If your kitchen is due for an upgrade, you’re not alone. In 2025, more Chicago homeowners are choosing to remodel their kitchens—not just for resale value, but for daily comfort and better function. Whether you live in a high-rise downtown or a brick bungalow on the North Side, the latest kitchen design trends in Chicago blend modern style with practicality, tech-savvy upgrades, and a touch of local flair.
Ready to reimagine your kitchen? Let’s dive into what’s hot this year.
1. Moody, Rich Colors Are In
Forget all-white kitchens—2025 is the year of deep, dramatic color palettes. Chicago homeowners are gravitating toward rich greens, midnight blues, and warm terracottas. These hues add sophistication and contrast beautifully with warm metallics and natural woods.
Popular Color Combos:
- Olive green cabinets with brass hardware
- Matte black islands with butcher block countertops
- Navy base cabinets with creamy upper cabinets
Not ready to go bold all over? Try painting just your island or lower cabinets for a pop of color.
2. Mixed Materials for Texture and Contrast
From countertops to cabinet finishes, mixing materials is a top trend in modern kitchen design in Chicago. Combining textures and finishes adds depth and visual interest, especially in open-concept spaces.
Try This:
- A quartz countertop paired with reclaimed wood shelves
- Matte black fixtures with glossy subway tile
- Fluted glass cabinets alongside flat-front wood drawers
Designers are even mixing metals—think brushed nickel with bronze or black hardware with gold accents.
3. Statement Lighting That Doubles as Art
Say goodbye to boring pendant lights. In 2025, lighting is becoming a focal point in kitchen design.
What’s Trending:
- Oversized pendant lights over islands
- Sculptural chandeliers in eat-in kitchens
- Warm LED strips under upper cabinets
Pro tip: Layer your lighting with ambient, task, and accent sources. This not only looks good—it functions better for cooking and entertaining.
4. Smart Kitchens Are Getting Smarter
Tech continues to make its way into the kitchen—especially in Chicago kitchen remodels where efficiency is key. In 2025, smart appliances and automation are no longer luxury features—they’re expected.
Top Smart Kitchen Upgrades:
- Voice-controlled faucets
- Refrigerators that track inventory
- Ovens with in-app preheat and cooking timers
- Touchless garbage and recycling drawers
Many Chicago homeowners are also investing in smart lighting systems to create mood-based presets (hello, dinner party vibes).
5. Functional Islands With Hidden Perks
The kitchen island is no longer just for extra counter space. In 2025, islands are designed to work hard—with built-in storage, charging stations, second sinks, and even wine fridges.
Creative Kitchen Island Ideas:
- Waterfall countertops for a sleek, modern look
- Deep drawers for pots and pans
- Pull-out spice racks or knife blocks
- Pop-up outlets or charging pads
If you’re tight on space, consider a rolling island or narrow peninsula for flexibility.
6. Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Design
Chicago homeowners are becoming more conscious about sustainability. In the kitchen, that means choosing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances.
Eco Design Tips:
- Use low-VOC paints and finishes
- Install Energy Star appliances
- Choose recycled or responsibly sourced materials
- Add a composting drawer or integrated bin system
Sustainable design isn’t just good for the planet—it often helps save on energy bills long-term.
7. Open Shelving and Display Zones
In 2025, many kitchen remodels in Chicago are incorporating a mix of open shelving and traditional cabinetry. This combo keeps things organized while letting homeowners show off style and personality.
What to Display:
- Cookbooks, plants, and art
- Pretty dishes or handmade mugs
- Glass canisters for grains and pasta
Don’t love open shelves? Try glass-front cabinets for a similar airy effect with more protection from dust.
8. Smarter Storage for Smaller Kitchens
Not every Chicago home has a giant kitchen—but smart design can make a small space feel big. The trend in 2025 is custom storage solutions that maximize every inch.
Space-Saving Storage Ideas:
- Toe-kick drawers under base cabinets
- Pull-out pantry systems
- Corner cabinet carousels
- Vertical dividers for trays and baking sheets
More homeowners are also hiring kitchen remodeling contractors in Chicago to create built-in breakfast nooks with hidden storage underneath.
9. Zoned Layouts for Better Flow
Instead of the traditional triangle (sink-stove-fridge), 2025 kitchen layout ideas are all about zoning—creating designated areas for prep, cooking, cleanup, and even working from home.
Examples of Kitchen Zones:
- Coffee bar near the dining area
- Beverage fridge away from the cooking zone
- Charging drawer near the family message center
- Cleaning station with trash, recycling, and sink access
Zoning works especially well in open-concept homes or multi-use kitchens where the whole family gathers.
10. Chicago-Specific Style Touches
Local style always plays a role in design. In 2025, Chicago kitchen renovations often include:
- Black-and-white tile floors inspired by vintage buildings
- Industrial-style lighting (hello, exposed bulbs)
- Brick backsplashes or accent walls
- Mid-century modern touches in historic two-flats
Your kitchen doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Let your neighborhood, building type, or family history inspire your design choices.
Final Thoughts: Designing a Kitchen You’ll Love
Kitchen design in 2025 is all about balance: beauty and function, tech and tradition, trend and timelessness. Whether you’re doing a full kitchen renovation in Chicago or making small upgrades, these trends can help you create a space that reflects your style and works for your life.
Remember, it’s not about copying a showroom—it’s about designing a kitchen that works for you. Start with a few upgrades and build from there. And don’t forget to work with experienced kitchen remodeling contractors in Chicago, like Moller Builders, who understand local codes, trends, and materials.
Need help designing your dream kitchen?
Get in touch today. Let’s bring your vision to life!
