Kitchen inspiration that's actually worth considering

I saw the most gorgeous terracotta kitchen cabinet on Instagram yesterday.

But would it work in my kitchen? Not a chance.

Here’s the thing about trends: they look amazing in photos, but copying them blindly can lead you straight into expensive regret.

Before you fall in love with that fluted island or bold green cabinetry, ask yourself:

Does this actually fit my existing space?
Am I choosing this because it suits me, or because I’ve seen it 47 times on TikTok?

The best kitchens borrow from trends—they don’t follow them.

So let’s look at what’s actually happening in kitchens right now. Not so you can copy everything, but so you can steal the bits that work for you.

Dining nooks are everywhere

Belle Frederick Projects (left) & Photo by Eve Wilson (right)

Those built-in banquettes you see tucked into kitchen corners?

They’re having a massive moment.

And for good reason.

Plus, they’re brilliant for smaller kitchens where every inch counts.

The restaurant vibe has shifted to a residential feel, and honestly, it works.

Timber is taking over

Line Solgaard Arkitekter (left) & Kim Kneipp (right)

Wood kitchens are back in a big way. Not the honey oak of the '90s.

Think rich, natural grains that bring actual warmth.

What makes timber brilliant?

It plays nicely with almost everything. Stone counters, coloured walls, metal fixtures. Wood just fits.

It’s like having a reliable friend who gets along with everyone at the party.

Fluted detail

Heju Studio (left) & HØLTE (right)

Fluting isn’t just for walls anymore. Now it’s on cabinet doors, islands, even furniture fronts.

The magic is in how it catches light differently throughout the day. A simple cabinet suddenly becomes sculptural.

But here’s my warning: fluting can look dated fast if overdone. Use it as an accent, not everywhere.

Stone backsplashes are going big

Folk Studio (left) & Crystal Sinclair Designs (right)

Marble, granite, soapstone, they’re climbing higher up the walls than ever.

The trick with stone?

Let it be the star.

Minimal hardware, clean lines, neutral tones.

Don’t make it fight with busy patterns or competing colours. One hero material per kitchen.

Colour is back

Studio Masson (left) & Maria Faller (right)

ARKITITO Arquitetura

Neutral kitchens aren’t going anywhere, but bold cabinetry is definitely having its moment.

Deep greens, navy blues, even rich terracotta.

But here’s my reality check: paint a test section first. Colour behaves differently in every space depending on light and placement.

I’ve seen too many people rush into a “perfect” kitchen colour only to hate it once it’s installed.

Antiques in modern spaces

Simon Brown (left) & Industville (right)

This might be my favourite trend. Mixing old pieces into sleek, modern kitchens.

Wooden chairs around a contemporary island. Vintage lighting over stone counters. A restored sideboard against minimalist walls.

It’s that contrast between old and new that makes a kitchen feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect.

Texture

Texture has been the story of 2025, but while it’s easy to add a cosy throw to a living room chair, the kitchen feels trickier.

The exciting shift? Lighting.

Pendants, sconces, and even table lamps with fabric shades are popping up everywhere, bringing warmth and tactile interest to kitchens that are traditionally all hard surfaces.

👇 Planning a kitchen remodel? Don’t make these common design mistakes.

Cheers,
Reynard