What's Cooking in Kitchen Design: See the Latest Trends


By Masonite

See the latest trends in kitchen design and how the right door can make a difference.

Organic Kitchens Social Media Trend

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home. It's a place where culinary creativity shines, loved ones come together in shared company, and many of us start our morning — thank you, coffee. But today our kitchens are expected to do even more. With trends like remote work continuing to be a large part of our culture, and as multigenerational homes continue to rise, the demand for multifunctional spaces has grown. 

As we move into 2025, kitchen trends are embracing these needs with styles that marry form and function in beautiful, innovative ways. With so many different designs and styles it can be hard to know where to start, so we put together this article to help you find the perfect design that matches your vision.

5 Trending Styles in Kitchen Design

As one of the most used and loved rooms of the house, the kitchen and its design are important for many homeowners. If you're ready for a kitchen renovation that showcases your style, here are some trends to consider that will both last the test of time and impress your guests.

1. The Organic Kitchen

Calm, soothing and cozy — the organic kitchen is becoming increasingly popular. Muted colors like soft beige, green and warm brown create a tranquil environment that welcomes you after a busy day. Primarily characterized by the use of natural elements like wood, stone and clay, organic kitchens promote a connection to nature.

In many organic kitchen designs, white oak has become particularly popular. One of the most durable hardwoods, white oak stands up to the demands of the kitchen and also provides a warm and inviting look. Due to its versatility and performance, white oak can be an excellent choice for both modern and contemporary kitchens.

an open kitchen with green cabinets, plants, brick and a 6 lite metal barn door that opens to a pantry

(pictured here: 6 Lite Metal Barn Door Kit)

One of the key features of any organic kitchen is its ability to blend seamlessly with other parts of the home. Elements like open shelving can add to the natural feel, but can also provide storage space. In an organic modern kitchen, you'll also see an emphasis on natural light. Large windows and glass doors allow sunlight from the outdoors to flow inside, creating a harmonious balance between interior design and the natural world.

2. The Brutalism Kitchen

Don't be scared by its name; brutalism in the kitchen can bring a unique beauty to your home. A style originally associated with architecture, brutalism in the kitchen is characterized by a monochromatic palette and a focus on industrial and raw materials such as concrete, steel and stone. If you're someone who appreciates minimalist design without sacrificing functional appeal, brutalism could be your perfect fit. Many designers incorporate natural elements like wood accents, plants and sustainable materials into brutalist kitchens to soften a stark look and create a balanced space that's both striking and livable.

an organic kitchen with oak cabinets and black double pantry doors with glass

(pictured here: Full Lite)

In brutalist kitchens, light is essential. These kitchens feel urban and modern and, as many brutalist style kitchens don't use bright colors, incorporating natural light into the space becomes even more important. Glass pantry doors bring a desirable softness that allows the passage of light to brighten up an otherwise cold space. Plus, with brass fixtures like knobs and door handles, a brutalist kitchen can become quite luxurious.

3. The Cottage Kitchen

Come on in! The cottage kitchen style is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, with features like painted kitchen cabinets, floral patterns and wood accents. For homeowners working with a bit smaller kitchen, this style is perfect, as it emphasizes making the most of available space with clever design choices.

an enclosed kitchen with floral wallpaper, light herringbone tile and 3/4 lite white kitchen door
Masonite 2 Panel 3/4 Lite

A cottage kitchen can bring to mind a feeling of simplicity and the comfort of country living, but modern homeowners can still get this feeling without compromising their needs. This traditional aesthetic can be captured while still incorporating state-of-the-art fixtures and appliances.

Traditional materials like painted wood or ceramics are common in a cottage kitchen and create a timeless look. To many of us, cottage kitchens feel like we're right at home.

4. The Oak Kitchen

Oak is making quite a strong comeback in kitchen design, especially in cabinetry. A staple in many homes in the '80s and '90s, oak lost ground to other trendy styles in the 2000s and 2010s. However, in recent years the use of oak has become more popular due to its style and performance.

a bright kitchen with oak cabinets, white countertops, brass fixtures and a 1/2 lite wood pantry door

(pictured here: 2 Panel Traditional Wood door with glass)

Favored for its strength, beauty and timeless design, oak elements work in a wide range of styles from traditional to modern kitchens. One of the most popular options, white oak is better at resisting stains and denting as opposed to other types of wood, which makes it a desirable choice for flooring in busy kitchens (new parents, we're looking at you). A white oak kitchen can bring a sense of grounding and permanence to any home. Since oak gets even more beautiful with time, using it in your kitchen is an investment in the future of your home.

