7 Takeaways From The 2025 NKBA Kitchen Trends Report

Open shelving is out, and homeowners want their kitchens to reflect their personalities, according to the 2025 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen Trends Report. Instead, homeowners want to hide clutter, blend color and finishes, and create an airy and open space that’s both aesthetically and functionally creative.

These are some of the key takeaways (with accompanying photos) from the 2025 NKBA Kitchen Trends report, which surveyed NKBA members, including designers (61%), architects, manufacturers, and contractors.

Blast From The Past

Some of the past trends are making a comeback in 2025. According to the report, 52% of respondents say the bright colors and earth tones of the 1970s will be popular. Also, 47% predict the muted mid-century modern aesthetic of the 1950s will see a resurgence. “Arched cabinets and moss green cabinets have made a huge comeback and I expect to see more of these in 2025,” says Heather Mastrangeli, founder and interior designer at Innovatus Design in DuPage County, Illinois.

Preference For Personality

While 29% of respondents prefer a clean and classic white kitchen, this view is in the minority. The vast majority (71%) prefer a personalized design that includes colorful kitchens that showcase their personality.You can expect statement colors to primarily be incorporated into backsplashes, islands, cabinets, wall paint, and wallpaper.

Jennifer Bien, director of interior design at DAHLIN Architecture in Pleasanton, California, tells me that white is out and color is definitely in – mostly in natural versus saturated colors. “Bright, bold colors are in use, but sparingly,” she explains. Bien says mixing cabinet colors is one way to incorporate color in kitchens. “An example is using natural-colored cabinets along the perimeter of the kitchen and accent-colored cabinets in islands,” she says.” We are also seeing more color in countertops, although the marble look is still in high demand.”

MORE FOR YOU
California Wildfire Live Updates: Officials Say 5 Dead As Another Fire Breaks Out In Hollywood Hills
5 Reasons Why The Los Angeles Wildfires Are The Start Of A New Normal
Port Workers Avoid Potential Major Strike—What To Know As Union Reaches Deal With Port Operators

Color Is King

Homeowners continue to choose light, natural colors instead of white or gray kitchens. According to the report, green is the most popular kitchen color, with 76% of respondents choosing it as their top shade – for the second year. Other popular colors are blue (63%). and brown (56%). That’s no surprise, if you’ve seen the HGTV Home By Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color Collection of the Year, and/or the Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color Capsule Of the Year.

Mastrangeli tells me that many of her kitchen projects integrate green, blue, or natural colors. Bien says greens, blues, and lighter wood tones are in demand, but says she’s still seeing a healthy demand for natural schemes.

Mix And Match

As a part of personalized design and the trend of blending colors and finishes, 67% of respondents agree that mix-and-match backsplashes add a unique touch to the kitchen. Also, 84% of respondents agree that lighting fixtures will increasingly feature differing materials. “Lighting is such a passion of mine and I love adding interest with unique and fun fixtures,” Mastrangeli tells me.

Statement Cabinets

Over half (52%) of respondents believe that cabinets will be a primary place for incorporating statement colors into the kitchen. White oak kitchen cabinets are favored by 59% of respondents who list this as their preferred color for 2025. “White oak cabinets are very on trend right now, I personally love the light neutral and natural texture they offer – and mixing white and oak creates a dreamy look too,” Mastrangeli says

She tells me that statement cabinets have surged in popularity recently and she expects that trend to continue in 2025.

Bringing The Outdoors Inside

Biophilic design is popular, and 72% of respondents want a kitchen with a greater connection to the outdoors. Also, 67% believe that large windows will be a popular way to bring more light into the kitchen.

And there are other ways to bring the outdoors inside: 64% of respondents say sustainable food sources, like herb and veggie gardens, are also gaining popularity in the kitchen.

Clutter Reduction

Homeowners are rejecting open shelves and open pantries, preferring to conceal their kitchen items stead. Hidden doors, panel-ready fronts for appliances, and walk-in pantries are more popular instead. According to survey respondents, 87% said homeowners want pantries that are concealed behind cabinet doors or panels to help maintain a seamless kitchen design. Another of the 2025 kitchen trends: 66% said walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries will be popular in the next 3 years.