If you want to get your kitchen in great shape before hosting dinners or baking cookies this holiday season, now is the time to start planning.
After all, kitchen renovations can take about four to eight weeks, although timelines vary by city and project.
Business Insider spoke to interior designers to get their thoughts on the latest trends. Here’s what they say is popular right now and what they should avoid.
Contains warm earth colors.
A pop of terracotta really warms up the space. February Andy Dimas Walla/Shutterstock
Bree Steele, interior designer and trade account manager at RJ Living, said shades such as terracotta, deep browns and forest green were becoming increasingly popular in kitchen design.
“We’re seeing a shift towards people wanting spaces that feel more natural and organic,” she told BI. “Since the pandemic, people have felt more connected to their homes, resulting in an increased desire for kitchens that feel grounded and connected to nature.”
While this isn’t a surprising combination of shades for fall, Steele says cozy tones will be a trend in 2025 as people continue to prioritize making their homes warm and cozy. said.
Integrated appliances are rapidly gaining popularity.
There are some fun ways to incorporate appliances into your cabinets. New Africa/Shutterstock
Steele told BI that, especially for fans of the trend’s minimalist aesthetic, there will be integrated appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers that blend into surrounding cabinetry.
“Integrated appliances create a modern aesthetic unity in the kitchen, giving it a more streamlined and sophisticated look,” she said.
Designers also told BI that hiding bulky appliances can really upgrade the look and functionality of a small kitchen.
Statement lighting in the kitchen is on trend.
Pendant lights for kitchen islands aren’t new, but people are getting more creative. Antonio M. Jones Jr./Shutterstock
Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs, told BI that statement lighting is a great way to brighten up a room while adding personality.
“Statement lighting will continue to be an important feature and evolve into bolder, more artistic forms as kitchens increasingly serve as entertaining spaces,” she said.
Although the kitchen is traditionally a very functional room, there are still ways to add flair to the space. For example, a large pendant light or chandelier can highlight your kitchen island and make it the focal point of the room.
Dark wood cabinets are very popular.
Gone are the white cabinets, and in are dark wood. BM_27/Shutterstock
Curtis expects to see an increase in requests for custom cabinetry made from high-quality dark wood.
“Dark wood cabinetry is making a strong comeback, providing a rich, moody contrast to the bright, neutral tones that have dominated kitchens,” she said. “It adds warmth and a timeless sense of sophistication to a space.”
Dark shades are also suitable for balancing traditional and modern beauty.
Fluted surface treatments are on the rise.
Fluted cabinets, backsplashes, and walls are making an appearance in kitchens. PhotoMavenStock/Shutterstock
Claudia Afshar, interior designer and founder of Claudia Afshar Design, told BI that fluting is her new favorite way to add texture and dimension to the kitchen.
The architectural practice is primarily defined by a consistent groove, usually long and straight. Classically used for things like Greek columns, it also makes a fun backsplash or wall accent.
Afshar expects to see texture-driven trends everywhere from large cabinet applications to more delicate tableware.
Mixing materials creates depth in your kitchen space.
If you have wood countertops, consider incorporating tile or marble for contrast. Follow the Flow/Shutterstock
Courtney Cole, interior designer at TileCloud, told BI that mixing materials is a great way to add texture to your kitchen. This includes everything from wood and metal to stone and granite.
The designer said this style is a great way to “break away from uniformity and bring a more eclectic and individual look to a space.”
She expects small specialty brands to grow as more people choose kitchen accents with fun materials. But she also predicts more affordable brands like IKEA and Articles will continue to embrace the trend in the coming months.
Open shelving, on the other hand, is completely out.
Open shelves look messy and are difficult to clean. Anna Anderson Photo/Shutterstock
While open shelving was once popular in kitchens, it continues to lose momentum in favor of more visually appealing options, Cole told BI.
She said open shelving looks especially cluttered in small kitchens, where more people may be working in the kitchen due to “the rising cost of living and the normalization of downsizing.”
Instead, homeowners are leaning toward hidden storage options that make rooms more functional and minimalist.
Industrial style kitchens are no longer all the rage.
Dark kitchens with lots of metal accents are not popular right now. Seeshooteatrepeat/Shutterstock
Steele told BI that industrial-style kitchens, characterized by the use of raw materials and a rustic, urban aesthetic, are becoming obsolete.
“Industrial kitchens can feel too cold and impersonal for today’s homeowners who seek softer, more natural finishes,” she said.
Instead, many products are moving toward a more rustic look, combining similar soft metals like brass and copper with rustic, tactile elements like stone, the designers said.
The all-white kitchen is no longer as hot as it used to be.
A white kitchen is difficult to keep clean. Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock
Steele told BI that the all-white aesthetic was once popular with people looking for a “clean, modern look.” But these kitchens are starting to feel outdated.
“People want their home to feel like a reflection of themselves, but a white kitchen can feel sterile and lacking in personality,” she said.
Although trends are still oriented towards minimalism, designers say this look can also be achieved with brighter and bolder colors.
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