The '90s Kitchen Trend That's Finally Starting to Disappear

Remember when a pellet ice maker was the kitchen trend on every wish list? Or when the bold veining of quartz was on every kitchen island? Kitchen trends come and go faster than an Instagram story, and, in the real estate world, it’s an agent’s job to know exactly what buyers are looking for at this exact moment. But what will the hot trend be in 2025?

According to five real estate professionals, it’s an adaptation of the sometimes divisive open kitchen layout. The open concept floor plan — which was considered quite modern in the ‘50s and was essentially the norm in new construction homes from the ‘90s going forward, per The Spruce — has started to fall out of favor. And while buyers aren’t ready to put up walls quite yet, real estate pros are seeing buyers lean toward kitchens where they can see clear zones — distinct spaces for eating, cooking, and even making coffee.

If you’re wondering how you can bring this to life in your own home, here’s what the experts have to say about how the trend will play out.

Creating Multi-Zone Layouts

Brady Bridges, broker and owner of Reside Real Estate, has started to see a trend toward zones in the kitchen that each have a specific and clear use.

“One of the most impactful changes is the move toward partitioned spaces within the kitchen. Instead of fully open-concept kitchens, clients are interested in subtle partitions that create defined zones for cooking, dining, and socializing,” says Bridges.

He sees this layout as bridging the cozy look that’s become popular in moody, warm kitchens with the practicality and flow of an open space. The multiple zones actually build functionality into the home, rather than have it all exist in one undefined space.

“We’re moving towards designs that truly enhance user experience. There are elements and features that make the kitchen not only a centerpiece of the home, but a space that works for daily living,” says Danielle Andrews, a Realtor® consultant with Realty ONE Group. She explains that homeowners are looking for intuitive spaces where every element adds to the ease of using the kitchen.

Incorporating the Trend Into Your Own Home for Buyers

Jake McClure, CEO of Burling Square Group, believes that these multi-zone layouts are going to appeal to families who want to use their kitchens for different activities without disrupting cooking or those who entertain often.

“Buyers are interested in designated zones for coffee, wine, or even baking,” says McClure.

Luckily, if you’re looking to sell, you can incorporate the zone layout trend into your own home without major renovations. Here’s how.

Incorporate a Coffee Bar

Coffee bars are an easy way to create a zone in any size kitchen. All you need is enough space for a coffee making method or two, a few mugs, and the necessary accessories for a good cup of coffee. “Whether they are on full display with styled shelves, freestanding, or hidden behind a cabinet, we’re seeing an uptick in coffee bars,” says Lynda Villarreal, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman.

Define a Dining Area with Banquette Seating

A breakfast space in a kitchen gives you somewhere to eat that’s not just pulling up a stool to the kitchen island. And, in that dining zone, banquette seating is one of the most efficient ways to utilize space, and it feels like a real dining zone for potential buyers.

“Banquette seating creates a comfortable and more casual place to eat or spend time in the kitchen as a family. Not to mention, in smaller houses or apartments, it is a way to maximize space. It is a relatively inexpensive thing to do and can make a big difference,” says Marissa Castello, a Realtor® with Maison Real Estate.

Designate a Prep Area

Prep kitchens — or back kitchens — have been a major trend in kitchen design in recent years. They’re the ultimate in creating kitchen zones. But unless your house has an expansive footprint, or you’re willing to shell out major money to remodel before you sell your home, it’s probably not realistic to add a prep kitchen.

You can, however, create a prep area within your existing kitchen. Use a piece of countertop real estate that is set away from the oven-sink-fridge trifecta, hang a knife strip and a cutting board, and designate that as the official prep station. It will help buyers see exactly how they’ll use the zones within your kitchen, and it’ll give your kitchen the feeling of a larger, more intentional space.

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