From supersized splashbacks to table islands and hidden pantries, here’s what’s hot in kitchen design right now, according to the experts
Words Róisín Carabine
1
DRENCHED IN DELFT
Traditional delft tiles are having a major design moment in kitchens this year. “We’re seeing a fresh interpretation where Delft isn’t just an accent but a statement, adorning entire surfaces with charm,” says Marlborough Tiles’ Jamie Rogg.
“Its timeless blue and white palette, paired with our intricate, handpainted designs brings both elegance and nostalgia to modern spaces.” Handmade Delft tiles, from €4.85 a piece, Marlboroughtiles.com
2
HIDE AND GO SEEK
With kitchens increasingly morphing into living spaces, the desire to make them ‘invisible’ is a trend that’s been steadily gaining traction.
This year, the focus is on “design solutions that seamlessly hide not just appliances and storage, but rooms, like pantries and utilities, out of sight, behind panels camouflaged in a wall of cabinets,” says Dave Fagan, director of Kube Kitchens. Kubeinteriors.com
3
SUPERSIZED STATEMENT SPLASHBACKS
Very much on trend, splashbacks are back in a big way. When not covering whole walls, they’re cascading down seamlessly into worktops, creating a waterfall effect.
“I love the drama of a full piece of stone,” says Amanda Plower, design consultant at Newcastle Design. “For me, the impact of a natural marble splashback is unmatched by any other material; its unique veining tells a story that is millions of years old.” Bespoke kitchen design with machia vechia marble splashback, Newcastledesign.ie
4
BIG IN JAPANDI, ALRIGHT
While some kitchen designs are destined to date, Japandi is proving its staying power with an evolved aesthetic for 2025. Championing the trend, German kitchen manufacturer Leicht’s stylish interpretation is a design that radiates warmth and naturalness.
“The exact proportions and geometric symmetry of this style, combined with a warmer, more lived-in aesthetic, is very easy on the eye,” says McNally Living’s senior design consultant, Mary Orr. Leicht Kyoto in Boreal Green and 100% alpine oak, from €40,000, Mcnallyliving.ie
5
PRETTY IN PLASTER PINK
When Millennial Pink reached peak popularity in 2017 it spelled the death knell for pink kitchens…until now. This year’s iteration is a pale, plaster hue, and we are here for it.
“Any room painted in this colour somehow feels like it's giving you a great big hug,” says Farrow & Ball’s colour curator, Joa Studholme. Walls, Templeton Pink; cabinets, Setting Plaster, Farrow-ball.com; Kitchen by British Standard.
6
TAKE ME TO THE (TABLE) ISLAND
If there’s one trend set to dominate kitchens, it’s the table island trend. 2025 is all about making kitchens feel more homely and “adding things that don’t traditionally belong… rugs, bookcases, (islands that feel like furniture)…encourages us to treat the space for relaxation and enjoyment.” says Georgina McKenzie, head of store design at Neptune. Borough island with solid Carrara marble top, from €4,400, Neptune.com
7
INVISIBLE EXTRACTION IS KEY
This kitchen ticks all the trends: curved cabinetry, terrazzo tiles, fluted finishes – ‘invisible’ extraction. A cooker hood that looks and performs just like a light is the very definition of invisible – in plain sight.
Designed by Emo Design Studio for Falmec, Vogue features a regenerable Carbon Zeo filtration system for absorption and vapour reduction with the option of remote control. Vogue by Falmec, Noeldempsey.com
8
IT’S PERSONAL (VERY)
With personalised kitchen design taking centre stage this year, don’t be afraid of extra touches that add individuality. This kitchen collab by Rhatigan and Hick and interior design Sara Cosgrove hits high: stained midnight blue eucalyptus cabinets in a marquetry starburst pattern trimmed with a boxwood inlay.
“Miller Brothers brought the extra wow with a fluted 50mm edge on the marble counter,” says Sara. Rhatiganandhick.ie; Sarahcosgrove.com
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Wine rooms that wow - from Mark Lohan Kitchens
Main image: deVol Kitchens
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