The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and in 2025, New Zealand homeowners are embracing fresh trends that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or a minor refresh, staying ahead of the latest kitchen design movements can help you create a stylish and practical space. Here’s what’s in and what’s out in New Zealand kitchen trends for 2025.
What’s In?
1. Natural Materials and Earthy Tones
New Zealand homeowners are increasingly drawn to natural materials such as timber, stone, and quartz. Warm, earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and sandy beige are replacing stark white kitchens. These colors and textures create a welcoming, nature-inspired ambiance, aligning with the country’s love for open plan living and the outdoors.
2. Smart Kitchens and Integrated Technology
Technology is becoming an essential part of modern kitchen design. Smart appliances, touchless faucets, Hydrotaps with instant boiling, chilled or sparkling filtered water, integrated charging stations, and hardware optimized for space, function, and flow are making kitchens more convenient and efficient. This not only allows for seamless cooking experiences but also creates a space that truly works for your lifestyle.
What will we see mainstream next? Voice-activated assistants and AI-powered in-home support.
3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices
Sustainability is a top priority for many New Zealand homeowners, and we are seeing a rise in the conscious client. This means increased interest in how materials are sourced, their composition, and the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Conscious clients are requesting 2-4 bins in custom designs so they can separate their recycling, general rubbish and compost. Clients are opting for energy-efficient lighting and appliances that reduce water and electricity usage. Additionally, many are investing in durable, antibacterial materials with excellent service and lifecycle warranties. Some homeowners are even relocating their existing kitchens to their bach as a way to upcycle while renovating both spaces.
At DJS Cabinetry, we work with a company that repurposes unwanted kitchens by sending them to the pacific islands. This initiative keeps kitchens out of landfills while providing others with functional spaces to bring people together.
4. Statement Splashbacks and Textured Tiles
Natural and stone splashbacks—whether a continuation of the benchtop or a real statement piece—elevate a kitchen’s design. A more cost-effective option is a textured tile, which instantly adds character and visual interest. While splashbacks serve a functional purpose, they also offer the opportunity to bring a unique and artistic touch to your kitchen space.
5. Open Shelving vs. Minimalist Cabinetry
Open shelving continues to gain popularity, blending practicality and style. Homeowners are opting for floating shelves to display curated dishware and decorative items. Meanwhile, sleek, handleless cabinetry creates a clutter-free and modern aesthetic. A mix of both works well, especially in a kitchen and scullery combination. Most of our kiwi clients don’t want to see clutter in their main kitchen areas, but in the scullery are happy to have everything visually accessible.
What’s Out?
1. All-White Kitchens
Maybe it’s a cabinet maker thing, but we love the clients who are willing to move away from a white kitchen. While white kitchens have been a timeless choice and a go-to in New Zealand, they are slowly being replaced by the vast options of color and texture available today. Clients are incorporating color and timber into their spaces for added warmth and visual interest.
2. Glossy Finishes
High-gloss acrylic cabinetry and countertops are becoming less desirable as homeowners shift towards more natural and matte finishes. Matte surfaces not only offer a modern, sophisticated look but also minimize fingerprints and smudges, making maintenance easier.
3. Overly Industrial Designs
While industrial aesthetics were once a dominant trend, harsh metals and exposed pipes are giving way to softer, more homely styles. Instead of stark industrial elements, homeowners are opting for a balance of modern and rustic, incorporating warm metals like brass and bronze. New Zealanders are also increasingly comfortable with adding shaker profiles or tongue-and-groove details to neutral-colored cabinetry.
4. Standard Stainless Steel Appliances
Although stainless steel appliances remain popular, more people are choosing integrated appliances that blend seamlessly with cabinetry and the overall palette. Some homeowners are embracing the variety of available finishes, such as matte black, tinted glass, navy, granite, ceramic, and even pastel-colored appliances and sinks.
New Zealand homeowners are creating spaces that are not only stylish but also highly functional and eco-friendly. Kitchen trends are fast-moving and always evolving. Creating a timeless space is paramount. In 2025, clients want a mix of smart technology and sustainability, both in terms of product choices and environmental considerations.
A custom kitchen allows homeowners to confidently experiment with color, materials, and textures while maximizing space, function, and flow. Whether you’re drawn to a nature-inspired aesthetic or cutting-edge technology, this year’s trends offer endless opportunities to personalize your dream kitchen.