Five Kitchen Cabinets Trends of 2025
Five Kitchen Cabinets Trends of 2025
What are the new kitchen trends and What is everything you should know before renovating your kitchen?
As the heartbeat of any home, Kitchens are probably the biggest renovation projects that many New Yorkers decide to accomplish as their first project, and this is mainly “due to deterioration or dysfunction” as mentioned by Houzz. Within the design/build world and as time goes on, we all know that many “trends” make a comeback and sometimes in bigger bolder fashion. According to the Houzz 2025 Kitchen Trend, Traditional style kitchens are the comeback this year, but with a bold, dramatic and inclusive twist.
1. Bold and Unexpected Decisions
Even in the year 2025, traditional-styled cabinetry is circling around and making its comeback into the kitchen remodel scene. But with advancements in storage, countertops and tiles, we are seeing more design risk being taken as homeowners add their personality with a focus on these areas of the kitchen, and a shift away from appliances and plumbing fixtures.
As “the vast majority of homeowners upgrade their countertops (91%), backsplash (85%) and cabinets (85%)” we see a huge increase of interest in detailed cabinet finishes that take the traditional style up a few notches. From glass inserts, curved island finishes and dramatic backsplash tiles now extending beyond wall hung cabinets, homeowners and designers alike are putting bold touches that are shifting the view of outdated traditional cabinetry.
Kitchen by White Studio & Co Interior Design leans much more modern traditional but is softened by the curved corners of the lower cabinetry and island
An unexpected take on kitchen remodels today is the shift away from appliance upgrades and more focus on appliance integration, as less money is spent upgrading appliances vs upgrading cabinets and countertops. Lesley McClennan, director of The Design Consultant says that “We’re seeing hidden induction cooktops, and energy-efficient appliances seamlessly tucked into cabinetry” making kitchen cabinetry smarter, personal and designers are making the spaces more suitable for each client rather than the customary approach of “one size fits all”.
Backsplash tile is also having its moment right now as more tile companies are nailing down the handmade and/or natural material look on Ceramic tiles. This has given homeowners a bigger option of designs and styles to choose from! Of course, nothing beats the real deal of handmade tiles but amid today’s economical tariff crisis and material shortages, the “super fakes” are seen as more practical to keep clients within budget while still providing the elevated/luxury look.
Related: Is Marble Right for Your NYC Apartment Renovation
2. Warm Neutrals
A traditional twist.
As traditional cabinets are making their way back in, all-white-kitchens have been slowly making their way out, as more homeowners and designers are shifting towards; warm, neutral, wood tones. “During the early 1900s, white kitchens were seen as sanitary” says Heather Bien from Martha Stewart co. and since has been a staple design choice that has been deemed “timeless” and complimentary to almost any additional design selections.
But alas, we are having a shift yet again but white is not completely out, rather altered to different hues, introducing more warmth and comfort to the home’s heartbeat.
Star Renovations NY | Cobble Hille Townhouse
Alongside the softness and sophistication of inviting white hues, is the coziness of earthy neutrals that bring a touch of the outside world into your home. Many design trends today are including dark olives, terracotta and warm wood tones to bring a sense of elegant depth into the kitchen space. Designer, Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer mentions that “We are seeing white kitchens mixed with wood accents, like mantles over hoods, islands, or upper or lower cabinets. Overall, clients are becoming braver and taking more risks with color in the kitchen,” which is spot on according to 2025 trends.
3. Color Pops & Accent Pieces
For the not so mellow, calm and collected homeowner, we begin introducing pops of color, eccentric hardware and one of a kind pendant lighting. These eye grabbing details can bring so much life and excitement but can be incorporated not to distract from the space as a whole.
Today’s market leans heavily into a standout island and we have incorporated these into many Star projects before. This is what we would call a “two-tone kitchen” and these are becoming more popular as homeowners are wanting to spruce up their traditional NYC apartment kitchen and give guests something to talk about.
On the other end, designers and homeowners alike are taking design risks with full custom color kitchens! From blues, grays, olive green and PINK, we are seeing such an incline of personality being included in 2025 designs and we are just at the tip of the iceberg.
Star Renovations NY | West Village Studio
If traditional white is still calling you, why not dress it up a bit with some unique decorative hardware? Statement knobs, matte black pulls, or even mixed-metal finishes can completely transform the look of your cabinets. Textured handles, oversized pulls, and even leather-wrapped options are making waves this year, offering a small but impactful way to tie your cabinetry into the larger 2025 design narrative.
