AUSTIN, Texas — Home improvement enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as key trends from the National Hardware Show have recently been unveiled. Chip Wade and Kathryn Emery, known for their skills as trade show treasure hunters, spent days scouring the show floor to bring the latest and greatest in home improvement gear to the forefront.
On March 21, 2025, the duo revealed a lineup that has already set the internet abuzz. Among the highlights are innovative features from Monument grills, effective Rescue Pest Control solutions, reliable products from Midwest Innovative Products, and energy-efficient Jackery backup power options. With home improvement witnessing a significant surge in popularity, these insights from the National Hardware Show are sure to spark creativity in homeowners looking to enhance their spaces, both indoors and out.
“Home improvement continues to boom as more people consider renovations and enhancements to their living areas,” Chip Wade stated. This reflects a wider trend of consumers increasingly investing in their homes—a notion supported by the unparalleled range of new products showcased at the event.
As people aspire to create unique and functional spaces in their homes, the focus on practical and aesthetically pleasing options has intensified. Also highlighted at the show were the trends revolutionizing kitchen design—a subject that continues to evolve rapidly.
According to an analysis of emerging kitchen trends, many of the styles that were once deemed “in” are now feeling stale. Interior designer Kate Fuller pointed out that, “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok hype up certain styles, but once everyone has them, they start to feel overdone.” This sentiment underlines the swift currents of shifting preferences, rendering once-popular choices effectively outdated.
For example, overly industrial styles dominated many kitchens in the past few years, but experts now view them as passé. Both Chip Wade and renowned designer Nikki Klugh agree that designs characterized by exposed pipes, Edison bulbs, and raw materials have hit their saturation point. Klugh suggests that moving towards a cozier, more refined modern look would be ideal for homeowners in the current year.
As Klugh noted, “The industrial aesthetic has reached its peak,” emphasizing the shift toward warmth with clean lines. This reinvention encourages homeowners to consider swapping harsh stainless steel for warmer finishes and incorporating wooden elements to achieve a more inviting atmosphere.
Similarly, the prevalence of gray tones in kitchens has also waned. “Once the go-to neutral, gray tones are being replaced by warmer, earthier hues like taupe, greige, and beige,” Klugh remarked, indicating a trend towards colors that reflect a more livable environment.
Moreover, basic subway tile backsplashes are being replaced by bold statement pieces. Klugh's opinion is echoed by many who now look for large-format tiles or zellige tiles with organic textures, known for their artisanal charm and visual appeal.
The designs extend beyond aesthetics to functionality. Flat panel cabinets, which were popular for their minimalist appeal, are being pushed aside in favor of more traditional cabinetry styles. Holly Lomax, founder of Effortless Interior Design, noted, “Homeowners are moving away from flat, handleless kitchens and opting instead for traditional kitchens,” suggesting that this represents a return to warmth and familiarity.
With energy efficiency now taking precedence, traditional gas stoves find themselves overshadowed by induction cooktops that align with sustainability trends, as Klugh explained. “Induction technology also aligns with sustainability trends as homeowners move toward greener living.”
This progressive outlook on kitchen design is driving homeowners to consider more energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials. As kitchens adopt smarter technologies, homeowners are discovering countless options tailored to a modern, eco-friendly lifestyle.
In addition to energy considerations, aesthetic preferences are also evolving. Glossy, high-shine finishes are waning in favor of matte finishes and honed stones, which offer softer aesthetics. Klugh advised that “matte finishes, textured woods, and honed stone have taken their place, offering a more grounded and sophisticated aesthetic.” Such changes not only appeal visually but also enhance the tactile experience within these spaces.
Furthermore, integrated lighting is falling out of favor, with homeowners preferring individual light fittings that add character. As Lomax explained, “People are moving away from integrated lighting and towards individual light fittings that have personality — and patina.” This represents a broader trend in which functionality and style blend anew.
White kitchens—a staple of modern design—are also undergoing a transformation. Fuller warns that “one kitchen trend that's definitely on its way out is the all-white kitchen,” noting that richer tones and more statement-making cabinet colors are gaining traction.
This dramatic shift in kitchen design is further exemplified by the decline of open shelving, which, once a trendy choice, is now considered impractical by many homeowners. Fuller argues, “It looked great in Pinterest-perfect kitchens, but in real life, it's just a dust-collecting nightmare.” Closed cabinetry is making a return, indicating a desire for functionality within kitchen design.
The movement away from poorly received features like veiny quartz countertops further emphasizes current homeowners’ commitment to subtlety and natural appearances, as Fuller stated, “Those super-veiny quartz countertops that were everywhere? They're starting to feel a little too artificial.” Instead, trends favor natural stone with soft veining.
As these design currents are explored, it’s evident that kitchen trends are both reflecting and influencing homeowners’ priorities throughout 2025 and beyond. With a strong emphasis on blending usefulness with aesthetic value, the latest trends shine a spotlight on innovation and individual expression.
The insights gathered from the National Hardware Show by experts like Chip Wade and the designers interviewed demonstrate a clear path forward for ambitious home improvement enthusiasts eager to create personalized and functional spaces in their homes.
