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Kitchen and bathroom trends

22 Jan 2025

The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) have released the latest kitchen and bathroom trends for the year ahead. Whether you follow what’s trending or not, there’s no denying that these timeless design choices can work well in any home. Let’s take a look at how you can achieve these in your own home with Resene paints and woodstains.  

Kitchen trends 

The leading kitchen designers have weighed in and shared what they predict will be on trend in kitchens in the year to come. Hosted by NKBA, the 2025 Trends Survey showed that homeowners can expect to see timber kitchens, with porcelain benchtops in soft neutral tones, all wrapped up in a modern contemporary style.  

Walnut and oak will be the primary cabinetry trend in kitchen design with 38% of designers surveyed suggesting that timber will be everywhere. 

“There is something so gorgeously warm about timber in the kitchen,” says Maria Pomeroy of Maria Pomeroy Interiors. “Walnut for instance, has a beautiful grain and there is such a lovely variation within the timber. It is a very popular choice with homeowners.”  

For the benchtop, NKBA members say this will be the year of porcelain in soft neutral tones.  More than 40% of designers surveyed said that porcelain was their benchtop material of choice and that they will be specifying the top in soft neutral tones and deep earthy colours. 

Jess Beavon of Millbrook Kitchens says soft neutrals are timeless and tend to be more marketable for homeowners who want to sell in the not-too-distant future. “Many of our clients are moving away from the darker colours and are looking to embrace a more organic, lighter, natural feel to their kitchen space,” she says. “A lighter tone creates an illusion of a larger space, and it has a more timeless appeal.” 

For splashback design, NKBA designers predict the splashback will be a continuation of the benchtop and will be seamless up the wall. “At the end of the day, a seamless benchtop and splashback is super easy to clean, aesthetically beautiful, and allows the benchtop to be showcased further through its vertical display,” says Nicola Manning of NM Design. “It is a trend that is here to stay.” 

For the overall aesthetic of kitchens, NKBA designers suggest that a modern contemporary kitchen is going to be on trend with integrated appliances, a large kitchen island and plenty of storage on the wishlist for all new kitchens.  

Let’s take a look at some designs that feature timber and neutral tones: 


This kitchen features timber through panelling across the island, on bar stools, as well as on the cabinets. It's the perfect complement to the Resene Half Milk White thatis painted onthe walls, ceiling and trims. The neutral benchtop and backsplash work well into the gentle, earthy colour scheme creating a relaxed and inviting space. Design and images by Kelly Wright Interiors, build by Pritchard Builders. 


Similar tones are featured in this kitchen yet reversed, with white cabinetry in Resene Double Rice Cake and thesplashback in a light timber. The vein-cut Classico travertine benchtop and elegant décor make this kitchen truly special. Design by design Marylou Sobel Interior Design, image by Anson Smart. 

Bathroom trends  

NKBA says that in recent years, the bathroom has become a statement piece of any home. No longer an afterthought, homeowners are utilising designers to create functional and brilliantly appointed bathrooms. 

NKBA designers predictbathrooms will embrace earthy and neutral aesthetics, alongside a luxurious and relaxing vibe. Nicola Manning of NM Design says a bathroom is often an escape from our busy lives. “A bathroom can be a sanctuary, a space to relax and unwind,” says Nicola. “It offers a place to get away from it all, to give us time for ourselves in a lovely, relaxing environment. When designing a bathroom, this vibe tends to be the most popular for homeowners and this will continue.” 

This year, NKBA designers say that bathrooms will feature creative lighting and floating vanities as the two key elements. They also predict that porcelain will be the most popular material of choice with 34% of designers utilising the product in their bathroom designs. 

Let’s take a look at some examples of tranquil, luxurious and practical bathrooms: 


An earthy nature theme envelopes this bathroom with Resene Cabbage Pont painted on the ceiling, woodwork finished with ReseneColorwood Whitewash and Resene Merino on the walls. The floating vanity offers style and space for the homeowners. Design by Pat du Pont of SGA Architects, image by Simon Devitt. 


This bathroom is a true escape, reminiscent of sand and sky. Resene Half Duck Egg Blue adorns the walls, with complementing cool toned speckled tiles and Resene Black White on the ceiling and trims. Design by Box™ - The Architect Builder, image by Sophie Heyworth. 

To find a designer for your next kitchen or bathroom project, visit the NKBA website www.nkba.org.nz. 

For more advice on colour schemes for your kitchen or any other space inside or outside your home, visit your local ReseneColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert freeonline. 

Published: 22 Jan 2025