Whether you're embarking on a full renovation or simply looking to refresh your space, the key to a successful kitchen makeover lies in choosing design elements that not only look great but also stand the test of time.
We caught up with Laings’ Creative Director, Mark Strachan, to explore the top kitchen design trends for 2025, offering inspiration to help you create a space that’s as enduring and functional as it is beautiful…
With Mocha Mousse being announced as The Pantone Colour of the Year, it’s no wonder that earthy tones remain one of the top trends as we enter the new year.
Green is also still one of the most popular colour choices for furniture, with olive tones growing in popularity. These hues bring a natural, calming feel to the kitchen, blending beautifully with timber and stone surfaces.
Mark shares his take on this year’s most popular colour palette; “Warm, earthy tones have become much more prevalent in recent years, and are a clear move away from cooler, grey tones and manmade textures, such as concrete.”
Brass hardware is a timeless and versatile choice, seamlessly enhancing both neutral and vibrant colour schemes. Its warm, golden tones add a touch of luxury to any kitchen style - from sleek, modern industrial to charming farmhouse. One of the simplest ways to incorporate brass is through your choice of handles or knobs, but it can also be introduced through taps, lighting fixtures and accessories.
Mark says; “Subtle matte warm metallics are increasingly popular in brassware and hardware – Hacker’s new bronze colour handles and framework work beautifully with natural wood effect or veneer timber finishes, and are consistent with the draw towards more warm colour palettes.”
Adding texture to the kitchen brings a new level of dimension and depth, giving the space a more thoughtfully curated, bespoke feel. Whether it’s through fluted panels, reeded glass door fronts, or quartz stone worktops, combining different textures creates striking contrasts between surfaces, adding both interest and personality to your kitchen.
Mark says; "Layering texture in the kitchen brings a dynamic relationship of sight and touch. From the refined depth of fluted finishes to the subtle elegance of reeded glass and the contrast of layered worktops, each element adds a tactile richness that elevates both the look and feel of the space. The most obvious way to introduce texture is through the use of natural materials such as timber; this could be a striking veneer door front or a chunky butcher block paired with sleek Silestone quartz worktops.”
The demand for smart kitchens is growing rapidly as homeowners seek more convenience and efficiency in their daily routines. Innovative appliances, like instant boiling taps, integrated sound systems, adjustable lighting and concealed charging outlets, are becoming increasingly common. Introducing modern technology will not only save time but also enhance functionality, making kitchens more efficient, user-friendly and tailored to the everyday needs of modern living.
Mark highlights his take on smart kitchens; "Advancements in technology not only enhance our convenience and functionality but also offer sustainable solutions, like the Quooker tap, which uses just 10 Watts to maintain a regulated water temperature. By providing chilled, filtered and sparkling water on demand, it significantly reduces our reliance on plastic bottles, making it a smart choice for both modern living and the environment.”
Creating functional yet beautiful, curated stations - such as individual coffee, breakfast, or drinks stations - has become a standout trend. This approach balances the desire for sleek, integrated and hidden appliances, with the growing popularity of showcasing statement pieces, such as high-end coffee machines. The result is a kitchen that’s perfectly organised - where appliances are seamlessly integrated or thoughtfully displayed.
Mark shares his thoughts on this new kitchen solution; “Practical stations - such as pantries, bars and breakfast stations - have been growing in popularity recently. Whether on display or hidden behind neat bi-fold doors, these handy spaces allow for better ease and functionality to fit with how you use the space.”
Kitchen islands have been a popular feature for years, providing a natural separation between cooking and living areas while also offering an efficient way to utilise floor space in larger kitchens. For 2025, the trend is evolving into the combination island - a multifunctional centerpiece that integrates extra worktop space, a casual dining area and clever storage solutions. This versatile piece combines practicality and style, serving as the central hub of the kitchen.
Mark says; “Undoubtedly one of the most frequent requests from our customers. The kitchen island is at the heart of the home, a multifunctional hub where cooking, preparation, work, and socialising seamlessly come together, creating a space that fosters both functionality and connection.”
Ready to design your dream kitchen in 2025? Visit the Laings showroom in Inverurie to browse our fabulous displays and chat with our expert in-house design team. Or, find out more about how we can bring your vision to life with our kitchen design process…
