Top Kitchen Remodeling Trends In Santa Barbara: What’s In and What’s Out?
Santa Barbara’s kitchen remodeling trends can be summed up as “coastal charm meets sustainability”. If you are remodeling your traditional or mid-century modern kitchen, it’s the perfect time to tap into the latest trends! Curious about what's in and what's out? Read the blog to find out!
Santa Barbara is one of the most desirable places to live in California, thanks to its Mediterranean climate and iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Recently, home renovation trends in the area are reflecting the laid-back coastal vibe, creating spaces that are both stylish and sustainable.
when you start planning a remodel, a few questions will naturally come up:
What makes a kitchen feel outdated?
What styles are no longer in?
What’s trending for 2025?
If you’re asking these too, you’re not alone. This blog is your guide to 2025’s hottest kitchen trends, with expert tips to help you create a space that’s modern, functional, and totally Santa Barbara.
1. Trending Colors In Kitchen Renovation For 2025:
In 2025, kitchen color schemes are moving toward warm neutrals, earthy tones, and bold colors like blue and emerald green. These colors create kitchens that feel both stylish and connected to Santa Barbara’s coastal charm.
✨What’s New?
🌗Two-Tone Balance:
A popular kitchen remodeling trend is mixing colors, for example pairing dark upper cabinets with lighter or wood-tone lower cabinets. This trend keeps your kitchen walls and cabinetry looking unique yet balanced.
✅ What’s Staying In Style?
| Trend | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Bold Coastal Shades | Deep emerald, navy blue, and matte black reflect the ocean’s depth and feel timeless. |
| Subtle Pastels | Soft colors like mint, blush pink, or pale blue add a playful, calming touch. |
| Warm Neutrals | Shades like sage green, sandy taupe, terracotta, and chocolate brown feel earthy, cozy, and grounded. |
❌Which Colors Are Out From Kitchen Trends?
All-white kitchens: Too plain and cold, they lack personality and are falling out of favor in 2025.
Harsh colors: Bright neons or overly cool grays are being replaced by tones that feel more natural and comforting.
👉Homeowners are moving away from anything that feels flat or disconnected from Santa Barbara's natural, coastal vibe.
2. What Materials Are Trending In Kitchens In 2025?
This year, homeowners are returning to authentic, high-quality materials with natural textures and locally inspired finishes. Here are the top materials trending in the latest kitchen remodels:
✨What's new?
Mixed Metallic Finishes:
One of the freshest trends this year is using mixed metals in hardware and fixtures. For example, a silver faucet and golden cabinet handles coexist beautifully without looking too matchy and give a coordinated look.
Tip: Choose one dominant metal, and use others as subtle accents. This creates a look that’s both cohesive and interesting.
✅ What's Staying?
Natural Woods:
Wooden elements like oak and walnut cabinets and bamboo tables are in as they match well with the coastal vibe of Santa Barbara. This trend also includes using reclaimed or locally sourced wood.
Stone & Tile:
Stone Countertops: Natural stone countertops (marble, quartzite, granite) continue to be popular for their elegant patterns and natural beauty.
Tiles: Two key tile trends are dominating:
Artisan tiles, such as Moroccan zellige, with handmade character and soft color variation.
Large-format tiles with fewer grout lines and a continuous and seamless appearance.
❌What Is Outdated Material In 2025?
In 2025, Santa Barbara's kitchens will be free of anything faux or overly manufactured. Homeowners are saying goodbye to acrylic, laminate, and lacquer finishes that feel manufactured or artificial due to their artificial appearance.
Luxury kitchen remodels often feature natural or handcrafted materials with visible grain, matte finishes, and intricate handcrafted details.
3. Kitchen Countertop And Backsplash Trends In 2025
Seamless countertop designs with either matching or contrasting backsplashes are defining kitchen remodeling trends in 2025.
✨What's New For Countertops In 2025?
Large-format countertops:
Single stone slabs (marble and quartz) are in high demand for their seamless look. The trend favors more clean, uncluttered slabs that appear truly artful.
