Kitchen Glow-Up: 10 Design Trends That Will Dominate 2025
Say goodbye to bland kitchens—2025 is bringing personality, purpose, and a fresh sense of style to the heart of the home.
Kitchens have long outgrown their original role as just a cooking zone. In Southern homes especially, the kitchen has evolved into a gathering space, entertainment center, and a canvas for personal style. While we’ll always love tradition, the next wave of design trends is here—and it’s full of charm, character, and clever updates.
We asked five Southern interior designers what’s cooking in 2025 kitchen design. Their predictions are both bold and beautiful, with just enough familiarity to keep things cozy. Here are 10 kitchen trends you’re about to see everywhere—and maybe in your home, too.
1. Cabinet Colors That Dare to Be Bold
Forget the plain white kitchens of the past. Homeowners are finally embracing deep, dramatic hues on their cabinets—and we’re here for it. Think rich emerald greens, luxurious aubergines, or mustardy ochres.
“Cabinet colors will be more saturated with jewel-toned finishes,” says Christine Carney of Blackberry Farm Design. “And darker, more colorful stone slabs are coming with them!”
Kitchens are becoming statements, not just spaces.
2. Mega Islands for Multi-Purpose Living
Today’s kitchen island is doing more than ever—meal prep, homework, wine nights, you name it.
“From cooking and dining to socializing, islands are growing to accommodate it all,” say Anna Still and Marguerite Johnson of Still Johnson.
Some designers are even drawing inspiration from professional kitchens to create freestanding prep tables that double as bold design features.
3. Welcome Back, Warm Wood
After years of cool-toned minimalism, warm wood is making a stylish return. Darker finishes and rich golden oaks are bringing comfort and character back into kitchens.
“We’re craving warmth and depth again,” notes the Still Johnson duo. Whether it’s walnut, cherry, or a deeper-stained oak, natural wood is back to remind us that cozy never goes out of style.
4. Cabinetry That Looks Like Furniture
Say goodbye to cookie-cutter cabinets. Custom islands, hutches, and built-ins are now being styled to look like beautiful, stand-alone furniture pieces.
“We love mixing different colors and materials to make these elements stand out,” say the Still Johnson designers.
These one-of-a-kind touches add warmth, charm, and a sense of intention to the kitchen space.
5. The Return of the Eat-In Kitchen
Move over, bar stools—kitchen tables are making a comeback.
“I’m excited to see fewer islands and more eat-in kitchens with real tables,” says Atlanta designer Mallory Mathison.
This shift brings back a more intimate, communal dining feel right inside the kitchen—perfect for slow breakfasts or casual dinners.
6. A Touch of Vintage Charm
Rustic farmhouse tables, antique hardware, and vintage accents are still going strong. But in 2025, expect to see these pieces blended into all types of kitchen styles—even the sleek and modern ones.
“We’ll see more antique hoods, shelving brackets, and decorative hardware,” says DuVäl Reynolds. It’s all about mixing old soul with new function.
7. The Rise of the Scullery (and Other Secondary Spaces)
Think beyond the butler’s pantry. Today’s homes are incorporating full second kitchens—complete with appliances and cleanup stations—to keep the main kitchen looking Instagram-ready.
“The scullery kitchen is the ultimate practical luxury,” says designer Jen Stevens of Fonde Interiors.
Perfect for entertainers, big families, or anyone who wants the mess to stay behind the scenes.
8. A Splash More Color
Neutrals may never go out of style, but color is creeping back in. Expect cheerful yellows, timeless blues, and even playful patterns in backsplashes and accessories.
“I love Farrow and Ball’s Yellow Ground paired with Delft tile backsplashes,” Mathison gushes.
Don’t be afraid to let your kitchen smile a little!
9. Efficiency Is Everything
In 2025, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about working smart. Designers are doubling down on intelligent layouts, clever storage, and workflow-friendly designs.
“No matter how big or small the kitchen is, efficiency is at the top of everyone’s list,” says Lisa Henderson of Dallas.
From pull-out pantries to corner cabinet solutions, it’s all about making every inch count.
10. Mixing Metals Like a Pro
Forget the old rule of sticking to one finish. Now, it’s all about layering metals in a way that feels deliberate and elevated.
“It’s not just about mixing finishes—it’s about curating them,” Stevens explains. Think brushed brass with pewter, or bronze paired with polished nickel. Subtle contrast, big impact.
Final Stir: Tradition Meets Bold Innovation
2025’s kitchens are a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern flair. They’re warm, welcoming, and full of personality—just like the people who cook in them. Whether you embrace a vintage detail, opt for jewel-toned cabinets, or build out a scullery of your dreams, one thing’s for sure: the kitchen is still the heart of the home… just with a bit more style.