Stone and Concrete Kitchens: Are They Still Going Strong in 2025 and How Can You Make Them Work?
In 2025, stone and concrete kitchen finishes remain a firm favourite for homeowners and kitchen designers who want something that feels robust, modern, and effortlessly stylish. If you’re considering giving your kitchen a refresh, or planning a complete redesign, these earthy and industrial finishes might be just what you’re looking for.
Whether you lean towards a raw concrete finish for an urban look or prefer the textured charm of ceramic or stone-effect doors, there’s a wide range of options to explore. Leading kitchen brands such as Nobilia, Bauformat, Brigitte, Pronorm, Rotpunkt, and Next125 all offer refined takes on this style, proving that this trend is not just sticking around — it’s evolving. Here, the Kitchen Experts take a closer look at why stone and ceramic kitchen finishes are still very much in demand, how you can use them effectively, and which brands are doing it best!
The Ongoing Appeal of Stone and Concrete Kitchen Finishes
Stone and concrete kitchens offer something few other finishes can: a perfect balance of visual weight and tactile interest. Unlike flat matt or gloss doors, these textured surfaces create depth and dimension, instantly elevating the space.
If you’re drawn to modern minimalism but want a kitchen that feels grounded and architectural, stone and concrete kitchen effects are well worth considering. Their natural appearance works beautifully with raw wood, metal accents, smoked glass, and industrial lighting – ideal if you’re after a design that feels contemporary but not cold.
Are Stone and Ceramic Kitchen Finishes Still On Trend in 2025?
Absolutely. Rather than being a passing phase, the use of concrete and stone-effect kitchen finishes has become more refined in recent years. In 2025, we’re seeing softer tones, improved textures, and more innovative applications of these materials than ever before.
Expert kitchen designers are using ceramic and stone finishes not only for cabinet doors, but also for splashbacks, feature islands, and even full wall cladding. This layered look works especially well in open-plan spaces, tying the kitchen area into the rest of the room with cohesive, natural tones.
The demand for finishes that are both tactile and easy to maintain has also helped cement their popularity. Stone-effect kitchen doors, for example, give you the rugged beauty of real stone without the high cost or maintenance.
Key Materials: Understanding the Options
Before choosing your finish, it helps to understand the different materials on offer. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Concrete-Effect Laminates
Often made using high-pressure laminate or melamine, these doors mimic real concrete beautifully. They’re lightweight, durable, and far easier to clean than actual concrete.
2. Ceramic Kitchen Doors
A premium option, ceramic doors are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Their naturally cool, matte finish gives an upscale look and feel.
3. Stone Kitchen Veneers
These are thin layers of real stone bonded to a lightweight substrate. They bring authentic texture without the weight and cost of solid stone slabs.
4. Stone-Effect Lacquer or Laminate Kitchen Doors
Stone-effect lacquers mimic the look of natural stone, offering great consistency and practicality. You get the visual impact without needing to worry about sealing or staining.
Making It Work: Styling Tips for Stone and Concrete Kitchens
To get the most from these materials, you’ll want to think carefully about balance. Concrete and stone-effect kitchens can be bold, so complementing them with softer or warmer elements can stop the space from feeling too stark.
1. Pair with Warm Woods
Wood kitchen finishes work wonders alongside stone and concrete. Whether it’s oak shelving, walnut accents, or wood-effect kitchen worktops, these elements soften the overall scheme and add natural warmth.
2. Use Black or Charcoal for Contrast
Stone-effect kitchen doors in grey or beige tones work brilliantly with black or dark grey handles, frames, and plinths. Consider black taps or a black glass splashback to sharpen the look.
3. Mix Contrasting Textures for Interest
Combine stone kitchen doors and finishes with glass, metal, and wood to prevent the space from feeling one-note. Smoked glass wall units, brushed brass handles, or concrete-look worktops all add dimension.
4. Keep Your Kitchen Layout Simple
The texture and tone of stone and concrete kitchen finishes do a lot of the visual work, so avoid overly fussy designs. Flat-fronted cabinetry, open shelves, and slab doors keep things clean and striking.
Which Kitchen Brands Do It Best?
Several of the world’s leading kitchen brands have embraced the stone and concrete trend, each offering their own take on the look…
Nobilia
German brand Nobilia excels at offering contemporary kitchen styles with impressive value for money. Their range includes concrete and ceramic-effect doors in grey, sand, and graphite tones, often paired with contrasting textures. The ‘Riva’ range in Concrete Grey or Sanremo Oak is a popular choice, combining urban appeal with a welcome softness.
Bauformat
If you’re after high-end German quality with a bit more customisation, Bauformat offers a range of stone and ceramic-effect finishes across its collections. Look out for their concrete-look doors with anti-fingerprint coatings – ideal for busy households.
Brigitte
Brigitte Kitchens, another German kitchen manufacturer, offer tactile stone and slate-effect kitchens that look just as good in small spaces as they do in large open-plan settings. Their stone kitchen range tends to focus on subtle texture rather than bold contrast, making them ideal if you’re after something refined.
Pronorm
Pronorm offers a sleek, design-led approach with materials that cater to a wide range of budgets. Their stone and ceramic finishes often feature in their ‘Proline’ and ‘Y-line’ ranges. These kitchens are engineered with precision, ideal if you want that handleless, seamless look.
Rotpunkt
Known for its sustainable credentials, Rotpunkt offers carbon-neutral kitchen manufacturing alongside stunning modern finishes. Their dark stone and industrial-inspired looks are among the most dramatic on the market and perfect if you’re keen to make an eye-catching statement!
Next125
At the luxury end of the market, Next125 blends minimalist form with cutting-edge materials. Their ceramic kitchen doors are genuine ceramic – not an imitation – and available in shades like graphite, concrete grey, and marble white. These kitchens are built for those who appreciate understated luxury and long-lasting quality.
Real-Life Examples: Making Stone Kitchens Work in Your Space
- Open-Plan Living
A kitchen island finished in concrete or ceramic-effect material can create a strong visual anchor in an open-plan space. Pair it with lighter wall units or floating wood shelves to add contrast and keep things feeling open.
- Compact Kitchens
In small kitchen layouts, a full wall of dark stone-effect cabinetry might feel overwhelming. Instead, use stone kitchen doors for your base units and opt for lighter tones above. Integrated lighting under wall cabinets can help break up darker finishes and keep the space feeling fresh.
- Industrial-Inspired Interiors
If your home already features exposed brick, metal-framed doors, or concrete floors, a stone-effect kitchen will feel completely in tune. Add touches like open metal shelving, vintage-style pendants, or polished concrete worktops for a cohesive finish.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The short answer is yes. Stone and concrete kitchens are very striking but also durable and timeless when styled correctly. These finishes have proven their longevity and continue to evolve with each passing year. What’s more, you can achieve the look across various price points. Whether you choose a laminate concrete-effect door from Nobilia or a full ceramic front from Next125, there’s a solution to suit your space and budget.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a new kitchen renovation in 2025 and want something that feels current but won’t date quickly, stone and concrete finishes are a smart choice. They’re practical, visually engaging, and surprisingly versatile.
With so many options available across top kitchen brands, you’ll have no trouble finding a finish that fits your vision. Whether you prefer something rugged and industrial or sleek and subtle, there’s a stone or ceramic kitchen out there that can work for you.
Ready to explore your options? Visiting your local kitchen showroom is a great place to start. You’ll get a better sense of how these materials look and feel, and you can speak to a designer who’ll help you match finishes, layout, and features to suit your lifestyle.
Stone and concrete kitchens might look highly impressive, but they’re also designed for living — and in 2025, they show no signs of going out of style.
