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A new kitchen is one of the most exciting home improvements you can make. It’s where practicality meets personality, and the heart of your home gets the attention it deserves. If you’re searching for inspiring kitchen ideas and want to stay ahead with the latest kitchen trend, you’re in the right place. But with trends evolving year on year, it can be hard to keep up with what’s new in kitchen design. That’s where we come in.
At Cookhouse Design in York, we don’t believe in fads. We believe in beautiful, functional kitchens that stand the test of time; but we also keep a keen eye on the horizon. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top kitchen trends for 2025, combining style, substance and a few surprises.
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or simply gathering ideas for the future, here’s what’s new in kitchen trends for 2025.
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but in 2025, it’s taking on an even more dynamic role. Today’s modern kitchens are designed to be more than just a place for cooking; they’re vibrant living spaces where style, innovation, and family life come together. As kitchen trends evolve, we’re seeing a strong focus on natural materials, from beautiful wood grains to tactile stone surfaces, bringing warmth and authenticity into the home. Smart technology is seamlessly integrated, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, while bespoke design elements ensure every kitchen feels unique and personal.
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or simply looking to refresh your space, understanding the latest kitchen trends and design elements is key to creating a kitchen that’s both inviting and functional. In 2025, the kitchen truly becomes the centerpiece of modern living, a place where memories are made and shared.
For several years, cool greys and stark whites have dominated kitchen colour palettes. In 2025, we’re seeing a return to warmer, more natural tones. Think soft taupes, sandy beiges, warm greys and earthy mushroom hues. Neutral shades and earthy shades are increasingly popular in current kitchen schemes, creating inviting and restorative spaces. Bold colours will also dominate cabinetry choices, offering a striking contrast to these softer tones and adding a vibrant touch to kitchen designs.
These gentle colours create a sense of calm and comfort, perfect for a space that sees so much of everyday life. Choosing the right kitchen scheme can help balance bold colours with neutral shades for a timeless look. They also pair beautifully with wood accents, stone worktops, and brushed metallics, making them a flexible choice for both contemporary and classic styles.
At Cookhouse, we’re already helping customers explore these softer tones in our York showroom, often pairing them with rich textures for added depth.
2025 is all about texture. We’re moving beyond flat, uniform finishes and into layered, tactile territory. In kitchen design, incorporating natural textures like wood, stone, and linen brings warmth and authenticity to the space.
What does that mean in practice? Fluted wood cabinetry, reeded glass fronts, and textured tiles are increasingly popular. Even worktops are getting in on the act, with honed, leathered or concrete-style finishes adding a quiet sense of luxury. Curved countertop edges will also be a prominent feature, softening the overall look and adding a touch of elegance. These textures add depth and visual interest, making the kitchen more dynamic and inviting.
The result? A kitchen that feels as good as it looks. Touch matters, and in 2025, designers are embracing it more than ever, using textured finishes to showcase the natural beauty of the materials used.
As open-plan living continues to thrive, more people are looking for ways to blend their kitchen seamlessly with living and dining areas. One of the biggest developments in this space is the rise of the “hidden kitchen”.
Clever storage, pocket doors, and integrated appliances mean your kitchen can disappear when you’re not using it, giving your space a streamlined look. Full-height handleless cabinets, matching the wall colour, help the kitchen recede into the background when needed.
This approach suits smaller spaces too, where keeping visual clutter to a minimum helps the whole home feel calmer and more considered.
The kitchen island isn’t going anywhere but in 2025, it’s having a bit of a moment. No longer just a practical surface, the island is becoming the star of the show. Many kitchen islands now include a breakfast bar for casual dining, making them even more versatile. Work table kitchen islands are also becoming popular, offering a more open and traditional design while maintaining functionality.
We’re seeing more two-tone designs, contrasting materials, and bolder shapes; all designed to make the island a true centrepiece that takes center stage in modern kitchen design. Waterfall edges, curved silhouettes, and open shelving are just a few of the features making waves this year. Bar stools are a popular choice for seating at the island, adding both style and comfort.
At Cookhouse, we design every island to suit your space, whether you need a dedicated cooking zone, extra seating for family meals, or simply somewhere to enjoy a coffee and a chat.