Textured Finishes:
Designers note a shift towards “tactile” countertops, for instance, a leathered granite or quartzite that has a matte look, a soft sheen touch, and rounded corners. These textured surfaces hide fingerprints and smudges better than high gloss, a bonus for busy families.
What Is The Trend In Kitchen Backsplash 2025?
The latest kitchen remodel trends feature the same slab extending up the wall as a backsplash, creating a cohesive, floor-to-ceiling “waterfall” effect that looks luxurious.
Alternatively, if a stone slab isn’t used, the backsplash becomes a place to introduce texture and pattern, like glazed terra cotta or mosaic tiles, against the simpler counter.
✅ What's Staying?
Natural and Durable Materials:
Quartz, granite, and quartzite remain popular for their toughness. However, there is also interest in composite and porcelain slab materials that can mimic the appearance of marble or concrete while being highly durable and cost-effective.
❌What's Out?
Mirror-shined, polished countertops with a glossy look are replaced by matte, leathered finishes. Also, small, busy backsplash tiles and short backsplashes with grout lines are being replaced with a seamless, extended stone look.
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Want to know what looks outdated in your kitchen? Contact Kellow Construction and schedule a visit today! |
4. Kitchen Layout And Design Trends In 2025
The present mantra for kitchen layout designs in Santa Barbara is: maximizing utility without sacrificing style. The kitchen layouts are shifting to open, functional, and stylish layouts with multiple purposes.
✨What's New?
Concealed Kitchens:
A new kitchen trend is concealing the appliances by blending them with storage. This includes:
Panel-front fridges
Cabinets for appliances
Clutter-free counters
Hidden water purifier
Smart Tech:
The integration of smart technology is at its peak at the present time. These trends define the future of Santa Barbara kitchen design in 2025.
Voice-activated lights
App-controlled ovens
Smart fridges that track groceries
Touchless faucets.
Note: While smart technology is slightly priced, its low energy consumption and offers control over appliances even from a distance make it worth adding to the remodel..
Multipurpose Islands:
The kitchen island deserves special mention in layout trends. It has truly become the heart of the kitchen in modern designs. The kitchen island in Santa Barbara homes has become a multi-purpose hub that serves as:
Informal dining table
Homework stations for kids
Cocktail bars when entertaining
Seating for family members
What's Staying?
Open concept kitchens remain popular (kitchens opening to living areas and outdoor patios) with zoning like separate coffee stations and hidden pantries to keep the main kitchen clean.
A few open shelves or floating shelves will still be installed to display attractive dishware or cookbooks, but these are kept curated and minimal.
❌What's Out?
As Santa Barbara homeowners are turning to multipurpose designs, the following elements are out of the kitchen in 2025:
Bulky upper cabinets that block light and make kitchens feel heavy are out, replaced with hidden pantries and multipurpose storage spaces.
Cluttered counters with exposed gadgets are outdated and have been replaced with multi-purpose kitchen islands with storage spaces
Small, single-purpose islands are being replaced by larger ones featuring L-shaped and round seating, as well as multi-purpose elements like bookshelves and sinks.
What’s Back?
Hanging pot racks (especially in gleaming copper or brass) are making a comeback as functional decor. This trend is seen especially in kitchens without upper cabinets, where a stylish pot rack is used to fill the visual space and put everyday cookware within easy reach.
In short, the 2025 kitchen is where beauty meets function — whether it's hidden appliances or smart tech, it's all about making life easier without losing style.
5. What Are The Top Kitchen Lighting Trends In 2025
The next trend is inspired by Santa Barbara’s sunny climate and beautiful views. Kitchens are designed to be airy and inviting, using natural and artificial light strategically.
What's New?
Large Windows Without Treatments:
Big windows (without blinds, shades, shutters) above the sink and folding glass doors adjacent to the kitchen are common upgrades to brighten up the space with daylight and make it feel larger.
Layered lighting:
In 2025, you will notice the following new kitchen lighting trends:
LED recessed lights
Ceiling fixtures
Under-cabinet lights
Statement pendant lights made of rattan or glass
Stylish chandeliers in copper or brass
What's Staying?
