Meet the 2025 Kitchen of the Year Finalists

Every year, our Kitchen of the Year contest showcases the creativity and vision of homeowners. From carefully planned layouts to the everyday family moments that unfold within them, these kitchens go far beyond beautiful finishes – they’re thoughtfully designed spaces made for real life.

Our Top Ten 2025 KOTY finalists showcase a wide range of styles, finishes, and stories, but they all have one thing in common: design that reflects the people who live there! 

Let’s kick things off.

1 – Cozy Gathering Space

Nathan & Christine Cowan – Esparto, California

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Inset
Wood – Quartersawn White Oak
Door Style – Madison
Finish – Natural

Island Cabinets – Inset
Wood – Quartersawn White Oak
Door Style – Madison
Finish – Natural

Beverage Nook Cabinets – Inset
Finish – Ebony Colourtone

This eclectic kitchen dream belongs to Nathan & Christine who set out to create anything but the typical bright-and-airy kitchen. From the moment they chose white oak cabinetry, the whole vision clicked into place – warm, grounded, and full of character. Every detail is intentional, from the custom plastered hood to the hidden storage (think expansive utensil pullout and a push-to-open trash setup). It’s a space built for cooking and gathering. 

“When we started planning our kitchen remodel, we knew right away that we didn’t want to follow the current trends,” the homeowners told us. Instead, they wanted “something moodier, warmer, and more grounded in natural materials.”

They also shared a favorite memory from their first family gathering in the new space: “Everyone naturally gathered around the oversized island – rolling rice, slicing avocado, and competing to see who could make the best sushi roll of the night. It was exactly what we’d hoped for when we designed this kitchen.” – Nathan & Christine

2 – Classic English Revival

Rachel & Owen Howlett – Richmond, Virginia

Kitchen Stats:
Cabinets – 1-1/4″ Overlay
Door Style – Amesbury
Finish – Hard Maple (unfinished, painted on site)
Paint Color – SW Rookwood Dark Green

Rachel and Owen with @studiohowlett set out to design a kitchen that felt like it had always lived inside their 1910 home: classic, layered, and full of soul. They pulled inspiration from classic English kitchens and early 20th-century details, bringing it to life with deep green cabinetry, botanical wallpaper capping the cabinet towers, and a fluted marble range. And of course… their complementary butler’s pantry ties it all together beautifully!

Rachel and Owen wanted to create a space that “feels completely bespoke – designed and built by us, for us.” They shared that the kitchen reflects how they live – “thoughtful, layered, and grounded in a respect for history.” Rachel’s favorite memory from the reno says it all: “I remember cooking a simple meal while holding our tiny six-week-old […] the space was still far from finished, but in that moment, surrounded by family and new beginnings, it finally felt like home.” – Rachel & Owen

3 – Warm & Welcoming

Chelsea – Raleigh, North Carolina

Kitchen Stats:
Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Madison
Perimeter Finish – SW 7526 Maison Blanche
Island – Red Oak (Standard), Finish: Colonial
Mudroom Finish – SW 9134 Delft

Chelsea’s kitchen blends intentional design with everyday living in the most beautiful way.  From the ceiling-height Zellige tile to the warm wood island and glass-front cabinets, every detail feels curated.

“I wanted to design a space where my family felt welcome to spend time together,” Chelsea said. “After living through a 6 month long renovation project and eating takeout or food cooked solely in a microwave or grill, we dreamed of finally eating in our kitchen. One of our favorite family meals is a warm chicken pot pie, which was our first dinner in the new kitchen. The kids were so excited to finally have our family dishes back on the menu!” – Chelsea

4 – Coastal Cottage Reimagined

Maine

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – TW-10
Finish – Heron Colourtone

Island Cabinets – Inset
Wood – White Oak
Door Style – Wayland
Finish – Portabella Stain

Scullery Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – TW-10
Finish – SW 7615 Sea Serpent

This homeowner rebuilt his family’s Maine cottage with one goal: keep the original charm while designing a fresh, functional space for generations to gather. With coastal tones, panel-ready appliances, and a double-island layout, this kitchen blends cottage coziness with a layout made for effortless hosting.

“When we decided to rebuild the Maine cottage that has been in our family for over 60 years, we wanted to be sure that we carried over the charm of the original house while creating a more updated space for everyone to gather. One thing he loves most? “No matter where you are in the room, your eyes are drawn to the outdoors and the beautiful scenery.” – Homeowner

5 – Minimal European Farmhouse

Leon & Shawna Perpall – Palm Coast, Florida

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter, Pantry & Island Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Albany
Finish – Hearthstone Grey

These warm grey cabinets feel incredibly chic in Leon and Shawna’s kitchen, where the vision was minimalistic European Farmhouse.  With custom island shelving, hidden appliance panels, and an airy layout, this space has us wanting to see every corner.