5. Brass in the Kitchen

Looking to add a timeless, modern touch that can be personalized? Then look no further than brass. Recognized as a key element in today's kitchen design, this warm metal is often used for fixtures like handles, knobs and faucets. Brass is fantastic at creating an attention-grabbing contrast against common, cooler materials like marble or concrete. It also brings a sense of warmth to the kitchen that both softens the aesthetic and adds a layer of sophistication.

Homeowners are increasingly using brass to complete the look of their kitchens, incorporating it into pantry door handlesets, light fixtures and even as accents on cabinetry. Brass elements in a kitchen are a small detail that can have a big impact.

Other Trends You Need to Know

These styles are trending right now, but what other elements are making an impact in kitchen design? Homeowners are continuing to move toward designs that allow them to incorporate more natural light in their homes. In any of the trending styles we've discussed, features such as doors and windows can be utilized to allow for the flow of natural light between rooms and from the outdoors. The move toward enclosed kitchens also continues to gain traction.

For many years, open-plan kitchens soared in popularity, as homeowners opted for its enhanced flow. But as multifunctional rooms become more necessary, many homeowners are choosing to adopt styles that provide more practical benefits, like sound dampening and enhanced privacy.

This desire for practicality could also explain the move away from open storage. One of the bigger kitchen trends in recent years, open storage provided an aesthetically appealing option. However, the style comes at the expense of more sensible storage in the kitchen like cabinetry and pantries.

an enclosed kitchen with a 6 lite metal barn door separating the kitchen from main living spaces

Doors: The Secret Sauce to Kitchen Design

When it comes to enhancing function and beauty in your kitchen, doors can play a significant role. Selecting the right door for your design can provide privacy between the dining room and the kitchen, stronger sound dampening between rooms and enhancing flow for both energy and light. In most kitchens, the pantry door can be a focal point that offers homeowners an opportunity to make a statement.

Frontal view of a kitchen with green cabinets, marble countertops, modern art, stainless steel appliances and a closed craftsman grey solid core door to a kitchen pantry with plank and steel arch top molded panel and a silver round handle

(pictured here: Cheyenne 2 Panel)

From brutalist to organic and every design in between, having a door that complements your aesthetic can make your kitchen come alive. Here are some of the top pantry door styles that can take your kitchen from boring to bold.

3 Panel Traditional

Elegance meets architectural interest with the 3 Panel Traditional that's ideal for kitchens that blend traditional and modern elements like organic or cottage kitchens.

15 Lite

Allow the flow of light and bring transparency to your kitchen with a 15 lite door. This door style allows light to move between rooms, making your kitchen feel larger. A door like this is particularly effective in organic or brutalist kitchens looking to incorporate more light.

6 Lite Metal Barn Door

Bring home a more industrial look with the 6 Lite Metal Barn Door that offers a combination of ruggedness and style. Ideal for a brutalist kitchen or any space where you want to make a statement, this door adds a modern edge, while the glass panels keep the space feeling open and airy.

4 Panel Equal

Opt for an opaque (no glass version) of the 4 Panel Equal or a version with glass. This door is the perfect fit for any organic kitchen and, with glass, an option if you're looking to keep a traditional aesthetic while also benefiting from the flow of light in your home.

Finding Your Perfect Kitchen Design

Kitchen design has and will continue to evolve, reflecting broader trends and cultural influences. From the calming influence of organic kitchens to the bold statement of brutalism, today's kitchen styles are as diverse as they are beautiful. The resurgence of materials like oak and brass show a renewed appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, while emphasis on functionality ensures that a design doesn't sacrifice function for style.

a white kitchen with wood pantry door

(pictured here: 3 Panel Traditional Wood door)

Whether you're planning a complete kitchen remodel or just looking to update a few key elements, these trends can offer plenty of inspiration. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can create a kitchen that works for you and is also a reflection of your style. With the right design choices, your kitchen can be a place where you love to spend time, whether you're cooking, entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the heart of your home.

For more door inspiration, be sure to browse our interior door selection.

Last Updated: September 03, 2024