Technology is no longer something you simply hold in your hand — it’s embedded in your home. Nowhere is this more exciting than in the kitchen and bathroom, where smart innovations and thoughtful layouts are helping homeowners live more efficiently, comfortably, and beautifully.
In a conversation on the Home Design Podcast with Stacy McCarthy, Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and President of the NKBA South Florida Chapter, we explored the biggest 2025 trends in smart technology and design-forward choices. From cold brew coffee systems to the return of soaking tubs, here’s what’s shaping the most important rooms in the home.
What’s New in Smart Kitchens for 2025?
The kitchen is evolving fast — not just visually, but functionally. As remote work, wellness goals, and lifestyle shifts continue to influence home life, homeowners are expecting more from their kitchens.
Here are some of the top features rising in smart kitchens this year:
- Built-In Cold Brew Coffee Machines – One standout innovation Stacy highlighted is Viking’s built-in cold brew system, which cuts steeping time from 24 hours to just three. For families who love their caffeine cold, this is a luxury upgrade that delivers daily convenience.
- Smart Charging Drawers – Stacy recommends integrating docking drawers directly into cabinetry for hidden, organized charging. They’re perfect for tech-heavy households and help keep everything tucked away and safe.
- Mechanical Storage = Smart Storage – “Smart” doesn’t always mean digital. Stacy emphasizes the importance of engineering-driven cabinetry that maximizes function in the smallest spaces.
The Design Trends
As a national judge for the NKBA’s design competitions, Stacy has reviewed hundreds of cutting-edge kitchens from across the U.S. One unexpected insight stood out: despite buzz around bold color, tone-on-tone palettes are still leading the way.
Many designers are favoring white-on-white or dark-on-dark schemes, enhanced by materials like brushed brass, matte black fixtures, and dramatically veined countertops. It’s not about bold hues — it’s about texture, layering, and high-impact finishes that feel timeless but fresh.
Whether it’s a soft white kitchen with veined quartz or moody cabinetry with bold black stone, drama doesn’t always mean color. It means detail, texture, and contrast.
The Return of the Soaking Tub
Bathrooms are evolving alongside kitchens — blending relaxation and aesthetics.
Large-format porcelain slabs and zero-threshold showers are still popular for creating sleek, spa-like atmospheres. But more clients are returning to tubs, especially when built into a wet room alongside the shower. This design maximizes space and simplifies maintenance while still delivering that deep-soak luxury people miss.
To explore more of these 2025 kitchen and bath trends—and hear firsthand insights from Stacy McCarthy—tune into the full episode of the Home Design Podcast. From smart storage solutions to luxurious wellness-inspired layouts, Stacy shares practical tips and forward-thinking design ideas for anyone planning their next renovation.
The Home Design Podcast brings together industry leaders, design professionals, and innovative brands to explore the ideas, trends, and technologies shaping the world of home improvement. With a focus on education and inspiration, each episode offers valuable insights and takeaways for both homeowners and professionals looking to elevate their knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-evolving design space.
Listen to the full episode here: EP 54: NKBA and Emergency Design: What’s Really Driving the Next Era of Home Design
Learn more about Emergency Designer, Stacy McCarthy, here!
To watch the full episode, click below!
