For many, the kitchen serves as the heart of the home, a special place where family and friends congregate for meals, meetings, and everything in between. And while kitchen décor and design may change throughout the years, the memories that are made there will last a lifetime.
Such changes, when it comes to kitchens, can be slow to come about, as kitchens also happen to be one of the most expensive rooms in the home to renovate. Rife with complex design and construction challenges, high costs of materials and appliances, and the various specialized trades that are involved in the project, kitchen projects can represent a substantial investment but can add a great deal of value to a home, especially when they are done right.
This year, the kitchen design trends on the horizon not only impact how the space looks, but also how it functions. Whether budgets are tight or unlimited, homeowners can take advantage of these hot new trends to create a space that authentically suits them and makes their house feel even more like a home.
Out with the old
One of the biggest trends in kitchen design and redesign is a deviation from the accepted standard. Gone are the days of sterile spaces soaked in white and grey, instead favouring personalization and bespoke designs that take their cues from nature, incorporate advanced technology, and leverage colours and textures to create warmer and more inviting spaces that blend function and design.
Floor plans are being optimized to ensure the workflow and comfort of the space are maximized, and whether that includes whipping up a delightful meal or sharing a snack over homework on the kitchen island—the focal point of many kitchens—greater efforts are being made to make kitchens a room the whole family can enjoy.
Be it minimalist designs with natural elements or the incorporation of colours and textures from the mid-century modern period, it is time for unique concepts and personal preferences in kitchen design to shine. Kitchen design is taking on the personality of the homeowners in a bigger way, and colour is back with a vengeance, with choices ranging from warm earth tones to bold pops of colour (think bright yellow, rich reds and burgundies, warm browns, and earthy greens).
Texture is another big part of the aesthetic as statement backsplashes, soft metals, and natural materials like wood and stone are being incorporated, as well as carefully placed windows that bring natural light and the outdoors in. There is also a move to conceal the more functional elements for a streamlined design. Built-in appliances tucked away by flush cabinetry and appliance garages that sneakily keep appliances out of sight but still at a homeowner’s fingertips are creating a cohesive, yet covert aesthetic.
Appliances might be hidden away, but these spaces are being better illuminated thanks to under-cabinet lighting and open shelving, while most homeowners are doing away with built-in desks, freeing up valuable real estate.
Other trends that are dominating the market this year are the move away from oversized pendant lights, faux features, distressed, bold or ornate cabinetry, and overly themed kitchens (so, for those of you who have yet to make the transition, it’s time to say goodbye to those roosters and cows in favour of cleaner lines and modern, open spaces).
Teched-out spaces
In 2025, it’s not just about how kitchens look, but also how they function, and most projects include some form of technological integration which is being fueled by the rapid pace of technological advancement.
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, technology has become the lifeblood that keeps the arteries functioning (and the rest of the family, too), which is why smart kitchens are no longer the exception but rather the standard. Appliances, for instance, have long added value to a kitchen both from a financial and utility perspective, but with the accelerated pace of technological development, the tasks that these appliances undertake are becoming more complex.
Be it Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled appliances like an oven that can be set and activated from your smartphone, voice-activated faucets, kitchen management tools like inventory apps, intelligent lighting, automated cooking systems, or kitchen robots that help to take the guess work out of cooking, smart appliances are all the rage. It is amazing how far technology has come and how it can be utilized in the kitchen.
Many of these technologies are voice assistant-enabled, which is becoming increasingly common in homes thanks to devices like Google Home and Alexa, but instead of finding out the weather or the best recipe for a spaghetti Bolognese, integrated technology is doing a lot more for homeowners, including managing digital calendars, reminding them of important dates and now, even taking over some of the manual tasks in the kitchen.
Further to gadgets and the many other tech-enabled appliances that have been installed, there needs to be a place for these appliances and the family’s devices to charge up, so designated charging stations are also being considered as part of kitchen remodels and redesigns.
Budget-friendly ideas
Of course, like everything in life, budgets will have an impact on what can be achieved during a kitchen project. While some people can afford to gut the kitchen and start fresh, there are others who are looking to get the most bang for their buck, which means small incremental changes that will help satisfy the need for change.
There are many ways that homeowners can refresh their space without breaking the bank. Simple changes like swapping out hardware or lighting or changing the paint colour can go a long way to upgrade what is already there. Some homeowners can opt to paint their cabinetry to get a little more life out of it, and just like technology, paint performance has come a long way over the years, offering a durable and lasting alternative to complete cabinet replacement.
For those who are seeking to make a small kitchen look larger through design, consider light colours, open shelving, and natural light to maximize the space. Large format tiles are another nice touch that will help achieve the desired outcome. Where size is not a concern, bigger pantries and islands with more storage can be installed to maximize concealed space.
The best part of the trends this year, however, is the move toward personalization in kitchen spaces both in terms of design and function. The kitchen has become a blank canvas for homeowners’ personalities and preferences, which is bringing new inspiration to spaces and to the market. We can’t wait to see what else is cooking.
