5 Kitchen Cabinet Trends on Their Way Out Right Now (and 2 Taking Their Place)

Want to transform your kitchen from a ho-hum part of the home to a trendy destination? Elevate those everyday elements, starting with your kitchen cabinets. You might use cabinets to store bowls or conceal countertop appliances, but let’s not forget they’re also packed with style potential. (I mean, haven’t you oohed and ahhed about cabinetry splashed in a trendy hue?)

Sure, revamping cabinets can make your kitchen feel current, but the opposite is also true: Older features and finishes can make your room feel outdated. With 2025 more than halfway over, I started to wonder about the kitchen trends that are nearing their expiration. Which details aren’t exactly aging like a fine wine? And what should replace them? To help answer these questions, I tapped a few design pros to share the cabinet trends on the way out — and what’s poised to take their places. 

No, it’s not your imagination: The design industry is giving cool-toned cabinets the cold shoulder. “We’re seeing homeowners move away from the cooler, ‘millennial gray’ tones of the past decade, leaning instead toward warmer, nature-inspired hues,” says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Fabuwood.

Cooler, starker shades are a hallmark of yesteryear’s preference for minimalism, but now? It’s all about layered, lived-in interiors — and color palettes that offer the same vibe. “Rich wood finishes, soft taupes, and even muted greens are adding depth and warmth to kitchens while maintaining a timeless feel,” Kelly predicts.

Make no mistake, Shaker cabinets are classic for a reason. Thanks to their paneled fronts, this look is timeless but has more personality than, say, a slab style. However, Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley says Shaker cabinets are due for a makeover. “The classic, chunky farmhouse version is starting to feel a little tired,” the Virginia-based designer admits. 

Instead, Gruver says to expect Shaker cabinets with smaller and subtler details. “We’re updating the look by either adding a subtle inner detail — like a cove or bevel — or by slimming down the Shaker rails and stiles,” she shares. “That thinner perimeter gives it a more tailored, contemporary feel without losing the timeless appeal clients still love.”

Color- and pattern-drenching might be all the rage in the rest of your home, but in the kitchen? It’s all about variety. “This year, the love for mixed materials continues to grow,” shares Jacqueline Goncalves, founder of California-based firm Moksa Design. “Painted uppers paired with warm wood or darker lowers help ground the space.” 

Speaking of your cabinet’s hardware, Goncalves says it might be time to rethink your knobs and pulls. “Clunky hardware is also on the way out,” she says. “When hardware is used, it’s often treated like jewelry: minimal, sculptural, and beautifully considered.” 

Just because designers are starting to favor kitchens layered in color and texture, doesn’t mean everything needs to be to-the-max maximalist. For a barely-there hardware effect, you might consider slim brass knobs or integrated pulls. 

Open shelves might look nice when perfectly merchandized, but in reality? They’re more of a nuisance. “It’s just a dust magnet and a fast track to clutter central,” says Florida-based designer Susan Lin. “Unless you want to spend your weekends styling and dusting those shelves (spoiler: You probably don’t!), it’s time to move on.” 

According to Marcia Bryan, the design world will start to see a lot more closed storage solutions. “This transition is complemented by the resurgence of darker wood tones, bringing warmth and a touch of sophistication to both kitchens and bathrooms,” shares the California-based designer. “It’s a cozy, stylish transformation that redefines modern kitchen design.”

Like I said before, these days, it’s all about texture in the kitchen: from the rise of stone and zellige tile backsplashes to bold marble countertops and beyond. Look for cabinet fronts with fluted or ribbed details. “These sculptural surfaces catch the light, add movement, and bring a sense of tailored precision to the room,” says Texas-based designer Lauren Saab. “This is cabinetry that is designed to be seen, not just filled.”

If you like the airiness that open shelves offer, Lin has a solution: Opt for glass-fronted cabinets … with a trendy textural twist. “Think reeded glass for that dreamy, vintage-meets-modern vibe, or go bold with French grill fronts if you want your kitchen to whisper Parisian chic,” she says. “These beauties give you style and practicality: Your dishes stay gorgeous, your shelves stay clean, and you still get to show off a little.” The best of both worlds? Talk about a *chef’s kiss.*

If you’re going to be experimenting with different textures, why not throw some eye-catching colors into the mix? Lin says an all-white palette is not giving 2026 energy. To feel more fresh, consider jewel tones that are on the warmer end of the color spectrum. “Dive into rich, moody colors that feel luxe,” she says. “Sultry navy, maybe even a little plum if you’re feeling daring.” For a perfectly power-clashed result, finish with brass hardware or a crown molding detail.