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The heart of the home is undergoing a transformation in 2025, with exciting trends emerging that combine functionality, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics. Brittany McNab, founder of Fifteen Twelve Home Co., shares her predictions and insights into what’s shaping modern kitchen design. “It’s about choosing finishes and fixtures that look good and work well for your lifestyle,” Brittany explains. Homeowners today are carefully evaluating how they will use their kitchens daily, ensuring that every choice—from countertops to storage solutions—is both practical and stylish.

This year’s kitchens, according to Brittany McNab, are all about embracing natural materials that feel grounded and timeless. She predicts a strong return to warm, rich wood tones for cabinetry and the use of stone veneer backsplashes to add both texture and character. Countertops are also evolving, with Brittany forecasting a shift away from crisp white surfaces toward darker shades like black, grey, and beige. These colors, she notes, bring a refined sophistication to kitchens while being more practical for everyday use.

Brittany also notes that sustainability is no longer just about eco-friendly materials; it’s about designing kitchens that stand the test of time. She emphasizes that homeowners today are looking for kitchens that will last 15 to 20 years, rather than needing a refresh every decade. “People really want their kitchens to either serve them for a long time or remain an asset when they go to sell,” she explains.

This mindset has led to a renewed focus on quality materials—ones that have proven their durability over decades. Warm, earthy tones like taupe, greige, and beige are dominating color palettes, offering a comforting and safe aesthetic that feels timeless. While all-white kitchens remain a classic option, many homeowners are opting for wood cabinets or darker stones to bring a more intimate, enveloping atmosphere to their spaces.

And no, open-concept kitchens aren’t going anywhere, according to Brittany McNab. They remain the ideal layout for fostering connection and collaboration. “Open concept kitchens allow us to stay connected to our household or guests while we do what we need to in the kitchen—whether preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering,” she explains. “They just work.” While kitchens remain open, other spaces like offices, studies, and family rooms are increasingly being closed off to create quieter, more private areas for personal time. This balance reflects how modern homes are adapting to diverse needs, with kitchens taking on an even greater role as multifunctional hubs.

This shift in functionality has inspired thoughtful design choices, particularly in storage solutions. Brittany notes that traditional lower cabinets with doors and shelves are being replaced by drawers, which offer more accessible and organized storage. From dedicated spaces for baking tools to appliance garages for hiding countertop clutter, storage in 2025 is becoming highly personalized, ensuring every kitchen functions as efficiently as it looks.

For homeowners working within a budget, Brittany advises focusing on high-impact choices that mimic the look of luxury without the price tag. She recommends being patient and creative, whether that means shopping for natural-looking quartz countertops, scouring resale outlets like FB Marketplace, or visiting the Restore for affordable renovation materials. “It’s not an easy task,” Brittany admits, “but finding the right balance is an art.”

“The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Brittany says, “and it needs to function well to improve the quality of life.” The trends of 2025 reflect a deeper understanding of how kitchens are used—today, tomorrow, and twenty years from now. By prioritizing longevity, thoughtful design, and a warm, welcoming aesthetic, homeowners can create spaces that truly serve them for years to come. For more insight, information and tips on how you can renovate your kitchen or home in 2025, head down to the Calgary Renovation Show happening January 10-12, 2024 at the BMO Centre! Connect with amazing experts like Brittany McNab, who can help you kickstart your New Year projects and keep them on track.