Neutral kitchen design never goes out of fashion – after all, timelessness is its USP! Yet subtle seasonal shifts and emerging trends continuously infuse fresh vitality into this classic look, ensuring that neutral kitchen cabinets remain both modern and relevant in homes of all styles. For 2025, Roundhouse designers are anticipating a move away from cool neutrals – pure whites and greys – towards warmer, more inviting neutral kitchen colour schemes.

First spotted at the Milan Furniture Fair and now firmly evident across the interiors landscape, we’re talking about pale browns, soft beiges and warm taupes. Still timeless and easy on the eye, the new neutrals trend is all about incorporating earthy colours that bring a sense of nature indoors, instilling a sense of calm and balance into contemporary kitchens. What’s not to love? Here’s how to bring this refreshing trend into your kitchen.

Introduce warmth with wood and stone

One of the easiest ways to work the earthy neutrals trend in kitchens is by integrating natural materials like wood and stone. Timber toned cabinetry, worktops, and open shelving in warm, natural finishes can dramatically shift the ambient temperature of a neutral kitchen. Similarly, stone elements – whether they are marble-inspired quartz or natural stone splashbacks – will help reinforce the connection to outdoors. Patinated metallic finishes in warm copper tones dial into the terracotta trend, without disrupting the serene atmosphere of a soothing neutral scheme.

Layer in the texture

Embracing earthy neutrals is about more than the colour of the walls or cabinets, it’s about creating a layered, tactile energy that tunes into all the senses. Textures play a pivotal role in this interior design philosophy – think woven textiles, rustic timber and burnished metals. Even with a neutral palette that deliberately lacks strong colour contrasts, you can shake things up a little just by mixing up matte and gloss finishes. This dynamic interplay of textures will add depth and subtle friction that feels sophisticated. Don’t overlook the effects of light and shadow on textural surfaces – they can dramatically enhance depth, highlight movement, and bring your kitchen’s design details to life throughout the day.

Be clever with colour accents

While earthy neutrals provide a relaxed foundation, that doesn’t mean brighter colours are banned. Modern neutral palettes tend to be in warmer tones, which makes them so easy to elevate with the strategic use of colour accents. The key is to go for subtle colour pops, nothing that overpowers. Roundhouse designers recommend allowing around 20% of the palette for accent colour if you want to keep the balance firmly neutral. Accessories, such as ceramic vases, patterned cushions, window treatments or art that incorporate colours inspired by nature are all great choices. For more permanent accent colours, try kitchen splashbacks in burnished copper, or a two-tone kitchen with pale perimeter cabinets and an island in deep green or soft sage. Aim for accent colours that tie in beautifully with the overall warm, earthy theme, providing contrast while still harmonising with your core neutral shades.

Focus on lighting

The importance of lighting cannot be overemphasised when planning an earthy neutral palette. Above all, you need to avoid a chilly atmosphere, so aim for light bulbs with colour rendition in the range of 2700K-3000K, which will provide a warm, white light that complements soft neutrals like stone and greige. Also try to plan in as much natural light as possible to highlight the depth and variety of a neutral palette throughout the day. Large-scale architectural glazing is ideal, while skylights and roof lanterns are also a popular way to flood a neutral kitchen with light.

The new neutrals trend in kitchens is about more than just a switch in colour – it’s a shift towards creating spaces that nurture, comfort, and inspire. For more ideas and inspiration, why not head to one of our showrooms and chat to our design team?