Top Kitchen Trends From the 2025 NKBA Design Awards

The National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA) is the world’s leading authority in kitchen and bath design, always at the cutting edge of industry trends. Last month, we shared the top bathroom trends that inspired us. Now, let’s take a look at the winners of their 2025 Kitchen Design Competition—and the design elements that caught our eye.

Here’s the top kitchen trends that stood out to us.

Best overall Kitchen & First Place Small Kitchen: “Breckinridge Kitchen”

  • Marble backsplash with a built-in shelf ledge
  • Classic checkered floors
  • Undermount sink with apron front—you’ll see this sink style in several of the winning designs.

Small Kitchen, Second Place: “Parkway Kitchen”

Wall of kitchen cabinet with large farmhouse sink and windows

Kitchen with Rohl Shaws farmhouse sink and custom pull-out paper towel holder

Refrigerator area in French country kitchen with small custom island and pantry in background

A Wolf range surrounded by cabinets in a traditional kitchen

  • Wood feature at the range hood—it’s becoming more common to see statement range hoods like this in kitchens
  • Integrated lighting within trim work above the sink
  • Custom trim details on cabinetry

Small Kitchen, Third Place: “Evanston”

  • Invisible appliances and fridge hidden in cabinetry
  • Mix of wood stain and painted finishes
  • Under-shelf lighting on corner display
  • Built-in wine captain (O Captain, My Captain!)

Large Kitchen Winners

Large Kitchen, First Place: “West”

  • Paneled ceiling to add warmth and texture
  • Built-in spice racks flanking the range
  • Marble everywhere—counters, backsplash, and walls!
  • Unique stain/paint combo with lit display storage

Large Kitchen, Second Place: “Bailey”

  • Dramatic full marble wall
  • Table-style island blends function and casual dining

Large Kitchen, Third Place: “Sea Glass”

  • Apron front sink
  • Appliance garage and hidden appliances
  • Hood feature made from 100-year-old barn wood

Which of these kitchen trends—from the 2025 NKBA design competition—are you loving?

All photos courtesy of NKBA. Submit a design request to start creating your dream kitchen with Kirkendall Design today.