Local expert shares how the latest kitchen trends blend boldness with function.
Story by Ann Butenas / Photos courtesy of Kitchen Tune-Up
Kitchen design is experiencing a dramatic evolution in 2025, with homeowners boldly expressing their personal style while embracing functionality. We spoke with Phillip Morrison, owner of Kitchen Tune-Up, who’s seeing a significant shift from purely aesthetic choices to designs that blend beauty with practicality. Here’s what he shared about the latest trends transforming our culinary spaces.
KCH&S: We’re seeing less all-white kitchens lately. What colors and materials are trending?
KITCHEN TUNE-UP: While white remains the most popular choice, homeowners are increasingly incorporating natural elements, especially white oak. A trending combination features white upper cabinets with natural wood or white oak lower cabinets and islands. Grey, blue, and sage green are also gaining momentum in kitchen color palettes.
KCH&S: How are homeowners breaking traditional kitchen design rules?
KITCHEN TUNE-UP: Today’s homeowners are prioritizing personal preference over conventional wisdom. They’re making bold choices that reflect their individual style, whether through distinctive cabinet colors, striking countertops, or unique finishes. The focus has shifted from creating universally appealing spaces to designing kitchens that bring joy to those who use them daily.
KCH&S: What’s new in countertop preferences?
KITCHEN TUNE-UP: Quartz continues to outpace granite in popularity, with more homeowners investing in premium quartz or quartzite for dramatic patterns and colors. An emerging trend sees countertop material extending up the wall as backsplash, creating a seamless, sophisticated look with lasting appeal.
KCH&S: Which storage solutions are most requested?
KITCHEN TUNE-UP: Popular organizational features include pull-out trash and recycling bins, roll-out cabinet trays, dedicated cutlery drawers, K-cup storage solutions, floating shelves for beverage stations, and multi-zone cabinet lighting.
KCH&S: How are beverage stations being incorporated into today’s kitchen designs?
KITCHEN TUNE-UP: Many homeowners are transforming outdated kitchen desk areas into stylish coffee or bar stations. These spaces typically combine functional lower cabinets with contrasting floating shelves, creating an intentional focal point in the kitchen.
KCH&S: What’s trending in kitchen lighting?
KITCHEN TUNE-UP: Modern kitchen lighting has evolved beyond basic undercabinet illumination to include integrated upper cabinet and toe-kick lighting. Smart-home compatible systems are increasingly popular, offering convenient control without traditional switches. Some homeowners are even adding in-cabinet lighting for enhanced ambiance and functionality.
