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The Kitchen Makeover You Didn't Know You Needed: 6 Trendy Updates for 2025

The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, and as we step into 2025, many homeowners are considering redesigning this essential space.

From style makeovers to innovative storage solutions, the trends shaping kitchen renovations this year reflect a desire for both functionality and beauty.

About four-fifths of homeowners, 81%, are choosing to change the style of their kitchens during renovations, according to the 2025 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. The home design and renovation platform surveyed more than 1,600 homeowners for the study.

"Homeowners want visual warmth," said Susan Serra. She is a certified kitchen designer and founder of Scandinavian Made, a company with a focus on aesthetics and functionality throughout the design process. "Kitchens are becoming less utilitarian in their look and design."

While kitchen remodels can be costly, refinancing your mortgage or choosing a home equity loan could help you to fund these improvements without relying on high-interest loans or credit cards.

The typical major kitchen remodel cost $60,000, while a minor remodel set homeowners back about $20,000, according to Houzz.

If you're considering a kitchen upgrade or just curious about what's trending, these insights will guide you through the most exciting shifts in kitchen design.

1. Traditional style makes a comeback

More homeowners are expected to choose a traditional style of kitchen in 2025, according to the Houzz survey. 

About a quarter of kitchen renovations are expected to choose this blending of traditional and modern elements. That’s up about five percentage points from the previous year.

"The addition of vintage pieces in different forms—chairs, tables, and art—can nudge the kitchen design toward a more gracious, traditional direction," said Serra.

One way to achieve this style is to incorporate a mix of materials in cabinetry or focus on small featured areas, such as a coffee nook or an island.

If you want to blend traditional charm with modern utility, consider incorporating wood finishes and vintage accents. They can transform your kitchen into both a practical and nostalgic space.

2. Expanding your kitchen

More and more homeowners are choosing to make their kitchens bigger. About 35% of people who remodel their kitchens add more space, often by removing walls to open up to living or dining rooms.

However, combining spaces presents its own set of design challenges.

"The goal when opening up a kitchen to another room should be to create as seamless a transition as possible," said Serra. "Sharing the same flooring material across spaces helps create flow, making the combined areas look more connected and spacious."

A common challenge in open-plan kitchens is managing the noise generated by appliances and kitchen activity. To minimize sound, consider noise-dampening flooring, adding rugs, and using upholstered furniture.

Quiet appliances, such as dishwashers and vent hoods with cushioned bottoms, can also reduce kitchen noise.

3. Engineered quartz is the top countertop materials

One of the most important elements of kitchen design is the countertop. Engineered quartz remains the go-to choice for many homeowners as its both durable and low maintenance.

"Quartz is nearly indestructible," said Serra. "It resists staining and is highly durable. However, the longevity of quartz depends on the quality of installation and the quartz itself."

Serra advises homeowners to avoid low-cost quartz options, as they may not perform as well over time.

To test quartz's resilience, Serra recommends taking a large sample and exposing it to various foods and substances, leaving it overnight to analyze the results.

This will give you a clear understanding of how well your chosen material holds up to real-life use.

4. Creative kitchen island upgrades

The kitchen island continues to be a central feature in many kitchen renovations as homeowners use it to maximize both storage and functionality.

Serra highlights one of her favorite island upgrades: recessing the island's toe kick from the standard 3 inches to 12 inches. This recessed space at the bottom of the island can give it a "floating" appearance.

For those seeking more storage, short island cabinets or islands with hidden appliances are also creative ways to maximize efficiency without compromising on style.

5. Aging in place: stylish and functional solutions

Designing a kitchen for aging in place is becoming a key consideration for older homeowners.

"Induction cooktops are one example of a functional, yet safe feature for aging-in-place designs," said Serra. "They heat the area directly below the cooking vessel, keeping the surrounding area cool and reducing the risk of burns."

About 62% of homeowners installed pull-out cabinets. Other aging-in-place features, such as additional lighting, non-slip flooring, and lower cabinetry, were also popular.

6. Lighting trends: enhancing ambiance and functionality

Lighting continues to be a big part of kitchen design, with recessed lights and pendants, with 73% and 71% of homeowners respectively choosing these options. However, homeowners are also exploring additional lighting options that can enhance the ambiance and functionality of their kitchens.

To elevate the space, consider adding wall-mounted lighting over artwork or decorative sconces at focal points. This helps the kitchen feel less utilitarian and more like a living area.

"Accent lighting, like under-cabinet lighting, can create a lovely atmosphere and serve as nightlight," said Serra. "Adding lighting inside drawers, cabinets, and the pantry helps to locate items easily and improves visibility."

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Staff Writer, New American Funding

In her diverse freelance journey, Karen has taken on various roles that greatly inspired and fueled her growth. From creating digital products for websites and content strategy, she remains dedicated to continuous learning within the industry. In her current role, Karen writes about housing and lending at New American Funding.