“I envisioned an organic minimalistic, yet functional kitchen with clean lines,” Leon and Shawna said. When asked how the space reflects their lifestyle, they said, “It’s an open concept floor plan that flows perfectly; luxurious, yet simple. I’d say it’s transitional with a mixture of traditional and modern elements.” – Leon & Shawna

6 – Timeless Design for Real Life

Lina & David Palaez – East Setauket, New York

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Amesbury
Finish – Frosty White

Island Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Amesbury
Wood – Walnut
Finish – Natural

Mudroom Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Amesbury
Finish – Fern

Lina & David’s kitchen is what happens when a dreamer does her homework and has a vision! After a full-home rebuild and a long search for quality cabinetry, she found her way to Cabinet Joint. Now every inch of this space feels intentional – from the paneled appliances to the wet bar that makes mornings a little smoother. It’s classy and designed to keep up with real family life. “I wanted to have a timeless but functional kitchen with endless storage that was beautiful but not intimidating to our family,” Lina shared. She added that she wanted a space “that is kid, pet and messy husband friendly.” Lina also kindly noted that Cabinet Joint “allows magazine-worthy kitchens to be a reality.” – Lina & David

7 – Classic Craftsmanship with a Twist

Lisa Ferrante – New Canaan, Connecticut

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – TW-1038
Finish – Arctic White

Island Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – CRP-10
Wood – White Oak
Finish – Autumn

Scullery Cabinets – 1-1/4″ Overlay
Door Style – TW-1038
Finish – Fern

This stunning kitchen may look straightforward at first glance… until you spot the hidden scullery tucked just behind it. Add in custom island legs, clever storage (hello, built-in paper towel holder!), and warm Antique White cabinetry, and this space becomes a full-on dream. The homeowner’s eye for craftsmanship shows in every detail — it’s a kitchen that reveals more the longer you look!

“Our vision was to provide a fully custom high-end experiential kitchen with a hidden scullery,” Lisa told us. She explained that while this was a spec home, “We design all our homes as if we were going to live there.” She added how grateful they were for their Cabinet Coach and Cabinet Joint Designer, describing them as “extremely knowledgeable and proficient at working with us.” – Lisa

 8 – Urban Chic

David Thomas & Tom Thering – Brooklyn, New York

David Thomas & Tom Thering – Brooklyn, New York

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Access
Finish – Dark Walnut & Nero Ingo

Bar & Fireplace Cabinets – Access
Finish – Beige Arizona

City living meets modern design in David & Tom’s Brooklyn rowhouse kitchen. A big island invites effortless entertaining, while frameless cabinets in Dark Walnut & Nero Ingo keep the urban aesthetic sleek, stylish, and made for city life.

“Our kitchen is in the center of the main floor of our home, which is a rowhouse in Brooklyn,” David and Tom told us. They added that the pullout pantry is their favorite feature, and how “the kitchen island continues to be the heart of all gatherings here.” – David & Tom

9 – Timeless Neutrals

Lindsay & Dominic Andrilla – Redmond, Washington

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Inset
Finish – Heron
Door Style – Madison

Island Cabinets – Inset
Wood – Cherry
Finish – Espresso
Doors – Madison

The island features a soapstone countertop, paired with marble counters along the perimeter. With the large island and dining table aligned, they can seat up to 12 all together –  the perfect setup for gathering with family and friends. Thoughtful zones for prep, cooking, and cleanup make entertaining a breeze!

“The functional goal of this kitchen was to be able to host anywhere from our household family of 5 to our extended family of 30+ at a moment’s notice” Lindsay shared. For the aesthetic, this husband-and-wife design and contracting team focused on natural materials, including “natural stone counters and brass knobs that both age with time.” – Lindsay & Dominic

10 – White Oak Dream 🏆

Mimo Odebiyi – New Jersey

Kitchen Stats:
Perimeter Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Crawford
Finish – Arctic White

Island Cabinets – Inset
Door Style – Crawford
Wood – White Oak
Finish – Nutmeg

Modern, warm, and secretly loaded with storage – that’s the magic of Mimo’s kitchen. With White Oak accents throughout, custom fridge and wine cooler panels, and a walk-in pantry tucked behind matching cabinetry, this space is one gorgeous surprise after another.

“For us, the kitchen has always been the heartbeat of the home. We wanted to create a space where our daughters would grow, learn, laugh, and create memories that stay with them long after they are grown.” Mimo told us. She added that they wanted a kitchen “that holds both today’s moments and tomorrow’s dreams. A place we return to day after day, where life quietly unfolds and love fills the room.” And when asked to pick a favorite feature? “I’m unable to pick just one… I truly love every detail of my kitchen.” – Mimo

Your Feedback

2025 brought a stunning lineup of kitchens that inspired us and our followers alike. Each space received passionate votes, emojis, and exclamation-filled comments. As one follower shared, “Voting is so hard with options like this!” 

While trends may come and go, it’s the personal touches and thoughtful craftsmanship that truly make a kitchen shine. At Cabinet Joint, we’re honored to play a part in creating these dream spaces!

Which kitchen was your favorite? Let us know in the comments or request a quote to begin your own cabinet transformation with Cabinet Joint!