5 kitchen styles going out of style in 2025
We often talk about timeless designs, but there are a few kitchen styles that are going out of style in 2025 that you might want to avoid if you don’t want your space to date. From cabinets to materials, some designs that have a moment in the spotlight simply don’t endure.
Your kitchen ideas should always feel personalized and timeless – that way you can ensure they are always in style and, most importantly, that you’ll never tire of them. So, if you’re currently planning a refresh or a remodel, there are a few styles you’ll want to skip.
From tired-looking finishes to kitchen trends that just haven’t stuck, designers say there are some aesthetics to avoid in 2025, and we’ve listed the most common with a few tasteful alternatives to try instead.
5 kitchen styles going out of style in 2025
No one wants an outdated, out-of-style kitchen. It’s a room you really have to invest in, so making the right decisions is key. And according to designers, these are the aesthetics that are going out of style in 2025 – and they show no signs of making a comeback.
1. Perfectly polished kitchen styles
(Image credit: Future)
Over the past year, the idea of a lived-in kitchen has become all the more popular, and as a result, the perfectly clear, polished designs feel totally out of style for 2025 and beyond.
‘In 2025 we’re going to be saying goodbye to kitchens that look unrealistically polished and perfect all the time. The kitchen should be the heart of the home – a place to gather, be a little messy, and enjoy the tastes and smells of a special meal,’ says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
‘I always advise customers and clients to embrace a more lived-in-luxury approach to the kitchen; by all means, bring in top quality appliances and beautiful decorative accents, but don’t be afraid to be authentic and relaxed as well.’
2. Uniform cabinetry styles and shiny finishes
(Image credit: Future)
If you’ve been keeping up with trends this year, you’ll know that upper cabinets are taking a back seat. They can create a bulky, closed-in feel in kitchens, especially smaller schemes.
‘Homeowners are moving away from uniform cabinetry, opting for a mix of open shelving and closed storage to balance function and style. Ultra-modern, high-gloss finishes are giving way to warmer, textured materials that add depth and character,’ says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
‘A thoughtful mix of closed cabinetry, open shelving, and furniture-style pieces adds depth and a collected-over-time feel. Natural materials – honed stone, unlacquered brass, and hand-glazed tiles – bring warmth and texture, creating a space that feels inviting, functional, and timeless.’
3. Orange-toned wood kitchens
(Image credit: Future)
While wood kitchens are trending – and continue to prove they are one of the most timeless materials for your scheme – not all tones of wood are in style for 2025. Schemes filled with extremely warm, orange-toned wood are still very much out of style and will make your kitchen look outdated.
‘Heavily lacquered pine or overly warm-toned wood can feel dated. Instead, consider paler, more natural finishes such as bleached oak, or go for deeper, richer wood stains that feel sophisticated and inviting,’ says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
More neutral wood tones, whether it’s a dark brown or a light oak, are much more stylish and enduring, pairing beautifully with a range of colors, materials, and finishes.
4. The shabby chic kitchen aesthetic
(Image credit: Future)
There was a time when the shabby chic trend was the go-to way to add rustic charm and textural interest to your kitchen. However, it’s a look that is very much out for 2025, and for good reason.
‘Overly distressed, chalky-painted cabinets can feel contrived. A more refined approach is to let natural materials age gracefully – hand-painted cabinetry in deep, grounding hues or a softly patinated timber finish will stand the test of time,’ says Lauren.
Texture in the kitchen should never feel forced or overly done. So, opting for those richer earthy hues, fluted glass, and natural materials like wood or stone will bring in visual interest in a more organic and timeless way.
5. Overly cluttered kitchen styles
(Image credit: Future)
‘I think we’re a little bit over the cozy kitchen clutter vibe,’ says interior designer Benji Lewis. ‘I think this extends even to items like the toaster and kettle which when thoughtfully considered, can be hidden away behind sliding doors on countertop mounted wall units – kind of micro kitchens within the kitchen itself.’
While there are examples of kitchens that can work beautifully with the re-cluttering trend, smaller, cozier schemes are not the place for it. It instantly makes your space feel messy and disorganized, rather than the curated, lived-in look you’re probably going for.
Instead, be more considerate about the pieces you keep on display. Try introducing elevated kitchenware that doubles up as decor for a lived-in but still tidy finish.
These are the kitchen styles to avoid in 2025 if you want an on-trend scheme – and all the advice you need to fix any out-of-style features. It’s also worth knowing the outdated kitchen cabinet trends to stay away from if you’re planning a remodel – a space that is personalized and timeless should always be the priority.
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