Kitchen remodels are where design, function, and lifestyle come together — and the trends for 2025 are proof that form and function are more aligned than ever. Whether you’re planning a full gut renovation or just want a fresh, high-end update, trends can come and go. For 2025, these are some of the kitchen remodel trends we are seeing and are highly requested.
Waterfall-Edge Islands
Waterfall-edge islands are more than just a trendy feature — they’re a bold design statement that anchors your kitchen. Unlike traditional countertops, where the edge stops at the base cabinets, a waterfall edge continues down the sides, wrapping the island in a seamless sheet of stone or quartz. The result is a dramatic, modern aesthetic that instantly elevates the space.
But it’s not just about looks — the extra coverage protects cabinetry corners from scuffs and damage, especially in high-traffic kitchens. Waterfall islands also offer a great opportunity to highlight luxurious materials like veined quartzite or honed marble, giving your kitchen both elegance and durability.
Design Tip
Pair a waterfall island with contrasting base cabinetry for extra visual impact — think dark oak drawers beneath a bright, marbled quartz surface.
The Ultimate Tip of Kitchen Remodel Trends: Hidden Storage & Walk-In Pantries
Homeowners are trading upper cabinets for cleaner lines and tucking everything away behind custom-built walk-ins. The result? A modern, minimalist look that doesn’t sacrifice practicality.
One of our favorite designs for storage is for our clients Deb and Hal. Take a look at the picture below!
We nicknamed these cabinets the “Narnia Closet” because of how much it opens and the amount of space there is. It feels endless!
Natural Stone with Bold Veining
Natural stone never goes out of style, but 2025 is seeing a move away from subtle patterns and toward dramatic, high-contrast veining. Homeowners are choosing slabs that serve as conversation pieces: swirls of grey through creamy quartzite, bold streaks in marble, or moody undertones in soapstone.
This bolder stone not only adds a touch of personality but brings depth and richness to your kitchen. It complements minimalist cabinetry or adds sophistication to more traditional spaces.
Beyond its beauty, natural stone is valued for its durability and resale appeal. A thoughtfully chosen slab can last for decades — both in function and in fashion.
Pro Tip
If you love bold stone but want to avoid visual clutter, use it on the island and go more neutral for the perimeter countertops or backsplash.
Warm, Wood-Accented Cabinets
For the past decade, all-white kitchens ruled the design world. But in 2024 and 2025, the pendulum is swinging back toward organic, textural materials — especially wood. Whether it’s rift-sawn white oak, rich walnut, or even reclaimed barnwood, natural wood tones are making a strong comeback in high-end kitchens.
These wood elements add warmth, depth, and timelessness to the space. Instead of sterile minimalism, today’s designs blend function with feeling — something wood does beautifully.
We’re seeing this in full wood cabinetry, two-tone layouts (e.g., white uppers and walnut lowers), and custom built-ins like range hoods, banquette seating, and open shelving. The goal is to create a space that feels grounded, elegant, and unmistakably personal.
Style Tip
Pair warm wood cabinets with matte black hardware or antique brass to create a rich, layered look.
Custom Lighting That Does It All
Lighting is one of the most overlooked — and most powerful — elements in any luxury kitchen remodel. In 2025 kitchen remodel trends, lighting isn’t just about visibility; it’s about mood, functionality, and layers of design that make the space come alive from morning coffee to late-night hosting.
High-end kitchens now feature three distinct layers of lighting, each with a purpose:
1. Statement Pendants That Anchor the Space
Oversized, sculptural pendants over the island are no longer just decorative — they define the space. Clients are opting for warm-toned finishes (think aged brass, matte black, or glass with organic textures) that add depth and a sense of permanence.
The island is your kitchen’s focal point — and the pendant lighting above it should reflect that.
2. Under-Cabinet and Toe-Kick Lighting for Practical Elegance
This is where function meets refinement in kitchen remodel trends. Under-cabinet lighting provides focused task light — ideal for food prep and chopping — while toe-kick lighting softly illuminates the floor, creating a subtle floating effect that adds visual interest and nighttime usability.
Many of our clients request motion-sensor toe-kicks, so the space lights up gently when you enter during early mornings or late evenings.
3. Smart, Dimmable Systems for Ultimate Control
More homeowners are requesting smart lighting systems that can be controlled by app or voice — making it easy to switch from “bright and focused” while cooking to “dim and ambient” while entertaining.
Set scenes, control zones independently, and integrate with whole-home systems like Lutron or Control4 for seamless, customized experiences.
Why It Matters
Poor lighting can make even the most beautiful materials look flat and lifeless. But with the right plan, lighting enhances textures, showcases your finishes, and sets the tone for how you live in the space every single day.
Designer Insight
Great lighting doesn’t have to be showy — it has to be intentional. In luxury homes, lighting is not an afterthought. It’s a signature.
Want a kitchen that looks stunning and works like a dream?
Let’s start designing yours today with some of the kitchen remodel trends from this blog. Use the link to connect with our team below!
