Story by Judy Goppert | Photos courtesy of Custom Wood Products
Cabinets make the design of your kitchen. As one of the main focal points in this space, let’s look at what’s up and coming in the cabinetry realm for 2025. We spoke with Billie Deatherage, CKD, Brand Ambassador for the Greater Kansas City market of Custom Wood Products and Profile Cabinets, based out of their Mission, Kansas Kitchen Bath & Home showroom to find out the latest.
– Shaker Style –
While the flat panel “Shaker” door style is still trending as the most popular door, the “micro” or “slim” Shaker look is gaining popularity. Evolved from the classic door, this is a small outside frame detail on a slab-style door. It creates visual interest while offering a transitional look, combining the slab and Shaker styles into a new interesting look that can fit in a contemporary or traditional setting equally well.
– Natural Wood –
We are seeing a general shift toward natural wood finishes, away from all white kitchens that have dominated the market for many years. The popular wood finishes are trending natural warm wood colors, medium to lighter browns with beige undertones. Rift Sawn White Oak and walnut are the most popular woods used. Rift Sawn White Oak has a tight, evenly striated grain pattern which works well in historic houses and contemporary settings. It’s often oriented horizontally instead of the more traditional vertical look. Stains on Rift Sawn White Oak offer softer, more consistent finishes with less golden-red undertones and “cathedral” grain patterns seen with standard cuts of oak.
– Colorful Cabinets –
Painted cabinet colors are trending toward earthen hues such as greens and tans, to “moody” and strong, bold colors. Mixing finishes continues to be popular. For instance, base cabinets are a dark color while the upper cabinets may feature painted and or contrasting wood finishes. Painting existing cabinets in fresh new colors can be a cost-effective solution for updating the kitchen. In general, mixing and layering natural materials such as wood, metal, tile, textured wallcoverings, and fabric light shades are gaining popularity.
– Open Shelving –
Open wall shelves continue to trend and often include backlighting features to accentuate the shelf and objects displayed. Base cabinet storage features include options for storing everyday dishes as well as pots and pans. Pull-out shelving aids in convenience and functionality. These features are ever more important when upper cabinets are eliminated or replaced with open shelves.
– Workstation Sinks –
These innovative sinks are revolutionizing the kitchen culinary experience. The Kitchen Workstation Sinks are emerging as a very functional, popular trend. Used for food prep, clean up, and entertaining/serving, these multi-purpose workstations combine function, efficiency, and style.
– Hidden Storage –
Having clean, pristine countertops has become the norm in today’s kitchens. Cabinetry storage that hides small appliances and other countertop clutter is now more prevalent. The corner “appliance garage” feature that was popular in the 80s and 90s has advanced into an updated, stylish version many designers are including. Cabinet hardware options have evolved to allow for variations such as an up-lifting retractable door, bi-fold doors, and full-height retractable pantry doors. The interior of these storage spaces are frequently equipped with electrical outlets and sometimes even a small sink for a beverage or coffee station.
