For the past decade, kitchen cabinet trends have been dominated by a familiar formula—shaker-style doors, an abundance of cabinetry, gray-wood flooring, and, of course, the classic all-white kitchen. While timeless, these choices often prioritized resale value over personal style.

In 2025, we’re seeing a shift away from “this works for resale value” and into a space that feels richer, cozier, unique and more inviting. Think modern-contemporary designs, earthy wood tones, moody colors, and textured finishes that add depth and character. 

At Modern Twig, we’ve transformed hundreds of kitchen cabinets and have seen these trends unfold firsthand. In this article, we’ll explore the top cabinet trends that will define kitchens in 2025!

1. Textured and natural wood finishes

A project by Modern Twig (Wood Veneer – Rift White Oak)

Wood finishes are back!. But instead of super high-gloss finishes, we’re seeing a return to textured wood grains with natural finishes that feel warm, raw, and authentic.

Lighter-toned woods like Rift White Oak and Maple are leading the way, bringing a soft, Scandinavian-inspired look that feels both airy and cozy. On the other hand, deeper tones like Flatsawn Walnut and Mahogany are perfect for creating a moodier, more dramatic effect while paying homage to Mid Century Modern design.

A project by Modern Twig (Wood Veneer – Cherry)

At Modern Twig, we’re also seeing an uptick in cherry wood cabinetry, and it’s easy to see why. Cherry’s rich, warm undertones add a timeless elegance that fits beautifully into both modern-traditional and contemporary kitchens. Cherry offers a refined yet approachable aesthetic that pairs well with everything from classic shaker doors to sleek, minimalist designs.

💡 Style Tip: Pair natural wood cabinets with matte black similar to our Modern Lakehouse project or brushed brass hardware for a modern contrast. Or mix wood tones with painted cabinets to create a layered, custom look.

2. Warm, earthy tones

For years, cool-toned grays and bright whites dominated kitchen designs. It’s clean, traditional, and at that time—new. But in 2025, the color palette is shifting. Homeowners are gravitating toward warm, earthy tones that make the kitchen feel inviting and lived-in.

Think rich terracotta, soft taupes, warm beiges, and muted olive greens. These colors bring a sense of nature indoors, creating a cozy and grounded atmosphere.

💡 Style Tip: Want to dip your toes into this trend without fully committing? Try using warm tones for lower cabinets or a kitchen island while keeping upper cabinets neutral. This adds dimension and visual interest without overwhelming the space.

3. Fluted and reeded cabinet doors

Texture is taking center stage in kitchen cabinet trends in 2025, and one of the biggest ways we’re seeing this play out is with fluted and reeded cabinet doors. These repetitive, vertical lines add depth, dimension, and a handcrafted feel that elevates cabinetry beyond traditional flat panels.

Fluted designs work beautifully in a variety of kitchens. In modern spaces, they create subtle movement and interest without overwhelming the clean aesthetic. In more traditional or transitional kitchens, they add a touch of old-world charm while still feeling fresh and contemporary. 

A project by Modern Twig (White slab and custom fluted hood cover)

💡 Style Tip: Try incorporating fluted panels on an island, a built-in hutch, or in this case, a cover for the kitchen hood, for an accent that stands out without overpowering the space.

4. Mixed-material pairings

In the previous decade, perfectly matching everything was key to a grandiose kitchen, now homeowners are starting to embrace the contrast between different textures and finishes. This creates a space that feels layered, personalized, and anything but cookie-cutter.

The project shown above showcases white shaker cabinets with a textured laminate wood island creating a light and inviting feeling.

Another popular pairing? Wood and concrete. Think golden oak or warm walnut cabinets paired with poured concrete countertops or concrete slab flooring for a modern-industrial look. The natural finish of these materials is inviting and timeless. 

💡 Style Tip: Not sure where to start? Try mixing materials in small doses—like making your island cabinets a different material from the perimeter cabinets or swapping out some upper cabinet doors with wood materials instead.

5. Handle-free and minimalist designs

Sleek, streamlined, and effortlessly modern—handle-free cabinetry continues to be a top trend in 2025. As homeowners lean into uncluttered and functional kitchen designs, push-to-open mechanisms and integrated handles are replacing traditional knobs and pulls for a clean, seamless look.

This kitchen cabinet trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Handle-free cabinets create a smooth, uninterrupted flow, making kitchens feel more spacious and refined. They’re especially popular in modern and contemporary spaces, where simplicity and efficiency go hand in hand.

