Experts explain the growing tendencies in kitchen interior design from free-form islands, custom bars, and contrasting colors of warm and natural tones with bold backsplashes.
As kitchens remain the heart of modern homes, designers and architects are focusing on creating personalized spaces that reflect individual lifestyles while maintaining a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Free-form islands and custom home bars exemplify this trend, offering both versatility and style.
Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability and the desire to bring elements of nature indoors are influencing kitchen design choices of warm, natural hues. Interestingly, these warm, natural elements are contrasted with rich, inviting colors for expressive looks. Particularly, bold, statement-making backsplashes are emerging as a focal point in modern kitchens.
Free-form Islands and Custom Bars
Free-form kitchen islands and custom home bars are two emerging trends shaping modern interior design. According to Philip Consalvo, principal architect and founder of PJCArchitecture, kitchen islands no longer need to conform to conventional standards but can instead adapt to unique spaces and layouts. In a recent project on Cornelia Street in New York City, his team created an irregular, stone-shaped island to fit within a triangular apartment footprint, embracing the space’s uniqueness.
“When working with oddly shaped spaces, particularly these free-form islands, the most important thing is to think outside of the box,” Consalvo explained, emphasizing the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. “Creating sculpture can be wonderful, but architecture is more than just sculpture. We firmly believe that form should follow function.”
To enhance functionality, his team incorporated products like Häfele‘s pull-out pantry systems and sliding backsplash panels, as well as Rev-A-Shelf’s prefabricated cabinet inserts to optimize space.
Another growing trend is the demand for custom home bar solutions that seamlessly blend into living spaces while remaining functional and stylish.
“We will see a continued interest in them. Homeowners want the bar to be elegant and easily accessible, but also able to be hidden out of the way when they aren’t entertaining,” Consalvo noted.
In a project at West 79th Street, his team designed an integrated piece of millwork that incorporated both a bar and a kitchen banquette, accessible from different sides but forming a cohesive unit. Similarly, in a Columbus Avenue project, they created a paneled cube that cleverly concealed structural elements while housing a dry bar that seamlessly transitioned into the living space.
“Our aim was for the operable doors to look like solid panels when closed, with reveals serving as concealed door pulls,” he explained.
To achieve these sophisticated, adaptable designs, Consalvo relies on high-quality hardware and lighting solutions. Häfele’s pocket door systems allow bar panels to slide effortlessly out of sight, maintaining a clean aesthetic.
“Concealed hinges ensure that the adjacent doors blend into the surroundings when closed, maintaining a sleek, uninterrupted look,” he noted.
Additionally, thoughtful design elements such as LED strip lighting and veined stone slabs provide both aesthetic appeal and functional durability. These innovative approaches enable homeowners to maximize their living spaces with style and efficiency, reflecting the evolving demands of contemporary urban living.
Contrasting Colors: Warm, Natural Tones with Bold Backsplashes
After over a decade of cool hues dominating kitchen design trends—with shades like “millennial grey” leading the way—warmer, earth-inspired tones are making a strong comeback. Interior designers are increasingly turning to colors that evoke a connection to nature, bringing a sense of comfort and tranquility into modern kitchens.
“Earth tones and colors found in nature have been on the rise, but we will see them really dominating in 2025. Kitchens are leaning towards warmer colors, often rooted in earthy hues,” stated Shae Wilder, interior designer and director of Design Relations at BlueStar.
She highlights shades such as brown, green, deep burgundy, wine reds, and taupe as key players in this evolving palette. Even traditional all-white kitchens can embrace this trend by incorporating softer, nature-inspired hues like cream, taupe, and warmer greys.
Beyond paint choices, materials are also reflecting this shift toward nature-inspired design. Wilder notes that travertine—a type of terrestrial limestone often found around mineral springs—is gaining popularity for its organic appearance and subtle, natural veining.
“Travertine offers a softer, more understated look that pairs beautifully with these trending earthy tones,” she explains.
In contrast to the warm, natural color resurgence, bold backsplashes are emerging as a striking focal point in kitchen design. According to Kiara Perdomo, director of product development at Nemo Tile + Stone, homeowners are increasingly using backsplashes to make a statement and add personality to their spaces.
“We have been noticing more large-format tiles, mirrored finishes, and unique patterns that extend from counter to ceiling,” she says.
Large-format porcelain slabs with dramatic marble veining, such as Nemo Tile + Stone’s Dolcissima collection, offer a seamless and elegant look that unifies the space. These slabs not only provide a luxurious aesthetic but also boast durability and easy maintenance, making them a practical yet stylish choice.
“Bold veinings bring movement and sophistication, transforming the backsplash into a defining feature that elevates the entire kitchen ambiance,” Perdomo adds.
By combining warm, nature-inspired colors with daring backsplash designs, kitchens in 2025 are embracing a perfect balance of comfort and character, offering both timeless appeal and modern flair.