4. Footprint Expansion
In the ever-evolving landscape of NYC living, where every square foot counts, homeowners are reimagining their spaces to prioritize functionality and flow. The traditional formal dining room is becoming a relic of the past, making way for expansive kitchens that serve as the heart of the home. This shift is especially pronounced in city apartments, where space is at a premium.
Open-concept layouts are no longer just a design preference, they’re a necessity. By eliminating walls and merging dining areas into the kitchen, homeowners are creating multifunctional spaces that cater to cooking, entertaining, and everyday living.
Star Renovations| Gramercy Park Co-Op
Star Renovations| Brooklyn Brownstone
According to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, there’s a notable increase in homeowners opting for larger kitchen footprints, often at the expense of formal dining rooms. This trend reflects a desire for more casual, adaptable spaces that align with modern lifestyles.
The kitchen island has emerged as the centerpiece of this transformation. No longer just a prep area, islands now accommodate seating, storage, and even appliances, effectively replacing the traditional dining table. As highlighted in House Beautiful, designers are creating combination islands that blend closed storage with open seating areas, maximizing both utility and aesthetics. This approach not only enhances the kitchen’s functionality but also fosters a more inclusive environment for family and guests.
Incorporating these design elements is not just about following trends, it’s about adapting to the realities of urban living. By expanding the kitchen into former dining spaces, NYC homeowners are crafting environments that are both practical and inviting, reflecting a broader shift towards informal, versatile living areas.
5. Designed For Hosting
In 2025, kitchens are not just for cooking—they’re the epicenter of entertainment and social gatherings. Homeowners are embracing designs that facilitate hosting, with features that blend functionality and style.
Star Renovations NY | Madison Project
One of the standout trends is the incorporation of “microzones”, such as dry bars and beverage stations. These dedicated areas allow for seamless entertaining without disrupting the main cooking space. As highlighted by House Beautiful, homeowners are creating combination islands that blend closed storage with open seating areas, maximizing both utility and aesthetics. This approach not only enhances the kitchen’s functionality but also fosters a more inclusive environment for family and guests.
Island storage has also evolved to meet the demands of modern hosting. Designers are integrating features like wine coolers, pull-out drawers, and hidden compartments to keep essentials within reach yet out of sight. According to Martha Stewart, there’s a growing emphasis on cabinetry that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality, ensuring that storage solutions are both practical and visually appealing.
Star Renovations NY | Bedford Stuyvesant
Style by Emily Henderson notes that the 2025 kitchen is all about creating spaces that are both beautiful and livable. This includes thoughtful layouts that encourage interaction, with islands serving as the central hub for cooking, dining, and socializing. By focusing on these entertainment-centric features, homeowners are transforming their kitchens into versatile spaces that cater to both everyday living and special occasions.
Conclusion
As the wave of kitchen trends is continuously evolving, our belief with New York City apartment renovations is that two things still remain ~ Function & Flow.
Credit: matthew.north
Trends can be inspiring, and incorporating fresh styles can absolutely elevate a space, but at Star Renovations , our foundation is built on practicality. While we enjoy staying in tune with what’s current, we never lose sight of how a home is actually lived in. Our approach begins with understanding how each client uses their space day to day. From cooking habits and family routines to storage needs and movement between rooms, we design with real life in mind.
Functionality isn’t just a bonus, it’s the baseline. We ensure our layouts support seamless flow, smart storage, and intentional use of every square foot. It’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of niche design trends, but if they don’t serve the space or the people in it, we’re not doing our job. Compliance with building codes and optimizing long-term usability are always at the core of our process.
Our goal is to create timeless, livable environments where the style complements the structure—not the other way around. At the end of the day, design should support life—not compete with it.
What Next?
Whether you’re just starting to explore ideas or already have a vision in mind, this blog was designed to give you insight into how we balance trend-awareness with long-lasting function. At Star Renovations NY, we know that a successful renovation is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that works for your lifestyle, meets compliance standards, and holds up beautifully over time.
Planning a renovation?
Let us help you do it right—from concept to completion.
Reach out to Star Renovations NY today and start your Hassle-Free Project with confidence. Call us at (718) 521-2879 or email info@starrenovationsny.com
