Time and again, our customers tell us that the kitchen is the heart of their home. Whether it’s a quick coffee in the morning, those endless check-ins asking when dinner will be ready, a cheeky midnight raid of leftovers à la Nigella Lawson, or hosting friends and family for lively gatherings, the kitchen is always buzzing with life.
But just like our lives, kitchens are ever-evolving. They adapt, transform, and reflect how we live today. To stay ahead of the curve, we sat down with one of our design gurus, Kristina Orban, to uncover the top kitchen trends to watch for in 2025.
Bold for stone
For years, kitchen design played it safe, sticking to simple, monochromatic styles dominated by white tones with timber accents. But according to Kristina, next year is all about stepping out of that comfort zone.
“It’s been very understated for a while, but in 2025, I think people are ready to make bolder choices,” she says. “One major trend we’re seeing is the use of striking stone finishes. Think veiny, highly detailed stone for benches and splashbacks, turning them into true statement pieces. They’re going to be huge.”
Look no further than Caesarstone’s Statuario Maximus or Aterra Blanca for the ultimate in statement-making surfaces. These striking, vein-rich stones instantly elevate a kitchen's aesthetic, adding drama and sophistication to benchtops and splashbacks alike.
Joinery the dots
Kitchen cabinetry is getting a fresh new look for 2025, says Kristina. “One big trend we’re noticing is the introduction of more playful and intriguing joinery details, especially on cabinet doors,” she explains.
“They’re reinventing the classic shaker profile. The traditional wide-edge panelling is being replaced with a slimmer, more contemporary frame, giving cabinetry a sleek and modern edge. It’s a subtle change, but it completely updates the overall aesthetic.”
One to watch? The Settler profile from Laminex in a 10mm profile. This is a thin shaker profile, a way of bringing a contemporary twist to a traditional profile
Textural finishes are also making waves in kitchen design. “We’re seeing a lot more fluted doors with their visually striking and tactile ridged finish,” Kristina shares.
“This style adds depth and character to kitchens that might otherwise feel flat or plain. It’s a simple detail that elevates the entire space. You can use it subtly, like on the back of an island bench, or go bold by incorporating it across overhead cabinetry.”
Timber tops
When it comes to joinery, Kristina predicts that 2025 will bring a surge in layered timber finishes for kitchens.
“In the past, we often saw timber used sparingly, like for overhead cabinets paired with a white base,” Kristina explains. “Now, we’re seeing more of that beautiful timber grain in a layered, timber-on-timber look. For example, combining oak with a charcoal grain creates a stunning contrast that feels cohesive.”
Laminex's Classic Oak and Battalion finishes are a dream pairing for this trend, delivering that perfect fusion of warmth and mood. Classic Oak’s natural woodgrain effect plays beautifully against the deeper, more dramatic Battalion finish, offering a dynamic, layered look that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
Interestingly, oak and charcoal work so well together precisely because of their differences. “Oak is rich with detail and texture, while charcoal has a more subdued grain,” Kristina explains. “That contrast creates a harmonious balance - they don’t compete but complement each other beautifully.”
Native timbers are also gaining popularity. “We’re seeing more Australian ash, spotted gum, and blackbutt being used in both flooring and joinery,” Kristina adds. “These timbers perfectly capture the contemporary country aesthetic that Australians adore, bringing warmth and character to modern kitchen designs.”
“It’s about drawing inspiration from our landscape and bringing that into our homes,” Kristina says. “Using native timbers creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere that perfectly suits the Australian lifestyle. It reflects our love for that cosy yet seamless indoor/outdoor vibe.”
Islands in the scene
Island benches, which have leaned toward solid, blocky designs in recent years, are set for a revamp in 2025, according to Kristina.
“We’re moving away from the straight, block-like waterfall benches where the stone cascades down the sides,” she says. “Instead, we’re seeing a return to curved edges, which add softness and flow to the design. Most excitingly, the breakfast bar is making a comeback, turning the island bench into more than just a workspace - it becomes an additional piece of furniture and a casual dining spot.”
Kristina suggests adding personal touches to this feature. “You can incorporate details like steel, stone, or stained-timber legs, giving the bench a unique character and charm.”
Colour in
While white will always have its place, Kristina has observed a shift toward more vibrant kitchen palettes. “People are becoming bolder with their colour choices,” she says. “We’re seeing more clay, terracotta, and green shades making their way into kitchens. Bold blocks of colour are definitely making a comeback.”
The boldest of them all? Laminex’s Green Slate and Winter Sky finishes. These rich, nature-inspired hues offer a fresh take on coloured cabinetry, giving kitchens depth, personality, and a bespoke finish. Green Slate's deep, grounding green creates a sense of calm and connection to nature, while Winter Sky's soft, moody blue-grey tone feels contemporary yet timeless.
Matte attracts
After a strong focus on shiny finishes in recent years, Kristina notes that the trend is shifting toward matte for kitchens in 2025.
“We’ve had our time with polished surfaces, and now we’re gravitating toward matte finishes, moving away from that high shine and metallic detailing,” she explains. “While whites will always have a place, we're moving beyond neutral tones, with warmer hues taking the lead. This warmer palette is going to define the look of kitchens in 2025.”
Wine time
The delineation between a home bar and the kitchen is dissolving as we head into 2025, Kristina tips. “People are really embracing the idea of incorporating open bars and wine rooms into their kitchens,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be a huge addition - sometimes it’s as simple as a cut-out in the wall next to the kitchen. It’s a fun, functional way to elevate the kitchen into a true entertainer’s space.”
Back to the future
Sometimes to move forward, you have to embrace your past. That’s always been the case with great design, paying tribute to what’s gone before and building on it. “We’re seeing the country kitchen look make a strong return, along with that relaxed coastal cool style,” Kristina says. “What’s also making a comeback is the mid-century Palm Springs aesthetic, which is really sparking excitement among homeowners once again.”
If you're needing some more inspo to get those creative cogs turning, head on over to our Gallery and explore the hundreds of beautiful images we have on show.
