Introduction

Your kitchen is the heart of your St. Louis home, where style, function, and memories come together. At McDermott Remodeling Contractors, we specialize in transforming kitchens into spaces you’ll love, from vibrant main hubs to cozy basement kitchenettes. In 2025, fresh trends are shaping kitchen design, blending modern aesthetics with practical solutions. From grand islands to hidden outlets, here’s how to inspire your next kitchen remodel with McDermott’s trusted craftsmanship.

2025 Kitchen Trends to Inspire You

Here are the top trends shaping St. Louis kitchens in 2025, perfect for main kitchens or sparking interest in basement kitchenettes:

1. Grand Islands with Seating

Large islands remain a centerpiece, offering ample prep space and inviting seating options. Picture a sleek island with stools for casual dining or a drop-down table or built-in banquette for a cozy gathering spot. These versatile designs make your kitchen a hub for family and friends, adaptable to both main kitchens and compact basement kitchenettes.

2. Contrasting Cabinetry Colors

Say goodbye to uniform cabinets—2025 embraces bold contrasts. Mix painted and stained finishes, incorporating warm wood tones or neutral, natural-stained cabinetry. Popular wood species include maple, cherry, and light oak, especially quarter-sawn oak, which complements St. Louis’s mid-century housing stock. These choices add depth and character, creating a timeless yet modern look for any kitchen space.

3. Black and Gold Accents

Subtle yet striking, black and gold highlights are trending in 2025. Think matte black cabinet pulls or gold-trimmed fixtures, used as accents rather than bold statements. These elegant touches enhance cabinetry and pair beautifully with warm or neutral palettes, adding sophistication to main kitchens or a touch of flair to basement setups.

4. Full-Height Stone Backsplashes

Elevate your kitchen with full-height backsplashes, stretching from countertop to ceiling in hand-picked stone or sleek quartz. These stunning features create a luxurious focal point, showcasing natural beauty. To preserve their clean look, homeowners are opting for hidden outlets—more on that below—making this trend ideal for both primary kitchens and stylish basement kitchenettes.

5. Layered Lighting

Lighting sets the mood in 2025 kitchens, with thoughtful layers enhancing function and ambiance. Combine under-cabinet lighting for prep tasks, can lighting for overall brightness, and accent lighting to highlight islands or open shelves. Careful planning of these layers ensures your kitchen is inviting and practical, whether it’s a main space or a basement addition.

6. Smart Electrical Solutions

New electrical codes in 2025 are shaping kitchen design, particularly for islands and backsplashes:

• Code-Compliant Island Outlets: Outlets on the side of islands are now prohibited. Instead, they must be on or above the countertop, using innovative pop-up outlets or outlets on the face of a raised countertop area (e.g., a bar-height section). These solutions keep islands sleek and safe.
• Hidden Outlets for Backsplashes: To maintain the beauty of full-height stone or quartz backsplashes, homeowners are choosing under-cabinet outlet strips. These discreet products provide required power without interrupting the backsplash’s elegant look, perfect for both main kitchens and basement designs.

Basement Kitchenettes: A Spark of Inspiration

Basement kitchenettes are a growing trend in St. Louis, offering a compact yet stylish way to extend your home’s functionality. Incorporate 2025 trends like contrasting cabinetry, black and gold accents, or a small-scale stone backsplash to create a welcoming space for entertaining or secondary use. These smaller kitchens can feature light oak cabinetry or hidden outlets, tying into the main kitchen’s aesthetic while adding versatility to your home.

The McDermott Design-Build Process

Our design-build approach brings your kitchen vision to life, whether it’s a main kitchen or a basement kitchenette:

• Listen & Dream: We explore your ideas—seating preferences, color schemes, and layout goals.
• Assess the Space: An in-home visit evaluates your kitchen’s layout, plumbing, and electrical needs to ensure a practical design.
• Design & Plan: Our designers craft a custom plan, detailing cabinetry, backsplashes, lighting, and code-compliant features like pop-up or hidden outlets.
• Build with Care: We manage material delivery, dust control, and permits, coordinating with your municipality to meet all codes.

From start to finish, we deliver craftsmanship that our returning clients trust.

Pro Tips for Your 2025 Kitchen Remodel

• Mix Finishes Boldly: Pair painted and stained cabinets for a dynamic, lasting look, using warm woods like maple or light oak.
• Hide Outlets Smartly: Use under-cabinet outlet strips to keep full-height backsplashes pristine and uninterrupted.
• Plan Lighting Early: Layered lighting (under-cabinet, can, accent) requires proper wiring—discuss it during the design phase.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

A 2025 kitchen remodel with McDermott Remodeling Contractors can elevate your St. Louis home, creating a space that blends style, function, and inspiration. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand main kitchen or a charming basement kitchenette, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact us at (314) 948-5568 or visit our website to schedule a consultation and start planning your dream kitchen today.