🔥 Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends in Des Moines for 2025
Style. Function. Value. Here’s how Iowa kitchens are leveling up this year.
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen in 2025? You’re not alone. Homeowners all over Des Moines—from Waukee to Ankeny—are upgrading their kitchens not just for looks, but for comfort, resale value, and better living.
As one of Des Moines’ go-to remodeling contractors, we at The Busy Builders have our boots on the ground and our eyes on the future. Whether you’re gutting your kitchen or just tweaking the layout, here are the 10 hottest kitchen remodeling trends that are turning heads (and raising home values) in 2025.
1. ♻️ Sustainable Materials: Eco is Sexy Now
Green is the new black, and homeowners are finally ditching cheap particle board and plastic-laminates. Enter: reclaimed wood cabinets, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paints.
Sustainable kitchens aren’t just good for the planet—they scream premium to future buyers. We’re seeing Des Moines clients specifically request bamboo floors, composite countertops, and water-saving fixtures.
Pro Tip: Ask us about our supplier partnerships with eco-friendly brands for local sourcing.
2. 🔌 Smart Kitchens with Integrated Tech
This ain’t The Jetsons—it’s your next kitchen.
We’re installing:
Touchless faucets
Voice-activated lighting
Wi-Fi enabled ovens & fridges
Built-in charging drawers
These features are no longer optional. If you’re dropping $20k+ on a remodel, adding smart features gives you serious ROI—both in daily convenience and future resale.
Example: One Ankeny family now preheats their oven via app before they get home. That’s the level of flex we’re talking about.
3. 🎨 Two-Tone Cabinets = Double the Style
Say goodbye to boring all-white kitchens. 2025 is all about contrast.
We’re talking:
Matte black lowers + woodgrain uppers
Charcoal base cabinets + fog-white wall units
Olive green paired with creamy off-white
These combos offer instant visual interest, without the cost of structural changes. Even small Des Moines kitchens pop when we introduce two-tone finishes.
4. 🧊 Quartz Countertops: Still Reigning Supreme
There’s no debate: quartz is dominating Des Moines countertops in 2025. And for good reason:
It’s tougher than granite
It’s non-porous and doesn’t stain
It comes in endless finishes (including marble looks)
It’s perfect for busy families and upscale remodels alike.
Trend within the trend: Waterfall edges and matching quartz backsplashes.
5. 💡 Oversized Kitchen Islands
Open-concept layouts need anchors. Enter: the mega-island.
Our clients are upgrading islands to include:
Seating for 4+
Undercounter microwave drawers
Built-in beverage fridges
Power strips + USB charging
Hidden trash/recycling
These beasts double as homework stations, buffet lines, and social hubs.
Case Study: In West Des Moines, we installed a 10-foot island with waterfall quartz that became the family’s favorite “room.”
6. 🛠️ Hidden Storage = Maximum Function
Cabinetry has evolved. It’s not just about looks anymore—efficiency rules.
We’re building:
Toe-kick drawers
Pull-out spice racks
Pantry pull-outs behind decorative panels
Lift-up cabinets for rarely used appliances
Smaller Des Moines kitchens (especially in older homes) benefit massively from smart storage hacks like these.
7. 🌞 Natural Light Expansion
The #1 client request in 2025? “Make my kitchen feel bigger.”
So we’re:
Swapping upper cabinets for open shelving
Enlarging existing windows
Installing skylights or solar tubes
Repainting walls with reflective whites and taupes
The result? A kitchen that feels twice the size—without moving a single wall.
This is especially effective in homes built before 1990 in Des Moines and Johnston.
8. 🟠 Statement Backsplashes
It’s time to break free from basic subway tile. The trend? Color. Texture. Art.
We’re talking:
Moroccan zellige tile
Handmade clay tiles
Metallic geometric patterns
Full-height slabs of stone or quartz
Even a small 30–40 sq ft backsplash upgrade can add major “wow” to your space—for under $2K.
9. 🏡 Zoned Kitchen Layouts
Open floor plans are evolving. Now, we’re creating functional zones inside the kitchen:
Coffee bars
Prep-only sinks
Pantry corners
Homework or laptop nooks
Beverage stations
Busy families in Waukee and Grimes especially love these micro-spaces for multitasking.
Bonus Tip: Ask about our undercounter fridge installs for drinks-only zones.
10. 🪵 Warm, Natural Finishes
After years of cold greys and sterile whites, warm tones are coming back. Think:
Butcher block countertops
Walnut cabinet inserts
Soft cream paint
Aged brass or bronze hardware
It makes the kitchen feel inviting—and visually timeless.
🏆 Why Des Moines Homeowners Choose Busy Builders
Look, you’re not buying a Pinterest board—you’re building a real-life kitchen. That’s why clients trust The Busy Builders for:
Transparent timelines (no ghosting)
Local material sourcing
Permit-handling and code compliance
5-star craftsmanship backed by referrals
We know Des Moines kitchens. We build for Iowa weather, Iowa families, and Iowa homes.
We proudly serve West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Waukee, Clive, Johnston, Grimes, and surrounding areas.
🚀 Ready to Build the Kitchen of Your Dreams?
Let’s talk. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to update what you’ve got, we’re here to bring your vision to life—with craftsmanship, clarity, and zero contractor BS.
