Kitchen cabinets are among the most crucial elements of a kitchen. Besides their use cases, cabinets can visually change the entire kitchen by establishing a mood. Hence, their designs underwent considerable changes every year, as cabinets quietly followed the minimalist or other popular movements in interior design.
However, some trends become outdated, whether they fail to bring personality into a kitchen or are simply not practical enough for families, for example. Parents must choose kitchen cabinets wisely so that they are easy to clean and maintain for the long term, especially in a house with kids and pets. Materials, finishing, and designs play a crucial role in a prolonged lifecycle, and some trendy cabinets have not stood the test of time.
So, let’s see what’s not in demand for kitchen cabinets in 2025.
Matte Cabinets
Matter finishes for kitchen cabinets became quite popular in recent years, in comparison with shiny finishes. However, they fell out of style quickly because they’re high-maintenance when it comes to cleaning. As mentioned before, these finishes are not ideal for those with children or pets, since every fingerprint or touch is too visible, making it difficult to maintain the cabinets “clean”.
Instead of always wiping the cabinets after someone touches them, opting for a lightly textured finish will not only resist fingerprints and smudges but also add depth to the kitchen, making it look more appealing. There’s nothing kitsch about a slightly glossier finish, so you can be creative in choosing the best shades in a softer sheen.
White Cabinets
All-white kitchens have been out of style for some time, as they didn’t really showcase any personality in the kitchen. Therefore, picking cabinets only in white can be outdated, which is why we recommend different shades of warm neutrals that are cosier and easier to pair with other shades.
Beige, grey, or taupe are the best examples for kitchen cabinet colours, as they’re not as striking to the eye, but don’t lack depth. These shades create the base for unique kitchen decorations that incorporate pale wood, gold accents, or forest green elements. Overall, incorporating elements that add a touch of white softens the kitchen and helps you relax after a long day at work.
Kitchen Cabinet Skirts
Skirts for cabinets started trending following their use for sinks. While this trend takes us back to our grandparents’ kitchens, it’s long gone, and it doesn’t provide the same practical side, as most cabinets come with doors, which are best for covering storage spaces.
Instead of a cabinet skirt, people can simply pick a more intricate design for a door, such as reeded glass as a centre panel. There are many ways to improve our cabinet doors without sacrificing utility, which is the most important in the kitchen. Additionally, you can create a DIY cabinet door to stick to a budget, or find one at a thrift store.
What Are the Trending Kitchen Cabinets in 2025?
On the other hand, the leading trends in kitchen cabinet doors take us toward more warmth, natural finishes, and bold colors when the owners’ personality is reflected in them. This year, we experimented with colours, textures, and shapes, and created the kitchen of our dreams with sustainable and cosy materials.
Rounded Cabinets
Rounded cabinets, or cabinets with rounded details, have caught our eye as they’re quite basic but are unique simply because of their shape. We’re accustomed to the original square shape of cabinets, so rounded shapes immediately have an impact on interior design.
Curved cabinets not only soften the kitchen’s look but also offer a significant ergonomic benefit, reducing the risk of bumps and bruises that can occur when kids are around. In some cases, when the kitchen’s shape is unique, rounded cabinets can help maximize the available space.
Soft Earth Tones
Soft earth tones for the kitchen cabinets are here to stay. They not only bring us closer to nature, but also have the ability to create a statement design for the kitchen. Cream or mushroom hues seem to be the best options for kitchen cabinets, as they complement a soft-looking kitchen in which neutral colours dominate.
In addition, earth tones in the kitchen call for more greenery, such as plants or green furniture, which complements the natural surroundings. This design can significantly help you relax while cooking or dining, as natural shades and tones calm the mind.
Intentional Colours
On the other hand, colder shades for the kitchen cabinets are absolutely acceptable as they truly bring out one’s personality. We’re not talking about neon shades, of course, but the stronger side of colours that acts as a grounding piece in the kitchen.
Some of these shades can include anything from Scarlet, Rhino, or Persian, which are amazing bases for a unique kitchen colour palette. Luckily, you can customise these designs with your favourite colours and personalise the kitchen with tasteful shades.
Are Trends Reliable?
Kitchen trends change almost every season, but that doesn’t mean we should, too. Sustainable and long-term kitchen trends are superior because they don’t require constant changes. This might be similar to fast fashion, but in the sense that walls don’t need new colouring per season, and kitchen tech can be used for longer before being replaced by trendy products.
However, adopting trendy features for the kitchen after the actual craze passes is best, because you can distinguish between something that looks good on social media and a feature you might actually like in your home. Pot hangers might not be for everyone, even if you see them in so many kitchens, and this applies to checkerboard patterns in floors as well.
Conclusion
Kitchen cabinets are the first thing you see when entering a kitchen, so they’re pretty important visually, besides their storage capacity. However, some cabinet designs are outdated, especially when it comes to all-white or matte cabinets, as they lack practicality. Instead, consider having your kitchen cabinets in more neutral and warm tones, and consider rounded designs for a splash of personality.