Redefining Kitchen Design in 2025

January 2025. It’s that time of year again when the inbox fills with kitchen design enquiries.

A kitchen typically lasts over 20 years. But how much has your client’s lifestyle changed during that time—their needs, preferences, and routines? It’s hard to think of anything else in the home that remains untouched for that long, perhaps with the exception of a treasured antique.

Whilst we don’t endorse trends, it’s important to consider how lifestyles have evolved before presenting a kitchen concept. Kitchens must go beyond meeting practical needs. They should connect with your client on a deeper level, elevating daily routines and creating memorable moments.

For many families, the kitchen is still the centre of the morning rush, packed lunches, and after-school homework. For others, the demands of this room have shifted. Since the pandemic we have seen more clients willing to experiment in the kitchen (cue the kitchen disco).

So, what’s next for this space as it continues to adapt to the way we live today?

Location and Layout

A growing shift in kitchen design is relocating the kitchen to a different part of the home, such as a former living or dining room. These spaces often benefit from larger room dimensions and windows, offering greater potential for natural light and airflow.

This change allows for large pieces of furniture, avoiding rows of wall cupboards and fitted units in favour of big statement pieces.

If relocating the kitchen isn’t an option, open-plan designs that seamlessly blend into living areas will remain popular in 2025, particularly in smaller homes where every inch matters.

Key Pieces

Islands have, of course, long been a staple in kitchen design, but their role has evolved into something even more dynamic. Becoming more oversized and multifunctional, they now act as the true centre of activity, integrating built-in sinks, cooktops, storage and technology. Their expansive surfaces effortlessly support everything from cooking and dining to working and socialising.

Pantries, back kitchens, and sculleries are also becoming sought-after features, offering dedicated spaces for food prep, cleaning, and storage without disrupting the main cooking area.

Hidden storage solutions, such as concealed work desks, coffee stations, and closed breakfast cabinets, are also in demand. But this isn’t about everything being minimal or hidden away—more on that later.

Sustainability

One trend we’ll always get behind is sustainability—provided it’s done genuinely and without greenwashing, of course. As the world becomes increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, kitchens are evolving to reflect this consciousness, with eco-friendly and durable materials taking the lead in 2025 kitchen design.

Prioritising Health

The environment itself continues to shape how kitchens are designed. Skylights, large windows, and sliding glass doors maximise natural light and ventilation, creating fresher, healthier spaces that feel more connected to the outdoors.

Nature

Natural elements such as indoor herb gardens, living walls, and houseplants continue to thrive in 2025, bringing vitality and a sense of harmony to the kitchen. These touches not only refresh one of the home's most used spaces but also create a stronger connection to nature.

Smart Kitchens

With smart kitchens on the rise, 2025 is set to truly redefine how we cook, clean, and connect. Voice-activated appliances, fridges that track when groceries are running low, and ovens that preheat on command are leading the way. 

Sustainability is also taking centre stage in technology, with smart taps reducing water waste and energy-efficient dishwashers becoming must-haves for eco-conscious homes.

One standout we personally can’t wait to see in action is LG’s InstaView with MoodUp fridge freezer. With over 1,800 colour combinations and curated playlists, it’s perfect for impromptu kitchen dance parties. 

Personalisation

Kitchen design is evolving, with clients increasingly embracing colour and texture to craft distinctive, layered spaces that feel both personalised and tailored to their lifestyle.

If the rest of their home is infused with personality, the kitchen should follow suit.

Bold Colour Palettes

Monochrome kitchens are no longer the norm. Whilst all-white kitchens once reigned supreme, clients are now seeking bolder and braver palettes. 

Warmer reds, deep clarets, and dramatic blacks are in high demand. These colours pair beautifully with tactile materials such as wood or brick floors and berry-toned paintwork.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is perfect for adding personality to the kitchen, doubling as a space to showcase art, personal collections, or sculptural pieces. We're seeing art take a more prominent role in kitchen design, creating curated displays that add depth and character.

Layers of Textures

We always have time for texture. It adds depth and dimension, elevating both the look and feel of a space. Materials like wood, metal, and stone are gaining popularity for the character and interest they bring.

By pairing smooth and rough finishes or combining natural and man-made surfaces— think fluted panels, textured doors, plastered walls—you can create a balanced, layered look. The key is to always layer with intention, ensuring the result feels cohesive and considered for your client's unique taste and lifestyle.

Metal Kitchens

Stainless steel kitchens, inspired by their commercial roots, have become a staple in residential design for their heat resistance, durability, and bacteria-resistant properties. They're ideal for clients who love to cook or simply want a kitchen that stands the test of time. With a high recycling value, they also balance performance with sustainability.

For 2025, this style is evolving beyond its clean, industrial roots. We're now seeing stainless steel paired with softer materials such as timber, bold colour palettes, striking artwork, and layered textures, bringing warmth and personality to its sleek functionality.

"Metal is a material that inspires us a lot, we can play with it. The wide spectrum it offers between vibration, shine, reflection is very inspiring".

We were drawn to the thoughtful use of stainless steel in the Castillon project by Paris-based interior design studio le cann. To understand their approach, we spoke with co-founder and designer Raphaëlle Robert about why they chose this material.

"Metal is a material that inspires us greatly; it offers endless possibilities to play with," Raphaëlle explained. "Its spectrum of qualities—from vibration to shine and reflection—is incredibly inspiring. It allows us to introduce both technical and sophisticated elements into our projects.

In this kitchen, the brushed stainless steel has a softness that contrasts beautifully with the mineral coating palette, while still adding vibrancy. The decision to use multiple panels gives it a technical feel, reminiscent of a laboratory kitchenette, yet it seamlessly integrates into the project's soft, cohesive envelope."

Warm Wood Tones

Natural wood remains a timeless choice, particularly reclaimed timber, which introduces a sustainable and characterful element to your designs. 

Rich walnut, with its visible grain and tonal variation, is especially popular for creating a sophisticated yet organic look. Ensure finishes highlight the wood’s natural beauty, avoiding heavy stains that obscure its unique qualities.

Mixing Old With New

The art of mixing contemporary elements with antique and retro pieces is another hallmark of 2025 kitchen design.

Consider antique fixtures, retro tiles, or repurposed furniture alongside contemporary lighting, modern art or smart appliances. This thoughtful mix adds charm, depth, and character whilst maintaining functionality for your clients.

It's clear that the kitchens of 2025 are more than just a place to cook or prep meals. They’re a reflection of connection, personality, and values. Balancing design with functionality, every detail should reflect your client and their unique personality and needs.

To truly connect with your clients on a deeper level, our Design Questionnaire Collection—paired with our mini-workshop videos—has been designed to help you uncover those subtle details that will guide your design decisions.