The 2025 High-Gloss Kitchen Cabinet Trend: Sleek, Modern Designs for a Bright, Stylish Space. In 2025, high-gloss cabinets are setting the stage for sleek, modern kitchens. With their reflective surfaces and contemporary appeal, glossy finishes are a game-changer for homeowners seeking a modern vibe.
For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.
The 'dated' high gloss kitchen is also being reimagined for 2025. Futuristic, space-age, glossy kitchens first gained popularity back in the '70s, with a small resurgence in the 2010s, before we all fell for the matte cabinet styles that are so popular today.
They reflect light well
One of the biggest benefits of high gloss kitchens is their ability to reflect light. Whether it's natural or artificial lighting, gloss kitchens can reflect light back into the room, making the space feel brighter and more open.
The latest kitchen cabinet trends for 2024 include bold colors like deep emerald greens and rich navy blues, frameless styles for a minimalist look, and unique metallic hardware. Warm natural wood tones and textured finishes are also gaining popularity.
The Cons of a Gloss Finish
While gloss kitchens are easier to clean, they also need to be cleaned more often as those dirty marks and fingerprints will show up more easily. Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.
The smooth, frameless surface and reflective quality of slab front gloss cabinets make them a perfect choice for modern or European-style kitchens. As we step into 2024, one kitchen trend that captivates homeowners and designers alike is the resurgence of slab front gloss cabinets.
While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.
High gloss, contemporary, slab front cabinetry was all the rage not so long ago. But they've taken a dip in popularity over the last few years, making way for more traditional-style kitchen trends. However, in 2024 this seemingly dated kitchen trend is making a comeback.
Today, many homeowners wonder if oak cabinetry will ever make a comeback. Design experts confidently say they are already back! In general, wood kitchen elements are trending, and oak is at the forefront, leading the way.
Experts agree that the primary thing making your cabinets look dated is their color — but those same experts are divided on what, exactly, that color is. Erica Lugbill of Chicago-based interior design firm Lugbill Designs says all-white cabinets are a dead giveaway that your kitchen is stuck in the stone ages.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the most popular sheens are usually satin and semi-gloss. Here's why: Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy.
Both offer classic design styles, but their finishes significantly impact the overall feel of your space. Matte finishes, with their light-absorbing texture, foster a warm and inviting atmosphere. Glossy tiles, on the other hand, reflect light, making your kitchen appear brighter and more spacious.
These high-gloss doors are more expensive than conventional doors due to their popularity among homeowners. This means you must set aside a significant portion of your budget for this area of your kitchen, both during purchase and maintenance. Glossy kitchen doors are definitely worth the investment.
Gloss Finish/High Gloss Finish: A lifesaver for smaller kitchens! Reflective surfaces make compact spaces feel larger while brightening up dim corners effortlessly. Matte Finish: Ideal for open, airy kitchens with ample natural light. It keeps the look understated and elegant without adding unnecessary shine.
Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished. Semi-gloss paint is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for busy kitchens.
The skilful combination of colours and textures is a central element of perfect interior design. This also includes the combination of glossy and matt surfaces in the same colour. The juxtaposition of matt and gloss creates dynamism and gives the room depth, character and a touch of avant-garde elegance.
One practical benefit of black cabinets is their ability to conceal smudges and fingerprints. Unlike lighter-colored cabinets, which can quickly show signs of wear from greasy or sauce-covered hands, black cabinets are less likely to display these blemishes.
Drawbacks of High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets
Visible smudges and fingerprints - Due to the reflection of so much light fingerprints, dirt and scratches are much more noticeable on high-gloss kitchen cabinets than they are on matt or semi-gloss cabinets.
Grey kitchen cabinets are not out of style. Just because grey isn't in the top trends for 2024, doesn't mean it's out of style. Gray is a nice neutral that can be styled in a variety of ways. Talented kitchen designers are still using grey for their clients to create modern spaces.
Inset Cabinet Style
Although this style tends to be one of the most expensive on the market, it's a classic look that'll last for generations. The inset door gets its name because it is set inside of the cabinet frame – typical cabinet doors rest on the outside of the frame.
Kitchen trends come and go, but glass-front cabinets prove that a classic look never goes out of style. "Demonstrating that what's old is new again, glass-front cabinets are popular once again and are now being incorporated with an elevated, modern look," says Paul Kropp, co-founder of Bakes & Kropp.