Technology in the kitchen continues to advance, but rather than flashy gadgets, the focus in 2025 is on seamless integration. Smart appliances are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens, offering features like Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and automation to make everyday tasks more efficient and user-friendly.
Think boiling water taps, invisible induction hobs, soft-close motorised cabinets and smart lighting systems that respond to time of day. Appliances are becoming more intuitive, and tech is being woven in subtly rather than shouting for attention.
Our team at Cookhouse will always work with you to ensure your kitchen tech complements your lifestyle.
Good lighting has always been essential in the kitchen, but this year it’s about creating atmosphere as well as being functional. Kitchen lighting is now recognised as a key element in setting the mood and enhancing both the functionality and character of the space.
The trend for 2025 is layered lighting: combining task lighting (for chopping and cooking), ambient lighting (to set the mood), and accent lighting (to highlight features). Light fixtures such as pendant lights over islands, statement wall lights, and decorative ceiling lights are key design elements that add visual interest and style. There is also a growing trend for cabinet lighting, like under-cabinet LED strips, which improve both the functionality and ambiance of the kitchen.
Lighting has the power to completely change the feel of your kitchen, and our designers will guide you through creating a scheme that works beautifully day or night.
Open shelving continues to divide opinion, but in 2025 it’s making a more curated comeback. Rather than replacing wall cabinets entirely, open shelves are being used thoughtfully to display ceramics, cookbooks, or art. Open shelving can also be used to store or display small appliances for easy access, helping to keep your main kitchen organized and clutter-free. Banquette seating in dining nooks is also set to trend, offering a cozy and stylish way to enhance informal dining areas.
The key is restraint. Too many open shelves can feel cluttered - but used sparingly, they can add warmth, personality, and a sense of openness to your space.
We’re seeing more customers pairing open shelves with back panels in wood or stone, which adds richness and helps keep the overall design cohesive. Delft tiles can also be used as a decorative back panel for open shelves, adding a touch of vintage charm and timeless appeal.
More than ever, homeowners are using their kitchens to express their personality. A bespoke kitchen allows for tailored storage solutions that reflect your unique needs and style.
Whether that’s a vintage dresser repurposed as a pantry, a bespoke breakfast nook, or a pop of unexpected colour inside a cabinet, an eclectic mix of colors and materials can help create characterful spaces that tell your story. People want their kitchen to feel like their kitchen.
At Cookhouse, every design we create is unique. We take time to understand how you live and what you love, so the final space feels as personal as it is practical.
Kitchens are becoming more multifunctional than ever. In 2025, smart zoning is essential.
This might mean building in a quiet coffee corner, creating a dedicated prep station for baking, or designing a separate drinks area for entertaining. You can also use glazed panels or partitions to create a distinct sitting room within an open-plan kitchen layout, providing a defined space for relaxation while keeping the area light and open. Zoning allows the kitchen to work for everyone in the family; whether it’s homework at the island, brunch with friends, or a solo supper after a long day.
By planning zones into your layout from the start, your kitchen becomes more versatile and enjoyable to use.
Embarking on a kitchen renovation is an exciting opportunity to transform your space into the dream kitchen you’ve always wanted. In 2025, the hottest kitchen trends are all about blending timeless elegance with practical innovation.
Start by evaluating your existing kitchen units and identifying what works. Perhaps you’re dreaming of a spacious kitchen island for meal prep and family gatherings, or you want to introduce natural materials like warm woods and natural stone for a touch of organic beauty.
Working with an experienced interior designer can help you bring your vision to life, ensuring every detail (from kitchen cabinets to pendant lighting) reflects your personal style.
Consider adding tall cabinets for ample storage, or use earthy tones and textured finishes to create visual interest and a welcoming atmosphere. Integrated appliances and clever storage solutions keep your kitchen looking sleek and uncluttered, while statement pendant lighting can add a stylish finish above your island or dining area.
At Cookhouse Design, we’re passionate about creating kitchens that feel as good to use as they look. Whether you’re ready to start your project or just looking for inspiration, we’d love to welcome you to our York showroom for a chat and a coffee.
Come and visit our kitchen showroom in York or get in touch to book a design appointment. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or refreshing your current space, we’ll be by your side from first sketch to final fitting.