Kitchen Remodel Inspiration for Your Next Project

The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It’s where functionality meets beauty, and family and friends gather. A kitchen remodel is an exciting yet extensive (and expensive) project with lots of moving parts. If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, start by gathering some inspiration to get your ideas flowing. 

Whether you're updating a few things or starting from scratch, this guide will walk you through the top kitchen design trends for 2025, enduring features worth the investment, and inspiring ideas.

Getting Started with Your Kitchen Remodel

Maybe your kitchen isn’t functional for your use, it’s too cramped, doesn’t have enough countertop space, or simply feels dated; whatever your reason is for remodeling your kitchen, a good place to start is by thinking about how you use it daily and what you need out of your new kitchen. Ask yourself the following questions first: 

• How do you use your kitchen? Do you cook every day or entertain often?
• How many people are in the kitchen at the same time? Will you have people cooking and doing dishes at the same time?
• Do you need more cabinet storage or counter space?
• What are the frustrations you have with your current design?
• Does the current layout work for you? The placement of the dishwasher, oven, cooktop, sink, etc., should flow with how you work around the kitchen.
• Is there enough natural and artificial light?
• What colors and textures do you gravitate towards?
• What’s your realistic budget for the remodel?
• What are your must-haves and nice-to-haves?

Based on your answers, you can begin forming a blueprint for your kitchen remodel. If you use your kitchen a lot and cook daily, you’d want to ensure that you have enough counterspace and storage. If you enjoy entertaining, perhaps a sit-at island would be a good feature. If you don’t have enough lighting in your kitchen currently, adding under-cabinet lighting and additional task lighting could make a big difference. You may also want to rethink your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. How often would you use that pot filler you added to the list of must-haves? Whatever your needs and requirements are, being honest with yourself and thinking through them carefully will help prevent any regrets later on.

Top Kitchen Trends for 2025

The design of your kitchen should reflect you and how you use your kitchen. Trends can be fun, they change often. Incorporating trends into timeless styles is usually the best bet for the longevity of your design. But in the end, it’s your kitchen and having an end result that you absolutely love is the most important. Here are a list of the most popular kitchen trends for 2025:

Organic and Natural Materials

Wood, stone, and natural finishes are continuing to rise in popularity. Expect to see a mix of materials like rift-cut oak cabinetry paired with marble or quartzite countertops for a warm, layered look. Although these finishes are very in, this trend has a lot of potential for longevity. Neutral wood tones and natural stones don’t tend to go out of style.

Bold, Personalized Color Palettes

While all-white kitchens are still in style, and are a safe bet for those that don’t want to embrace trends, homeowners in 2025 are leaning into richer, moodier tones. Deep greens, earthy browns, and even black cabinetry are making a strong statement, especially when paired with neutral countertops and warm metallic fixtures. Adding splashes of color into your kitchen with shelving and paint colors is a great way to add personality without committing too much to a bold color palette.

Mixed Metals and Finishes

Gone are the days of sticking to one metal. Combining matte black faucets, brass hardware, and stainless appliances creates a curated, designer look that feels current and collected. In 2025, you can practically use any metal and make it look updated without having to stick with one tone.

Tech-Integrated Spaces

Smart appliances, under-cabinet charging stations, and even voice-activated lighting are becoming more common. Tech is being integrated more seamlessly into kitchen design without compromising on aesthetics. Many light switches and bulbs will work through an app on your phone or with your smart device to create the perfect mood or task lighting for your kitchen.

Open Shelving with Intentional Styling

While not always practical for every kitchen, open shelving continues to show up in modern remodels. It can be used sparingly to display beautiful dishes, cookbooks, or plants for added texture and character.

Countertop Design and Styles

We’re seeing a wide range of preferences for countertops. While creamy whites and natural taupes are taking over the cool toned grays of the last decade as the neutral alternatives, the dramatic veining of marble and bold color and patterns of quartzite have also become a popular option to add personality and movement to otherwise neutral kitchens. Honed and leathered finishes are in demand with their natural feel and ability to hide fingerprints and scratches. Waterfall edges have also been in trend for a while and continue to be preferred in contemporary designs.

Timeless Features to Consider for Your Remodel

Trends are great, but some design choices are timeless. These elements add lasting value and visual appeal to your kitchen for years to come:

Natural Stone Countertops

Marble, granite, and quartzite never go out of style. They bring elegance, durability, and a sense of permanence to the kitchen.

Subway Tile Backsplashes

Classic and adaptable, subway tile complements both modern and traditional designs. The handmade look with neutral color variations is a popular style that’s very trendy right now.

Neutral Base Cabinets

White, taupe, greige, or even dark wood cabinetry serves as a flexible backdrop for evolving trends and bold accents.

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Functional Lighting Layers

A mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting ensures your kitchen is both practical and inviting. Light placement plays an important role in setting the mood and making your space for functional.

Rethinking the Kitchen Island & Breakfast Bar

Kitchen islands are a must for many homeowners. They don’t only provide functional space to work on and create storage underneath, but also make the kitchen an inviting space to gather around. Here are some of the latest kitchen island and breakfast bar ideas you may want to consider: 

• Double Islands: In larger spaces, we’re seeing the rise of dual islands. With one dedicated to prep and appliances, and the other for seating and entertaining, double islands are an entertainers dream.
• Integrated Eating/ Breakfast Bars: Instead of a separate breakfast nook, many homeowners are opting for extended islands with built-in eating bars, providing an informal dining space that's still stylish. Consider adding the seating at the end of the island on two sides to create a more conversational space.
• Varying Levels: Some islands now feature a drop-down or table-height extension, allowing for standard chairs and more versatile use.
• Waterfall Edges and Statement Surfaces: As mentioned earlier, using eye-catching stone with a waterfall edge turns the island into a focal point.

• Lowered Eating Levels: Some islands now feature a drop-down or table-height extension, allowing for standard chairs and more versatile use.

Start with the Right Materials

Your kitchen design should be comprehensive with complementing cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and light fixtures. Selecting one or two materials and building your design out by adding additional layers is the easiest way to create a comprehensive design. Also, make sure to consider the durability and maintenance of the materials you pick. When it comes to selecting a countertop, different materials have different features such as heat and scratch resistance, staining, and maintenance. Educating yourself about these features should be an important part of your selection process. 

Get Inspired In Person

Looking for more kitchen remodel inspiration? Visit our 40,000+ squarefoot showroom to see hundreds of full slabs, talk with design experts, and explore finishes to bring your design ideas to life. Explore our collection at apmarblegranite.com and schedule a visit today.

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