Top 10+ Kitchen Trends Expected to Feel Outdated by 2025

Open Shelving Everywhere

Open shelving swept into kitchens promising to make spaces airy and accessible. The idea of showing off beautiful dishes and easy-to-grab glasses seemed perfect—until reality hit.

Dust, grease, and clutter quickly build up, turning those dreamy shelves into a cleaning nightmare. Most people simply don’t have the time or discipline to keep open shelves picture-perfect every day.

What started as a way to display style has become a source of stress for many, leading to cabinets coming back into favor. Homeowners are craving storage solutions that actually hide the mess, not put it on display.

In 2025, expect open shelves to be replaced by cabinets with glass fronts or clever storage that balances function with style.

Subway Tile (Basic White Brick Layout)

Subway tile has been the MVP of kitchen backsplashes for years. Its classic, clean lines and affordability made it a default choice.

But the basic white brick pattern is now everywhere, making even the most beautiful kitchens feel like clones of one another. Designers are growing tired of this “safe” option and are encouraging homeowners to try more creative shapes, colors, and layouts.

Hexagons, fish scales, and colorful ceramics are all making a comeback. People want their kitchens to feel unique and personal—not like a copy of every home on the block.

As a result, the plain white subway tile is quietly slipping out of fashion, making room for more statement-making options.

Overly Industrial Styles (Exposed Pipes, Raw Concrete)

The industrial kitchen trend turned up the volume on exposed pipes, concrete countertops, and raw finishes. It was bold and edgy at first, borrowing cues from urban loft living.

But over time, these spaces have begun to feel cold and unwelcoming—like working in a converted warehouse rather than relaxing at home. Many homeowners now want kitchens that feel soft and inviting, with natural materials that actually make you want to linger.

Wood, stone, and softer textures are replacing the harsh, industrial elements. The days of purposely unfinished, factory-inspired kitchens are coming to an end, and kitchens are moving toward a more comfortable, homey feel.

Rose Gold & Brass Overload

Metallic finishes like rose gold and brass once felt fresh and glamorous, instantly updating any faucet or handle. But when every knob, fixture, and accent is gleaming with gold or copper, the effect quickly becomes overwhelming.

Too much of these warm metals can make a kitchen look dated or even gaudy, like a jewelry box gone wild. The pendulum is swinging back toward finishes that blend in rather than stand out—think matte black, brushed nickel, or even classic stainless steel.

These choices are timeless and less likely to clash with changing décor. In 2025, kitchens overloaded with shiny metals will be a thing of the past.

Ultra-Glossy Cabinets (High-Shine Lacquer)

Ultra-glossy cabinets have been the go-to for a super-modern, sleek vibe. Their mirror-like surfaces bounce light around and make spaces feel bigger.

However, anyone who’s lived with them knows the constant battle against fingerprints, smudges, and scratches. What once looked futuristic can now feel cold and high-maintenance.

Homeowners are starting to prefer cabinetry with a softer, matte finish—something that feels more inviting and is easier to live with day-to-day. The trend is moving toward finishes that have a subtle sheen, not a blinding shine, so kitchens feel less like a showroom and more like a welcoming home.

Farmhouse Sinks (Apron Front, White Fireclay)

Farmhouse sinks, especially those with big white apron fronts, became a symbol of rustic charm and country style. They looked stunning in photos and gave kitchens a nostalgic, cozy touch.

But as design tastes shift, these oversized sinks are starting to feel out of place—especially in modern or minimalist homes. Their bulky size can be impractical in smaller kitchens, and their style doesn’t always match contemporary cabinetry.

People are now exploring sleeker sink designs, like undermount or integrated models, that blend in rather than steal the show. The farmhouse sink won’t disappear entirely, but its reign as the “it” sink is winding down.

Gray Everything (Cool-Toned Floors, Cabinets, Walls)

For years, gray has been the darling of kitchen design. Cool-toned floors, cabinets, and even walls created a serene, neutral backdrop for any style.

But too much gray can sap the life out of a room, making it feel dreary and uninspired. Homeowners are starting to crave color and warmth—think earthy browns, soft greens, and even pops of cheerful yellow.

The days of the “fifty shades of gray” kitchen are over, replaced by palettes that feel richer and more inviting. If you want your kitchen to feel fresh in 2025, skip the gray and embrace colors that spark joy.

Overly Smart Kitchens (Touchscreen Appliances Everywhere)

Smart technology promised to make our lives easier, but when every appliance comes with a screen, it can quickly become overwhelming. Touchscreens on ovens, refrigerators, and even faucets might sound impressive, but they often add complexity rather than convenience.

Many homeowners are realizing they don’t need a kitchen that feels like a spaceship. Instead, they want intuitive appliances that work simply and reliably.

The focus is shifting to user-friendly tech—think easy-to-use controls, voice assistants, and smart features that actually help, not just impress. Kitchens overloaded with gadgets and screens are on their way out.

Matchy-Matchy Hardware & Fixtures

Matching every handle, knob, and fixture in the kitchen once seemed like the key to a put-together look. However, this approach can now feel bland and predictable, lacking any real personality.

Designers and homeowners alike are embracing the art of mixing metals and materials—combining brass with black, or nickel with bronze—for a more collected, curated feel. This approach adds depth and character to kitchens, making them feel unique and lived-in.

In 2025, expect to see kitchens with a thoughtful mix of hardware and finishes, each telling its own story.