Revival of '90s Kitchen Trends in 2025 - 5 Notable Elements Gaining Popularity in Contemporary Designs
Nineties kitchen trends have returned, refreshed and reimagined, offering a blast from the past that feels chic and modern. Despite the decade being relatively recent for many, its influence on contemporary kitchen design is evident.
From sleek stainless steel accents to classic checkered floor tiles, these elements are delivering a wave of nostalgia, albeit with a more sophisticated and polished touch. If the images of "Friends" kitchen instantly pop into your mind, brace yourself for a surprise – the 2025 interpretation is far more refined and elegant.
Stainless Steel Kitchens Redefined
Stainless steel, a material often associated with less high-end aesthetics, is making a comeback in refined ways. Designers have been creatively incorporating it into modern kitchens, embracing inset sinks, simple countertops, and sleek appliances that impart a contemporary look without sacrificing functionality.
Simon Ribchester, Head of Design at Beams, notes that these glossy, 90s-style stainless-steel kitchens are trending due to their timeless appeal and practicality. Amy Hicks, Lead Designer at Blakes London, likewise appreciates the material for its durability, sustainability, and low maintenance properties. Versatile stainless steel can be used with blonde wood cabinets for a streamlined, nineties aesthetic or with brushed steel cabinets featuring contrasting hardware for a futuristic, avant-garde flair.
Glass-Fronted Cabinets with a Contemporary Twist
Glass-fronted kitchen cabinets, which fell out of favor in the early 2000s, have found a resurgence in recent years. In 2025, traditional shaker cabinetry integrates reeded detailing, creating a timeless look reminiscent of Nancy Meyers movies. Adding reeded glass to an upper cabinet offers a contemporary twist on this classic 90s kitchen trend. While glass-fronted cabinets in the 90s typically featured clear glass to display contents, the updated version employs semi-obscured reeded glass to add visual interest and depth while hiding everyday clutter.
Checkered Floor Tiles: A Continuing Tradition
Classic checkerboard kitchen tiles remain popular today, offering a graphic, retro edge that grounds modern kitchen spaces with nostalgic charm. While traditional black-and-white tiles continue to be the firm favorite, modern iterations include smaller-scale tiles or playful patterns that add vibrancy and flair. Incorporate pops of color elsewhere in the room or bold paint applications like color drenching to further bring life to your kitchen.
Exposed Brick Feature Walls
Industrial styles were prevalent in the 90s, and bare brick walls continue to symbolize urban loft kitchens. Stripped-back walls offer a laidback feel and rustic charm that complement contemporary spaces beautifully. Carry these warm tones throughout the kitchen for a cohesive, elevated look.
While some 90s kitchen trends might still be considered outdated, designers are embracing a new spin on glass-front cabinet doors, warm wood tones for cabinets, unfitted kitchens with simple cabinetry and freestanding furniture, and sculptural countertop edges crafted with sustainable materials. Consider incorporating these modernized, nostalgic elements into your kitchen design for a fresh yet familiar look.
- Stainless steel is being redefined in modern kitchens, with designers using it for inset sinks, simple countertops, and sleek appliances, offering a contemporary look without sacrificing functionality.
- Simon Ribchester, Head of Design at Beams, finds these glossy, 90s-style stainless-steel kitchens trending due to their timeless appeal and practicality.
- Amy Hicks, Lead Designer at Blakes London, also appreciates stainless steel for its durability, sustainability, and low maintenance properties.
- Glass-fronted kitchen cabinets, once out of favor in the early 2000s, have found a resurgence in recent years, with traditional shaker cabinetry integrating reeded detailing for a timeless look.
- While glass-fronted cabinets in the 90s typically featured clear glass to display contents, the updated version employs semi-obscured reeded glass to add visual interest and depth while hiding everyday clutter.
- Classic checkerboard kitchen tiles remain popular today, offering a graphic, retro edge that grounds modern kitchen spaces with nostalgic charm, with modern iterations including smaller-scale tiles or playful patterns.
- Industrial styles, prevalent in the 90s, continue to symbolize urban loft kitchens, with exposed brick walls offering a laidback feel and rustic charm that complement contemporary spaces beautifully.
