If you're planning a kitchen renovation, you know all about the challenge of choosing the best kitchen cabinets for your style, budget and layout.
There's so much to consider. Custom, semi-custom or stock. Shaker or glass fronts. The rustic charm of stained wood or a classic paint color choice for a fresh look. The dizzying array of hardware options. And don’t forget about all the bells and whistles, be it Lazy Susans in corner cabinets, a pull-out coffee station or that chic decorative molding you’ve admired on Pinterest for so long.
Since the design possibilities are endless, we turned to the pros to find out the top kitchen cabinet trends of 2025. Here, they share what's really worth keeping on your radar for a stylish kitchen design.
Minimal Upper Storage
California-based kitchen designer Caren Rideau says more and more clients are opting to ditch upper wall storage for a cleaner look. "To complement this aesthetic, we are seeing a rise in the use of heavier woods such as cherry, walnut and deeper oak stains," says Rideau, founder of Kitchen Design Group. "These materials add warmth and depth to a kitchen, additionally the cabinet hardware continues to shine as the jewels of the space."
Accessible Design Features
Kitchen renovations are pricey, so it's important to consider how you'll use your space over time. For this reason, Erika Hollinshead Ward of Erika Ward Interiors prioritizes accessible design features. "As someone living in a multigenerational household, I’ve become more aware of the smart design choices that make aging in place easier and more comfortable," says Hollinshead Ward. "Homeowners are now opting for features like wider drawer pulls, easier-to-access cabinetry pullouts and hardware that’s both stylish and functional. In 2025, we're seeing even more thoughtful upgrades—like soft-close drawers with integrated lighting, touch-to-open cabinets and lowered countertops—that help create a home that works beautifully for every generation."
A Focus on Gathering
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it's only right that homeowners are keen on designs that are set up to enjoy the company of family and friends. "One of the kitchen trends I’m loving right now is the return of true gathering spaces within the kitchen—especially the integration of breakfast nooks," says Cathleen Gruver of Northern Virginia-based design firm Gruver Cooley.
The designer recommends a cozy banquette tucked under a beautiful window or a built-in nook that wraps around the kitchen island, creating a layout that feels "intimate and intentional." "It’s a subtle but powerful shift back to the idea that the kitchen is a space to slow down and be together," she says.
Rounded Cabinet Details
Sometimes, the most simple design choices can take kitchen cabinets to the next level. Going round is just one example. "Rounded cabinet profiles add a soft, playful touch to the kitchen—something clients often assumed could only be achieved through bold color contrasts," says Maggie Goodrich of Third Street Architecture. "Now, we’re seeing more people embrace shape and silhouette as a design feature in itself. Cabinet details are having a moment, and it’s exciting to see that shift."
Warmth and Texture
"For 2025, kitchen cabinet trends are leaning into warmth and texture, with natural wood finishes taking center stage and a shift away from the all-white or heavily painted look," says Corinne Ekle of c2Design Co. The designer is noticing a shift towards hues like cream and mushroom — soft earth tones that "bring a sense of calm sophistication to the space."
Tehilla Bennett of Teela Bennett Design has also noticed that warmer tones are trending when it comes to color palettes and materials. "I’m also seeing, and absolutely embracing, a trend toward mixing materials, which adds rich visual interest without feeling overwhelming. The layering of textures and tones brings depth and warmth to a space in a really organic way."
Walnut and Marble
Christopher Boutlier of Christopher Boutlier Interiors is embracing the beauty of walnut and marble in kitchen projects, but the focus is on unexpected places such as appliance garages and lining the interiors of drawers. "These are small, private details that you might only notice when you reach for your espresso cup, but they make the experience of using the kitchen feel elevated," says Boutlier. "It’s like wearing a beautifully tailored jacket with a silk lining. No one else sees it, but you feel it."
Countertop Cabinets
Boutlier also aims to make every kitchen project feel like a well-designed room rather than a utility space. Going custom can help achieve this aesthetic. "There’s a move toward cabinetry that feels custom, quiet and deeply considered," Boutlier says. "One detail I’m loving is when upper cabinets extend all the way down to the countertop. It creates this hutch-like silhouette that feels architectural and grounded. It’s functional, yes, but it also reads more like a built-in piece of furniture than standard millwork."
Bold Colors
Earthy hues are trending, but don't be afraid to experiment with more energetic colors, too. Take it from Third Street Architecture's Maggie Goodrich, who is partial to a bold Zellige tile backsplash or colorful, sculptural hardware. "These small, intentional moments of personality can totally transform the space."
Wood Tones
"While white oak has dominated the kitchen design conversation for the past decade, I’m starting to see a shift towards deeper wood tones, especially dark walnut, which brings warmth and richness to a space," says Kate Hartman of Kate Hartman Interiors. The designer prefers the look of dark cabinetry with aged bronze hardware, or if you want to make even more of a statement, the designer suggests unlacquered brass.
Designer Kristen Scharer of Kristen Scharer Interiors appreciates warmer wood tones that "bring an elevated, traditional and timeless charm to kitchens, infusing the space with a sense of comfort and enduring style." Think soft oaks and rich walnuts for a cozy vibe.
"The natural grain and warmth of wood add texture and depth, softening modern designs while grounding with classic aesthetics," the Ohio-based designer explains. "This versatility fosters a serene, inviting environment, encouraging gatherings and evoking a sense of nostalgia."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
