2025's small kitchen trends are all about adding style and a sense of luxury to a bijou space. While you might not have room for a large kitchen island or a double sink, there are plenty of inspiring ways to elevate your scheme.
Designing a small kitchen comes with its challenges, but there are so many kitchen trends this year that cater to smaller rooms. From luxurious materials to thoughtful design choices, there are plenty of features to give your small space a wow factor.
Here, we've selected the best expert-approved small kitchen trends that are expected to dominate in 2025 – and there's something for every style, space, and budget.
6 small kitchen trends for 2025
If you have a small kitchen and are looking for some decorating ideas to give it a new lease of life, these are for you. From color trends to kitchen backsplash designs, these expert ideas prove that small rooms are the perfect opportunity to embrace the latest kitchen trends.
1. Layered designs
The desire for cozy, lived-in style will continue into 2025, and small kitchens can truly benefit from this design aesthetic. Rather than cold, harsh lines, introduce a mixture of colors and textures for a more visually interesting space.
'A small kitchen can really showcase exciting trends such as the trend for using bolder colors and textures within a kitchen,' Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.
'Layering is the buzzword for 2025 and this is achieved wonderfully in a small kitchen by using different contrasting colors and textures, such as reeded panels and mixing materials. This really 'pops' a design to make a statement with kitchen design.'
2. Textured wood
Wood kitchens have been making a comeback this year – and they'll undoubtedly still be popular into 2025. But in particular, textured wood with prominent veining will be at the forefront of small kitchen trends.
'Kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and hardware are being considered far more as a deep dive into design to showcase personality, and bespoke kitchens certainly enable the client to embrace this,' says Jayne.
'Textured timber back panels within the kitchen such as for a wall cabinet really showcases this statement material. You don't need too much of this for it to look fabulous and can work with really any color whether you want a bolder or more tranquil scheme,' she adds.
3. Matching countertops and backsplashes
There are a lot of design decisions to make, even in a small kitchen. But trends in 2025 are looking at how you can blend striking features and create a sense of cohesion. And one of the trending ways to do it is by using the same stone on your kitchen countertops and backsplash.
'In a small kitchen, consider a white marble-inspired worktop and slab splashback. This seamless, on-trend look creates an open space without any disconnect. A feeling of expansiveness will be achieved and result in the room appearing and feeling larger than it really is,' says Mor Krisher, head of product design at Caesarstone.
Interior designer Nicole Lanteri adds: 'We love working with natural materials like marble, soapstone, quartzite on countertops, and running those up on the wall as a backsplash, instead of tile. It makes a kitchen feel more luxurious and polished, while also making it feel bigger, more cohesive, and interesting. Functionally, it is easier to clean, too!'
4. Large format tiles
Tiles are a big design feature in kitchens, and in small kitchen trends, the bigger the better. 'Recently, we saw a clear shift towards larger format tiles in residential settings,' says Dana Berkowitz, designer at Nemo Tile + Stone.
'Homeowners seem to be moving away from smaller tiles, largely due to the desire to reduce the amount of grout they need to clean and maintain.'
As well as the practical elements, larger tiles give a small kitchen the illusion of greater space, ideal if you want to create a more open, airy atmosphere in a bijou scheme.
5. Two-tone color schemes
When it comes to choosing small kitchen colors, in 2025, designers explain the benefits of a two-tone kitchen, in place of an all-white look which is often seen in small kitchens in an attempt to make the space feel bright and open.
Interior designer Melissa Read explains that opting for a more adventurous color scheme can be more effective in these small spaces: 'Explore two-tone kitchen designs by embracing contrasts in kitchen flooring, cabinet fronts, and worktops.'
'A common mistake in compact kitchens is the overuse of light colors throughout. Avoid this overwhelming ‘whitewash’ effect by opting for two-toned kitchen cabinet fronts, playing with contrasting colors or textures for a more considered and dynamic look,' she adds.
6. Moody colors
A standout kitchen trend we're seeing more generally this year is decorating with deep and dark hues to create a moody look. It's no surprise then to see this embraced in small kitchens, too. Dark hues can be most effective in small spaces that have limited natural light, creating a cozy feel.
'After many years of white kitchens, people are taking more creative risks with darker kitchens and painted cabinets. In addition to having more interest and whimsy, a darker, moodier kitchen can feel more extensive,' explains Nicole.
There are many on-trend dark colors to try out in a small kitchen, such as forest green for a nature-inspired, sophisticated look. If you're feeling brave, decorate with black to make a bold statement, as shown above in a kitchen designed by Nicole Lanteri Design.
However restricted space is in your kitchen, take inspiration from these trends to create a stylish space this year. Whether you want to channel trending dark paint ideas or add rustic decor to make your space feel more cozy, there are lots of ideas to explore.
