These are the outdated kitchen cabinet trends designers say you should ditch in 2025

The way we design kitchens has seen a shift over the past few years. There's more desire for a cozy, lived-in space than ever before, with homeowners and designers alike looking for new ways to bring character into cooking spaces.

And as one of the largest features, kitchen cabinet trends this year are the most coveted ever. But while there are plenty of must-have designs, there are just as many outdated ones you'll want to avoid.

So, what's different this year compared to 2024? From fussy paint finishes to last year's trends that have proved rather impractical, designers recommend you stay away from these outdated cabinet designs if you want a timeless, elevated kitchen.

6 outdated kitchen cabinet trends to avoid in 2025

There are so many kitchen cabinet styles that are widely considered timeless and eternally on-trend, but others are fleeting, quickly becoming dated. And there are a few kitchen cabinet designs that were big trends in 2024 but have now fallen out of favor. According to experts, these are the 6 to avoid.

1. All-white cabinets

If you haven't already heard, the all-white kitchen is out of trend for 2025. Gone are the days when full runs of stark cabinetry reigned supreme – instead, opting for warm neutrals or even wood finishes is the go-to.

'While timeless in theory, an entirely white kitchen can feel stark and lack depth. Instead, introducing contrasting materials such as a wooden kitchen island or natural oak base cabinets paired with painted wall cupboards adds warmth and character,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

There are still so many designs that give you a bright, neutral space. This kitchen features white upper cabinets and textured wood lower cabinets – the overall scheme is still neutral but with much more warmth and texture.

2. Cabinet skirts

Last year was the year of skirted designs. From bathrooms to kitchens, cabinet skirts became the go-to way to add color, texture, and unexpected detail to schemes – it had us all questioning: Should we replace our cabinet doors with curtains? But it seems the novelty has worn off.

'The use of a curtain door in a kitchen started to be incorporated into designs, however, we are seeing this trend becoming rapidly outdated. It may look quaint, but is totally impractical in a kitchen,' says Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.

'A much better option is simply to have a door! If you want to introduce a bit more interest, then a different material such as reeded glass can be used for the center panel,' she suggests.

3. Ultra-matte cabinet finishes

There has been a real shift over the past few years towards really matte finishes throughout the home, especially on kitchen cabinets. But Lauren describes it as 'a practical challenge, particularly for homes with children or pets.'

So it's perhaps no surprise that it's an outdated kitchen cabinet trend for 2025. 'This finish tends to show every fingerprint and scuff, making upkeep difficult. A softer sheen or lightly textured finish allows natural light to reflect more beautifully, adding depth,' says Lauren.

This blue and white kitchen is a stylish example – a slightly glossier finish on the cabinets really elevates the design while helping to bounce a bit of extra light around the room.

4. A full run of built-in kitchen cabinets

In an aim to make kitchens more unique, there's a shift away from fully built-in designs. 'The DIY kitchen aesthetic is surging in popularity in 2025, as vintage finds and characterful interiors make their way into every part of our homes,' says Olivia Sauerwein, Wayfair's resident style advisor and art director.

'This look is less 'make-do-and-mend' and more of a movement away from cookie-cutter kitchen packages and towards sustainable design. Instead of fixed cabinets, opt for standalone furniture pieces, such as a reclaimed table instead of a kitchen island, or a butcher's block for an industrial vibe.'

Now, we're not suggesting you rip out all of your built-ins and start fresh with a freestanding kitchen, but adding one or two pieces of freestanding furniture will make a huge difference and add a bit of visual interest.

5. Non-integrated appliances

While you might not usually consider appliances to fall into kitchen cabinet trends, there's no denying that non-integrated appliances break up the cabinetry and add visual divides, whether it's your fridge and microwave or smaller countertop appliances.

But this year is all about seamless design, with non-integrated appliances considered a more outdated choice. 'A growing preference for seamless, uncluttered kitchens means fewer visible appliances,' says Lauren.

'Instead, we are increasingly designing bespoke cabinetry with integrated electrical supply, allowing clients to keep coffee makers, toasters, and kettles neatly tucked away in breakfast stations or appliance garages.'

6. Kitchen cabinets all in the same color

This year, cabinet trends are moving away from the uniform kitchen, with more dynamic material and color choices taking center stage, leaving one-tone kitchen cabinets feeling decidedly outdated.

'The trend for perfectly matching wall and lower kitchen cabinets is giving way to more personalised and bespoke approaches, whether through the choice of materials, colors, and even smaller details such as hardware finishes,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

'The uniform look, while classic, can sometimes feel flat or uninspired. Look to contrast different materials and use two-tone colour schemes with open shelving, glazed, and full-closed cabinets. Visually, it creates so much interest, breaking up a space and also allowing you to fully personalise your kitchen.'

There seems to be a real theme running through outdated kitchen cabinet trends this year. It's all about avoiding (and fixing) designs that lack character and unique appeal – as well as a few that are essentially reversing those DIY jobs from last year! Whether you mix freestanding furniture into your kitchen or paint a few of your cabinets for a more interesting two-tone kitchen design, there are plenty of expert-approved fixes!