In 2025, it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about kitchen design. We’ll move from embracing the relaxed elegance of British-inspired kitchens to saying goodbye to white cabinetry and even reconsidering the traditional concept of the kitchen triangle. As Country Living’s trend forecaster for kitchen design, I’ve observed that more designers are adopting a built-over-time approach that feels fresh rather than fussy. The trend of all-white kitchens filled with the latest stainless steel appliances is fading away.
These days, it’s much more common for me to come across a kitchen with white (yes, white!) appliances and a lot more furniture. In the design world, we call these collected kitchens “unfitted kitchens,” and they’re beloved for their use of freestanding furniture over costly built-ins. An interesting side effect in the rising popularity of these unfitted kitchens is the noticeable absence of the bulky built-in kitchen island. So, is it time to declare that the kitchen island is officially dead? Maybe! Below, I’m sharing exactly what an unfitted kitchen is, what I think is the new “kitchen island,” and where you can score the best replacement.
What Is an Unfitted Kitchen?
An unfitted kitchen, also called a freestanding kitchen, is a kitchen without built-ins. Instead of walls of cabinetry, an unfitted kitchen features a gathering of furniture pieces such as a hutches piled up with dishes or a simple chippy cupboard in place of a walk-in pantry. “The unfitted kitchen is more of a furnished room with appliances and kitchen items,” says Helen Parker, the creative director of British kitchen design firm deVOL. The happily hodgepodge spirit of unfitted kitchens provides a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe, a perfect contrast to the cold, mechanical nature some kitchens can have.
What Is Replacing the Kitchen Island?
With this rise in the popularity of unfitted kitchens, more designers are opting to also skip the large, and sometimes bulky, built-in center island in lieu of something freestanding. Antique work tables—especially those that were built to be worked at from a standing position, like the ones used by seamstresses, bakers, and farmhands—are the most popular replacement because of their height and size. Character-rich antique tables with interesting turned legs and noticeable imperfections are especially prized, and, unlike a farmhouse table, work tables will often have drawers and even a shelf to provide storage. Newly crafted work tables (and now “kitchen islands” made to look like these antique tables) are sometimes topped with quartz or marble, making prep and clean-up a breeze.
Even if you aren’t ready to embrace the whole unfitted kitchen look (I get it, most people aren’t!), you can easily pair a freestanding work island with standard perimeter cabinetry for a unique cottage or farmhouse look. If you’re on a budget or want to create an eat-in kitchen, also consider a vintage or antique dining table or farmhouse table, which are often less expensive than their work table counterparts.
Today is a good day to get started, let’s embark on this exciting journey together. Reach out to Ashe County Realty today, and let our experienced team guide you through the real estate market. Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains or a charming home in town, we will help you find the perfect place to call your own.
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