When thinking about color trends, it's unlikely that white (or off-white) will come to mind. This hue, like many neutrals, has the ability to transcend 'fleeting' design movements and is rightly labeled an enduring classic. With all that said, however, forecasters have labeled off-white fronts as one of the leading kitchen cabinet color trends for 2025 – and nobody makes a case for it quite like Shawn Mendes.
In his kitchen, the singer's off-white cabinets tap into a hue that, design experts say, is in high (and growing) demand – but their tall, vertical shape (stretching right to the ceiling) will be equally popular as we look to the year ahead. The combination of the on-trend color and shape makes them the perfect inspiration point for those looking for a timeless choice that still feels in tune with what's fashionable.
'In terms of color palettes, there has been an increased demand for off-white kitchen cabinets again. Popular due to their timeless appeal, they offer a perfect blend of versatility, elegance, and warmth, with their neutral tones complementing both contemporary and more traditional homes,' comments Jessica Inglis, the brand manager at Second Nature.
Kitchen cabinet colors aside, Inglis explains that the vertical nature of Mendes' storage is equally as sought-after. Increasingly, I've noticed celebrities (including Matthew and Camila McConaughey and Jessica Chastain) opt for ceiling-high cupboards that utilize every inch of space, even if their kitchens aren't compact. The same goes for Mendes's cabinets, which reach the top of his room.
'Maximising a kitchen’s storage potential is another theme that is continuing into 2025. No longer satisfied with their current storage options, homeowners are choosing to install floor-to-ceiling cupboards, which is a highly efficient design solution that maximizes every inch of vertical space,' Inglis comments.
'This design allows for the organization of kitchen essentials, with everyday items being easily accessible at lower levels and less-used items, such as baking tins and formal dinnerware, being stored higher up. Floor-to-ceiling storage will also enhance the overall aesthetic of a kitchen by creating a cohesive appearance which feels more open and less cluttered.'
Off-white cabinets, in all their timelessness and versatility, are almost impossible to get wrong (especially when following Mendes' lead and investing in those that reach the ceiling). However, there is a risk that they can feel somewhat vanilla. This is where styling is key. We can take the lead from the singer's space, interrupt the minimal cabinets with patterned tiles (as seen in his backsplash), and introduce texture through darker wooden flooring.
'This hue also works very well with a wide range of countertops, splashbacks, and flooring styles, as well as some bolder accents. Replacing kitchen cabinets is also a simple and efficient way to update a kitchen without needing to fully renovate a whole space,' Inglis adds.
Tapping into the white kitchen beyond our cabinets is simple. I love these timeless picks that perfect the trend without taking too much room in even the smallest of kitchens.
This set of two oval baking dishes from Staub is not only high quality but will perfectly complement a white kitchen. I love how the colorway is enduring, meaning you can enjoy using (and showcasing) them long beyond 2025.
Adding visual interest to your countertops just got simpler with a handmade ceramic salt pig featuring a bold stripe for contrast. It's the pefect amount of pattern without overwhelming the precious counter space (and looks good against every color.
Italian luxury just got more accessible. These towels bring a hint of Southern European beauty to every kind of kitchen, and they're as practical as they are good looking( coincidently just like these cabinets).
