It’s a new year and with that come new trends. Kitchens are always number one on everyone’s list when it comes to renovations. More importantly, kitchens are what draw you to a home when you’re looking to purchase. So what are the big kitchen trends taking over for this year? Let’s have a look!
Colourful elegance
The big story in kitchens this year is in the use of colour. White kitchen cabinets are a classic and will never go out of style. However, adding colour to the kitchen is gaining in popularity.
Bold shades like greens and earthy red hues are taking center stage. Greens ranging from olive to deepest forest provide a natural feel, while warm reddish tones, from oxblood to cinnamon, add warmth, richness and depth, creating an inviting space.
Two-tone or contrasting cabinets are trending, so if you have an all-white kitchen, try painting the lower cabinets in one of these colours, or leave the main cabinets white and just paint your island in a bold hue. If painting your cabinets is intimidating, start small and add accessories in your chosen colour that can easily be swapped out if you want to change the look. The goal is to showcase your individuality.
Mid-century modern
Has this trend every really gone out of style? For today’s kitchens, think clean lines, warm and natural wood tones, and bold accents. (See cover image.)
This style can also be referred to as “rustic minimalism.” It’s all about the simplicity of raw, natural materials married perfectly with functionality that’s stripped down to the essentials. This is a very clean, serene style that’s both inviting and calming, which can also feel more traditional the darker the woods.
For visual interest, you can easily add touches of vintage charm. Countertops can either be one solid colour, or deeply veined as a counterpoint to all the wood. Accessories can range from pale hues to pops of gold or bright orange, depending on how playful you want to be.
Mixed metals and stone
Mixing metals and with natural elements creates contrasts between sleek, polished surfaces and the softer, warm finishes of wood and stone, achieving a harmonious balance between both.
Using these elements creates a kitchen that feels both modern and inviting, where metallic accents stand out while complementing the natural textures around them. Stainless steel countertops work well here. Solid stone slab backsplashes that match the countertops are also trending and look fabulous against both light and dark wood.
Brass pendants and star-burst chandeliers are popular this year, so feel free to go bold. Warm-toned metals like brushed bronze, pewter and deep gold also work well with wood and stone. And don’t be afraid to mix gold cabinets hardware, for example, with a brushed nickel or chrome faucet.
Curves and rounded edges
This “soft Scandinavian” style is still going strong. Curves and arches have been a hot commodity for the last several years throughout the home, including in furniture, but add kitchens to that list if you haven’t already.
This inviting trend that emerged last year embraces the principles of Scandi design with added softness. Gentle, rounded forms on countertops, kitchen islands and cabinets create an organic vibe while directing busy kitchen traffic with a calm flow. Islands can go from rounded edges all the way to a full half circle, creating a natural place for family to gather together without that long row of stools preventing easy conversation between those on opposite ends.
What’s out in 2025
• Pot lighting The big trend now is flush-mount lighting rather than pot lights inset into the ceiling. This allows you to add visual interest, contrast, and more ability to direct light toward your various workspaces. You can utilize only lights mounted directly to the ceiling, or a combination of those with pendants over an island. Unique lighting is big this year
• Black everything Dark cabinets are trending, but all matte black kitchens are on the way out. Warmer kitchens have more personality and are more inviting. Try natural wood cabinets and break them up with luxurious shots of black. Adding black accents strategically, like on the countertops and backsplash, or only on specific cabinets or the island, offers a modern edge that makes the rest of the room sizzle.
• Modern farmhouse This style is subsiding only because it’s literally everywhere and people are looking to add some individuality into their spaces. Not all aspects of it have to go, just the uniformity. Keep the oversized sink, but instead of distressed surfaces, opt for sleek, and add colour to the white ship-lap or try a touch of patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper for a fun detail on that awkward wall instead.
• Open shelving This can’t go away soon enough. Yes, it looks amazing, but the upkeep is more work than a 12-course meal. Try glass-front cabinets instead to hide the clutter, minimize dust and grease build-up, and shorten the amount of time you spend rearranging things. If you still like the look of open shelving, use less of it combined with both closed and glass front cabinets for better functionality.
The takeaway here? The overarching trend is to showcase your individuality. Pick what works for you and your lifestyle. Cookie cutter kitchens are out, so have some fun with your space!