5 Outdated Kitchen Design Trends and What’s in for 2025
For the past decade, the modern farmhouse aesthetic has reigned supreme. Whitewashed spaces, shiplap-clad walls, shaker cabinetry, and random words on the wall defined an era of home design that was as ubiquitous as it was approachable. But as we move into 2025, the design pendulum is swinging toward something richer, more tactile, and inherently more personal.
These five kitchen trends have had their moment—but it’s time to make space for something new.
The All-White Kitchen Fades to Warmth
Crisp white kitchens have long been positioned as “timeless,” but in reality, they can read as stark and impersonal. The future of kitchen color is more nuanced. Inspired by the wisdom of painter Charles Webster Hawthorne—“Put variety in white”—we’re seeing a shift toward warm, tonal palettes that layer soft creams, putty hues, and subtle earth tones for a space that feels lived-in and inviting. This trend is also inviting the return of stained cabinets, especially white oak, but also maple or even hickory.
For those who still gravitate toward light palettes, the key is warmth—think buttery whites and creamy neutrals that soften the overall effect.
Open Shelving: Beautiful in Theory, Impractical in Reality
The appeal of open shelving is undeniable—shelves curated with handmade ceramics, neatly stacked linens, and artful objects bring an editorial quality to a space. But in daily life, they demand a level of upkeep that most households can’t sustain.
In 2025, cabinets reclaim their rightful place. Beyond their practical function, today’s cabinetry is designed with intelligent interior storage solutions that keep clutter concealed while maintaining an elevated aesthetic. Floating or strategically placed open shelving, thoughtfully styled, can still add personality—without requiring constant upkeep.
Shiplap has Sunk
Once a hallmark of the farmhouse aesthetic, shiplap reached peak saturation in the 2010s. While its linear texture brought depth to walls, its overuse has rendered it a design cliché. This year, we embrace a more considered approach to wall treatments. Painted or natural wood paneling, plaster finishes, and even the resurgence of wallpaper (yes, wallpaper) offer fresh alternatives with greater design flexibility.
Modern, but Softer
In response to farmhouse minimalism, the past few years have seen a rise in modern, industrial-inspired interiors—flat-panel cabinetry, waterfall countertops, and high-gloss finishes. While sleek and refined, this aesthetic can veer into cold, almost clinical territory.
Enter Soft Modernism: a design ethos that maintains clean lines but integrates tactile materials, rounded edges, and organic textures to create warmth. Soft Scandinavian influences—like fluted wood detailing and matte finishes—bring a sense of ease and comfort to contemporary spaces.
Shaker Cabinets, Reimagined
Shaker cabinetry, rooted in 18th-century craftsmanship, has long been a default choice for its simplicity and versatility. But in 2025, designers are leaning into fresh takes that introduce more character—think reeded panels or the emerging trend of slim shaker doors with ultra-narrow rails and stiles.
A Return to Personal Expression
More than ever, kitchen design in 2025 is about individuality. The era of one-size-fits-all trends is fading in favor of spaces that feel tailored, storied, and deeply personal. Whether through rich color, unexpected textures, or custom cabinetry details, this year is about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and true to your style.
