood and stone create a welcoming atmosphere rooted in nature. Retro ’70s shades such as rich rust, warm clay, and burnt umber are making a comeback, offering a cozy and inviting vibe.
2. Brown Takes Center Stage
Brown emerges as the unexpected neutral of the year, with designers touting it as the “it” color for 2025. Kitchen product manufacturers, like BlueStar with their Signal Brown as the Color of the Year, are embracing this trend. The demand for sustainability and a deeper connection to nature are driving the popularity of brown in kitchen design, adding warmth and richness to spaces.
Overall, expect to see kitchens in 2025 embracing warmth, nature-inspired colors, and a mix of textures to create inviting and stylish spaces that reflect a connection to the earth and a nod to retro aesthetics.
For your kitchen design, consider incorporating specific shades of brown that complement your personal style. Embrace the brown interior color trend with dark brown, chocolate brown, cinnamon, caramel, and terracotta hues, as recommended by designers.
Recommended Shades of Brown:
– Dark brown
– Chocolate brown
– Cinnamon
– Caramel
– Terracotta
In 2025, statement backsplashes and metallic accents will be popular in kitchen designs. Move away from classic white subway tiles and opt for bold backsplashes such as large-format tiles, mirrored finishes, and unique patterns that extend from counter to ceiling. Add subtle metallic details to tiles for a touch of glam and consider incorporating metallic accents like bronze in hardware and lighting for a cozy feel.
Recommended Backsplash Trends:
– Large-scale tiles
– Mirrored finishes
– Metallic details and borders
– Unique patterns
Blue shades will also be a popular choice, with various hues selected as the Color of the Year for 2025. Blues can evoke calmness and a connection to the outdoors, making them versatile accents in different color schemes. Pair blue with white for a timeless look that adds depth and character to your kitchen design.
In 2025, there will be a shift towards natural wood cabinets and work surfaces in kitchen designs. Embrace the use of natural materials like solid oak, walnut, and vertical wood-grained elements to create a balance between nature and modern design.
These trends and color suggestions aim to inspire you in creating a stylish and functional kitchen space.
Throughout the 1990s, there was a trend of painted cabinets, but experts now observe a shift back towards exposed natural wood. “There is a clear move from painted cabinets to warm, natural woods with sleek lines for a contemporary yet inviting ambiance,” Perdomo explains.
Recommended Natural Wood Tones by Designers:
– Solid oak
– Solid walnut
As part of a larger design trend, experts predict that rich, deep paint colors will make a statement in 2025, replacing understated neutrals. “Rich colors like olive green, burgundy, and navy blue are popular in kitchen designs,” says Vargas, noting that these hues work well with gold or brass accents for a luxurious touch. Vargas also sees green as a standout color in 2025, suggesting a muted sage green for a subtle yet deep effect. These bold colors offer a contrast to the neutral tones dominating kitchens in the past.
Recommended Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors:
– Olive green
– Sage green
– Burgundy
– Navy blue
Mixed metals will continue to be popular in kitchen designs, moving away from matching elements. Wilder predicts the rise of mixed metals for a more eclectic look, including cabinet hardware, lighting, sink fixtures, and door knobs. Mixing metals adds visual interest and simplifies the selection process, allowing for complementary finishes rather than exact matches that may clash.
Regarding countertop surfaces, experts foresee honed and leathered finishes as top choices in 2025 for their warmth and lived-in feel. Gershenzon explains that matte finishes like honed and leathered provide depth and softness compared to cold and sterile polished surfaces. Natural stone countertops, such as Taj Mahal quartzite and Dolce Vita Dolomite, are durable investments that enhance kitchens with character and authenticity.
Recommended Kitchen Countertop Trends:
– Honed countertops
– Leathered countertops
– Natural, textured finishes
– Taj Mahal quartzite
– Dolce Vita Dolomite
In the world of kitchen design, classic color schemes are like fine wine—timeless, versatile, and always in style. The allure of classic kitchen colors lies in their ability to transcend eras, design trends, and architectural influences. According to Bob Bakes, co-founder and design head at Bakes & Kropp, the choice of kitchen cabinet finishes can be an overwhelming decision for many homeowners. While warm neutrals are gaining popularity, white remains a perennial favorite that continuously holds its own in the design conversation.
For those seeking a timeless appeal in their kitchen, Bakes recommends the harmonious pairing of soft gray or a muted, gentle blue with rich walnut accents. This combination creates a classic aesthetic that effortlessly endures the ebb and flow of shifting design fads. In a world where trends come and go, these quintessential kitchen color choices provide a steadfast anchor for any home.
To delve deeper into the world of classic kitchen colors and design inspiration, explore the full article on Better Homes & Gardens.