💡 Style Tip: Want to keep things sleek without going fully handle-free? Try adding tab pulls to doors and drawer fronts for a minimal but practical approach. 

6. Statement hardware

While some homeowners are going fully handle-free, others are taking the opposite route—embracing bold, statement-making hardware. Cabinet handles and pulls aren’t just functional; they’re an essential design element that can completely transform the look of a kitchen.

Oversized pulls, sculptural knobs, and mixed-metal finishes are all on the rise. Brushed brass, matte black, antique bronze, and even polished nickel are some of the go-to finishes, adding contrast and personality to cabinetry. For those who love a vintage touch, bin pulls and exposed screws are making a comeback in modern-traditional kitchens.

💡 Style Tip: If you’re unsure about committing to a bold hardware trend, start with a statement finish—like brass or bronze—that pairs well with multiple cabinet colors. Hardware is one of the easiest ways to refresh your kitchen without a full remodel!

7. Bold color cabinets

While neutral kitchens will always have their place, bold colors are making a statement in 2025. Homeowners are moving away from all-white cabinetry and embracing deep greens, clay, and even dramatic black to add personality and contrast to their spaces.

Instead of committing to an entirely bold kitchen, many are choosing to introduce color in strategic ways—such as painting the island a different hue, opting for dark lower cabinets with lighter uppers, or using a deep, moody tone for a pantry or bar area. These rich colors add depth and sophistication while still feeling timeless.

💡 Style Tip: Want to experiment with bold cabinetry without going all-in? Try using color on just one element—like the island or a coffee nook—while keeping the rest of the kitchen neutral. It’s an easy way to dip into the trend without overwhelming the space.

8. Open shelving

Open shelves continue to gain popularity as homeowners move away from heavy upper cabinets in favor of a more airy, curated look. Whether it’s floating wood shelves, metal brackets, or glass-front cabinets, this trend adds warmth and personality to a kitchen.

It’s perfect for displaying beautiful dishware, cookbooks, or collected pieces while keeping everyday essentials within reach. To keep it from looking cluttered, many homeowners are mixing open shelves with closed storage for a balanced, functional design.

💡 Style Tip: Stick to a cohesive color palette when styling your shelves—neutral dishes, wooden accents, and a few decorative pieces will keep it looking intentional rather than chaotic.

9. Smart storage solutions

A beautiful kitchen is great, but a functional kitchen is even better. Smart storage is a must-have, with homeowners looking for ways to maximize every inch of space while keeping clutter out of sight.

Pull-out drawers for lower base cabinets are replacing traditional cupboards that are, sometimes, hard to access. Tall pantry storage, narrow pull-out spice racks, and built-in dividers keep everything neatly organized. Appliance garages are also trending, offering a sleek way to store microwaves, toasters, and mixers while keeping countertops clear.

Another growing style in kitchen cabinet trends? Pocket doors! Allow quick access to everyday small appliances while minimizing cabinet footprint and allowing them to be hidden away when guests come to town. 

💡 Style Tip: When planning a kitchen remodel, think beyond aesthetics—consider how you use the space daily and design cabinetry that works for your specific needs. Small upgrades like drawer organizers or pull-out trash bins can make a huge difference.

10. Traditional influences in a modern world

While traditional, shaker style kitchens are still popular, having a modern interpretation of these classics can add a touch of vintage to a modern space. 

Think, slim-shaker cabinetry. Slab style cabinetry can be a large leap for some designs. That’s where slim-shaker enters the chat. The modern take on the shaker style door. While showcasing the beauty and natural flow of the wood grain pattern, the added detail of a slim shaker construction framing each cabinet adds a level of depth and intrigue.

A Project by Modern Twig (Soapstone)

This shift isn’t just for older homes—the nostalgia trend is resonating with younger generations too. Ever noticed how turntables and film cameras suddenly made a comeback? As a result, this trend isn’t just a passing phase—it’s one we expect to stick around for a long time.

💡 Style Tip: Want to embrace a traditional feel without a full remodel? Swap out modern hardware for vintage-inspired knobs and pulls, or add a touch of beadboard to a kitchen island or open shelving for a subtle nod to the past.

Final Thoughts

In 2025 we’re seeing a break away from cookie-cutter kitchen cabinet trends and embracing personality, warmth, and function. Whether it’s the richness of natural wood, the boldness of deep colors, or the charm of vintage details, this year’s trends offer something for every style.

If you have a cabinet design in mind, you don’t have to start from scratch. With a little help from Modern Twig, we can transform your standard IKEA cabinets into a custom-looking kitchen—without the custom price tag.