NKBA Report: Kitchens Are Getting Eclectic
The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2025 Kitchen Trends Report paints a vivid picture of kitchens transforming into highly personalized spaces in the coming year. This shift is fueled by record home equity levels and a remodeling boom, as homeowners seek to turn their kitchens into sanctuaries that reflect their lifestyles and personalities.
Personalization and Eclectic Aesthetics
Personalization reigns supreme in 2025, with vibrant, eclectic designs dominating. Statement colors, mix-and-match finishes, and decorative hardware allow homeowners to create unique spaces. Green remains the top color choice, favored by 76% of surveyed professionals, followed by blue and brown. Bright, earthy tones from the 1970s and muted mid-century palettes are making a comeback, with bold backsplashes and statement cabinets offering ample opportunities for self-expression.
"Kitchens should reflect those that use them. No two kitchens should be alike,” says Caleb Anderson of Drake/Anderson.
Wellness and Biophilic Design
Wellness features are a growing priority. Steam cooking and air-frying appliances are gaining popularity, while biophilic design elements connect kitchens to nature. Large windows and indoor herb gardens help bring the outdoors inside, while under-cabinet lighting with full-spectrum options supports plant growth and reduces air pollutants.
“We’ve evolved under-cabinet lighting to incorporate full spectrum light for growing countertop herbs or plants,” Anderson explains. “It supports healthy living by adding natural light and improving air quality.”
Decluttered Spaces with Seamless Designs
Clutter-free kitchens are in demand. Hidden storage solutions, such as concealed pantries and panel-ready appliances, are rising in popularity, with walk-in and butler’s pantries offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Open shelving and exposed storage are on their way out, with homeowners favoring seamless, organized designs.
The Role of Lighting in Function and Mood
Lighting is more integral than ever, with 88% of respondents emphasizing its role in creating both mood and functionality. From natural daylight to advanced lighting systems that mimic circadian rhythms, lighting transforms kitchens into adaptable environments.
“Well-designed lighting is the intersection of convenience, aesthetics, and wellness,” says Michael Smith Boyd of SMITHBOYD Interiors.
Multifunctionality: Kitchens as Dynamic Hubs
Multifunctional layouts and appliances are essential in modern kitchens, with 91% of respondents identifying their importance. Features like second islands, food prep sinks, and smart storage solutions cater to the evolving role of the kitchen as a hub for cooking, entertaining, and living.
Thom Filicia highlights the importance of zoning: “Creating these zones is like fitting together puzzle pieces for how you live and entertain.”
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