Modern minimalism is about smart, stylish solutions that make your kitchen feel open and functional without clutter. So the following elements are staying:
Open concept kitchens that flow into outdoor patios and let in tons of sunlight through big windows or skylights are super popular in 2025.
Lights with coastal aesthetics and natural materials like rattan or glass are in for their ability to create a rustic and welcoming look.
❌What's Out?
Heavy window treatments that obstruct natural light are no longer liked as they block the natural light coming to the kitchen.
Harsh fluorescent lights that irritate the eyes and overly ornate fixtures that clash with the relaxed, coastal style are also fading away.
6. Is Minimalism Still A Kitchen Trend In 2025?
Yes, minimalism still remains a big trend in Santa Barbara kitchens in 2025, but it’s not the same cold, empty look of the past. It’s now full of warm touches to match the sunny vibe of the area.
✨What's new?
Kitchen Cabinet Hats:
The hot new trend is "cabinet hats," especially gable-style tops. These tops make cabinets look like cool, freestanding furniture, adding a fun twist without messing up the clean, minimalist feel.
What's in?
Sliding Or Pocket doors:
These doors allow you to hide the kitchen when not in use. These doors are in for their ability to separate kitchens from the rest of the home.
Appliance Garages:
These are small spaces where you can tuck away the toasters, blenders, and other gadgets to give your kitchen a clean and organised look.
❌What’s out?
Plain white or all-black kitchens:
These boring colors are out, replaced by warm woods or soft coastal shades.
Maximum minimalist designs:
Kitchens that feel too empty or plain are out, swapped for spaces with small, personal touches like cabinet hats.
7. 2025 Kitchen Renovation Trends That Are In For The Future
In Santa Barbara, 2025 kitchen trends are all about mixing eco-friendly living and custom luxury designs that fit your lifestyle and the coastal vibe. These aren’t just trends for this year, but for the years to come.
Sustainable And Eco-Friendly Designs:
People want kitchens that are good for the planet and look amazing. Here’s what’s popular:
| Trend | What is it? |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Plants & Gardens | Growing small herbs or indoor plants on the kitchen shelves Kitchen gardens in the backyard or on balconies. |
| Natural Materials | Use of reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, and stone like granite or quartzite. |
| Low-Impact Choices | Includes recycled glass countertops, low-VOC paints, and local materials. |
Custom Designs: Made Just For You
An old trend that has become stronger in 2025 is a custom-designed kitchen remodel. It means homeowners now prefer spaces that reflect how they live.
Conclusion:
| Trend | What is it? |
|---|---|
| Tailored Layouts | Custom cabinets, spice pull-outs, and coffee stations are designed for daily use. |
| Unique Touches | Personalized range hoods, handmade tiles, and luxury lighting. |
| Smart Islands | Built-in seating, wine coolers, or extra storage for style and function. |
So, these were the kitchen trends in Santa Barbara for 2025. Reading these are intriguing and might also leave questions like?
Which kitchen remodel is best for my home?
What is the cost of a kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara?
What is the best order to remodel a kitchen?
Kellow Construction offers custom kitchen and home remodels in Santa Barbara. We are here to answer all your queries about the latest home renovation trends and the cost.
Also, we have a good network of skilled professionals and quality material providers to build your dream kitchen with minimal stress and maximum impact. Check out our portfolio and start your remodel today!
FAQ:
1. What is the trending backsplash in 2025?
Slab backsplashes with matching countertops or textured artisan tiles are trending.
2. What colors are trending in kitchen remodels in 2025?
Warm neutrals, deep emerald, navy, and soft pastels like blush and mint.
3. Are all-white kitchens still in style in 2025?
No, they’re being replaced by bold, earthy, and colorful palettes.
4. What kitchen materials are trending now?
Natural wood, stone, and mixed metals with matte or textured finishes.
5. What is the right renovation order to avoid rework?
Following this general order–plan → demo → rough-ins → walls → floors → cabinets → counters/backsplash → appliances → finishes – will help avoid rework.